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Drink Up, Darling
Failing fashion designer and reluctant vampire Dariel Hale is about to restart his life for the fifth time when he receives a mysterious email offering him a job he can’t refuse. Rebirth can wait.
Dariel is invited to a secluded manor house by the seemingly charming and eccentric Godwin Peters to offer his services for a month, but it doesn’t take long for Dariel to realise something is not quite right…
When an unexpected stranger comes knocking, Dariel begins to worry he’s made a huge mistake, but as the evening progresses, and secrets start to unfold, it turns into a night he would have never expected.
A night he will never forget.
Dariel is invited to a secluded manor house by the seemingly charming and eccentric Godwin Peters to offer his services for a month, but it doesn’t take long for Dariel to realise something is not quite right…
When an unexpected stranger comes knocking, Dariel begins to worry he’s made a huge mistake, but as the evening progresses, and secrets start to unfold, it turns into a night he would have never expected.
A night he will never forget.
186 pages, ebook
Published December 2, 2025
8 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Harvey Oliver Baxter
5 books108 followersHarvey Oliver Baxter is the author of dark queer fiction, their debut series Fallen Thorns out now.
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October 27, 2025a sexy and short vampiric tale, flipping the script on classic tropes to tell a sweet story of belonging.
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author and was kindly gifted an ARC!
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author and was kindly gifted an ARC!
December 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this sweet and spicy novella. The characters are so compelling, each with their own personalities and intricate back stories.
Difficult dark pasts add weight and importance to the blissful romantic elements, and the spice was absolutely delicious. I really enjoyed the rep too!
It was so easy to fall in love with Dariel’s narrative voice, to find myself rooting for Godwin and to fall head over heels for Athens.
I would definitely read this again. Can’t wait for even more from this author.
*I received an ARC of this book, I leave this review freely and all opinions are my own.*
Difficult dark pasts add weight and importance to the blissful romantic elements, and the spice was absolutely delicious. I really enjoyed the rep too!
It was so easy to fall in love with Dariel’s narrative voice, to find myself rooting for Godwin and to fall head over heels for Athens.
I would definitely read this again. Can’t wait for even more from this author.
*I received an ARC of this book, I leave this review freely and all opinions are my own.*
December 7, 2025
A heartwarming, spicy novella with sweet, loveable characters and an ending that felt like a warm blanket and hot cocoa.
If that isn't convincing enough, there are queer vampires. 💜
If that isn't convincing enough, there are queer vampires. 💜
January 8, 2026
Thanks to Harvey Oliver Baxter for sending me an ARC, these thoughts are my own and I'm leaving this review voluntarily (and late).
I really wanted to read this on time, but life and health (physical and mental) got in the way.
I really really liked this book. The characters are compelling and lovable, the subversion of the classical trope of "person is invited to a mansion with a vampire" into "vampire (well, two of them) is invited to a mansion with a human" made for a very interesting prompt for a vampire story.
The dynamic between the characters is great written. The erotic scenes were really good, with passion and heat and tenderness.
The prose is delightful and I liked the depiction of trauma as shadows.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of queer vampire fiction.
I really wanted to read this on time, but life and health (physical and mental) got in the way.
I really really liked this book. The characters are compelling and lovable, the subversion of the classical trope of "person is invited to a mansion with a vampire" into "vampire (well, two of them) is invited to a mansion with a human" made for a very interesting prompt for a vampire story.
The dynamic between the characters is great written. The erotic scenes were really good, with passion and heat and tenderness.
The prose is delightful and I liked the depiction of trauma as shadows.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of queer vampire fiction.
January 21, 2026
Love me some trauma dumping. The story was great, the dynamics and connection between the characters just didn’t really hit for me. 3.5
January 3, 2026
Thanks to the author for the ARC copy of "Drink Up, Darling"! This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.
Dariel Hale, failing fashion designer and reluctant vampire,is about to die; well, his life, as Dariel, anyway, after which he'll go on onto his new life. Yet, rebirth can wait when he receives a mysterious email offering him a job he can’t refuse, up in a secluded mansion working for a secretive man: charming and eccentric, yet sweet Godwin Peters, who requires Dariel's services for a month so he can create a new wardrobe for Godwin.
But life is never as easy as it seems, Dariel knows it well, so when a stranger by the name of Athens appears at the doorway, he starts suspecting something's wrong, or that he has made a mistake coming here. Yet, there's an instant connection, and Dariel's night starts looking far more promising than he expected when he left home earlier.
I must admit, I expected the story to develop in a bit of a different way, but I can't say I'm disappointed. Quite the contrary! I found myself unable to stay away from the pages for long, wanted to see how it would end and what could Godwin possibly be hiding, or what would Dariel do after it was all over, or if my theories about Athens were right.
This is the first work I read from the author, and while I mostly applied for and ARC for the vampires, I also wanted to have a taste for their writing. And, though I did like the novella and I can see myself reading more from Baxter, there's some aspects of it that took me out from the story/I didn't enjoy as much.
First, what I did like most where the environment, Godwin's mansion in the middle of nowhere, a place full of luxury as much as solitude and sour memories. Dariel's character was well-ly done too, in my opinion; I found myself sympathising with him and everything he's been through until this point.
Which is why I'm gonna point how another character just passed with pain or glory through the novel: Godwin. Not because he isn't well characterized or flat, but because I felt like the reveal of his life to Dariel was not impactful given the severity of it, or the intention of severity, anyway. Meaning, that it was a serious topic, of course, and I felt like the delivery didn't live up to it.
Also, for a book that claims to be poly/a three-way-party, at times, it felt like the narrative and some characters interaction game more attention to one pair than the three characters together. As if, two of the characters had more aspects in common with each other than with the other one, and so they were excited to have moments together and get to know each other and such. Which, of course, but it felt like it was done in detriment of the other person that was there with them. I'm being vague to avoid spoilers, but hopefully, I've explained myself.
All in all, I think this novella can be an entertaining read for anybody looking for a spicy novella featuring vampires, a human and some sweet moments alongside the heated ones while touching on some serious themes. Hope y'all enjoyed the review and I'll see you in the next one! :)
Dariel Hale, failing fashion designer and reluctant vampire,is about to die; well, his life, as Dariel, anyway, after which he'll go on onto his new life. Yet, rebirth can wait when he receives a mysterious email offering him a job he can’t refuse, up in a secluded mansion working for a secretive man: charming and eccentric, yet sweet Godwin Peters, who requires Dariel's services for a month so he can create a new wardrobe for Godwin.
But life is never as easy as it seems, Dariel knows it well, so when a stranger by the name of Athens appears at the doorway, he starts suspecting something's wrong, or that he has made a mistake coming here. Yet, there's an instant connection, and Dariel's night starts looking far more promising than he expected when he left home earlier.
I must admit, I expected the story to develop in a bit of a different way, but I can't say I'm disappointed. Quite the contrary! I found myself unable to stay away from the pages for long, wanted to see how it would end and what could Godwin possibly be hiding, or what would Dariel do after it was all over, or if my theories about Athens were right.
This is the first work I read from the author, and while I mostly applied for and ARC for the vampires, I also wanted to have a taste for their writing. And, though I did like the novella and I can see myself reading more from Baxter, there's some aspects of it that took me out from the story/I didn't enjoy as much.
First, what I did like most where the environment, Godwin's mansion in the middle of nowhere, a place full of luxury as much as solitude and sour memories. Dariel's character was well-ly done too, in my opinion; I found myself sympathising with him and everything he's been through until this point.
Which is why I'm gonna point how another character just passed with pain or glory through the novel: Godwin. Not because he isn't well characterized or flat, but because I felt like the reveal of his life to Dariel was not impactful given the severity of it, or the intention of severity, anyway. Meaning, that it was a serious topic, of course, and I felt like the delivery didn't live up to it.
Also, for a book that claims to be poly/a three-way-party, at times, it felt like the narrative and some characters interaction game more attention to one pair than the three characters together. As if, two of the characters had more aspects in common with each other than with the other one, and so they were excited to have moments together and get to know each other and such. Which, of course, but it felt like it was done in detriment of the other person that was there with them. I'm being vague to avoid spoilers, but hopefully, I've explained myself.
All in all, I think this novella can be an entertaining read for anybody looking for a spicy novella featuring vampires, a human and some sweet moments alongside the heated ones while touching on some serious themes. Hope y'all enjoyed the review and I'll see you in the next one! :)
October 10, 2025
Thank you to Henry Baxter for this ARC. This is my honest review.
This book is releasing on December 2, 2025
This book follows Dariel, a fashion designer and vampire, who gets a suspicious email just before he’s about to disappear due to his immortality. He gets invited to a mansion for a custom-made wardrobe for an older gentleman, and intrigued, he goes. Only the host isn’t who he seems to be, and there is more to this visit than meets the eye. And there’s another hot guest who was invited.
Did this book have vampires? Yes. There also was a spicy scene, and lots of queer Rep - a trans and a aromantic character for example. But despite that, I wasn’t invested in the characters. None of them stood out to me in any way, and I found the characters almost over-dramatized. Maybe that was done for a specific reason, but I wasn’t a fan of the very dramatic scenes and characteristics. It almost felt unrealistic (but again, this is a book with vampires).
Godwin’s explanation after Dariel found out the truth seemed lacklustre and a little bit insensitive. I’m not a fan of the way he sprung that up on Dariel and the guest even though it was received well; Godwin should have been more upfront with them.
Despite me not being a fan of this book, I’d still recommend it. If you enjoy vampires, aromantic and trans characters, novellas, a three-some, and a very spicy scene, this book might be for you.
This book is releasing on December 2, 2025
This book follows Dariel, a fashion designer and vampire, who gets a suspicious email just before he’s about to disappear due to his immortality. He gets invited to a mansion for a custom-made wardrobe for an older gentleman, and intrigued, he goes. Only the host isn’t who he seems to be, and there is more to this visit than meets the eye. And there’s another hot guest who was invited.
Did this book have vampires? Yes. There also was a spicy scene, and lots of queer Rep - a trans and a aromantic character for example. But despite that, I wasn’t invested in the characters. None of them stood out to me in any way, and I found the characters almost over-dramatized. Maybe that was done for a specific reason, but I wasn’t a fan of the very dramatic scenes and characteristics. It almost felt unrealistic (but again, this is a book with vampires).
Godwin’s explanation after Dariel found out the truth seemed lacklustre and a little bit insensitive. I’m not a fan of the way he sprung that up on Dariel and the guest even though it was received well; Godwin should have been more upfront with them.
Despite me not being a fan of this book, I’d still recommend it. If you enjoy vampires, aromantic and trans characters, novellas, a three-some, and a very spicy scene, this book might be for you.
January 4, 2026
This feels like an IWTV fanfic, with much lower stakes because none of the characters are unhinged psychos.
This story took a very interesting direction, and I enjoyed how human it was, with all three characters having their own hang-ups and arcs. At one point, it made me feel as if the vampires were the ones in danger, while they were in a house with only a middle-aged human for company, which was such an original turn. I laughed at the little wink at "Dracula" when Godwin mentioned that he had sent all his servants home and had to keep leaving the room to check on their food.
My only problem with this book was the way it was told, rather than shown, which made it drag, which is something that can happen in earlier works, before authors find their own voice and have a bit more experience to know what works while editing.
The story still worked for me because of the respect the author approached the character's very different identities and experiences, from one character's bisexuality and grief over the loss of his family, another's struggle with isolation and difficulty believing that he could find happiness with people he loved despite being aromantic, which was a very special storyline for me, and my favourite storyline which was how Harvey wrote a trans man and the way he took control. I loved how unapologetically queer this story was, and I want to read so much more by this author.
This story took a very interesting direction, and I enjoyed how human it was, with all three characters having their own hang-ups and arcs. At one point, it made me feel as if the vampires were the ones in danger, while they were in a house with only a middle-aged human for company, which was such an original turn. I laughed at the little wink at "Dracula" when Godwin mentioned that he had sent all his servants home and had to keep leaving the room to check on their food.
My only problem with this book was the way it was told, rather than shown, which made it drag, which is something that can happen in earlier works, before authors find their own voice and have a bit more experience to know what works while editing.
The story still worked for me because of the respect the author approached the character's very different identities and experiences, from one character's bisexuality and grief over the loss of his family, another's struggle with isolation and difficulty believing that he could find happiness with people he loved despite being aromantic, which was a very special storyline for me, and my favourite storyline which was how Harvey wrote a trans man and the way he took control. I loved how unapologetically queer this story was, and I want to read so much more by this author.
September 30, 2025
I’m so glad I got this ARC, thank you so much to the author, Harvey Oliver Baxter. I loved Fallen Thorns, so I figured this would also be an amazing read, and I was correct. It’s like gay vampires are my niche. Honestly, the only thing I didn’t like was how short it was. I feel like there’s a few unanswered questions that could lend to a second book hopefully.
The plot was interesting, flipping the vampire invites a human to his mansion trope. The events that occurred were engaging, as well as the amazing cast of characters. I really connected with Arlo in Fallen Thorns, and Dariel in this book. As I was reading I thought that this book could only end one way but I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll admit I was upset at the ending of Fallen Thorns, but I feel like this made up for it.
I absolutely loved the LGBTQ+ rep, especially the Aromantic and Trans rep. I can’t say I know of any other trans vampires, but I really liked Athens and his cool, punk personality. They all had little things that made them seem human (even though most of them are vampires) and real.
The plot was interesting, flipping the vampire invites a human to his mansion trope. The events that occurred were engaging, as well as the amazing cast of characters. I really connected with Arlo in Fallen Thorns, and Dariel in this book. As I was reading I thought that this book could only end one way but I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll admit I was upset at the ending of Fallen Thorns, but I feel like this made up for it.
I absolutely loved the LGBTQ+ rep, especially the Aromantic and Trans rep. I can’t say I know of any other trans vampires, but I really liked Athens and his cool, punk personality. They all had little things that made them seem human (even though most of them are vampires) and real.
October 13, 2025
2.5/5
This is the first thing I’ve gotten a chance to read by this author, and I requested it partially because I wanted to get a taste for their work (no play on words intended), and unfortunately I didn’t particularly enjoy myself until the very end. It’s a novella, under 200 pgs, and there was way too much story for not enough space, something actively compounded by the fact that 20% of this story was smut.
I can’t say a lot about the contents of it, because that would be so many spoilers, but I was overall dissatisfied by the depth within and between the characters, one in particular, and I thought the convoluted dynamics between them all made any sort of sexual leaning towards a relationship with him very uncomfortable. And then, on the other hand the relationship with the second main character felt like too much at once in order to create a connection and only succeeded at trying to force in so much information that none of it stuck or resonated. We were told quite a bit, rather than given time to discover.
The main character and narrator was easily the best developed of the three, but it wasn’t enough to obscure all of the things that I felt left a bitter taste.
Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first thing I’ve gotten a chance to read by this author, and I requested it partially because I wanted to get a taste for their work (no play on words intended), and unfortunately I didn’t particularly enjoy myself until the very end. It’s a novella, under 200 pgs, and there was way too much story for not enough space, something actively compounded by the fact that 20% of this story was smut.
I can’t say a lot about the contents of it, because that would be so many spoilers, but I was overall dissatisfied by the depth within and between the characters, one in particular, and I thought the convoluted dynamics between them all made any sort of sexual leaning towards a relationship with him very uncomfortable. And then, on the other hand the relationship with the second main character felt like too much at once in order to create a connection and only succeeded at trying to force in so much information that none of it stuck or resonated. We were told quite a bit, rather than given time to discover.
The main character and narrator was easily the best developed of the three, but it wasn’t enough to obscure all of the things that I felt left a bitter taste.
Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2025
As a long term fan of Baxter's writing I was so excited to receive an ARC and read this, and it certainly did not disappoint.
This is a short, sweet, and smutty novella that completely flips the script of the tradition vampire story, seeing the human actually invite the vampires into their home. For a novella Baxter manages to cover a lot of ground, fleshing out three very different characters while exploring the lore of the setting and situation AND including plenty of spice.
I cannot praise the characters highly enough. For me Godwin stole the show completely, but Dariel and Athens were also incredible. It's a diverse cast, each with different boundaries and needs around sex (one of the characters is aromantic, for example), that is thoroughly embraced and treated with acceptance.
I've read this through at least three times since receiving my ARC, and I absolutely cannot wait for my preorder to get there. A truly happy release day to this amazing novella.
This is a short, sweet, and smutty novella that completely flips the script of the tradition vampire story, seeing the human actually invite the vampires into their home. For a novella Baxter manages to cover a lot of ground, fleshing out three very different characters while exploring the lore of the setting and situation AND including plenty of spice.
I cannot praise the characters highly enough. For me Godwin stole the show completely, but Dariel and Athens were also incredible. It's a diverse cast, each with different boundaries and needs around sex (one of the characters is aromantic, for example), that is thoroughly embraced and treated with acceptance.
I've read this through at least three times since receiving my ARC, and I absolutely cannot wait for my preorder to get there. A truly happy release day to this amazing novella.
November 29, 2025
4.5*
Drink Up, Darling is a surprisingly sweet and steamy novella about two vampires being invited into a mansion by a recluse man - and how this meeting changes their lives.
There's lots of sweetness and even more spice, with short paragraphs diving into memories - a narrative style Baxter already used in the Fallen Thorns books and which I loved, fitting into Drink Up, Darling as well.
A lot of information is squeezed into a single night, and the book possibly could've profited from a longer timeframe, especially with the instant attraction between two characters. Aside from that, it's a wonderful novella about queerness, living as your true self, companionship, and of course, vampires.
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy but I'm freely leaving this review. All opinions are my own.
Drink Up, Darling is a surprisingly sweet and steamy novella about two vampires being invited into a mansion by a recluse man - and how this meeting changes their lives.
There's lots of sweetness and even more spice, with short paragraphs diving into memories - a narrative style Baxter already used in the Fallen Thorns books and which I loved, fitting into Drink Up, Darling as well.
A lot of information is squeezed into a single night, and the book possibly could've profited from a longer timeframe, especially with the instant attraction between two characters. Aside from that, it's a wonderful novella about queerness, living as your true self, companionship, and of course, vampires.
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy but I'm freely leaving this review. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
Without a doubt, this is one of the best short stories I've ever read. Baxter has created a unique & heartwarming piece. Sure, we could describe this as a vampire romance, but we'd be doing it a massive disservice.
Although the wider world isn't always accepting of LGBTQ+, our 3 characters live and talk as if it is queernormative. With representation including; transgender FTM, queer, aromantic, and poly relationships.
But the best part of this book is the characterisation. We are offered a wealth of back story of each of our characters, and we watch as they heal with the help of each other. Baxter puts a fist round your heart and holds you still as you read, emotion pouring off the page.
I am absolutely in love with this book. Make sure to check it out!!
Although the wider world isn't always accepting of LGBTQ+, our 3 characters live and talk as if it is queernormative. With representation including; transgender FTM, queer, aromantic, and poly relationships.
But the best part of this book is the characterisation. We are offered a wealth of back story of each of our characters, and we watch as they heal with the help of each other. Baxter puts a fist round your heart and holds you still as you read, emotion pouring off the page.
I am absolutely in love with this book. Make sure to check it out!!
December 1, 2025
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC for this wonderful book!
i gotta admit it had been a while since I got this ARC so i didn't fully remember what it was about. However, past me clearly has made great choices because poly queer vampires are so very much my jam
the developing relationship between these 3 was just so so sweet and I absolutely LOVED seeing a character who is aromantic but not asexual involved who got to have a relationship exactly how he wanted to. That kind of representation is still much too rare in my opinion.
this was a sweet, easy to read, short and lovely novella and I had a very very good time with it
i gotta admit it had been a while since I got this ARC so i didn't fully remember what it was about. However, past me clearly has made great choices because poly queer vampires are so very much my jam
the developing relationship between these 3 was just so so sweet and I absolutely LOVED seeing a character who is aromantic but not asexual involved who got to have a relationship exactly how he wanted to. That kind of representation is still much too rare in my opinion.
this was a sweet, easy to read, short and lovely novella and I had a very very good time with it
November 16, 2025
Sad, sweet, highly erotic.
SO GOOD! While this is a story about vampires and it is erotic, we get tackled with important queer history and trauma: the aids epidemic. This takes places just around after and the trauma is notable but ultimately gets healed. I love all the characters THEY ARE THE SWEETEST BESTEST BOYS! I need to read the rest of Harvy Oliver Baxter's catalogue. The prose is excellent, the writing and characterization is fantastic, the romance > climax chef's kiss. I quite literally devoured this within 24 hours and will treasure the ARC.
Thank you, Harvey!!!
SO GOOD! While this is a story about vampires and it is erotic, we get tackled with important queer history and trauma: the aids epidemic. This takes places just around after and the trauma is notable but ultimately gets healed. I love all the characters THEY ARE THE SWEETEST BESTEST BOYS! I need to read the rest of Harvy Oliver Baxter's catalogue. The prose is excellent, the writing and characterization is fantastic, the romance > climax chef's kiss. I quite literally devoured this within 24 hours and will treasure the ARC.
Thank you, Harvey!!!
January 2, 2026
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this as the cover is what truly drew me in! But my goodness did I fall in love with these characters! It was a nice short read but was packed full of beautiful story telling that kept me intrigued. Dariel and Athens are beautiful together and Godwin was a sweetheart who needed some guidance which the others happily gave. I just adored all the interactions and as there feelings grew for each other. It was healing and full of just the right amount of spice.
Overall, this was just what I was looking for to start off my year!
Overall, this was just what I was looking for to start off my year!
October 28, 2025
A super sweet and spicy novella about 2 vampires in the public eye and the vampire-obsessed aro older human who realises what they are AND IT WAS SO GOOD
Absolutely loved everything about them each processing their respective traumas, and especially loved the aro rep and that it was just accepted and not a deal-breaker for the others BECAUSE IT DOESN’T MEAN HE DOESN’T LOVE IN OTHER WAYS
Huge thank you for my ARC!!
Absolutely loved everything about them each processing their respective traumas, and especially loved the aro rep and that it was just accepted and not a deal-breaker for the others BECAUSE IT DOESN’T MEAN HE DOESN’T LOVE IN OTHER WAYS
Huge thank you for my ARC!!
January 17, 2026
3.5⭐️ - I found it hard to rate this one because I really enjoyed the idea of it and the writing style, but there just wasn’t quite enough in it for me.
This could have been an incredible full-length novel, but as it stands whilst Dariel was really well-developed and interesting as a character, but Athens and Godwin were a bit lost and felt more rushed.
I will absolutely try one of this author’s debut series Fallen Thorns though as I do really like their writing style.
This could have been an incredible full-length novel, but as it stands whilst Dariel was really well-developed and interesting as a character, but Athens and Godwin were a bit lost and felt more rushed.
I will absolutely try one of this author’s debut series Fallen Thorns though as I do really like their writing style.
October 10, 2025
This book is a sexy and soft reverse "vampire in a mansion" trope. This short story packs a lot of punch when it comes to grief and healing. It's gentle, sweet, hot, and a good time.
The aromantic rep felt GOOD. There was no over explaining what it meant. The other MCs understood and didn't try to push for more, and that is Very Special #ToMe.
These 3 fit together in just the right ways. 🙂↕️
The aromantic rep felt GOOD. There was no over explaining what it meant. The other MCs understood and didn't try to push for more, and that is Very Special #ToMe.
These 3 fit together in just the right ways. 🙂↕️
December 13, 2025
I…what do I say? Like, it was so good. Definitely go into this blindly. The characters are phenomenal. The relationship 🤭. The personality that each character holds is soooo good, and I love how the LGBTQ+ community is shown in the book with the characters being queer, among many other themes! Go pick this up. Like. It’s just that good.
January 18, 2026
Stunninggggg
Beautifully written queer vampires, I loved the bringing of the past selves in at times, it made it flow!
I could really picture Godwin’s home (sounds like my dream honestly, gothic Manor House in the middle of nowhere? Yes please)
Was really fast paced and a relatively quick read too!
Definitely need to read more by the author!
Beautifully written queer vampires, I loved the bringing of the past selves in at times, it made it flow!
I could really picture Godwin’s home (sounds like my dream honestly, gothic Manor House in the middle of nowhere? Yes please)
Was really fast paced and a relatively quick read too!
Definitely need to read more by the author!
December 7, 2025
Mysterious, sexy and emotional.
All three characters are lovely in their own way, the relationships endearing, the character development is on point and it's a novella !
Definitely reading everything else that Harvey Oliver Baxter had written.
All three characters are lovely in their own way, the relationships endearing, the character development is on point and it's a novella !
Definitely reading everything else that Harvey Oliver Baxter had written.
January 9, 2026
A pretty solid read with sweetness, spicyness and a nice touch of yearning
I had times where I felt Dariel's inner monologues to be rather unecessary and too much (show, don't tell and all that) but despite it all, definitely worth a read!
I had times where I felt Dariel's inner monologues to be rather unecessary and too much (show, don't tell and all that) but despite it all, definitely worth a read!
December 3, 2025
It's not the book, it's me. I just failed to connect to the writing style, even while recognizing that it was a good story. Definitely think others will have a much better experience.
January 3, 2026
It was sweet and cute but I found it a little slow in places
January 10, 2026
I enjoyed this sweet, erotic novella. Tropes are vampires and found family. A quick, sweet story.
October 4, 2025
Harvey Baxter + Vampires…oh. I'll be there. Thank you to the author for providing me an e-arc to review:))
I'm truly obsessed with how they write their characters I loved Arlo from fallen Thorns and I love Dariel as well. I loved the dynamics between the three characters in the book. The little details about them makes them feel very real and I really enjoyed the Lgbtq representation.
The plot was interesting, and it was nice to just flow through it and to see what was going to happen. I liked how Dariel was so old he was not on his first life/name that was so fun to read. This was very different from Fallen Thorns, but just as enjoyable. I’m very excited for more books by this author!!
I'm truly obsessed with how they write their characters I loved Arlo from fallen Thorns and I love Dariel as well. I loved the dynamics between the three characters in the book. The little details about them makes them feel very real and I really enjoyed the Lgbtq representation.
The plot was interesting, and it was nice to just flow through it and to see what was going to happen. I liked how Dariel was so old he was not on his first life/name that was so fun to read. This was very different from Fallen Thorns, but just as enjoyable. I’m very excited for more books by this author!!
January 4, 2026
Thank you to the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Poly vampire book? Sign me UP! I devoured it in two sitting, and, honestly, I expected nothing else from Baxtor. The way they write their characters and make them engage with each other is just *chefs kiss*. His writing style is, for a lack of better explanation, captivating and fluid. I am simultaneously craving for from these characters and this story, and very satisfied with the conclusion, as it was wrapped up and tied together nicely.
Drink up, Darling is, among other things, also a sexual book. I'm asexual and quickly finds sex in books to be too much, and sometimes a little boring. I never once felt that reading the sexual scenes. The three characters almost worshipped each other and their bodies, and consent and pleasure was greatly paid attention to. There's a specific moment I want to highlight, as it just made me quite happy. One of the characters is aromantic and expresses fear of ruining the moment, as he voices how he is not comfortable with kissing. The two other characters quickly brushes this off, and reassures him that it would, in fact, ruin the moment more if he did things he wasn't comfortable with. I don't know, it might be because I'm aromantic as well, but I still feel like it is worth highlightning. Another thing I want to point out , which I know is entirely a personal preference thing, but there was no dirty talk, only endearing terms such as Darling.
Another reason why I am highly impressed with Harvey Oliver Baxtor as an author, is the fact that 1) they managed to fit the sex parts into the story perfectly, and making it not feel rushed or out of place. It made sense, to me, at least. And 2) he also managed to fit LORE into the story as well?? Obviously primarily for our main character, but for the two love interests as well. I wanted to know more about all of them, and with the help of great character development, really came to care for all of them despite the books short length.
Now, it wouldn't be a HOB book without representation. Our main character, Dariel is bi, our first love interest, Athens is trans, and our second love interest, Godwin, is aromantic and gay. Dariel and Athens are vampires, while Godwin is human.
I obviously loved Dariel and Athens, but Godwin, oh my god. He might be my favourite of the three, as he reminded me so much of Harvey from stardew valley, who is, indeed, my favourite bachelor in the game lol. ALSO!! THIS IS NOT A LOVE TRIANGLE!! EVERYONE IS INTO EACH OTHER!!
Anyways, I just love Baxtor's vampire books, and I cannot wait for the rest of you to get your hands on this beautiful story December 2nd.
Poly vampire book? Sign me UP! I devoured it in two sitting, and, honestly, I expected nothing else from Baxtor. The way they write their characters and make them engage with each other is just *chefs kiss*. His writing style is, for a lack of better explanation, captivating and fluid. I am simultaneously craving for from these characters and this story, and very satisfied with the conclusion, as it was wrapped up and tied together nicely.
Drink up, Darling is, among other things, also a sexual book. I'm asexual and quickly finds sex in books to be too much, and sometimes a little boring. I never once felt that reading the sexual scenes. The three characters almost worshipped each other and their bodies, and consent and pleasure was greatly paid attention to. There's a specific moment I want to highlight, as it just made me quite happy. One of the characters is aromantic and expresses fear of ruining the moment, as he voices how he is not comfortable with kissing. The two other characters quickly brushes this off, and reassures him that it would, in fact, ruin the moment more if he did things he wasn't comfortable with. I don't know, it might be because I'm aromantic as well, but I still feel like it is worth highlightning. Another thing I want to point out , which I know is entirely a personal preference thing, but there was no dirty talk, only endearing terms such as Darling.
Another reason why I am highly impressed with Harvey Oliver Baxtor as an author, is the fact that 1) they managed to fit the sex parts into the story perfectly, and making it not feel rushed or out of place. It made sense, to me, at least. And 2) he also managed to fit LORE into the story as well?? Obviously primarily for our main character, but for the two love interests as well. I wanted to know more about all of them, and with the help of great character development, really came to care for all of them despite the books short length.
Now, it wouldn't be a HOB book without representation. Our main character, Dariel is bi, our first love interest, Athens is trans, and our second love interest, Godwin, is aromantic and gay. Dariel and Athens are vampires, while Godwin is human.
I obviously loved Dariel and Athens, but Godwin, oh my god. He might be my favourite of the three, as he reminded me so much of Harvey from stardew valley, who is, indeed, my favourite bachelor in the game lol. ALSO!! THIS IS NOT A LOVE TRIANGLE!! EVERYONE IS INTO EACH OTHER!!
Anyways, I just love Baxtor's vampire books, and I cannot wait for the rest of you to get your hands on this beautiful story December 2nd.
November 24, 2025
This is a genuinely lovely book. I happened to read it on a stormy winter evening, and that turned out to be the perfect atmosphere!
Two vampires, very different in personality but both full of fascinating stories, join with an old man in his mansion. Without spoilers, that's it - but while there's no action, the humanity and shared space between these characters is just beautiful. Yes, there's the inevitable darkness of a vampire tale, but it's told gently and with tremendous heart. This is a book about friendship, loneliness, aging and connection, and it succeeds on all counts.
I read it in one sitting and sat quietly after to just hold the mood. I'd love to read more by this author, as he clearly has insight into the subtleties of the world as we pass through. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to spend time in these pages.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
Two vampires, very different in personality but both full of fascinating stories, join with an old man in his mansion. Without spoilers, that's it - but while there's no action, the humanity and shared space between these characters is just beautiful. Yes, there's the inevitable darkness of a vampire tale, but it's told gently and with tremendous heart. This is a book about friendship, loneliness, aging and connection, and it succeeds on all counts.
I read it in one sitting and sat quietly after to just hold the mood. I'd love to read more by this author, as he clearly has insight into the subtleties of the world as we pass through. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to spend time in these pages.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
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