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Love at First Bite
Funny, romantic and a little bit wicked, this is Mhairi McFarlane… with vampires!
I mean hey, what’s the worst that could happen? Ok fine, the worst that could happen is that I didn’t imagine those fangs after all…
Squeaky clean good girl Lucy Partridge is a sucker for heartwarming tales and happy endings. So a weekend reporting on the Whitby Goth Weekend is well outside her comfort zone. As is sharing her tiny annexe accommodation with all six feet three inches of bad boy bar owner Liam Bramwell. And that’s before she discovers that he’s an actual living – or, er, ‘undead’ – vampire!
Logically, Lucy knows she should run the other way, but the reporter in her can tell there’s more to Bram than his fangs. It’s clearly time for this good girl to take a walk on the dark side, and if that path leads her straight into Bram’s muscular tattooed arms? Well, a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do…
Squeaky clean good girl Lucy Partridge is a sucker for heartwarming tales and happy endings. So a weekend reporting on the Whitby Goth Weekend is well outside her comfort zone. As is sharing her tiny annexe accommodation with all six feet three inches of bad boy bar owner Liam Bramwell. And that’s before she discovers that he’s an actual living – or, er, ‘undead’ – vampire!
Logically, Lucy knows she should run the other way, but the reporter in her can tell there’s more to Bram than his fangs. It’s clearly time for this good girl to take a walk on the dark side, and if that path leads her straight into Bram’s muscular tattooed arms? Well, a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do…
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2026
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March 23, 2026
✨🦇 Love at First Bite 🦇✨
I went in hoping for a light, funny paranormal romance, but it didn’t quite give me the romcom feel I was expecting. The writing was solid, it just didn’t fully live up to the premise for me.
♥️ What to Expect
• Vampire MMC
• Human FMC
• Opposites attract
• Forced proximity
• Gothic weekend
⸻
⭐ Final Score: 3 Stars
📅 Pub Date: April 3, 2026
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
I went in hoping for a light, funny paranormal romance, but it didn’t quite give me the romcom feel I was expecting. The writing was solid, it just didn’t fully live up to the premise for me.
♥️ What to Expect
• Vampire MMC
• Human FMC
• Opposites attract
• Forced proximity
• Gothic weekend
⸻
⭐ Final Score: 3 Stars
📅 Pub Date: April 3, 2026
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 24, 2026
3 Stars
Love at First Bite is a light-hearted, vampire rom-com, set during a gothic festival in the Dracula-inspiring seaside town of Whitby.
The story follows sweet-hearted reporter Lucy Partridge, who has been sent on assignment to Whitby to cover the weekend's famed festivities. There, she soon meets and falls for a local bar owner—and not-long turned vampire—Liam “Bram” Bramwell, whom Lucy finds herself sharing double-booked lodgings over the course of one eye-opening, life-changing weekend.
The romance between Lucy and Bram is all things heart-warming, tender and romantic. Although polar opposites, at least in outward personalities, goth Bram and sunshiney Lucy fit together so nicely, sharing an emotional bond and physical attraction that takes them both by surprise and grows rapidly in the short span of their story.
Although a vampire romance by design, with clear Dracula-references in setting and namesakes, this story didn’t really feel much like a vampire story to me at all, at least not in so much as my past vampire reading has formed my characterisation and thematic expectations. Bram’s vampirism felt like such an inconsequential plot point to me, beyond the conflict of telling Lucy what he was and how that would impact any future relationship between the two.
Once I adjusted my expectations, I had a pretty good time. It was less sexy romantasy or action-heavy paranormal romance, and more cosy, small-town romance, with low-angst, no traditional vampire antics, minimal steam, and minor cottagecore-vibes that left me steeping in the warm, steady-burning romance between this quite lovely opposites-attract pairing.
I now see there’s another book coming out, featuring a briefly featured side character (Quinn), but I’m unsure as to whether this is the first in a series or whether each of the books are meant to be loosely interconnected standalones?! Either way, I had a nice time with this story, once I adjusted my vampy pre-conceptions, and I would be open to reading more from this author in the future.
***A special thanks to the author and the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Love at First Bite is a light-hearted, vampire rom-com, set during a gothic festival in the Dracula-inspiring seaside town of Whitby.
The story follows sweet-hearted reporter Lucy Partridge, who has been sent on assignment to Whitby to cover the weekend's famed festivities. There, she soon meets and falls for a local bar owner—and not-long turned vampire—Liam “Bram” Bramwell, whom Lucy finds herself sharing double-booked lodgings over the course of one eye-opening, life-changing weekend.
The romance between Lucy and Bram is all things heart-warming, tender and romantic. Although polar opposites, at least in outward personalities, goth Bram and sunshiney Lucy fit together so nicely, sharing an emotional bond and physical attraction that takes them both by surprise and grows rapidly in the short span of their story.
Although a vampire romance by design, with clear Dracula-references in setting and namesakes, this story didn’t really feel much like a vampire story to me at all, at least not in so much as my past vampire reading has formed my characterisation and thematic expectations. Bram’s vampirism felt like such an inconsequential plot point to me, beyond the conflict of telling Lucy what he was and how that would impact any future relationship between the two.
Once I adjusted my expectations, I had a pretty good time. It was less sexy romantasy or action-heavy paranormal romance, and more cosy, small-town romance, with low-angst, no traditional vampire antics, minimal steam, and minor cottagecore-vibes that left me steeping in the warm, steady-burning romance between this quite lovely opposites-attract pairing.
I now see there’s another book coming out, featuring a briefly featured side character (Quinn), but I’m unsure as to whether this is the first in a series or whether each of the books are meant to be loosely interconnected standalones?! Either way, I had a nice time with this story, once I adjusted my vampy pre-conceptions, and I would be open to reading more from this author in the future.
***A special thanks to the author and the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Did Not Finish
March 22, 2026DNF
I went into Love at First Bite thinking I was about to have the time of my life. Vampires? English countryside? Romance? I was ready for vibes, tension, questionable decisions made at night, maybe a little blood, maybe a little spice, you know… a GOOD TIME. What I got instead was me sitting there like 🙂 slowly realizing I had been lied to by the premise.
Let’s start with the writing because oh my GOD the writing. You know that style where the narrator talks at you like you personally asked for a full PowerPoint presentation on every single character within the first five minutes? Yeah. That. I hate it. I cannot do it. It’s giving “let me explain everything instead of letting you experience literally anything,” and it leans so aggressively into tell-not-show that I felt like I was being held hostage by exposition. We are getting INFO DUMPS like it’s a competitive sport. Everyone’s backstory? Immediately. Their personality? Immediately. Their vibes, their trauma, their breakfast order, their star sign—IMMEDIATELY. And I’m just sitting there like can I at least pretend to discover something on my own or is that not allowed in this economy???
Because that’s the thing—it completely kills any chance of intrigue. Why would I care about anything when you’ve already told me everything before I’ve had time to form a single emotional connection? It’s like being introduced to someone and instead of a normal conversation they just hand you their entire life story printed out in bullet points. Okay?? Congrats?? I still don’t care!!
And then the tone. Oh the tone. This book is trying SO HARD to be quirky and witty and clever and it lands… nowhere. It just floats. It’s not funny enough to be a comedy, not romantic enough to make me swoon, not self-aware enough to be parody—yet somehow it feels like parody anyway. But not in a fun, intentional way. More in a “am I supposed to be laughing or are we serious right now?” kind of way. It’s giving identity crisis. It’s giving commitment issues. It’s giving “pick a lane PLEASE.”
Also can we talk about the pacing because what do you MEAN nothing is happening. And yes, this is coming from both what I experienced and what I’ve seen literally everyone else say. I kept waiting for the plot to show up like it was stuck in traffic or took a wrong turn somewhere. “Ooo close proximity” okay?? AND??? Where is the tension, the stakes, the direction, the PURPOSE. I love a slow burn. I will defend slow burn with my life. But a slow burn still needs to feel like it’s building toward something. From everything I’ve read, this one just… doesn’t. It’s like we lit a candle, immediately blew it out, and then spent the rest of the time pretending it was still burning. Be serious.
And THEN. THEN I found out—from other reviews, because again, I did not make it that far—that this entire story takes place over FOUR DAYS. FOUR. DAYS. I’m sorry??? Absolutely not. That information alone was enough for me to spiritually exit the building. Because you’re telling me it somehow feels dragged out and rushed, and all of that happens in less than a work week??? I would not have survived that. I know myself. That would have sent me into orbit.
But the thing that truly sealed it for me—the final nail in the coffin, the reason I knew beyond a doubt that this book and I were never going to work—is the vampire aspect. Or, more accurately, the complete lack of doing anything interesting with it. Again, based on what I’ve seen across reviews: Bram being a vampire might as well be a fun little personality quirk. You could remove that entirely and the story would barely change. I wish I was joking. You could turn this man into a regular guy named Brad who drinks oat milk lattes and suddenly we’re in a completely different genre… except not really, because apparently nothing else would change.
And I just—WHY. Why write a vampire romance if you’re not going to actually use the vampire part. Where is the lore. Where is the drama. Where is the chaos. Where is the FUN. That is the entire appeal. That is the selling point. I did not pick this up for “man who technically happens to be a vampire but we’re not going to explore that in any meaningful way.” I picked it up for VAMPIRES. Plural. Doing vampire things. Was that too much to ask???
The prose didn’t help either. It’s choppy, disjointed, and weirdly exhausting to get through. I found myself rereading sentences not because they were deep or layered, but because I genuinely couldn’t process what they were trying to do. And that’s never a good sign.
So yeah. I went in expecting a fun, witty, slightly chaotic vampire romance and instead got a writing style that drained all my interest, a tone that doesn’t commit to anything, and—based on everything I’ve seen—a plot that never really shows up, pacing that makes no sense, and a complete waste of a vampire premise.
This book didn’t just miss the mark—it saw the mark, turned around, and confidently walked in the opposite direction. And honestly? I’m just glad I stopped early instead of letting it take me down with it.
I went into Love at First Bite thinking I was about to have the time of my life. Vampires? English countryside? Romance? I was ready for vibes, tension, questionable decisions made at night, maybe a little blood, maybe a little spice, you know… a GOOD TIME. What I got instead was me sitting there like 🙂 slowly realizing I had been lied to by the premise.
Let’s start with the writing because oh my GOD the writing. You know that style where the narrator talks at you like you personally asked for a full PowerPoint presentation on every single character within the first five minutes? Yeah. That. I hate it. I cannot do it. It’s giving “let me explain everything instead of letting you experience literally anything,” and it leans so aggressively into tell-not-show that I felt like I was being held hostage by exposition. We are getting INFO DUMPS like it’s a competitive sport. Everyone’s backstory? Immediately. Their personality? Immediately. Their vibes, their trauma, their breakfast order, their star sign—IMMEDIATELY. And I’m just sitting there like can I at least pretend to discover something on my own or is that not allowed in this economy???
Because that’s the thing—it completely kills any chance of intrigue. Why would I care about anything when you’ve already told me everything before I’ve had time to form a single emotional connection? It’s like being introduced to someone and instead of a normal conversation they just hand you their entire life story printed out in bullet points. Okay?? Congrats?? I still don’t care!!
And then the tone. Oh the tone. This book is trying SO HARD to be quirky and witty and clever and it lands… nowhere. It just floats. It’s not funny enough to be a comedy, not romantic enough to make me swoon, not self-aware enough to be parody—yet somehow it feels like parody anyway. But not in a fun, intentional way. More in a “am I supposed to be laughing or are we serious right now?” kind of way. It’s giving identity crisis. It’s giving commitment issues. It’s giving “pick a lane PLEASE.”
Also can we talk about the pacing because what do you MEAN nothing is happening. And yes, this is coming from both what I experienced and what I’ve seen literally everyone else say. I kept waiting for the plot to show up like it was stuck in traffic or took a wrong turn somewhere. “Ooo close proximity” okay?? AND??? Where is the tension, the stakes, the direction, the PURPOSE. I love a slow burn. I will defend slow burn with my life. But a slow burn still needs to feel like it’s building toward something. From everything I’ve read, this one just… doesn’t. It’s like we lit a candle, immediately blew it out, and then spent the rest of the time pretending it was still burning. Be serious.
And THEN. THEN I found out—from other reviews, because again, I did not make it that far—that this entire story takes place over FOUR DAYS. FOUR. DAYS. I’m sorry??? Absolutely not. That information alone was enough for me to spiritually exit the building. Because you’re telling me it somehow feels dragged out and rushed, and all of that happens in less than a work week??? I would not have survived that. I know myself. That would have sent me into orbit.
But the thing that truly sealed it for me—the final nail in the coffin, the reason I knew beyond a doubt that this book and I were never going to work—is the vampire aspect. Or, more accurately, the complete lack of doing anything interesting with it. Again, based on what I’ve seen across reviews: Bram being a vampire might as well be a fun little personality quirk. You could remove that entirely and the story would barely change. I wish I was joking. You could turn this man into a regular guy named Brad who drinks oat milk lattes and suddenly we’re in a completely different genre… except not really, because apparently nothing else would change.
And I just—WHY. Why write a vampire romance if you’re not going to actually use the vampire part. Where is the lore. Where is the drama. Where is the chaos. Where is the FUN. That is the entire appeal. That is the selling point. I did not pick this up for “man who technically happens to be a vampire but we’re not going to explore that in any meaningful way.” I picked it up for VAMPIRES. Plural. Doing vampire things. Was that too much to ask???
The prose didn’t help either. It’s choppy, disjointed, and weirdly exhausting to get through. I found myself rereading sentences not because they were deep or layered, but because I genuinely couldn’t process what they were trying to do. And that’s never a good sign.
So yeah. I went in expecting a fun, witty, slightly chaotic vampire romance and instead got a writing style that drained all my interest, a tone that doesn’t commit to anything, and—based on everything I’ve seen—a plot that never really shows up, pacing that makes no sense, and a complete waste of a vampire premise.
This book didn’t just miss the mark—it saw the mark, turned around, and confidently walked in the opposite direction. And honestly? I’m just glad I stopped early instead of letting it take me down with it.
January 31, 2026
I give this book 5 stars for the simple fact that it made me happy all the way around. Vampires in the modern world in a modern way in a gothic town in England? Yes, give me ten of them. This book is simply a good old fashioned love story between two people (one of them being the undead) who both just want a family of their own, in any way that looks. Also, all the references to Dracula were chef’s kiss in the best possible way.
Lucy is a journalist who is covering Goth Weekend in the small town of Whitby. A cute little seaside town bustling with people from all over dressed up gothically and with all the vampire vibes. Lucy is not this way in the least bit and sticks out with her sunshiny presence and pastel clothes. On the night she arrives though, she’s meets Bram. They were both told a little annex was free that weekend and that is how we end up with one of those amazing tropes of one bed.
Their first meeting had meet laughing so hard with this man screaming and breaking the 4th wall about it. Both inner monologues of our MC’s are hilarious, more so Bram’s because he is fumbling to keep his secret of being a vampire and trying not to fall for Lucy. Lucy was the biggest sweetheart and I loved her as the FMC. Yes she was a people pleaser, but after one weekend, she finally puts herself first.
This book is a slow burn but the tension build was superb in the best way. If you want an easy read that has all the gothic vibes but also so funny, this is the book you want to read.
Thank you to Katherine Dyson and One More Chapter for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
🩸Tattooed vampire MMC
🦇Sunshine FMC
🩸Opposites attract
🦇Only one spooky seaside cottage
🩸Freaking bats
🦇Whitby goth weekend
Lucy is a journalist who is covering Goth Weekend in the small town of Whitby. A cute little seaside town bustling with people from all over dressed up gothically and with all the vampire vibes. Lucy is not this way in the least bit and sticks out with her sunshiny presence and pastel clothes. On the night she arrives though, she’s meets Bram. They were both told a little annex was free that weekend and that is how we end up with one of those amazing tropes of one bed.
Their first meeting had meet laughing so hard with this man screaming and breaking the 4th wall about it. Both inner monologues of our MC’s are hilarious, more so Bram’s because he is fumbling to keep his secret of being a vampire and trying not to fall for Lucy. Lucy was the biggest sweetheart and I loved her as the FMC. Yes she was a people pleaser, but after one weekend, she finally puts herself first.
This book is a slow burn but the tension build was superb in the best way. If you want an easy read that has all the gothic vibes but also so funny, this is the book you want to read.
Thank you to Katherine Dyson and One More Chapter for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
🩸Tattooed vampire MMC
🦇Sunshine FMC
🩸Opposites attract
🦇Only one spooky seaside cottage
🩸Freaking bats
🦇Whitby goth weekend
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Paranormal romances are like my comfort blanket, but I knew that there was something extra special there for me with Love At First Bite as soon as I started it! I'm a Yorkshire girl, I met my husband at a wedding in Whitby and I live near and have worked in Leeds for years, and Leeds is where I ended up having my first date with my husband. So the fact that Love At First Bite was set mainly in Whitby but also partially in Leeds was actually really special to me.
FMC Lucy also called to me in a way that the FMC, Harriet, from Good Spirits did recently. There's something about people pleasers who are treated badly by their blood family that just makes me so emotional when you get to see them meet their found family. And when it wasn't making me tear up, I was smiling like a buffoon at the sweet relationship between Lucy and Bram. What I loved the most is that they genuinely felt like adults - they didn't overreact and lash out at each other when they were upset or stressed, and Lucy didn't instantly believe all the bad things she heard about Bram, instead choosing logic and trusting the word of her friend. I loved that Love At First Bite didn't go down that overreaction or miscommunication route, and it made their relationship all the more beautiful.
I really loved this one and I can't wait to read Just My Blood Type, which will focus on side character Quinn as the leading man. I'm so excited to read more books in this world!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
FMC Lucy also called to me in a way that the FMC, Harriet, from Good Spirits did recently. There's something about people pleasers who are treated badly by their blood family that just makes me so emotional when you get to see them meet their found family. And when it wasn't making me tear up, I was smiling like a buffoon at the sweet relationship between Lucy and Bram. What I loved the most is that they genuinely felt like adults - they didn't overreact and lash out at each other when they were upset or stressed, and Lucy didn't instantly believe all the bad things she heard about Bram, instead choosing logic and trusting the word of her friend. I loved that Love At First Bite didn't go down that overreaction or miscommunication route, and it made their relationship all the more beautiful.
I really loved this one and I can't wait to read Just My Blood Type, which will focus on side character Quinn as the leading man. I'm so excited to read more books in this world!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 3, 2026
I genuinely cannot fault it. Lucy and Bram are just perfection. Millenial Twilight, but make it Whitby. I loved every page, and cannot wait to read more from Katherine Dyson.
A fantastic slow burn (in terms of pages), friends to lovers which is totally believable. Is it a bit quick (in terms of days)? Yes. Do I care? Literally not at all. The chemistry was bang on, the descriptions of both Bram and Lucy were perfect and crystal clear, and the scenery and UK based story just was the icing on the cake.
I was expecting a bit of soppy lighthearted fun from the cover and I found a story full of depth, grief, and chosen family. I can’t recommend it enough.
A fantastic slow burn (in terms of pages), friends to lovers which is totally believable. Is it a bit quick (in terms of days)? Yes. Do I care? Literally not at all. The chemistry was bang on, the descriptions of both Bram and Lucy were perfect and crystal clear, and the scenery and UK based story just was the icing on the cake.
I was expecting a bit of soppy lighthearted fun from the cover and I found a story full of depth, grief, and chosen family. I can’t recommend it enough.
April 4, 2026
I’m afraid to say that the vampire of it all didn’t do it for me. I didn’t expect this aspect to be both important and mean so little at the same time.
Every other part of the book was perfectly fine. Maybe this is a gimmick thing. I’ll definitely look into reading more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for sharing the arc for Love at First Bite in exchange for an honest review.
Every other part of the book was perfectly fine. Maybe this is a gimmick thing. I’ll definitely look into reading more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for sharing the arc for Love at First Bite in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've not stopped smiling while reading this book from the first chapter, to the last. Giggling like a teenage girl with all the butterfly feelings. Oh Bram. I'm in love. I'm moving to Whitby.
This is the most heartwarming and joyful book, which is ironic given it's a paranormal romance and our MMC is a vampire..
However, he's not your usual thousand year old, seasoned vampire leaving you trembling. He's a new vampire, a little clumsy and entirely human by nature. Yet he's absolutely still 'touch her and die' vibes. Without the theatrics and with such great humour throughout the book.
Our journalist, sweet people pleasing, pastel wearing FMC is tasked with a write up of a weekend gothic extravaganza in Whitby, where not all the vampire fangs are fake..
Being from the UK I adored the nods to Whitby, Leeds and eating fish and chips by the sea. Such a perfectly romantic setting to this wholesome love story. As a huge Bram Stoker fan, I loved all the references to Dracula and how it was embedded into the story.
The dialog between the characters was perfection. The chemistry, the playful flirting all felt so natural, genuine and relatable. I honestly didn't want this book to end. It's an absolute must if you're in need of something lighthearted, low stakes and cosy.
"I would notice you in every life"
Huge thank you to Netgalley, the Publisher and Author for this ARC. It's been a joy to read and I can't wait to buy this and read it all over again.
This is the most heartwarming and joyful book, which is ironic given it's a paranormal romance and our MMC is a vampire..
However, he's not your usual thousand year old, seasoned vampire leaving you trembling. He's a new vampire, a little clumsy and entirely human by nature. Yet he's absolutely still 'touch her and die' vibes. Without the theatrics and with such great humour throughout the book.
Our journalist, sweet people pleasing, pastel wearing FMC is tasked with a write up of a weekend gothic extravaganza in Whitby, where not all the vampire fangs are fake..
Being from the UK I adored the nods to Whitby, Leeds and eating fish and chips by the sea. Such a perfectly romantic setting to this wholesome love story. As a huge Bram Stoker fan, I loved all the references to Dracula and how it was embedded into the story.
The dialog between the characters was perfection. The chemistry, the playful flirting all felt so natural, genuine and relatable. I honestly didn't want this book to end. It's an absolute must if you're in need of something lighthearted, low stakes and cosy.
"I would notice you in every life"
Huge thank you to Netgalley, the Publisher and Author for this ARC. It's been a joy to read and I can't wait to buy this and read it all over again.
April 12, 2026
Lucy Partridge is reporting on the Whitby Goth Weekend which is out of her comfort zone. She gets to meet bad boy bar owner Liam Bramwell, She has to share a tiny accommodation with him because there was a double booking. But she needs a place to stay in for this weekend, so she deals with it. Until Lucy discovers that Liam is actually a vampire. She knows she should run away, but the reporter in her is too curious about Liam.
I liked reading this story, but in the end it felt a little too flat to me. It's a quick and nice read though. Just the vampire elements were not very well incorporated into the story. I get it's a romcom, but I just had to have a little more details on how the vampires are working in this book.
I overall enjoyed reading it because of the setting of the Whitby Goth Weekend. It made the story more fun and there were a few moments I had a good laugh with it. And it was nice to see the chemistry evolving between Lucy and Liam. They were nice characters to read about!
I gave this paranormal fiction book three stars because it was a nice and cosy read!
I liked reading this story, but in the end it felt a little too flat to me. It's a quick and nice read though. Just the vampire elements were not very well incorporated into the story. I get it's a romcom, but I just had to have a little more details on how the vampires are working in this book.
I overall enjoyed reading it because of the setting of the Whitby Goth Weekend. It made the story more fun and there were a few moments I had a good laugh with it. And it was nice to see the chemistry evolving between Lucy and Liam. They were nice characters to read about!
I gave this paranormal fiction book three stars because it was a nice and cosy read!
May 2, 2026
A paranormal romance with lots of references to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this is everything you need to get Love at First Bite by Katherine Dyson.
This book is an awesome paranormal romance! I was hooked and just couldn’t put this book down. The Dracula references are spot on however Katherine Dyson did really give it a unique twist. Katherine Dyson has an amazing writing style. The worldbuilding, character development and pace, it is all spot on. I would say it doesn’t matter if you read or listen to this book, since it is a real pageturner either way!
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
This book is an awesome paranormal romance! I was hooked and just couldn’t put this book down. The Dracula references are spot on however Katherine Dyson did really give it a unique twist. Katherine Dyson has an amazing writing style. The worldbuilding, character development and pace, it is all spot on. I would say it doesn’t matter if you read or listen to this book, since it is a real pageturner either way!
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
March 25, 2026
I really loved this, it's such a fun, easy read. Low angst, wholesome, cosy vampire romance.
I really liked both of the main characters. Lucy is initally a quiet, people pleasing fmc and was satisfying to see her confidence build throughout. Bram is the cutest, not at all scary vampire but still very hot. Their story isn't loud or drama filled (tbh the fact he's a vampire isn't massively important), but I was so invested and it was really nice to read heartwarming and character driven book.
The setting of the goth weekend in Whitby was perfect, and I especially loved the strong found family element. That really added to the cosy feel, and I’m definitely excited to continue with the series.
I personally wouldn’t class this as a rom-com, and I would have liked the main part of the story to unfold over a slightly longer period of time, but those are very minor points and didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all.
Overall, a really enjoyable, feel good read that I’d definitely recommend.
I really liked both of the main characters. Lucy is initally a quiet, people pleasing fmc and was satisfying to see her confidence build throughout. Bram is the cutest, not at all scary vampire but still very hot. Their story isn't loud or drama filled (tbh the fact he's a vampire isn't massively important), but I was so invested and it was really nice to read heartwarming and character driven book.
The setting of the goth weekend in Whitby was perfect, and I especially loved the strong found family element. That really added to the cosy feel, and I’m definitely excited to continue with the series.
I personally wouldn’t class this as a rom-com, and I would have liked the main part of the story to unfold over a slightly longer period of time, but those are very minor points and didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all.
Overall, a really enjoyable, feel good read that I’d definitely recommend.
Read
March 16, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
ATE THIS UP! This was so cute and I had so much fun at the Whitby goth convention with Lucy and Bram. I'm actually a big vampire fan myself (if it wasn't already glaringly obvious) and all of the vampire/Dracula themed puns were greatly appreciated. Particularly loved that being a vampire wasn't this crazy, bloodthirsty drama - he was just hot... and also technically undead. There was no major, misunderstanding each other act 3 drama, just a little conflict to show them how much they really needed each other, and because of that most plot points were about having fun!!! and getting to know each other!!! Trust and communication!!!
I just had such a wonderful time, and would very much like to hang out with these guys in real life
ATE THIS UP! This was so cute and I had so much fun at the Whitby goth convention with Lucy and Bram. I'm actually a big vampire fan myself (if it wasn't already glaringly obvious) and all of the vampire/Dracula themed puns were greatly appreciated. Particularly loved that being a vampire wasn't this crazy, bloodthirsty drama - he was just hot... and also technically undead. There was no major, misunderstanding each other act 3 drama, just a little conflict to show them how much they really needed each other, and because of that most plot points were about having fun!!! and getting to know each other!!! Trust and communication!!!
I just had such a wonderful time, and would very much like to hang out with these guys in real life
March 27, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 3.75 stars.
This is a fun kind of quirky supernatural romance, it has a nice flow and a opposites attract vibe going on.
I think it was just a nice time, it kept me engaged and had some light funny moments. There’s a lot of differences to our FMC and MMC but I like how they warmed to one another, and the epilogue was a perfect outcome in my opinion.
This is a fun kind of quirky supernatural romance, it has a nice flow and a opposites attract vibe going on.
I think it was just a nice time, it kept me engaged and had some light funny moments. There’s a lot of differences to our FMC and MMC but I like how they warmed to one another, and the epilogue was a perfect outcome in my opinion.
April 9, 2026
Thank you so much for the e-proof!
2 stars???
I was hoping for more vampirism with this tbh just more with their whole dynamic as a couple trying to make do as a human x vampire. Although we do get some lore and I did like that Bram wasn't a typically written vampire character as others which made it a little different read which I always like when something if just different.
I chuckled here and there but will admit that I was hoping this would have me cackling lool
Definitely didn't hit the mark from me but will probably for other readers!! 🖤
2 stars???
I was hoping for more vampirism with this tbh just more with their whole dynamic as a couple trying to make do as a human x vampire. Although we do get some lore and I did like that Bram wasn't a typically written vampire character as others which made it a little different read which I always like when something if just different.
I chuckled here and there but will admit that I was hoping this would have me cackling lool
Definitely didn't hit the mark from me but will probably for other readers!! 🖤
May 21, 2026
The Elias/Mina book is a necessity
April 10, 2026
Nothing but good things to say about Love at first bite. A feel good paranormal romance… and I loved it!
Bram and Lucy are both such likeable characters and the story itself was just so well done.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in but really enjoyed it!
Bram and Lucy are both such likeable characters and the story itself was just so well done.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in but really enjoyed it!
May 7, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars because I could not put this one down, it was such a fun and easy read!
I was a bit unsure heading into it with some of the inner monologue/ story set up but this book surprised me and I ended up really enjoying it. I loved the small town and found family vibes. I liked that both of the main characters had issues but could be themselves with each other. It had me kicking my legs and giggling in parts and perfectly captured that feeling of infatuation and falling in love. I also really enjoyed all of the side characters in this one.
I want to go to the next goth festival!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
5 stars because I could not put this one down, it was such a fun and easy read!
I was a bit unsure heading into it with some of the inner monologue/ story set up but this book surprised me and I ended up really enjoying it. I loved the small town and found family vibes. I liked that both of the main characters had issues but could be themselves with each other. It had me kicking my legs and giggling in parts and perfectly captured that feeling of infatuation and falling in love. I also really enjoyed all of the side characters in this one.
I want to go to the next goth festival!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Katherine Dyson for an e-arc of Love at First Bite in exchange for my review.
When journalist, Lucy Partridges', best friend Mina is unable to attend and cover the Whitby Goth Weekend, she is left to cover the piece. Lucy is the pastel sunshine, people pleaser to Mina's alternative Goth baddie - so the assignment is FAR out of her comfort zone. But she would do anything for her bestie, especially if it will please her boss and long term crush John.
So, Lucy embarks on a last minute train, to Mina's hometown of Whitby. Where she will be staying with Mina's aunt and immersing herself in Goth culture for an entire weekend. What she wasn't expecting to find outside the annexe of her accommodation was a rather grotesque vampire statue - what she DEFINITELY didn't expect was the man with a secret she would be staying with for the duration of her stay; Mina's unfairly and SINFULLY attractive cousin, Bram.
Six foot three, covered head to toe in tattoos and piercings, Bram gives off bad-boy vibes, but the very last thing she expected was that she would be sharing a mansionette with an honest-to-good vampire - with a rather adorable phobia of bats. It isn't long until she discovers there is more to his bad-boy persona than she initially anticipated, and there is far more to her than anyone else ever thought as well. But can it really work out between a sunshiney human and an immortal with a tortured soul?
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. This book features: . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
🖤 Paranormal Romance
🌈 Vampire x Human Romance
🩸 Found Family
🖤 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🌈 Gothic Weekend
🩸 Only One Bed
🖤 Forced Proximity
🌈 Opposites Attract
🩸 Tattooed + Pierced MMC
🖤 Slow-Burn
🌈 HEA
🩸Third Act Break-Up
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Potential Triggers . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
🖤 Grief
🌈 Death of Parent (off-page)
🩸 Early On-Set Alzheimer's
🖤 Neglectful Mother
🌈 Death
🩸 Cheating (not mc's)
🖤 Parental Abandonment
I will start by saying how much I loved this book. Is it a faithful take on vampire lore? Absolutely not - the author has taken creative liberties, but honestly, it works. He can walk in the sunshine (with factor 500), can eat "human food" with a particular love of strawberries and cream fudge, is able to sleep and can do most everything else a human can do. There are nods to vampire lore, with several Dracula references. Despite its differences to trad-vampire novels, it fits nicely within the paranormal romance genre.
Lucy is a quintessential people pleaser, but as the book goes on she truly discovers herself and overcomes her tendencies to let people take advantage of her. I loved her relationship with Mina and how she becomes a part of Bram's family before they even start to reveal their feelings for one another.
Bram is the sweetest cinnamon bun mmc and shows that looks can be deceiving for all his intimidating appearances and bad press, he truly is the sweetest male lead I could ask for. He is obsessed with Lucy from the start and I loved his efforts in getting to know her. His protective side was also insanely hot - and who can't help but love a sweet man with a traumatic backstory? And I have to giggle at the fact that he owns a runs a vampire themed bar where he wears fake fangs (which are apparently the ideal cover).
The relationship between Lucy and Bram was so sweet and tender. While it definitely leans towards the insta-love trope, afterall the book takes place over the course of a weekend, that is the beauty of a paranomal romance with immortal beings. As they get to know one both Lucy and Bram start to bring out the best in one another - with each of them learning to overcome what is holding them back. The chemistry and believe it or not, slowburn that simmers between the characters is delicious, and I LOVED when they finally came together.
Outside of the romance, I adored the found familly component - Lucy now alone in the world after the death of her grandparents who raised her, craves the comfort and company of a family who loves and appreciates her; this is something I relate to strongly. I loved Peggy and her goofy vampire husband Wladek, who were delightful and welcoming. I also loved Quinn (who is the mmc in the next book) Emmy, Sammy and Foxy. And I cannot not mention Elias, Bram's best friend and sire; who truly did not let Bram get away with his own BS. I REALLY hope that he ends up having his own book with Mina because there is definite tension there.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. The romance was sweet, a little spicy and tender. I am a sucker for a vampire romance. My only gripe was the third act break up - which I admit was necessary but still frustrating (I am a hater). I loved the found family trope and the writing was witty and joyful. I cannot wait for the next book and will definitely be continuing with this authors future releases.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Playlist. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
🖤 Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls
🌈 Fade into You by Mazzy Star
🩸Lust for a Vampyr by I Monster
🖤 Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys
🌈 There She Goes by The La's
🩸I Revolve (Around You) by Neck Deep
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Fave Quotes. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
🖤 "‘I would notice you in every life."
🌈 "And it’s then that I know. Whatever we are – whatever he is – there’s something in us which is the same. Something which makes us work, no matter what. Whatever happens after this weekend, I know I’ll keep coming back to this moment. To this feeling. The feeling of being chosen. The feeling of being enough."
🩸"We have loved each other through days, through years, through centuries. Through soaring highs and crashing lows. We have loved each other through each new name, each new home, each new adventure. We have loved each other in grief and in hope, in success and in failure, in our best moments and in our worst. Through all of it, always, we have loved each other."
🖤 "This is the kind of love that lasts a lifetime. And far, far beyond."
Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Katherine Dyson for an e-arc of Love at First Bite in exchange for my review.
When journalist, Lucy Partridges', best friend Mina is unable to attend and cover the Whitby Goth Weekend, she is left to cover the piece. Lucy is the pastel sunshine, people pleaser to Mina's alternative Goth baddie - so the assignment is FAR out of her comfort zone. But she would do anything for her bestie, especially if it will please her boss and long term crush John.
So, Lucy embarks on a last minute train, to Mina's hometown of Whitby. Where she will be staying with Mina's aunt and immersing herself in Goth culture for an entire weekend. What she wasn't expecting to find outside the annexe of her accommodation was a rather grotesque vampire statue - what she DEFINITELY didn't expect was the man with a secret she would be staying with for the duration of her stay; Mina's unfairly and SINFULLY attractive cousin, Bram.
Six foot three, covered head to toe in tattoos and piercings, Bram gives off bad-boy vibes, but the very last thing she expected was that she would be sharing a mansionette with an honest-to-good vampire - with a rather adorable phobia of bats. It isn't long until she discovers there is more to his bad-boy persona than she initially anticipated, and there is far more to her than anyone else ever thought as well. But can it really work out between a sunshiney human and an immortal with a tortured soul?
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. This book features: . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
🖤 Paranormal Romance
🌈 Vampire x Human Romance
🩸 Found Family
🖤 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🌈 Gothic Weekend
🩸 Only One Bed
🖤 Forced Proximity
🌈 Opposites Attract
🩸 Tattooed + Pierced MMC
🖤 Slow-Burn
🌈 HEA
🩸Third Act Break-Up
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Potential Triggers . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
🖤 Grief
🌈 Death of Parent (off-page)
🩸 Early On-Set Alzheimer's
🖤 Neglectful Mother
🌈 Death
🩸 Cheating (not mc's)
🖤 Parental Abandonment
I will start by saying how much I loved this book. Is it a faithful take on vampire lore? Absolutely not - the author has taken creative liberties, but honestly, it works. He can walk in the sunshine (with factor 500), can eat "human food" with a particular love of strawberries and cream fudge, is able to sleep and can do most everything else a human can do. There are nods to vampire lore, with several Dracula references. Despite its differences to trad-vampire novels, it fits nicely within the paranormal romance genre.
Lucy is a quintessential people pleaser, but as the book goes on she truly discovers herself and overcomes her tendencies to let people take advantage of her. I loved her relationship with Mina and how she becomes a part of Bram's family before they even start to reveal their feelings for one another.
Bram is the sweetest cinnamon bun mmc and shows that looks can be deceiving for all his intimidating appearances and bad press, he truly is the sweetest male lead I could ask for. He is obsessed with Lucy from the start and I loved his efforts in getting to know her. His protective side was also insanely hot - and who can't help but love a sweet man with a traumatic backstory? And I have to giggle at the fact that he owns a runs a vampire themed bar where he wears fake fangs (which are apparently the ideal cover).
The relationship between Lucy and Bram was so sweet and tender. While it definitely leans towards the insta-love trope, afterall the book takes place over the course of a weekend, that is the beauty of a paranomal romance with immortal beings. As they get to know one both Lucy and Bram start to bring out the best in one another - with each of them learning to overcome what is holding them back. The chemistry and believe it or not, slowburn that simmers between the characters is delicious, and I LOVED when they finally came together.
Outside of the romance, I adored the found familly component - Lucy now alone in the world after the death of her grandparents who raised her, craves the comfort and company of a family who loves and appreciates her; this is something I relate to strongly. I loved Peggy and her goofy vampire husband Wladek, who were delightful and welcoming. I also loved Quinn (who is the mmc in the next book) Emmy, Sammy and Foxy. And I cannot not mention Elias, Bram's best friend and sire; who truly did not let Bram get away with his own BS. I REALLY hope that he ends up having his own book with Mina because there is definite tension there.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. The romance was sweet, a little spicy and tender. I am a sucker for a vampire romance. My only gripe was the third act break up - which I admit was necessary but still frustrating (I am a hater). I loved the found family trope and the writing was witty and joyful. I cannot wait for the next book and will definitely be continuing with this authors future releases.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Playlist. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
🖤 Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls
🌈 Fade into You by Mazzy Star
🩸Lust for a Vampyr by I Monster
🖤 Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys
🌈 There She Goes by The La's
🩸I Revolve (Around You) by Neck Deep
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Fave Quotes. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
🖤 "‘I would notice you in every life."
🌈 "And it’s then that I know. Whatever we are – whatever he is – there’s something in us which is the same. Something which makes us work, no matter what. Whatever happens after this weekend, I know I’ll keep coming back to this moment. To this feeling. The feeling of being chosen. The feeling of being enough."
🩸"We have loved each other through days, through years, through centuries. Through soaring highs and crashing lows. We have loved each other through each new name, each new home, each new adventure. We have loved each other in grief and in hope, in success and in failure, in our best moments and in our worst. Through all of it, always, we have loved each other."
🖤 "This is the kind of love that lasts a lifetime. And far, far beyond."
April 9, 2026
3.5
This book was fun and had lots of moments filled with heart and laughter but there were times when we got too much inner dialogue.
There were lots of surprises though and I enjoyed getting the full scope of who Bram and Lucy are and witnessing their friendship grow. I just would’ve loved a little more at the end. More on the amazing secondary characters we got to know so well. More of them together. Yes we got to experience their bond but as a couple we only got a little glimpse and I wanted more of that.
I will say that Bram is amazing. He is such a “gentleman” and truly takes the time to listen to Lucy. Lucy is flighty at first but learns how to speak up and not give in to others happiness but fight for her own.
A different and fun vampire story that was original and one lovers of paranormal should read!
This book was fun and had lots of moments filled with heart and laughter but there were times when we got too much inner dialogue.
There were lots of surprises though and I enjoyed getting the full scope of who Bram and Lucy are and witnessing their friendship grow. I just would’ve loved a little more at the end. More on the amazing secondary characters we got to know so well. More of them together. Yes we got to experience their bond but as a couple we only got a little glimpse and I wanted more of that.
I will say that Bram is amazing. He is such a “gentleman” and truly takes the time to listen to Lucy. Lucy is flighty at first but learns how to speak up and not give in to others happiness but fight for her own.
A different and fun vampire story that was original and one lovers of paranormal should read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley, Publishers Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and Author Katherine Dyson for the eARC copy of Love at First Bite in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start off by saying I absolutely love and adore the concept presented by this story. After best friend and fellow journalist Mina has an emergency appendectomy, Lucy Partridge - a fluff reporter - is thrust into the experience of the Whitby Goth Weekend. Spending the weekend at the Harker Cottage shouldn't be so bad, until she finds Liam "Bram" Bramwell in nothing but a towel standing in the annexe accommodation she thought was empty. What follows next is a cute slice - of - life story filled with fluff, minimal drama, a head nods to popular vampire media.
The story at first was hard to get into. The vampire of it all felt rather distant and more of an aesthetic rather than an actuality in this world. The writing also felt a bit to the point and robotic at times bringing me on a list of motions rather than an experience. However, it did start to level out and become more enjoyable. If you are looking for a hallmark-esque super cozy, slice-of-life, general romance then this is the book for you.
Spoiler Filled Review:
I want to start off by saying I absolutely love and adore the concept presented by this story. After best friend and fellow journalist Mina has an emergency appendectomy, Lucy Partridge - a fluff reporter - is thrust into the experience of the Whitby Goth Weekend. Spending the weekend at the Harker Cottage shouldn't be so bad, until she finds Liam "Bram" Bramwell in nothing but a towel standing in the annexe accommodation she thought was empty. What follows next is a cute slice - of - life story filled with fluff, minimal drama, a head nods to popular vampire media.
The story at first was hard to get into. The vampire of it all felt rather distant and more of an aesthetic rather than an actuality in this world. The writing also felt a bit to the point and robotic at times bringing me on a list of motions rather than an experience. However, it did start to level out and become more enjoyable. If you are looking for a hallmark-esque super cozy, slice-of-life, general romance then this is the book for you.
Spoiler Filled Review:
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Love at First Bite promises a playful, rom-com take on vampire lore, and it absolutely commits to that tone from the very first page. The concept (a wholesome reporter reluctantly covering Whitby Goth Weekend and accidentally rooming with an actual vampire) is fun and full of potential.
However, while the premise intrigued me, the execution ultimately didn’t quite work for me.
The biggest challenge for me was the writing style (which is a totally subjective opinion!). The novel leans heavily into a hyper self-aware, constantly winking narrative voice. Nearly every emotional beat is followed by a joke, an aside, or a “don’t take this too seriously” commentary. Lines are frequently undercut by self-correction (“Ok, that’s a lie”), clarifications (“Not in a creepy way”), or humorous deflections. While this will absolutely appeal to readers who enjoy irreverent, meta humour, I found that it created emotional distance rather than immersion.
Moments that could have built tension—Lucy seeing fangs in the steam, the shock of discovering Bram’s nature, even early romantic friction—are often diffused almost immediately with humour. Instead of leaning into atmosphere or vulnerability, the narrative steps back and winks at the reader. After a while, that constant deflation made it difficult for me to fully invest in the stakes or the romance. I wanted at least a few scenes to be allowed to breathe without being immediately punctured by commentary.
I also struggled to connect with the main characters, particularly the MMC. Bram is positioned as the tall, tattooed, gruff “hard man” with a secret heart—but much of his personality comes through as performative rather than layered. His humour often leans into slightly laddish, self-mocking bravado, and while that’s clearly intentional, I personally found it hard to see beyond the surface-level bad-boy energy. I kept waiting for a deeper emotional undercurrent or a moment of genuine vulnerability that would anchor him, but for me it never quite materialised strongly enough to create that pull.
Lucy’s voice is similarly very self-conscious. Her self-deprecating internal monologue and “good girl out of her depth” framing is consistent, but I found myself wanting more evolution beneath that. Because both leads narrate with such strong, comedic self-awareness, their dynamic sometimes felt like banter layered on banter rather than a slow build of intimacy.
The tone overall feels closer to parody than gothic romance. The vampire elements are treated with humour rather than mystique, and while that’s clearly the author’s intention, it meant I never felt the darker romantic tension that I personally look for in paranormal romance.
That said, the book is confident in its voice, and readers who enjoy light, cheeky, contemporary rom-com energy with supernatural elements will likely have a great time. The setting is charming, the premise is clever, and the humour is consistent throughout.
Ultimately, though, this one just wasn’t the right match for my reading tastes. I was hoping for more emotional depth and atmospheric tension, and instead found a tone that felt too self-aware and performative for me to fully sink into.
Love at First Bite promises a playful, rom-com take on vampire lore, and it absolutely commits to that tone from the very first page. The concept (a wholesome reporter reluctantly covering Whitby Goth Weekend and accidentally rooming with an actual vampire) is fun and full of potential.
However, while the premise intrigued me, the execution ultimately didn’t quite work for me.
The biggest challenge for me was the writing style (which is a totally subjective opinion!). The novel leans heavily into a hyper self-aware, constantly winking narrative voice. Nearly every emotional beat is followed by a joke, an aside, or a “don’t take this too seriously” commentary. Lines are frequently undercut by self-correction (“Ok, that’s a lie”), clarifications (“Not in a creepy way”), or humorous deflections. While this will absolutely appeal to readers who enjoy irreverent, meta humour, I found that it created emotional distance rather than immersion.
Moments that could have built tension—Lucy seeing fangs in the steam, the shock of discovering Bram’s nature, even early romantic friction—are often diffused almost immediately with humour. Instead of leaning into atmosphere or vulnerability, the narrative steps back and winks at the reader. After a while, that constant deflation made it difficult for me to fully invest in the stakes or the romance. I wanted at least a few scenes to be allowed to breathe without being immediately punctured by commentary.
I also struggled to connect with the main characters, particularly the MMC. Bram is positioned as the tall, tattooed, gruff “hard man” with a secret heart—but much of his personality comes through as performative rather than layered. His humour often leans into slightly laddish, self-mocking bravado, and while that’s clearly intentional, I personally found it hard to see beyond the surface-level bad-boy energy. I kept waiting for a deeper emotional undercurrent or a moment of genuine vulnerability that would anchor him, but for me it never quite materialised strongly enough to create that pull.
Lucy’s voice is similarly very self-conscious. Her self-deprecating internal monologue and “good girl out of her depth” framing is consistent, but I found myself wanting more evolution beneath that. Because both leads narrate with such strong, comedic self-awareness, their dynamic sometimes felt like banter layered on banter rather than a slow build of intimacy.
The tone overall feels closer to parody than gothic romance. The vampire elements are treated with humour rather than mystique, and while that’s clearly the author’s intention, it meant I never felt the darker romantic tension that I personally look for in paranormal romance.
That said, the book is confident in its voice, and readers who enjoy light, cheeky, contemporary rom-com energy with supernatural elements will likely have a great time. The setting is charming, the premise is clever, and the humour is consistent throughout.
Ultimately, though, this one just wasn’t the right match for my reading tastes. I was hoping for more emotional depth and atmospheric tension, and instead found a tone that felt too self-aware and performative for me to fully sink into.
May 16, 2026
I'm a sucker (pun intended) for the @onemorechapterhc emails featuring soon-to-be released rom-coms and always end up adding a few to my kindle, despite having a Netgalley dashboard badly in need of a service.
Katherine Dyson's "Love at First Bite" hooked me in via the blurb - a reporter sent to Whitby during an annual Goth weekend ends up in forced proximity with a six-foot-three tattooed, truly lovely, sexy, enigmatic man. Well, he used to be a man. Several hundred years ago.
Liam "Bram" Bramwell is a vampire, and the second he sees Lucy Partridge, he knows there's a connection there (very "I would find you in every lifetime"). There's a problem (well, there are a few) - Lucy's in love with her slimeball boss, who she's trying to impress by writing a great article. And Bram's not actually supposed to be staying at Harker cottage, Lucy's supposed to have it to herself.
Over the weekend, as the two get to know each other, we get a sense of the spirit and love in the tight-knit community, and explore found family as an alternative to traditional expectation. Nothing like a hot vampire to make you think twice about what family means, am I right?!
This was cute. I read it in an evening, and it was exactly what I was after. Comforting, sweet, romantic - the perfect book to switch off with for a few hours. The nods to Bram Stoker's Dracula, while there were many, weren't completely overdone, and they made sense with the story.
As for the spice, it's done tastefully. Not to kink shame, each to their own, but I'm always a little bit concerned that these human/non-human books will take things to a place I really don't want to visit. I was surprised that there's no actual biting? For that reason, and because the Dracula references were quite considered, I thought the title could have been better.
I enjoyed the side characters. Bartender Quinn's book is actually released today, May 15th, so I might grab that and see what this pair have been up to since.
Is it a bit insta-love? Yes.
Is that a bad thing? I don't think so.
Do I want to go to that Goth weekend? You bet.
Thanks to the publisher for the eARC via @netgalley!
Katherine Dyson's "Love at First Bite" hooked me in via the blurb - a reporter sent to Whitby during an annual Goth weekend ends up in forced proximity with a six-foot-three tattooed, truly lovely, sexy, enigmatic man. Well, he used to be a man. Several hundred years ago.
Liam "Bram" Bramwell is a vampire, and the second he sees Lucy Partridge, he knows there's a connection there (very "I would find you in every lifetime"). There's a problem (well, there are a few) - Lucy's in love with her slimeball boss, who she's trying to impress by writing a great article. And Bram's not actually supposed to be staying at Harker cottage, Lucy's supposed to have it to herself.
Over the weekend, as the two get to know each other, we get a sense of the spirit and love in the tight-knit community, and explore found family as an alternative to traditional expectation. Nothing like a hot vampire to make you think twice about what family means, am I right?!
This was cute. I read it in an evening, and it was exactly what I was after. Comforting, sweet, romantic - the perfect book to switch off with for a few hours. The nods to Bram Stoker's Dracula, while there were many, weren't completely overdone, and they made sense with the story.
As for the spice, it's done tastefully. Not to kink shame, each to their own, but I'm always a little bit concerned that these human/non-human books will take things to a place I really don't want to visit. I was surprised that there's no actual biting? For that reason, and because the Dracula references were quite considered, I thought the title could have been better.
I enjoyed the side characters. Bartender Quinn's book is actually released today, May 15th, so I might grab that and see what this pair have been up to since.
Is it a bit insta-love? Yes.
Is that a bad thing? I don't think so.
Do I want to go to that Goth weekend? You bet.
Thanks to the publisher for the eARC via @netgalley!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can easily see why so many people would love this book. It’s a cozy romcom with quirky characters, a lovely found family, and a small town during Goth Weekend. It’s the perfect easy read for a non-spooky Halloween - a bit like “pumpkin spice café” but with vampires. (Except that I haven’t read “pumpkin spice café”, and the vampirism isn’t really talked about until the end).
I loved this premise. But ultimately, I couldn’t really get into the story the way I hoped I would.
I had such a mixed time with it. I was giggling and smiling at one page, then rolling my eyes at the other.
My main issue was the pacing. There’s a lot of repetition, way-too-long inner monologues from both POVs, and very important things that get talked about only at the end… important things like the fact that he’s a vampire, but we don’t actually know what that implies until the final part of the book!
For most of it, he’s just a goth guy with sunglasses and plastic fangs. And her reaction…. a vampire stone statue got more of a reaction from her than him being an actual vampire!
Aside from that, there a lot of things I appreciated. I loved most characters and the small town vibes were lovely.
I also liked the dynamic between the main characters. It was very cute and surprisingly layered, especially considering they’ve only known each other for just a few days. (This is something that usually bothers me, but overall, it was nicely done here.)
Lucy and Bram make a lot of sense together. Despite their opposite aesthetics, they are more similar than it seems, and actually talk with each other, which was refreshing to read.
I especially liked the way the main conflict was resolved. I found that it was treated with care and it sent a really nice message.
So yes, for me, the story dragged at (most) times, but it also had a lot of heart. I’m glad I read it and I’ll probably continue with the series.
Thank you NetGalley and One More Page for sending me the arc in exchange with an honest review!
I loved this premise. But ultimately, I couldn’t really get into the story the way I hoped I would.
I had such a mixed time with it. I was giggling and smiling at one page, then rolling my eyes at the other.
My main issue was the pacing. There’s a lot of repetition, way-too-long inner monologues from both POVs, and very important things that get talked about only at the end… important things like the fact that he’s a vampire, but we don’t actually know what that implies until the final part of the book!
For most of it, he’s just a goth guy with sunglasses and plastic fangs. And her reaction…. a vampire stone statue got more of a reaction from her than him being an actual vampire!
Aside from that, there a lot of things I appreciated. I loved most characters and the small town vibes were lovely.
I also liked the dynamic between the main characters. It was very cute and surprisingly layered, especially considering they’ve only known each other for just a few days. (This is something that usually bothers me, but overall, it was nicely done here.)
Lucy and Bram make a lot of sense together. Despite their opposite aesthetics, they are more similar than it seems, and actually talk with each other, which was refreshing to read.
I especially liked the way the main conflict was resolved. I found that it was treated with care and it sent a really nice message.
So yes, for me, the story dragged at (most) times, but it also had a lot of heart. I’m glad I read it and I’ll probably continue with the series.
Thank you NetGalley and One More Page for sending me the arc in exchange with an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
EN | First of all, I’d like to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley for this ARC
I was expecting a book in the vein of *My Roommate is a Vampire*, given the blurb. I have to say it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.
To be honest, I didn’t love this book at all; I didn’t really like the narrative voice, and I felt it was all too much told rather than shown.
As for the characters, I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. And I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if they’d split up – pretending the epilogue doesn’t happen, obviously. As for the vampirism, it left a lot to be desired; I was expecting it to be more central to the narrative than it was.
One thing I did like and want to highlight was the theme of Alzheimer’s, which I wasn’t expecting to find in a book like this, and I really liked Bram’s relationship with his mother.
Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy romances with a touch of magic and themes that are important to discuss.
PT | Primeiro de tudo gostava de agradecer à HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter e à Netgalley por este ARC
Eu estava à espera de um livro do genero do "My Roommate is a Vampire", dada à sinopse. Tenho de dizer que não foi exatamente o que eu esperava.
Sou honesta não amei este livro de todo, não gostei lá muito da voz narrativa do livro, senti que era tudo demasiado dizido não mostrado.
Quanto aos personagens não senti quimica entre eles. E genuinamente não me surpreenderia se eles tivessem terminado - fingindo que o epilogo não acontece obviamente. Quanto ao Vampirismo, ficou muito a desejar, estava à espera que isso fosse mais fulcral pra a narrativa do que foi.
Uma coisa que gostei e quero realçar foi a tematica do Alzheimer, que não estava à espera de encontrar num livro como este e gostei bastante do Bram em relação à mãe.
Em geral não deixo de recomendar este livro, especialmente para quem gosta de romances com um pouco de magia e tematicas importantes de serem faladas
I was expecting a book in the vein of *My Roommate is a Vampire*, given the blurb. I have to say it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.
To be honest, I didn’t love this book at all; I didn’t really like the narrative voice, and I felt it was all too much told rather than shown.
As for the characters, I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. And I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if they’d split up – pretending the epilogue doesn’t happen, obviously. As for the vampirism, it left a lot to be desired; I was expecting it to be more central to the narrative than it was.
One thing I did like and want to highlight was the theme of Alzheimer’s, which I wasn’t expecting to find in a book like this, and I really liked Bram’s relationship with his mother.
Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy romances with a touch of magic and themes that are important to discuss.
PT | Primeiro de tudo gostava de agradecer à HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter e à Netgalley por este ARC
Eu estava à espera de um livro do genero do "My Roommate is a Vampire", dada à sinopse. Tenho de dizer que não foi exatamente o que eu esperava.
Sou honesta não amei este livro de todo, não gostei lá muito da voz narrativa do livro, senti que era tudo demasiado dizido não mostrado.
Quanto aos personagens não senti quimica entre eles. E genuinamente não me surpreenderia se eles tivessem terminado - fingindo que o epilogo não acontece obviamente. Quanto ao Vampirismo, ficou muito a desejar, estava à espera que isso fosse mais fulcral pra a narrativa do que foi.
Uma coisa que gostei e quero realçar foi a tematica do Alzheimer, que não estava à espera de encontrar num livro como este e gostei bastante do Bram em relação à mãe.
Em geral não deixo de recomendar este livro, especialmente para quem gosta de romances com um pouco de magia e tematicas importantes de serem faladas
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK (One More Chapter), and Katherine Dyson for letting me read this ARC!
This was a really cute romance novel, and I had a lovely time reading it. I was immediately hooked by the title, because who doesn't love a tall, dark, and handsome vampire MMC? This story also featured some enjoyable romance tropes such as force proximity, and grumpy/sunshine. It was a nice easy read, and I sped through it in a day! At some moments, it was hard to put down.
My biggest critique is that there wasn't nearly enough VAMPIRE. That was the whole draw! Despite the title, there was not a single bite. One of my favourite aspects of a vampire romance is the danger and tension that comes along with it. The MMC's inner turmoil of trying to ignore his baser instincts. If it weren't for the epilogue, I could have convinced myself that Bram was just joking that he was a vamp the whole time or was delusional. He doesn't drink blood (not even animal!), and has relatively no issues in the sun. He's just a goth dude. It was kind of lame when I put the book down and felt robbed of anything traditionally vampiry.
I also wish that the plot of the story had occurred over a longer period of time. I think that would have made Lucy and Bram's love story a little bit more realistic. I understand the fun of love at first sight, but they spent a weekend together and then she was ready to give up everything for him. Even a full week would have been more preferable, in my opinion.
There was a lot of good set-up for future stories within this cast of characters (looking at you, Mina and Elias). It looks like Quinn will get his happily ever after as well later this year. I think their stories will be cute to follow. I liked Dyson's writing, and the books in this series will be great for those who are in the mood for a low-stakes (almost) fantasy/paranormal romance.
This was a really cute romance novel, and I had a lovely time reading it. I was immediately hooked by the title, because who doesn't love a tall, dark, and handsome vampire MMC? This story also featured some enjoyable romance tropes such as force proximity, and grumpy/sunshine. It was a nice easy read, and I sped through it in a day! At some moments, it was hard to put down.
My biggest critique is that there wasn't nearly enough VAMPIRE. That was the whole draw! Despite the title, there was not a single bite. One of my favourite aspects of a vampire romance is the danger and tension that comes along with it. The MMC's inner turmoil of trying to ignore his baser instincts. If it weren't for the epilogue, I could have convinced myself that Bram was just joking that he was a vamp the whole time or was delusional. He doesn't drink blood (not even animal!), and has relatively no issues in the sun. He's just a goth dude. It was kind of lame when I put the book down and felt robbed of anything traditionally vampiry.
I also wish that the plot of the story had occurred over a longer period of time. I think that would have made Lucy and Bram's love story a little bit more realistic. I understand the fun of love at first sight, but they spent a weekend together and then she was ready to give up everything for him. Even a full week would have been more preferable, in my opinion.
There was a lot of good set-up for future stories within this cast of characters (looking at you, Mina and Elias). It looks like Quinn will get his happily ever after as well later this year. I think their stories will be cute to follow. I liked Dyson's writing, and the books in this series will be great for those who are in the mood for a low-stakes (almost) fantasy/paranormal romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love at First Bite is a small town vampire romance of opposites attract, with the vampire part being barely noticeable. The main couple was fine and actually with a good dynamic, but the vampire title, cover, and blurb left me expecting much more vampire than we got.
This is a dual POV romance set in a kitschy small town in the UK that is vaguely goth/vampire themed. The FMC is so good, blonde, pastel, and perfect that I couldn't really glean much of a personality. For being a reporter, she wasn't too sharp on putting together the vampire clues of the MMC. The MMC gets more backstory and honestly an interesting premise for becoming a vampire. The two main characters definitely have chemistry, but knowing these full grown adults fall in love in the span of 4!!! days really took me out of the romance. Especially when the FMC shows up to the small town hung up on someone else. There was a third act breakup but it was no big deal because they were only 4 days in anyway and quickly put back together.
The supporting characters are fine and very small town but not a large part of the story. The villain characters were a little cartoonish, but that's fine because the main conflict really ought to have been the human-vampire relationship logistics. The small town was cute enough but did not stand out to me (but I've just read so many of these small spooky town romances). The writing was alright and the comedy parts were not really my cup of tea but in a millennial type of way that I know is hugely popular.
If you're new to the genre, this might be a good tiny step in the wild world of paranormal romance. Seasoned readers likely won't find this paranormal enough. I won't be continuing with this series personally.
Thank you, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the arc!
This is a dual POV romance set in a kitschy small town in the UK that is vaguely goth/vampire themed. The FMC is so good, blonde, pastel, and perfect that I couldn't really glean much of a personality. For being a reporter, she wasn't too sharp on putting together the vampire clues of the MMC. The MMC gets more backstory and honestly an interesting premise for becoming a vampire. The two main characters definitely have chemistry, but knowing these full grown adults fall in love in the span of 4!!! days really took me out of the romance. Especially when the FMC shows up to the small town hung up on someone else. There was a third act breakup but it was no big deal because they were only 4 days in anyway and quickly put back together.
The supporting characters are fine and very small town but not a large part of the story. The villain characters were a little cartoonish, but that's fine because the main conflict really ought to have been the human-vampire relationship logistics. The small town was cute enough but did not stand out to me (but I've just read so many of these small spooky town romances). The writing was alright and the comedy parts were not really my cup of tea but in a millennial type of way that I know is hugely popular.
If you're new to the genre, this might be a good tiny step in the wild world of paranormal romance. Seasoned readers likely won't find this paranormal enough. I won't be continuing with this series personally.
Thank you, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.25⭐
(+):
- So overall I was not a van of this one, but I do think that Bram’s incentive to become a vampire and then deeply regretting it was interesting in how it turns a lot of the trope onto its head (eg., people wanting to become vampires and desiring immortality, etc.)
- Dueling Dracula themed pubs is fun. I don’t think it was explored successfully, but it was a fun idea.
- I think this cover is fine. It’s not amazing, but I like the colors.
(-):
- This book takes place over the course of FOUR DAYS?? ExCUSE me??? No. Ridiculous.
- Bram being a vampire could have been removed entirely from this book and it would have almost entirely changed nothing. Which is very disappointing as someone who picked this up specifically for being vampires in the English countryside.
- Who even IS the FMC here? She has 0 personality.
- If I had to read another mention of the godforsaken (yes I know this is a pun) stone vampire I would have thrown my kindle into a fire.
- This title frustrates me because…the vampirism is honestly so tertiary to pretty much *everything* in the book. Also…how is Bram a pain in the neck? What has he even DONE? I guess he’s a pain in the neck to himself.
(?):
-Why write a vampire book if you’re not going to have some fun with the vampires??
Will I read the next one? : Nope.
(How Long) Do I Think They’ll Stay Together? : Forever and they deserve it and I mean that derogatorily as hell.
*Thank you to One More Chapter & Netgalley for providing this ARC!
Similar Books :
- 'Bride' by Ali Hazelwood
- 'My Roommate is a Vampire' by Jenna Levine
- 'Best Hex Ever' by Nadia El-Fassi
- 'Under Loch and Key' by Lana Ferguson
- 'Fan Service' by Rosie Danan
(+):
- So overall I was not a van of this one, but I do think that Bram’s incentive to become a vampire and then deeply regretting it was interesting in how it turns a lot of the trope onto its head (eg., people wanting to become vampires and desiring immortality, etc.)
- Dueling Dracula themed pubs is fun. I don’t think it was explored successfully, but it was a fun idea.
- I think this cover is fine. It’s not amazing, but I like the colors.
(-):
- This book takes place over the course of FOUR DAYS?? ExCUSE me??? No. Ridiculous.
- Bram being a vampire could have been removed entirely from this book and it would have almost entirely changed nothing. Which is very disappointing as someone who picked this up specifically for being vampires in the English countryside.
- Who even IS the FMC here? She has 0 personality.
- If I had to read another mention of the godforsaken (yes I know this is a pun) stone vampire I would have thrown my kindle into a fire.
- This title frustrates me because…the vampirism is honestly so tertiary to pretty much *everything* in the book. Also…how is Bram a pain in the neck? What has he even DONE? I guess he’s a pain in the neck to himself.
(?):
-Why write a vampire book if you’re not going to have some fun with the vampires??
Will I read the next one? : Nope.
(How Long) Do I Think They’ll Stay Together? : Forever and they deserve it and I mean that derogatorily as hell.
*Thank you to One More Chapter & Netgalley for providing this ARC!
Similar Books :
- 'Bride' by Ali Hazelwood
- 'My Roommate is a Vampire' by Jenna Levine
- 'Best Hex Ever' by Nadia El-Fassi
- 'Under Loch and Key' by Lana Ferguson
- 'Fan Service' by Rosie Danan
April 5, 2026
Title: Love at First Bite
Author: Katherine Dyson-new to me author
Publication date: 4/3/26 | Read: 4/3/26
Format: e-Book 384 pgs.
Genre:
*Adult Fic
*Fantasy/Sci Fi
*Rom Com
*Paranormal
Tropes:
*one bed
*vampires
*gothic
*black cat/golden retriever
*forced proximity
*opposites attract
*slow burn
*found family
*secret identity
POV: 1st person dual
TW: parental abandonment, death of parent, early onset Alzheimer's
Setting: Whitby/Northern England
Summary: Lucy is a reporter and people pleaser who works at the Gazette. Her boss Jon who she has a crush on assigns her to report on Goth Weekend. He wants to get the gossip on Bram who went viral for biting off a bat's head. He's dubbed a tattooed bad boy up to no good. Lucy sees a different side to him even though he's hiding his true vampire nature.
Heroine: Lucy Partridge- 26, a reporter at the Gazette
Hero: Liam "Bram" Bramwell-34, owns a gothic vampire themed bar Bitten and was in a band
Other Characters:
*Mina-Lucy's BFF/co-worker, Bram's cousin
*Peggy and Waldek-Bram's aunt and uncle
*Dean Ravenskull-Bram's childhood competition turned rival bar owner
*Quinn-works at Bram's bar, just got engaged to Stella
*Elias Moreno-a 400-yr old vampire, works at Bram's bar, and turned Bram into a vampire
*Emma and Fox-both work @ Bram's bar
*Jon -Lucy's boss at the Gazette
My Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this paranormal romance. It was detailed, character driven with heart and humor. Lucy was a deer in headlights but with encouragement from Mina she went out of her comfort zone with Bram.
Rating: 5/5⭐
Spice level: 3/5🔥
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter |One More Chapter, and Katherine Dyson for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Author: Katherine Dyson-new to me author
Publication date: 4/3/26 | Read: 4/3/26
Format: e-Book 384 pgs.
Genre:
*Adult Fic
*Fantasy/Sci Fi
*Rom Com
*Paranormal
Tropes:
*one bed
*vampires
*gothic
*black cat/golden retriever
*forced proximity
*opposites attract
*slow burn
*found family
*secret identity
POV: 1st person dual
TW: parental abandonment, death of parent, early onset Alzheimer's
Setting: Whitby/Northern England
Summary: Lucy is a reporter and people pleaser who works at the Gazette. Her boss Jon who she has a crush on assigns her to report on Goth Weekend. He wants to get the gossip on Bram who went viral for biting off a bat's head. He's dubbed a tattooed bad boy up to no good. Lucy sees a different side to him even though he's hiding his true vampire nature.
Heroine: Lucy Partridge- 26, a reporter at the Gazette
Hero: Liam "Bram" Bramwell-34, owns a gothic vampire themed bar Bitten and was in a band
Other Characters:
*Mina-Lucy's BFF/co-worker, Bram's cousin
*Peggy and Waldek-Bram's aunt and uncle
*Dean Ravenskull-Bram's childhood competition turned rival bar owner
*Quinn-works at Bram's bar, just got engaged to Stella
*Elias Moreno-a 400-yr old vampire, works at Bram's bar, and turned Bram into a vampire
*Emma and Fox-both work @ Bram's bar
*Jon -Lucy's boss at the Gazette
My Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this paranormal romance. It was detailed, character driven with heart and humor. Lucy was a deer in headlights but with encouragement from Mina she went out of her comfort zone with Bram.
Rating: 5/5⭐
Spice level: 3/5🔥
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter |One More Chapter, and Katherine Dyson for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
March 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC 🫶🏼✨🩸
4.5 stars – I absolutely devoured this
Being from North Yorkshire and visiting Whitby many times made this such a fun and immersive read. The setting was perfect, especially with the gothic weekend atmosphere, all the vampire vibes, and little UK details like fish and chips by the sea. It added so much charm and made the story feel really special.
Lucy is a journalist who is sent to Whitby to cover goth weekend. She’s in love with her boss, has a strained relationship with her famous mum, and is still dealing with the loss of her grandparents. She’s very much a sunshine personality, completely out of place among the dark gothic aesthetic.
That is until she meets Bram.
Bram is an ex band member and newly turned vampire, trying to navigate his new life while dealing with grief and family struggles of his own. Despite the rockstar gothic persona, he is actually such a sweetheart. He cares deeply about his friends and family, and his character felt so warm, funny, and human, even as a vampire.
Their first meeting had me laughing, and their dynamic throughout the book was so natural. The chemistry, the playful dialogue, and the slow burn tension were written really well. I loved the opposites attract energy between sunshine Lucy and gothic Bram.
This is such a cosy, feel good paranormal romance that’s funny, romantic, and full of heart, with strong found family themes and a real sense of love and belonging. Overall, it’s a fast paced, atmospheric, and genuinely joyful read that left me smiling, and I’d definitely recommend it if you want something lighthearted, romantic, and a little bit spooky.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
If I had to choose one adjective to describe this book, it would be wholesome. Truly, I haven’t read something this gentle and genuinely heartwarming in a long time. Some parts felt a bit too slow for my personal taste, but overall I appreciated the unhurried pacing and the strong character focus of the story.
This is not a typical paranormal romance. Bram is a newly turned vampire, awkward, clumsy, and not scary at all, while Lucy is a kind, people-pleasing woman. Neither of them is particularly bold or dramatic, and their love story isn’t loud or filled with high-stakes tension. Yet somehow, they still managed to pull me into their soft, kindness-filled bubble.
Truth be told, I expected a bit more sass and banter between the leads, but what I got instead wasn’t a disappointment. I was, however, surprised by the epilogue, which felt quite vague. I understand that it leans heavily into lyrical elements, but I still found myself wishing for a few more concrete details.
Either way, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers who appreciate character-driven stories and gentle, swoony romances. And if you’re a fan of the found-family trope, this one will absolutely be for you.
(Bonus points for Władek—a Polish side character. There were no names for the Polish dishes being eaten, but I definitely felt pierogi vibes.)
If I had to choose one adjective to describe this book, it would be wholesome. Truly, I haven’t read something this gentle and genuinely heartwarming in a long time. Some parts felt a bit too slow for my personal taste, but overall I appreciated the unhurried pacing and the strong character focus of the story.
This is not a typical paranormal romance. Bram is a newly turned vampire, awkward, clumsy, and not scary at all, while Lucy is a kind, people-pleasing woman. Neither of them is particularly bold or dramatic, and their love story isn’t loud or filled with high-stakes tension. Yet somehow, they still managed to pull me into their soft, kindness-filled bubble.
Truth be told, I expected a bit more sass and banter between the leads, but what I got instead wasn’t a disappointment. I was, however, surprised by the epilogue, which felt quite vague. I understand that it leans heavily into lyrical elements, but I still found myself wishing for a few more concrete details.
Either way, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers who appreciate character-driven stories and gentle, swoony romances. And if you’re a fan of the found-family trope, this one will absolutely be for you.
(Bonus points for Władek—a Polish side character. There were no names for the Polish dishes being eaten, but I definitely felt pierogi vibes.)
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