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My Italian Vampire: A Paranormal Dark Academia Romance
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26“… Sexy, campy, demon-hunty… I adored every minute of it. If you're looking for a romance filled with bloodlust and regular old-fashioned lust, look no further -- this one drove a stake through my heart and left me wanting more."
–Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers
She's lived her whole life in the shadows of her mother's secrets.
When Diantha Moro starts the last semester of her master's program at University of Echidna, she only has one thing on her getting into the catacombs underneath campus so she can finally break the curse that's keeping her mother trapped in the realm between life and death. With little time for anything else, she keeps most people at arm's length. Until the first night of her Medieval Relics lecture, when a beautiful stranger walks through the door...several minutes late.
He's not like other vampires. He's worse.
Orfeo DiPaolo is an Italian vampire. Yes, it's important to know he's Italian. Unlike other vamps, he can touch garlic. He can also wear a crucifix and instead of being extremely cold, his skin is always pleasantly, deliciously hot. And Orfeo, against all odds, can still feel love. It's his Achilles’ heel and the reason he's trapped under the thumb of a moronic demon crime boss, working off a blood debt. His life passes in a never-ending carousel of violence, university classes, beautiful women, and unfulfilling sex. That is, until he meets the enigmatic Diantha.
As the sleepy town of Echidna becomes colonized by evil supernatural forces, Diantha and Orfeo realize they're the only two that can stop them before its too late. But neither Diantha nor Orfeo are very good at group projects. Especially once they realize there's something more powerful than demons, vampires, and family curses between them. Something so powerful, it might just change their lives forever.
Now, her destiny is undeniable. His surrender is her strength.
–Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers
She's lived her whole life in the shadows of her mother's secrets.
When Diantha Moro starts the last semester of her master's program at University of Echidna, she only has one thing on her getting into the catacombs underneath campus so she can finally break the curse that's keeping her mother trapped in the realm between life and death. With little time for anything else, she keeps most people at arm's length. Until the first night of her Medieval Relics lecture, when a beautiful stranger walks through the door...several minutes late.
He's not like other vampires. He's worse.
Orfeo DiPaolo is an Italian vampire. Yes, it's important to know he's Italian. Unlike other vamps, he can touch garlic. He can also wear a crucifix and instead of being extremely cold, his skin is always pleasantly, deliciously hot. And Orfeo, against all odds, can still feel love. It's his Achilles’ heel and the reason he's trapped under the thumb of a moronic demon crime boss, working off a blood debt. His life passes in a never-ending carousel of violence, university classes, beautiful women, and unfulfilling sex. That is, until he meets the enigmatic Diantha.
As the sleepy town of Echidna becomes colonized by evil supernatural forces, Diantha and Orfeo realize they're the only two that can stop them before its too late. But neither Diantha nor Orfeo are very good at group projects. Especially once they realize there's something more powerful than demons, vampires, and family curses between them. Something so powerful, it might just change their lives forever.
Now, her destiny is undeniable. His surrender is her strength.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 17, 2026
12 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 1, 2026
This would kill as a movie. The plot was fast paced and the characters are super easy to love. However, I could tell the author knows way more about this world than me (bc, ya know, she created it) bc I was often confused. I needed more explanations about plans, abilities, and character dynamics. But I still had a really fun time! The last 25% especially was really strong and I liked seeing where book 2 will take us.
3.5 stars rounded up
3.5 stars rounded up
January 15, 2026
This was so fun!!! I loved the Greek mythology aspect and the humor was great (as I knew it would be, since I'm a major fan of the author's contemporary romance.) The chemistry was phenomenal as well, and by the last 20% I was itching for a second book. I found all the lore and campiness perfect for the genre, less serious than an in depth fantasy book but still interesting enough to keep me invested beyond just the romance. As for the romance, I do wish there had been a little more buildup, but that's a personal preference and not something that decreased my overall enjoyment of the story. 4.25 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a great entry into the tradition of vampire literature: having very little basis in other vampire lore. It begs the question: what is a vampire? Is it the immortality, only threatened by the stake? Is it the weaknesses, like sunlight and religion and emotion? Is it the way bloodsucking is often a metaphor, or is it simply just bloodsucking? B.C. Dolce creates her own rules for vampires, which is totally fine! I do think if I knew that going in, I would have been less confused by the garlic-eating, powerful-from-the-sun, no-discernible weaknesses Orfeo.
B.C. Dolce is known in the contemporary romance world for her blend of emotion and spice, and the spice certainly hits in My Italian Vampire. That is easily the highlight; I don't normally like insta-lust, but Dolce pulls it off well. She also does a strong job with worldbuilding; it feels weird that it is technically set in Pennsylvania, but the supernatural elements are built well.
Some things that made this a three star read for me:
1) The pacing. There was too much building of "what makes Orfeo a vampire" and "what makes Hades House hellish" and not enough of building the central mystery and final confrontation. Orfeo's battle with Alfo is so short, and I kept going back thinking I was missing something. Nope, it was just more ways of changing up the lore.
2) I get that this is an ARC, but there were a ton of typos and continuity errors. Transitioning from trad publishing to self-publishing is hard, and you can tell Dolce had a pretty strong reliance on her trad editor.
3) A lot of things were super repetitive. We get it, Orfeo is warm. The constant reminder of physical traits sometimes felt like they were at the expense of personality traits.
4) Some of the lore things were just really confusing and I felt like they weren't super resolved? Especially the addition of Greek mythology, there ended up being a TON of roots in Greek myth in a way that felt odd with the other lore.
These things may not bother you, and that is totally okay! It clearly didn't bother the other reviewers thus far, since I am the first non-five star review (oops). But it did frustrate me, which is why I gave three stars.
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
B.C. Dolce is known in the contemporary romance world for her blend of emotion and spice, and the spice certainly hits in My Italian Vampire. That is easily the highlight; I don't normally like insta-lust, but Dolce pulls it off well. She also does a strong job with worldbuilding; it feels weird that it is technically set in Pennsylvania, but the supernatural elements are built well.
Some things that made this a three star read for me:
1) The pacing. There was too much building of "what makes Orfeo a vampire" and "what makes Hades House hellish" and not enough of building the central mystery and final confrontation. Orfeo's battle with Alfo is so short, and I kept going back thinking I was missing something. Nope, it was just more ways of changing up the lore.
2) I get that this is an ARC, but there were a ton of typos and continuity errors. Transitioning from trad publishing to self-publishing is hard, and you can tell Dolce had a pretty strong reliance on her trad editor.
3) A lot of things were super repetitive. We get it, Orfeo is warm. The constant reminder of physical traits sometimes felt like they were at the expense of personality traits.
4) Some of the lore things were just really confusing and I felt like they weren't super resolved? Especially the addition of Greek mythology, there ended up being a TON of roots in Greek myth in a way that felt odd with the other lore.
These things may not bother you, and that is totally okay! It clearly didn't bother the other reviewers thus far, since I am the first non-five star review (oops). But it did frustrate me, which is why I gave three stars.
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Title: My Italian Vampire: A Paranormal Dark Academia Romance
Author: B.C. Dolce
Synopsis: She's lived her whole life in the shadows of her mother's secrets.
When Diantha Moro starts the last semester of her master's program at University of Echidna, she only has one thing on her getting into the catacombs underneath campus so she can finally break the curse that's keeping her mother trapped in the realm between life and death. With little time for anything else, she keeps most people at arm's length. Until the first night of her Medieval Relics lecture, when a beautiful stranger walks through the door...several minutes late.
He's not like other vampires. He's worse.
Orfeo DiPaolo is an Italian vampire. Yes, it's important to know he's Italian. Unlike other vamps, he can touch garlic. He can also wear a crucifix and instead of being extremely cold, his skin is always pleasantly, deliciously hot. And Orfeo, against all odds, can still feel love. It's his Achilles’ heel and the reason he's trapped under the thumb of a moronic demon crime boss, working off a blood debt. His life passes in a never-ending carousel of violence, university classes, beautiful women, and unfulfilling sex. That is, until he meets the enigmatic Diantha.
As the sleepy town of Echidna becomes colonized by evil supernatural forces, Diantha and Orfeo realize they're the only two that can stop them before its too late. But neither Diantha nor Orfeo are very good at group projects. Especially once they realize there's something more powerful than demons, vampires, and family curses between them. Something so powerful, it might just change their lives forever.
Now, her destiny is undeniable. His surrender is her strength.
Review: Wow! It’s been a while since I’ve read a vampire book and it was a fun time! Can I say I loved that there was Greek mythology in it as well! It was well done and I was here for it! Diantha and Orfeo have great chemistry and I couldn’t get enough of it! I’m excited for book 2!
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Author: B.C. Dolce
Synopsis: She's lived her whole life in the shadows of her mother's secrets.
When Diantha Moro starts the last semester of her master's program at University of Echidna, she only has one thing on her getting into the catacombs underneath campus so she can finally break the curse that's keeping her mother trapped in the realm between life and death. With little time for anything else, she keeps most people at arm's length. Until the first night of her Medieval Relics lecture, when a beautiful stranger walks through the door...several minutes late.
He's not like other vampires. He's worse.
Orfeo DiPaolo is an Italian vampire. Yes, it's important to know he's Italian. Unlike other vamps, he can touch garlic. He can also wear a crucifix and instead of being extremely cold, his skin is always pleasantly, deliciously hot. And Orfeo, against all odds, can still feel love. It's his Achilles’ heel and the reason he's trapped under the thumb of a moronic demon crime boss, working off a blood debt. His life passes in a never-ending carousel of violence, university classes, beautiful women, and unfulfilling sex. That is, until he meets the enigmatic Diantha.
As the sleepy town of Echidna becomes colonized by evil supernatural forces, Diantha and Orfeo realize they're the only two that can stop them before its too late. But neither Diantha nor Orfeo are very good at group projects. Especially once they realize there's something more powerful than demons, vampires, and family curses between them. Something so powerful, it might just change their lives forever.
Now, her destiny is undeniable. His surrender is her strength.
Review: Wow! It’s been a while since I’ve read a vampire book and it was a fun time! Can I say I loved that there was Greek mythology in it as well! It was well done and I was here for it! Diantha and Orfeo have great chemistry and I couldn’t get enough of it! I’m excited for book 2!
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Italian Vampire has so so many good pieces but had a hard time putting them together.
While I loved how Dolce played around with the vampire mythos by making *Italian* vampires have different powers and abilities, ultimately with so many supernatural packed into the story nothing felt expanded upon.
You get glimpses and told things but everything is so surface level deep you just have to accept the information as it's given and then immediately disregard it when the characters are no longer thinking of it.
Diantha previous to the story does not seem to like her mom, as evidence by the way her friend talks about her parroting Diantha's words back to her. Yet, she's on a quest to save her and when she finds out why her mother is cursed there is no reflection on why that made her a bad mother. There is no reflection about anything relating to her mother at all, Diantha just seems to care because the story calls for it. She has complicated feelings because the moment required it and when that moment is over, those feelings no longer exist.
Orfeo, who is for certain the best part of the story and also hilarious, has a I may have missed *why* he can't do that but if I did Orfeo also missed that because later on when it's necessary for the third act he can now suddenly act.
So many things just seem to happen or change because the story requires it. I loved the idea of the Greek mythology being thrown in, of different species and unique hierarchies, and new mythology for vampires (my favorite type of monster) but instead of being sated I feel like I went to a restaurant with portions so small I still need to eat afterwards.
While I loved how Dolce played around with the vampire mythos by making *Italian* vampires have different powers and abilities, ultimately with so many supernatural packed into the story nothing felt expanded upon.
You get glimpses and told things but everything is so surface level deep you just have to accept the information as it's given and then immediately disregard it when the characters are no longer thinking of it.
Diantha previous to the story does not seem to like her mom, as evidence by the way her friend talks about her parroting Diantha's words back to her. Yet, she's on a quest to save her and when she finds out why her mother is cursed there is no reflection on why that made her a bad mother. There is no reflection about anything relating to her mother at all, Diantha just seems to care because the story calls for it. She has complicated feelings because the moment required it and when that moment is over, those feelings no longer exist.
Orfeo, who is for certain the best part of the story and also hilarious, has a I may have missed *why* he can't do that but if I did Orfeo also missed that because later on when it's necessary for the third act he can now suddenly act.
So many things just seem to happen or change because the story requires it. I loved the idea of the Greek mythology being thrown in, of different species and unique hierarchies, and new mythology for vampires (my favorite type of monster) but instead of being sated I feel like I went to a restaurant with portions so small I still need to eat afterwards.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A vampire romance with demons, witches, and Greek gods?!
Such a campy mix and I was 100% here for it. This was fun!!
Author Betty Corrello (yes, 32 Days in May) is writing to us under the name B.C. Dolce to bring us this new campy mix of fantasy and dark academia. It was lighthearted enough to easily fall into the fantasy world but detailed enough to keep you hooked. The romance pops off fast but he’s an Italian vampire so of course he falls fast and hard!! Overall, a very fun read. While there is a book 2 coming (duology), this one does end relatively wrapped up.
Here for more Italian vampires in books!!
Such a campy mix and I was 100% here for it. This was fun!!
Author Betty Corrello (yes, 32 Days in May) is writing to us under the name B.C. Dolce to bring us this new campy mix of fantasy and dark academia. It was lighthearted enough to easily fall into the fantasy world but detailed enough to keep you hooked. The romance pops off fast but he’s an Italian vampire so of course he falls fast and hard!! Overall, a very fun read. While there is a book 2 coming (duology), this one does end relatively wrapped up.
Here for more Italian vampires in books!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun read. It’s sultry, campy and indulgent with a playful wink and twist on classic vampire tropes.
Diantha and Orfeo are pure magic together.
The romance balances flirty banter and sizzling chemistry while being surprisingly heartfelt without losing any of the fun. It’s packed with supernatural chaos between vampires, demons, witches and ancient gods.
Read this for the best escapist paranormal romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this series.
Thank you to B.C Dolce for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.
Diantha and Orfeo are pure magic together.
The romance balances flirty banter and sizzling chemistry while being surprisingly heartfelt without losing any of the fun. It’s packed with supernatural chaos between vampires, demons, witches and ancient gods.
Read this for the best escapist paranormal romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this series.
Thank you to B.C Dolce for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun paranormal romance with a mythical twist! We have our Italian vampire (or course!) and Diantha, a grad student with unknown powers, trying to overthrow the demons taking over a local club.
I really enjoyed the vampire and demon lore in this book, especially the differences between Nordic and Mediterranean vampires! Both the overall plot and romance kept me invested to the very end. Diantha and Orfeo’s relationship was steamy and I ate up every scene with them together!
Thank you to B.C Dolce for the ARC!
I really enjoyed the vampire and demon lore in this book, especially the differences between Nordic and Mediterranean vampires! Both the overall plot and romance kept me invested to the very end. Diantha and Orfeo’s relationship was steamy and I ate up every scene with them together!
Thank you to B.C Dolce for the ARC!
January 31, 2026
This was a quick and fun read! I loved all of the characters, especially Orfeo (the Italian vampire)! I think this book had a lot of great elements: humor, vampires, demons and witches, Greek mythology, and a paranormal romance. I do wish it wasn’t as fast paced and that we could have gotten more of the dark academia vibes. I feel like there was a lot more that could have been explored with the setting and the world building. But other than that I think it was a solid read!
Thank you so much to Lavender PR for the advanced copy! My Italian Vampire releases on February 17!
Thank you so much to Lavender PR for the advanced copy! My Italian Vampire releases on February 17!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars!!
this was honestly just the escape i needed! magic, demons, a mysterious college + an italian vampire who is too hot for his own good???? perfect.
such a fun book! i genuinely had a great time with diantha & ortheo. i love how their relationship developed and how perfect they are for each other. the humor in this book was great!! had me laughing out loud.
thank you so much for the arc! this is my honest review.
this was honestly just the escape i needed! magic, demons, a mysterious college + an italian vampire who is too hot for his own good???? perfect.
such a fun book! i genuinely had a great time with diantha & ortheo. i love how their relationship developed and how perfect they are for each other. the humor in this book was great!! had me laughing out loud.
thank you so much for the arc! this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ORFEO. WHERE ART THOU ORFEO?!?
chefs kiss to this book cause i am obsessed. i had such a fun time with Diantha & Orfeo. their banter and chemistry was amazing. i giggled and swooned and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how the story unfolded. l can’t wait to read more from B.C. Dolce and continue this series.
chefs kiss to this book cause i am obsessed. i had such a fun time with Diantha & Orfeo. their banter and chemistry was amazing. i giggled and swooned and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how the story unfolded. l can’t wait to read more from B.C. Dolce and continue this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this book was so sexy, full of twists and turns, and just so captivating. orfeo is one of the sexiest mmcs i have read and you could feel so much how made for each other they are.
love love love and i seriously can't wait for book 2 im so SAT
love love love and i seriously can't wait for book 2 im so SAT
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January 30, 2026Sadly, I had to DNF the ARC of this book that I received. I love Betty Corello’s writing, but this type of romance just isn’t for me. I’ll will definitely be here for her contemporary romances, but vampire romances just aren’t my speed.
February 2, 2026
This book was pleasantly surprising. I love how it subtilty bled from dark academia into something SO much more. The use of the gods and the paranormal really blended so well. Orfeo was completely likeable, and Diantha was honestly such a badass. This was such an amazing read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bake your ziti and read this book! If Betty Corrello writes something, I am immediately reading it- even if it is a supernatural romance (not my bag). This is an amazingly campy supernatural romance a la Buffy, including the author’s signature humor and banter. Follow Diantha as she attempts to free her mother from the in-between, meeting an Italian vampire (he’s hot and makes her aglio e olio) and other supernatural beings along the way. When you’re done, circle back for her contemporary novels
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews