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Once Upon A Memory: A Dark Vampire Romance
When he would do anything to be able to say “I love you” to his late wife again, Cole stumbles across her reincarnation teaching school in Chicago. Taking that as a sign, Cole did the unthinkable to get her back – he turned her into a vampire like him. Queue happily ever–
Wait. Hold that thought.
Following Mari and Declan, slayers from the British Slayer Institute, turning their backs on the very institute that took them out to Chicago to hunt down Cole and Kenneth for turning Carson, the Institute shows up on their doorsteps again. But this time, they aren’t coming to play.
Vampires shouldn’t exist, and God help anyone who sides with the supernatural or stands in their way.
Will Cole be able to protect Carson from almost certain death after only getting her back? And will she let him after starting to get memories of her past life back, learning that the only reason he turned her in the first place was because of his late wife?
Wait. Hold that thought.
Following Mari and Declan, slayers from the British Slayer Institute, turning their backs on the very institute that took them out to Chicago to hunt down Cole and Kenneth for turning Carson, the Institute shows up on their doorsteps again. But this time, they aren’t coming to play.
Vampires shouldn’t exist, and God help anyone who sides with the supernatural or stands in their way.
Will Cole be able to protect Carson from almost certain death after only getting her back? And will she let him after starting to get memories of her past life back, learning that the only reason he turned her in the first place was because of his late wife?
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy
ARC review
Note: I did not read books 1 & 2, but I found it easy enough to follow. The previous storylines did pique my interest.
The premise of the book immediately hooked me. A 200-year-old vampire turns the reincarnation of his dead wife into a vampire but hasn't told her? Juicy! Unfortunately for me, the story didn’t fully deliver on that potential. This particular plotline dragged on too long, especially with repetition in both POV's.
The external conflict with the slayers was quite strong, and the ending was set up well, especially after the foreboding dream at the beginning of the book. The climax itself didn’t feel very satisfying after all that buildup, which was a shame.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise and the tension between the characters, but I wish the story had delivered a stronger payoff in the final act.
Note: I did not read books 1 & 2, but I found it easy enough to follow. The previous storylines did pique my interest.
The premise of the book immediately hooked me. A 200-year-old vampire turns the reincarnation of his dead wife into a vampire but hasn't told her? Juicy! Unfortunately for me, the story didn’t fully deliver on that potential. This particular plotline dragged on too long, especially with repetition in both POV's.
The external conflict with the slayers was quite strong, and the ending was set up well, especially after the foreboding dream at the beginning of the book. The climax itself didn’t feel very satisfying after all that buildup, which was a shame.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise and the tension between the characters, but I wish the story had delivered a stronger payoff in the final act.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the honour of beta & ARC reading for Meagan. Below are my own views and opinions of this book.
Meagan, you have grown so much as a writer. Every new book from you brings out your very best. I think to myself, "Wow, this is the best she's ever written." Then your next book comes out, and you blow my brain!
The characters have evolved beautifully, and I feel like we've grown alongside them. I can feel everything building up, and I'm at the edge ready to jump into book 4 when it comes out.
The romance, the grisly reality of fights, and Carlson in general made this book for me. It was perfect from start to finish.
I don't want this series to end, but I'm eager to see what happens next. Collect your flowers. You truly deserve them.
Meagan, you have grown so much as a writer. Every new book from you brings out your very best. I think to myself, "Wow, this is the best she's ever written." Then your next book comes out, and you blow my brain!
The characters have evolved beautifully, and I feel like we've grown alongside them. I can feel everything building up, and I'm at the edge ready to jump into book 4 when it comes out.
The romance, the grisly reality of fights, and Carlson in general made this book for me. It was perfect from start to finish.
I don't want this series to end, but I'm eager to see what happens next. Collect your flowers. You truly deserve them.
March 13, 2026
If you like Vampires, complicated relationship dynamics between humans and supernaturals this book is for you. This is the 3rd book in The Vampires of Chicago series by Meagan Spaid. And it’s the best one of the series! I’m invested in these characters and will definitely be reading the next book! (There is one more coming out in late 2026, When the World End) @meagan_spaid
March 14, 2026
another great book. I love how the story is coming together with Cole, Carson, and Kenneth.
you have vampires, humans, and all the complications that come with relationships between the two species.
Carson is learning more and more about who is ND who she was. Will Cole finally tell her the whole story and about who Carson is? guess you have to read the book to find out!
you have vampires, humans, and all the complications that come with relationships between the two species.
Carson is learning more and more about who is ND who she was. Will Cole finally tell her the whole story and about who Carson is? guess you have to read the book to find out!
March 28, 2026
Had the pleasure of getting an ARC copy of this. Enjoyed reading about Cole and Carson. This is book 3 in the series!
The plot moved nicely but felt like there could have been some more tension to beef up the plot a bit. But overall, good read!
The plot moved nicely but felt like there could have been some more tension to beef up the plot a bit. But overall, good read!
April 9, 2026
I got sucked into this series from book 1! The premise of this series was intriguing to me. I loved how this story is coming along so far and how easy it is to follow to know what is going on. I was hooked from start to finish. I am excited to read the next book in this series. I had a great time reading this and excited for what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went back to read the first two books in this series after receiving this as an ARC from Meagan. Very interesting story line, taking it back 200 years & coming back across your reincarnated spouse. The dynamic between the characters, vampires vs slayers, is enjoyable as well. I look forward to future books!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews