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The Vampire
Marlon Byrne was born long ago in a distant country, but for close to a century he’s been buried deep in the ground in the small town of Occident. He’d grown lonely, and the prospect of living out his existence with a mate was too hard to ignore. Which is how he ended up in a grave in the cemetery.
Blake Miller has listened to his grandfather talk about the vampire buried with his treasure of gold for as long as he can remember. One night he enlists his friend Aaron, to finally put those stories to rest.
What they discover that night is far different than either of them imagined. Blake faces a series of unwanted events that he cannot resist and is helpless to ignore. The life he knows is over, but the alternative may cost him more than a little blood.
Blake Miller has listened to his grandfather talk about the vampire buried with his treasure of gold for as long as he can remember. One night he enlists his friend Aaron, to finally put those stories to rest.
What they discover that night is far different than either of them imagined. Blake faces a series of unwanted events that he cannot resist and is helpless to ignore. The life he knows is over, but the alternative may cost him more than a little blood.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2026
9 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 27, 2026
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book as I've not come across the author before but was hooked in by the premise and it didn't disappoint.
Its starts with a little bit of grave digging as the MC Blake drags his friend to dig up a grave to satisfy his curiosity after years of being told tales of buried treasure from his grandad. Instead of treasure they find a surprisingly sprightly Marlon (the 2nd MC) who has been trapped 100 yrs following a major betrayal.
It was a fun book with vampires, witches, betrayal and drama mixed in with humour and of course a HEA.
I did enjoy this book and thought the mix of past and present added to the action.
Overall a good read and I'll be checking out more of the authors work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Its starts with a little bit of grave digging as the MC Blake drags his friend to dig up a grave to satisfy his curiosity after years of being told tales of buried treasure from his grandad. Instead of treasure they find a surprisingly sprightly Marlon (the 2nd MC) who has been trapped 100 yrs following a major betrayal.
It was a fun book with vampires, witches, betrayal and drama mixed in with humour and of course a HEA.
I did enjoy this book and thought the mix of past and present added to the action.
Overall a good read and I'll be checking out more of the authors work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's some time since my last vampire book, but this is a very entertaining and enjoyable read. The consept is good and I especially enjoyed the ending. I love how the two curious friends are unable to stay out of trouble and what a journey it is, especially for Blake. The secondary characters are a big part of the story and I love the bond formed between them.
A very solid read that will keep you entertained from the first to the last page.
A very solid read that will keep you entertained from the first to the last page.
Review of advance copy
Blake has heard his grandfather's stories so many times that he is absolutely certain there is one grave in the cemetery which holds treasure. After all the conviction his grandfather holds can only mean everything he says is true. Armed with the tools they will need to get digging he drags his best friend at the dead of night to see if they can find the treasure they would love.
Now before you think of them as awful young men for robbing graves, they have good intentions, they aren't money grabbers which could be the only reason they survive what happens next.
Marlon hasn't enjoyed the last one hundred years, being buried and in the dark just waiting. He has had far too much time to think, to remember how he ended up there, what his true love did to him and then, when he is finally released into the world, ready for and needing blood whose should he taste other than the blood of the one who betrayed him, or at least of his ancestors.
The complexity of why and how is only just beginning. As the story moves forward the pace is excellent, keeping readers on their toes, dismissing different notions that they might have about Vampires, laughing and cringing in equal measure. We get history, as Marlon shares what happened to him and we get the present day as Blake explains what has happened in the area, who his family are and more.
Romantic, funny, quirky and a surprisingly addictive read this story comes with all BL Maxwell's signature quirk, snappy storytelling style and love of the unconventional romance. I loved it. I hope you will too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now before you think of them as awful young men for robbing graves, they have good intentions, they aren't money grabbers which could be the only reason they survive what happens next.
Marlon hasn't enjoyed the last one hundred years, being buried and in the dark just waiting. He has had far too much time to think, to remember how he ended up there, what his true love did to him and then, when he is finally released into the world, ready for and needing blood whose should he taste other than the blood of the one who betrayed him, or at least of his ancestors.
The complexity of why and how is only just beginning. As the story moves forward the pace is excellent, keeping readers on their toes, dismissing different notions that they might have about Vampires, laughing and cringing in equal measure. We get history, as Marlon shares what happened to him and we get the present day as Blake explains what has happened in the area, who his family are and more.
Romantic, funny, quirky and a surprisingly addictive read this story comes with all BL Maxwell's signature quirk, snappy storytelling style and love of the unconventional romance. I loved it. I hope you will too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2026
When I saw a new title by BL Maxwell, I got it immediately, not looking at the title or the blurb or anything, because I love BL Maxwell. And man… this book didn’t disappear at all!! The premise is super cool, the characters are fantastic, and Drayana being a witchy mother Gothel is incredible. I love how Blake and Marlon’s relationship grows. Blake is super cool, and Marlon has been burned (pun intended) in the past, but together they find something worth fight for. And Joseph is the gold standard for family, seriously. I loved Aaron and Blake’s friendship as well, it was great to see how it changed a little as well. I love “Dracula”, it’s my favorite version of vampire, but this one was so good too! And the take on mates, choice, immortality, learning what really has value… it isn’t your run of the mill fated mates, HEA automatically because I said so, and “yay, being immortal is the best thing ever”. It’s more realistic than that, and I appreciated it very much. I loved how the story developed, how we find out more about Josiah and why he did what he did, and it’s just a great story. But what else do you expect from BL Maxwell? No sparkly vampires, no mates being stuck toggling because invisible something said so, but really good characters, choosing to be together, appreciating what they have, and fighting for things they consider worthwhile. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
February 28, 2026
When the dead man sits up after you've dug up his coffin, you are probably supposed to run. And if your first guess is "zombie" when he asks what you think he is? Why the heck aren't you running, screaming, the other way? Even though the dead man was nice enough to assist you out of his grave.
Blake and Aaron were adorable. Although I don't think that's the first word that came to Marlon's mind upon meeting them. No, they're curious. And stupid enough to trust the VAMPIRE when he says he only needs a little blood.
BL Maxwell does it again. Creates an original world build. And then populates it with the quirkiest, most interesting people. I was absolutely charmed by the lot of them, both mains and secondaries.
So, moody, brooding vampires are pretty common. Marlon was all that. Also, distrustful and ever so vulnerable. Blake saw all of that, and his first instinct was to protect. Fate might have made them mates, but it wasn't insta-love. More gradual, keeping pace with all the other plotlines.
There were a few twists and surprises. Some angst. Love and betrayal. Second chances. Age gap. Buried treasure. And a few 'adult' conversations about logistics and turnings.
There's a ten year epilogue, so I'm imagining that this is a one and done book. But I'd definitely read a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blake and Aaron were adorable. Although I don't think that's the first word that came to Marlon's mind upon meeting them. No, they're curious. And stupid enough to trust the VAMPIRE when he says he only needs a little blood.
BL Maxwell does it again. Creates an original world build. And then populates it with the quirkiest, most interesting people. I was absolutely charmed by the lot of them, both mains and secondaries.
So, moody, brooding vampires are pretty common. Marlon was all that. Also, distrustful and ever so vulnerable. Blake saw all of that, and his first instinct was to protect. Fate might have made them mates, but it wasn't insta-love. More gradual, keeping pace with all the other plotlines.
There were a few twists and surprises. Some angst. Love and betrayal. Second chances. Age gap. Buried treasure. And a few 'adult' conversations about logistics and turnings.
There's a ten year epilogue, so I'm imagining that this is a one and done book. But I'd definitely read a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2026
Marlon Byrne, a centuries‑old vampire buried beneath the small town of Occident, has grown so lonely that he chooses to lie in a grave, hoping fate will eventually bring him a mate. Blake Miller has heard stories all his life about a vampire buried with a stash of gold, and one night he and his friend Aaron decide to investigate. What they uncover is far more real — and far more dangerous — than a family legend. Awakening Marlon sets off a chain of events Blake can’t control, pulling him into a world where his old life is gone and the cost of survival may demand far more than just his blood.
I enjoyed the premise of this story and the eerie charm of a long‑buried vampire awakening to change Blake’s life, but I was left wanting more. The setup is intriguing and the atmosphere pulls you in quickly, yet the characters never quite deepen beyond their initial roles. Marlon and Blake’s dynamic had potential, but the emotional and personal development felt too thin to fully invest in. The biggest disappointment was how abruptly the story ended. Just as the tension and stakes were building, it wrapped up before exploring the consequences or giving the characters room to grow. It’s a fun, engaging idea with flashes of promise, but the lack of development and sudden finish kept it from being as satisfying as it could have been. This was an MM story with mature content.
I enjoyed the premise of this story and the eerie charm of a long‑buried vampire awakening to change Blake’s life, but I was left wanting more. The setup is intriguing and the atmosphere pulls you in quickly, yet the characters never quite deepen beyond their initial roles. Marlon and Blake’s dynamic had potential, but the emotional and personal development felt too thin to fully invest in. The biggest disappointment was how abruptly the story ended. Just as the tension and stakes were building, it wrapped up before exploring the consequences or giving the characters room to grow. It’s a fun, engaging idea with flashes of promise, but the lack of development and sudden finish kept it from being as satisfying as it could have been. This was an MM story with mature content.
February 27, 2026
I picked this ARC up purely because it’s by B.L. Maxwell and once again, that trust paid off.
The premise was irresistible: a vampire buried for nearly a century in a small-town cemetery, rumoured treasure, and a curious grandson determined to prove his grandfather’s stories wrong. What Blake and his friend uncover is far more complicated than a spooky legend, and from that moment on, the story refuses to play it safe.
I liked that Marlon isn’t a flashy, romanticised vampire. He’s lonely, cautious, and shaped by a long past that hasn’t always been kind. Blake, on the other hand, feels grounded and steady, even as his entire reality shifts. I loved that their relationship grows through choice rather than destiny. This isn’t an automatic “fated mates and done” situation, they actively decide to be together, weighing immortality, sacrifice and what a shared future would really mean.
The supporting characters add depth (and a bit of delicious menace), and the gradual uncovering of past motivations gives the story emotional weight. It’s thoughtful about power, value and what forever actually costs. A fresh, satisfying take on vampires with real heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The premise was irresistible: a vampire buried for nearly a century in a small-town cemetery, rumoured treasure, and a curious grandson determined to prove his grandfather’s stories wrong. What Blake and his friend uncover is far more complicated than a spooky legend, and from that moment on, the story refuses to play it safe.
I liked that Marlon isn’t a flashy, romanticised vampire. He’s lonely, cautious, and shaped by a long past that hasn’t always been kind. Blake, on the other hand, feels grounded and steady, even as his entire reality shifts. I loved that their relationship grows through choice rather than destiny. This isn’t an automatic “fated mates and done” situation, they actively decide to be together, weighing immortality, sacrifice and what a shared future would really mean.
The supporting characters add depth (and a bit of delicious menace), and the gradual uncovering of past motivations gives the story emotional weight. It’s thoughtful about power, value and what forever actually costs. A fresh, satisfying take on vampires with real heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Mixed Bag, But Fun
This is a longish paranormal gay romance, with a big cast of characters, and a hot mess of a plot. Tropes? It’s got your insta-love, your age gap, your complicated ex situation, and HEAs all around.
All his life, MC Blake has heard tales of an ancestor who trapped a vampire with a pile of gold. One night Blake and his best friend Aaron decide to dig up the grave of the alleged vampire to check out the tale’s truth. They’re surprised when they actually dig up a vampire! Marlon was, indeed, trapped and buried by one of Blake’s ancestors. While Marlon refers to the ancestor as his mate, he experiences an instant and intense attraction to Blake.
This is just the beginning of a wild and crazy story that includes Josiah (the ancestor), a young-looking-but-actually-ancient vampire (Elias), accidental turning of one (or two?) human, a weird, long-lived witch, and a pile of gold. And the movie series Marlon becomes obsessed with is surprisingly funny.
It’s a real mixed bag.
It’s fun, as long as you’re not too invested in any vampire story traditions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a longish paranormal gay romance, with a big cast of characters, and a hot mess of a plot. Tropes? It’s got your insta-love, your age gap, your complicated ex situation, and HEAs all around.
All his life, MC Blake has heard tales of an ancestor who trapped a vampire with a pile of gold. One night Blake and his best friend Aaron decide to dig up the grave of the alleged vampire to check out the tale’s truth. They’re surprised when they actually dig up a vampire! Marlon was, indeed, trapped and buried by one of Blake’s ancestors. While Marlon refers to the ancestor as his mate, he experiences an instant and intense attraction to Blake.
This is just the beginning of a wild and crazy story that includes Josiah (the ancestor), a young-looking-but-actually-ancient vampire (Elias), accidental turning of one (or two?) human, a weird, long-lived witch, and a pile of gold. And the movie series Marlon becomes obsessed with is surprisingly funny.
It’s a real mixed bag.
It’s fun, as long as you’re not too invested in any vampire story traditions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2026
ARC from Booksprout. What a great treat!
I knew as soon as I saw the cover I was in for a special experience.
A hot vampire in a cowboy hat!
B.L. delivered!!!
This wasn't the 'normal' vampire story.
There weren't a hoard of vampires running around sucking on necks and turning everyone.
Instead we have a mystery, humor and a romance.
Blake's grandfather told him about a treasure of gold,and a casket waiting to be found the entire time he was growing up, so he decided to do it!
He wanted it to help his family with debts.
He convinced his friend Aaron, who agreed to help, but they got more than they bargained for.
Marlon, a vampire had been buried in the casket, so he'd been 'asleep' for a long, long, long time!
That's when the action really took off.
I recommend you add this to your library of BL's books!
I hope we can experience more from BL.
I knew as soon as I saw the cover I was in for a special experience.
A hot vampire in a cowboy hat!
B.L. delivered!!!
This wasn't the 'normal' vampire story.
There weren't a hoard of vampires running around sucking on necks and turning everyone.
Instead we have a mystery, humor and a romance.
Blake's grandfather told him about a treasure of gold,and a casket waiting to be found the entire time he was growing up, so he decided to do it!
He wanted it to help his family with debts.
He convinced his friend Aaron, who agreed to help, but they got more than they bargained for.
Marlon, a vampire had been buried in the casket, so he'd been 'asleep' for a long, long, long time!
That's when the action really took off.
I recommend you add this to your library of BL's books!
I hope we can experience more from BL.
March 4, 2026
I loved this. Not your average vampire story, it starts with Blake and his friend Aaron searching for buried treasure on Blake's family's farm and has them digging up vampire Marlon. Marlon was betrayed by a man he loved, who turns out to be an ancestor of Blake. But Blake and Aaron pull him out and he comes back to life, given he is the vampire of the title. It turns out Blake and Marlon are fated mates, and there are some rather nasty goings on in the supernatural world that Blake, Marlon and some vampire friends/frenemies they find along the way have to solve.
Blake and Marlon's love story is beautiful and unusual. Lovely writing and the spice is delicious.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blake and Marlon's love story is beautiful and unusual. Lovely writing and the spice is delicious.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blake has lived in the small town of Occident his whole life. Raised on stories from his grandfather about buried treasure, he and his best friend Aaron, visit the graveyard to dig up a grave. What they found was shocked them both as it was Marlon, who is a vampire, buried there for 100 years. Blake brings him home so he can the story about what his distant relative did to him. Told in both point of views, we hear about Marlon backstory, Marlon realizing that Blake is his mate. There is adventure as Blake helps Marlon find the one who buried him and to find out why. Loved the story and I was happy to see an epilogue that is 10 years in the future. Cannot wait to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy
The Vampire is the story of Marlon a vampire and Blake a human. The blurb got me interested in reading the book but the characters kept me wanting more. I couldn't put this book down once I started it because BL Maxwell does such an amazing job of bringing characters to life. This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions learning about Marlon's past and the fun parts of him in the present. I loved Blake's desire to help Marlon. This was just a great story that I know I will reread because of how much I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading whatever BL Maxwell comes up with next. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blake and Marlon was quite interesting with unexpected developments, secrets, betrayal, danger and adrenaline, and a blooming love that will last a lifetime.
Their beginning was a rough one, as they had some differences and divergences, they had to build trust and to believe in their feelings.
It also had some unexpected elements, a hidden enemy that controlled things from the shadow, betrayal, and unexpected friend they made along the way.
It was an enjoyable read and would like to see more of the characters.
Their beginning was a rough one, as they had some differences and divergences, they had to build trust and to believe in their feelings.
It also had some unexpected elements, a hidden enemy that controlled things from the shadow, betrayal, and unexpected friend they made along the way.
It was an enjoyable read and would like to see more of the characters.
March 12, 2026
4.5 Stars Vampire Found Family
Beginning as a youthful cemetary adventure and becoming a journey of discovery, both personal and historical, an improbable romance leading to a new kind of family, this book was different from what I had imagined upon reading the description/blurb. Not so much a cowboy/drifter/vampire, Marlon has been searching for companionship and belonging, at the mercy of fate and circumstance, often guileless and preyed upon until he meets his mate and learns acceptance, and is healed by Love. A good read, simply written and worthwhile.
Beginning as a youthful cemetary adventure and becoming a journey of discovery, both personal and historical, an improbable romance leading to a new kind of family, this book was different from what I had imagined upon reading the description/blurb. Not so much a cowboy/drifter/vampire, Marlon has been searching for companionship and belonging, at the mercy of fate and circumstance, often guileless and preyed upon until he meets his mate and learns acceptance, and is healed by Love. A good read, simply written and worthwhile.
Review of advance copy
Hilarious that a centuries old vampire, released from a century imprisonment, watches the Twillight series.
Story for me is about finding your family. As I always tell my friends: family are the people you 'collect' during life.
And does Blake collect them. From the love of his life to a former lover of his fated mate who is even Blake's killer.
Loved the feeling this book gave me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Story for me is about finding your family. As I always tell my friends: family are the people you 'collect' during life.
And does Blake collect them. From the love of his life to a former lover of his fated mate who is even Blake's killer.
Loved the feeling this book gave me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2026
'The life he knows is over, but the alternative may cost him more than a little blood.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2026
This was a very entertaining and enjoyable story that kept me engaged. Vampires, grave digging, drama, intrigue…what more could you want! This had so many great and interesting characters that really made it a great read! Some moments definitely had me laughing! Blake and Marlon made a great couple! I enjoyed this story very much!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2026
Marlon is a vampire, born a very long time ago, but for the past hundred years he has been buried in Occident. He is very lonely, but not for much longer. Blake has heard stories of the vampire and his treasure, so he gets his friend to help find it. This story is funny with unique characters and side characters. It also is romantic with a touch of adventure and danger.
March 8, 2026
This was an amazing book about love, loss, forgiveness and finding your way in a world that isn’t always kind.
The characters were amazing and some like Marlon were super dramatic but he was such a sweetie!!
I would love more stories like this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were amazing and some like Marlon were super dramatic but he was such a sweetie!!
I would love more stories like this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2026
I enjoyed this story about Marlon and Blake it is well written and has a bit of everything action and adventure to love and laughter it has some twists and turns in the story and an epilogue ten years in the future it makes it a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed the story but at times I got confused as to what was going on in the scenes or who was speaking.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2026
I loved The Vampire and struggled to put it down. The story and characters are amazing and I enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews