Before he was a Mexican vampire, he was just José.
A mestizo foundling raised in a remote monastery, young José lives a life of chastity and prayer, believing that one day he will join the order he serves—until a night of ritual celebration changes everything forever, awakening an ancient evil from the crypt below. The unimaginable degradation and horror that follow transform the innocent boy into the creature who will one day be known as… José Alejandro.
This story is an excerpt from the full-length novel I Fell in Love with a Mexican Vampire, with some new material added to make it work as a standalone story. It can be read on its own or as an introduction to that fictional universe.
3.5 stars This was a great glimpse into the 'rebirth' of José Alejandro. It adds nuance and shows us how and why he's on the journey he is now. It truly ends on a hopeful note that makes me look forward to book two even more. I can't wait to see El Conde get his due, and José Alejandro and Camilo their HEA.