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Stake Me If I’m Wrong
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26I, Beau Drewitt, have been alive long enough to watch empires rise, burn, and get reborn with better branding. Love, though? That's always been the one thing that missed me. I was turned during the Revolutionary War...back when men bled for ideals and monsters were made in silence...and somehow survived centuries without ever wanting someone enough to risk everything.
Until her. Elowen Briar.
I've built my life around a quiet bookstore, convinced permanence was something you shelved, not something you felt. It took decades to realize immortality is just a long way of avoiding loneliness. And when I finally saw her, really saw her, I knew wanting was no longer optional. It was inevitable.
I'd protect her from the world. From the dark. From herself, if I had to. I'd rewrite every rule I've followed for over two hundred years just to keep her close.
So if that makes me dangerous...
If that makes me unhinged...
Then fine.
Because after living this long without love, I'm not about to let it slip through my fingers now.
Until her. Elowen Briar.
I've built my life around a quiet bookstore, convinced permanence was something you shelved, not something you felt. It took decades to realize immortality is just a long way of avoiding loneliness. And when I finally saw her, really saw her, I knew wanting was no longer optional. It was inevitable.
I'd protect her from the world. From the dark. From herself, if I had to. I'd rewrite every rule I've followed for over two hundred years just to keep her close.
So if that makes me dangerous...
If that makes me unhinged...
Then fine.
Because after living this long without love, I'm not about to let it slip through my fingers now.
- GenresDark Romance
573 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 19, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! The slow burn between Elowen and Beau was everything I could have hoped for. Their relationship developed so naturally, and it made every moment between them that much more meaningful.
I also appreciated that this story wasn’t just about romance. It tackled deeper topics like past trauma, loss, grief, mental health, and healing with so much heart. Elowen and Beau truly needed each other, and watching them find comfort, strength, and love together was incredibly rewarding.
As much as I adored Elowen and Beau, I think I’m even more excited to see Kai and his love interest blossom in book two. 😍 I just know this man is going to have me absolutely melting!
Thank you to Alyssa Mullins and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I also appreciated that this story wasn’t just about romance. It tackled deeper topics like past trauma, loss, grief, mental health, and healing with so much heart. Elowen and Beau truly needed each other, and watching them find comfort, strength, and love together was incredibly rewarding.
As much as I adored Elowen and Beau, I think I’m even more excited to see Kai and his love interest blossom in book two. 😍 I just know this man is going to have me absolutely melting!
Thank you to Alyssa Mullins and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 9, 2026
Stake Me if I’m Wrong was such a fun read! It’s a multi POV that promises tropes of found family, slow burn/paranormal romance, comedy and more… it delivered just that! Modern day romance between a Vampire and a regular gal with banter.. sign me up!
I especially enjoyed the flashbacks of the MMCs origin story and his present day bromance with his BFF (🤣 IYKYK), Kai.
Elowen is a very likable character. I usually hate a “perfect” FMC, but the author gives her a back story that allows the reader to understand her hardships and see her dimension. The best thing about Elowen is that she never feels sorry for herself. She perseveres and it’s a great element in the storyline and shows how selfless she is on a molecular level.
Beau comes across as admirable and well behaved, but meanwhile he is secretly crossing lines and has a filthy mouth 😈.
Kai was obviously (and surprisingly) my favorite character. He plays dumb, but he knows what he’s doing. The bee line still cracks me up 🤣 I cannot wait to see what in store for him in book two! … hopefully the world, because he deserves it.
I felt the second half of the book happened very quickly without as much suspense, but the story comes together well in the end. You can feel how personal certain scenes are to the author. It made me feel my own sort of nostalgia. Also, don’t skip the acknowledgments..real tears 🥹 I will 100% continue this series and read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley and JAC Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I especially enjoyed the flashbacks of the MMCs origin story and his present day bromance with his BFF (🤣 IYKYK), Kai.
Elowen is a very likable character. I usually hate a “perfect” FMC, but the author gives her a back story that allows the reader to understand her hardships and see her dimension. The best thing about Elowen is that she never feels sorry for herself. She perseveres and it’s a great element in the storyline and shows how selfless she is on a molecular level.
Beau comes across as admirable and well behaved, but meanwhile he is secretly crossing lines and has a filthy mouth 😈.
Kai was obviously (and surprisingly) my favorite character. He plays dumb, but he knows what he’s doing. The bee line still cracks me up 🤣 I cannot wait to see what in store for him in book two! … hopefully the world, because he deserves it.
I felt the second half of the book happened very quickly without as much suspense, but the story comes together well in the end. You can feel how personal certain scenes are to the author. It made me feel my own sort of nostalgia. Also, don’t skip the acknowledgments..real tears 🥹 I will 100% continue this series and read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley and JAC Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2026
Stake Me If I’m Wrong by Alyssa Mullins was a fun and entertaining read with a great mix of paranormal romance, humor, and mystery. The banter between the characters kept the story engaging, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop alongside the supernatural plot. The pacing was solid for most of the book, and there were enough twists to keep me interested.
The reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is that a few plot points felt a little rushed, and I would have liked more depth in some of the side characters. Even so, the story was enjoyable from start to finish, and I found myself eager to see how everything would unfold.
If you’re looking for a light, witty paranormal romance with charming characters and plenty of vampire-inspired fun, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you NetGalley, JAC Press, Spark and Quill, and of course Alyssa Mullins for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!
The reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is that a few plot points felt a little rushed, and I would have liked more depth in some of the side characters. Even so, the story was enjoyable from start to finish, and I found myself eager to see how everything would unfold.
If you’re looking for a light, witty paranormal romance with charming characters and plenty of vampire-inspired fun, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you NetGalley, JAC Press, Spark and Quill, and of course Alyssa Mullins for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!
July 28, 2026
Very lucky to have received this as an ARC!
I LOVED Stake Me If I’m Wrong🖤 paranormal, vampires, yearning, found family, brooding & slow burn, what more could you want?
We meet Beau, a centuries old vampire who meets Elowen and he is instantly infatuated with her. Beau will do absolutely anything for Elowen & we see this develop when Elowen receives some life changing news.
Elowen is used to being on her own after the death of her grandmother but has support from her bestfriend Imani, who is an amazing character in this story. I absolutely adored their sisterly bond!
Kai also has my heart, loved the humour he brought to the story & really enjoyed the friendship between Kai & Beau.
Really enjoyed Alyssas writing style, it kept me engaged and really appreciated how she brought awareness to ALS🫶🏻
5 ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
I LOVED Stake Me If I’m Wrong🖤 paranormal, vampires, yearning, found family, brooding & slow burn, what more could you want?
We meet Beau, a centuries old vampire who meets Elowen and he is instantly infatuated with her. Beau will do absolutely anything for Elowen & we see this develop when Elowen receives some life changing news.
Elowen is used to being on her own after the death of her grandmother but has support from her bestfriend Imani, who is an amazing character in this story. I absolutely adored their sisterly bond!
Kai also has my heart, loved the humour he brought to the story & really enjoyed the friendship between Kai & Beau.
Really enjoyed Alyssas writing style, it kept me engaged and really appreciated how she brought awareness to ALS🫶🏻
5 ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was able to have the oppertunity to ARC read this book and might i say I absolutely loved this book! I devoured it completely and it brought me through a world-wind of emotions, happy, sad, etc.
This is exactly what i look for in a dark romance, not only the relationship but the grief, trauma, and every other topic this book talked about gave everything it needed to.
The slow burn that Elowen and Beau was beautiful and it developed so magnificently and i absolutely adored them. As much as i loved this book and the characters i CANNOT wait to see book 2, the characters, and the topics in that one!
I just want to say a huge thank you to Alyssa Mullins and the publisher for this amazing oppertunity to provide me this read!
This book comes out 9/29/26!
July 30, 2026
thank you to netgalley and allyssa mullins for the arc
love this back and forth with the time jumps and the multiple pov’s. every character had something to love and getting to be in their head at one point or another was perfect. it did take me a minute to warm up to elowen but then i had this realization that oh wait i see a lot of myself in her. beau is an absolute perfect angel baby and i cannot wait to see how book 2 plays out!
love this back and forth with the time jumps and the multiple pov’s. every character had something to love and getting to be in their head at one point or another was perfect. it did take me a minute to warm up to elowen but then i had this realization that oh wait i see a lot of myself in her. beau is an absolute perfect angel baby and i cannot wait to see how book 2 plays out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love beau and elowen and imani and kai. Theyre so amazing together and a great group of friends. I love the banter, the chemistry, the love. The emotional rollercoaster that alyssa put me through about 70% of the way through was ABSOLUTELY despicable 🤣 but so worth it. I laughed out loud and teared up, this was an amazing debut novel. Seriously, go pre order it.
July 22, 2026
Elowen’s letter broke me. And this was deliciously beautiful that’s the only way I can describe it. I can’t wait for more!
July 11, 2026
I received this book as an ARC so thank you, Alyssa for letting me into this world. I’m still catching up with my emotions after reading so bear with me. 75% in and I couldn’t even see the words on my screen because of the tears. The absolute raw pain I was feeling is going to be concluded by me sitting in the shower thinking about my book choices. This book has laughter, banter, pain, love, grief, and everything in between. I laughed at jokes, I cried at the pain the character felt, and I smiled at every happy thing that happened. It was an absolute perfect debut novel and I can’t wait for the second book. Bravo, Alyssa, bravo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🧛 Stake Me If I'm Wrong was exactly the kind of paranormal romance I love getting lost in. It blends vampires, humor, emotional healing, slow-burn romance, found family, and multiple perspectives into a story that kept me hooked from the very first chapter. I went in expecting a fun vampire romance, but I ended up getting so much more.
From the opening pages, I was completely invested. The historical prologue immediately grabbed my attention, and I loved how the story shifted between the present day and glimpses of Beau's past. Those flashbacks added so much depth to his character and helped explain the man he has become. I honestly could have read even more about his early years as a vampire.
Beau was impossible not to fall for. On the outside, he seems calm, thoughtful, and incredibly considerate, but underneath that polished exterior is someone far more complicated. He's protective without being overbearing, charming without trying too hard, and when his more mischievous side appears, it makes him even more entertaining. The fact that he owns a bookstore was just the icing on the cake.
I also adored Elowen. She carries so much pain with her, yet she never lets it define who she is. Instead of giving in to everything life has thrown at her, she continues moving forward with quiet strength. The author does a wonderful job exploring her past, allowing readers to understand her struggles without making them her entire personality. Watching her slowly heal while learning to trust again made her feel incredibly real.
The romance between Elowen and Beau unfolds at a gentle pace, and while it takes its time, every step feels earned. Their conversations, the lingering tension, and the gradual build-up made their relationship believable. By the time they finally shared those long-awaited romantic moments, I was completely invested in them as a couple.
As much as I loved the main romance, the supporting cast deserves just as much praise. Kai completely stole the spotlight whenever he appeared. He has this effortless ability to make every scene more entertaining, and his friendship with Beau was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their dynamic felt genuine, and their banter had me laughing more than once. I'm already counting down the days until his story because I have a feeling he's going to become an even bigger favorite. Imani was another standout, always showing up as the kind of loyal friend everyone hopes to have, and Genie absolutely won my heart.
One thing I really appreciated was that the story didn't rely solely on romance. It also explores grief, trauma, mental health, loss, body image, and healing with compassion and care. Those heavier themes never overshadow the lighter moments, but instead add emotional depth that makes the characters' journeys feel even more meaningful.
The overall reading experience was also enhanced by all the little details. I loved the multiple POVs, the shorter chapters, the timeline headings, the town map, and even the playlist included throughout the book. As someone who's always had a soft spot for vampire stories, I also picked up subtle nostalgic vibes that reminded me why I fell in love with this genre in the first place.
If I had one small criticism, it would be that parts of the second half felt slightly more rushed than the beginning. I also found myself wishing for a little more suspense before everything came together. Even so, the ending left me with countless questions and made me eager to continue the series.
Overall, Stake Me If I'm Wrong delivered a heartfelt paranormal romance filled with lovable characters, witty humor, emotional depth, and a slow-burn relationship worth waiting for. If you enjoy vampires, found family, unforgettable side characters, and romances that balance sweetness with emotional weight, this is definitely one I'd recommend. And yes... I'm already desperate for book two.
From the opening pages, I was completely invested. The historical prologue immediately grabbed my attention, and I loved how the story shifted between the present day and glimpses of Beau's past. Those flashbacks added so much depth to his character and helped explain the man he has become. I honestly could have read even more about his early years as a vampire.
Beau was impossible not to fall for. On the outside, he seems calm, thoughtful, and incredibly considerate, but underneath that polished exterior is someone far more complicated. He's protective without being overbearing, charming without trying too hard, and when his more mischievous side appears, it makes him even more entertaining. The fact that he owns a bookstore was just the icing on the cake.
I also adored Elowen. She carries so much pain with her, yet she never lets it define who she is. Instead of giving in to everything life has thrown at her, she continues moving forward with quiet strength. The author does a wonderful job exploring her past, allowing readers to understand her struggles without making them her entire personality. Watching her slowly heal while learning to trust again made her feel incredibly real.
The romance between Elowen and Beau unfolds at a gentle pace, and while it takes its time, every step feels earned. Their conversations, the lingering tension, and the gradual build-up made their relationship believable. By the time they finally shared those long-awaited romantic moments, I was completely invested in them as a couple.
As much as I loved the main romance, the supporting cast deserves just as much praise. Kai completely stole the spotlight whenever he appeared. He has this effortless ability to make every scene more entertaining, and his friendship with Beau was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their dynamic felt genuine, and their banter had me laughing more than once. I'm already counting down the days until his story because I have a feeling he's going to become an even bigger favorite. Imani was another standout, always showing up as the kind of loyal friend everyone hopes to have, and Genie absolutely won my heart.
One thing I really appreciated was that the story didn't rely solely on romance. It also explores grief, trauma, mental health, loss, body image, and healing with compassion and care. Those heavier themes never overshadow the lighter moments, but instead add emotional depth that makes the characters' journeys feel even more meaningful.
The overall reading experience was also enhanced by all the little details. I loved the multiple POVs, the shorter chapters, the timeline headings, the town map, and even the playlist included throughout the book. As someone who's always had a soft spot for vampire stories, I also picked up subtle nostalgic vibes that reminded me why I fell in love with this genre in the first place.
If I had one small criticism, it would be that parts of the second half felt slightly more rushed than the beginning. I also found myself wishing for a little more suspense before everything came together. Even so, the ending left me with countless questions and made me eager to continue the series.
Overall, Stake Me If I'm Wrong delivered a heartfelt paranormal romance filled with lovable characters, witty humor, emotional depth, and a slow-burn relationship worth waiting for. If you enjoy vampires, found family, unforgettable side characters, and romances that balance sweetness with emotional weight, this is definitely one I'd recommend. And yes... I'm already desperate for book two.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes: Dark Paranormal RomCom, Touch Her & ☠️, Vampires, He Falls First & Hard, "Where is my Wife?!”, Fated Mates, Slow 🔥, Therapist FMC, Bookstore Owner MMC, Grumpy Sunshine, Age Gap
Quotes: "F*ck. I need her. I want her. She's mine, end of discussion. I'll make sure of it."
Review No Spoilers: Stake Me If I’m Wrong is a delightfully unique blend of dark paranormal romance, slow burn tension, and laugh out loud comedy that offers the perfect balance of heart, humor, and supernatural suspense.
The story follows Elowen Briar, a compassionate trauma therapist who spends her days helping others while quietly carrying the weight of her own loneliness. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Beau Drewitt, the charming owner of the local bookstore, Crimson & Quill. While Elowen believes she’s falling for a quiet, book-loving gentleman, readers quickly discover Beau is hiding a dangerous secret he’s a centuries-old vampire, and Elowen is his fated mate.
The romance unfolds at a satisfying slow pace, allowing both characters to build a genuine emotional connection before the stakes become life threatening. Beau is the ultimate obsessive protector, delivering all the beloved “he falls first,” “touch her and die,” and fated mates tropes while struggling to keep both his identity and his growing feelings under control. Meanwhile, the looming threat of a relentless rival vampire keeps the tension high and the danger ever-present.
Beyond the romance, the novel explores themes of trauma, healing, loneliness, and emotional redemption, giving its characters surprising depth beneath the paranormal intrigue. The witty banter and quirky small town atmosphere provide welcome moments of levity, making the darker elements feel even more impactful.
With an irresistible vampire bookshop owner, compelling emotional growth, supernatural mystery, and plenty of slow-burn chemistry, Crimson & Quill is an engaging start to a new paranormal romance series that will appeal to readers who enjoy cozy settings wrapped in dangerous secrets and obsessive love stories.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Quotes: "F*ck. I need her. I want her. She's mine, end of discussion. I'll make sure of it."
Review No Spoilers: Stake Me If I’m Wrong is a delightfully unique blend of dark paranormal romance, slow burn tension, and laugh out loud comedy that offers the perfect balance of heart, humor, and supernatural suspense.
The story follows Elowen Briar, a compassionate trauma therapist who spends her days helping others while quietly carrying the weight of her own loneliness. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Beau Drewitt, the charming owner of the local bookstore, Crimson & Quill. While Elowen believes she’s falling for a quiet, book-loving gentleman, readers quickly discover Beau is hiding a dangerous secret he’s a centuries-old vampire, and Elowen is his fated mate.
The romance unfolds at a satisfying slow pace, allowing both characters to build a genuine emotional connection before the stakes become life threatening. Beau is the ultimate obsessive protector, delivering all the beloved “he falls first,” “touch her and die,” and fated mates tropes while struggling to keep both his identity and his growing feelings under control. Meanwhile, the looming threat of a relentless rival vampire keeps the tension high and the danger ever-present.
Beyond the romance, the novel explores themes of trauma, healing, loneliness, and emotional redemption, giving its characters surprising depth beneath the paranormal intrigue. The witty banter and quirky small town atmosphere provide welcome moments of levity, making the darker elements feel even more impactful.
With an irresistible vampire bookshop owner, compelling emotional growth, supernatural mystery, and plenty of slow-burn chemistry, Crimson & Quill is an engaging start to a new paranormal romance series that will appeal to readers who enjoy cozy settings wrapped in dangerous secrets and obsessive love stories.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 13, 2026
ARC Review | Stake Me If I'm Wrong by Alyssa Mullins
Crimson & Quills Series- Book 1
Release Date: September 29, 2026
As a vampire lover, I was hooked from the very first page. Stake Me If I'm Wrong gave me everything I love in a paranormal romance an immortal vampire hero, delicious slow burn tension, humor, heartbreak, and an ending that left me desperate for book two.
As if I wasn't already a sucker for vampires, Beau made it worse. Sweet, protective, slightly dangerous, and he owns a bookstore!
Elowen was such a standout character. She's strong and independent, but she's been through so much that there were moments I just wanted to reach through the pages and hug her.
Their chemistry was undeniable, and while the slow burn felt very slow at times, it did a great job building the tension. By the time that first touch and first kiss finally happened, it was absolutely worth the wait.
I loved the inclusion of the town map and playlist, the multiple POVs, the short chapters, and the chapter titles that helped ground the timeline. As a longtime vampire fan, I also got a little bit of The Vampire Diaries vibe from this story, which made me enjoy it even more.
The supporting cast was fantastic too, Imani is the kind of friend everyone deserves, Kai stole every scene he was in, and Genie the dog completely owned my heart.
This story touches on heavier topics including body dysmorphia, cancer, and grief, balancing emotional depth with moments that genuinely made me laugh. The prologue's historical vibe immediately pulled me in, and Chapters 66 and 67 absolutely shattered me, I felt like I was the one being staked.
While I would have loved more of Beau's early vampire years and felt parts of the second half moved a little quickly, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. That ending left me with so many questions on what’s to come, and I'll definitely be picking up the next book.
Thank you to Alyssa Mullins and NetGalley for the eARC!
Crimson & Quills Series- Book 1
Release Date: September 29, 2026
As a vampire lover, I was hooked from the very first page. Stake Me If I'm Wrong gave me everything I love in a paranormal romance an immortal vampire hero, delicious slow burn tension, humor, heartbreak, and an ending that left me desperate for book two.
As if I wasn't already a sucker for vampires, Beau made it worse. Sweet, protective, slightly dangerous, and he owns a bookstore!
Elowen was such a standout character. She's strong and independent, but she's been through so much that there were moments I just wanted to reach through the pages and hug her.
Their chemistry was undeniable, and while the slow burn felt very slow at times, it did a great job building the tension. By the time that first touch and first kiss finally happened, it was absolutely worth the wait.
I loved the inclusion of the town map and playlist, the multiple POVs, the short chapters, and the chapter titles that helped ground the timeline. As a longtime vampire fan, I also got a little bit of The Vampire Diaries vibe from this story, which made me enjoy it even more.
The supporting cast was fantastic too, Imani is the kind of friend everyone deserves, Kai stole every scene he was in, and Genie the dog completely owned my heart.
This story touches on heavier topics including body dysmorphia, cancer, and grief, balancing emotional depth with moments that genuinely made me laugh. The prologue's historical vibe immediately pulled me in, and Chapters 66 and 67 absolutely shattered me, I felt like I was the one being staked.
While I would have loved more of Beau's early vampire years and felt parts of the second half moved a little quickly, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. That ending left me with so many questions on what’s to come, and I'll definitely be picking up the next book.
Thank you to Alyssa Mullins and NetGalley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to JAC Press for the ARC of this book from Netgalley!
"Stake Me If I'm Wrong" is a slow burn romance following Beau and Elowen through the trials and tribulations of a vampire encountering his soulmate. Beau has been undead for a long time, finding comfort in his bookstore when Elowen walks into his life. Elowen is a therapist, dealing with her own life issues when she encounters Beau, a man determined to sweep her off her feet and make all of those problems go away. Unfortunately, those things don't always play out so simply, as a woman named Kalevala has her eyes on Beau and won't take no for an answer. The story focuses on themes of trust, trauma, love, and friendship, and has just the right level of spice for those looking for those aspects within their romances.
I will admit that it took me a while to fully sink into the book, but once I was in, I was HOOKED! I didn't think I'd find myself sobbing at 2AM towards the last part of the book, but boy oh boy did the pain and heartache of the plot hit me where it hurts. Alyssa Mullins did an incredible job bringing the reader into this world, and attaching themselves to these characters on a personal level. I also found myself liking the multiple POVs within the story. While it was a bit overwhelming in the beginning, those POVs added so many important layers into the story.
I'm so excited to see what comes next for this series (I could've screamed when I saw who book 2 was going to focus on due to how hard I've been rooting for them)! I will be keeping my eyes peeled for any and all news!
"Stake Me If I'm Wrong" is a slow burn romance following Beau and Elowen through the trials and tribulations of a vampire encountering his soulmate. Beau has been undead for a long time, finding comfort in his bookstore when Elowen walks into his life. Elowen is a therapist, dealing with her own life issues when she encounters Beau, a man determined to sweep her off her feet and make all of those problems go away. Unfortunately, those things don't always play out so simply, as a woman named Kalevala has her eyes on Beau and won't take no for an answer. The story focuses on themes of trust, trauma, love, and friendship, and has just the right level of spice for those looking for those aspects within their romances.
I will admit that it took me a while to fully sink into the book, but once I was in, I was HOOKED! I didn't think I'd find myself sobbing at 2AM towards the last part of the book, but boy oh boy did the pain and heartache of the plot hit me where it hurts. Alyssa Mullins did an incredible job bringing the reader into this world, and attaching themselves to these characters on a personal level. I also found myself liking the multiple POVs within the story. While it was a bit overwhelming in the beginning, those POVs added so many important layers into the story.
I'm so excited to see what comes next for this series (I could've screamed when I saw who book 2 was going to focus on due to how hard I've been rooting for them)! I will be keeping my eyes peeled for any and all news!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The words on the pages of Stake Me If I’m Wrong read in a way that poetry would envy. Emotion is laced in each change of pace, setting and character. Every giggle, smirk, sigh, anguished yell - it felt like I was there witnessing every moment. The first few chapters, the opening, made me feel at home, but also ripped my heart from my chest all at once. It was so familiar, like comfort and agony in one swift moment.
If you are a fan of Brynne Weaver, Navessa Allen and a nod to the paranormal, SMIIW is going to fall right where you’d like. The banter and snark puts you in the right mindset for the rom-com in all the dark. Each character has their own personality that shines through. Elowen sacrifices her comfort for others. Imani is a leader and takes charge. Kai knows when to settle a stressful situation. And then there’s Beau. Beau is who you want in your corner. If you are his family, chosen or not, you are going to be cared for in whatever way he can provide. That care may come with a little obsessive behavior, but we’ll just say that’s his vampire charm. The darkness comes with the fear and violence of the paranormal and the real world. The more you read, the more uncertain you are about how it will end, how the characters will end up. There is just enough space left for you to want more, but still be satisfied with where you are left until it is time for Beau and the others to grace us once more in the next installment.
Poetic. Lyrical. Emotionally impacting. It is all wrapped up in the pages of Stake Me If I’m Wrong. Take a bite.
If you are a fan of Brynne Weaver, Navessa Allen and a nod to the paranormal, SMIIW is going to fall right where you’d like. The banter and snark puts you in the right mindset for the rom-com in all the dark. Each character has their own personality that shines through. Elowen sacrifices her comfort for others. Imani is a leader and takes charge. Kai knows when to settle a stressful situation. And then there’s Beau. Beau is who you want in your corner. If you are his family, chosen or not, you are going to be cared for in whatever way he can provide. That care may come with a little obsessive behavior, but we’ll just say that’s his vampire charm. The darkness comes with the fear and violence of the paranormal and the real world. The more you read, the more uncertain you are about how it will end, how the characters will end up. There is just enough space left for you to want more, but still be satisfied with where you are left until it is time for Beau and the others to grace us once more in the next installment.
Poetic. Lyrical. Emotionally impacting. It is all wrapped up in the pages of Stake Me If I’m Wrong. Take a bite.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fantastic read!!
I wasn't expecting to get as emotionally invested into these characters as I did, and oh boy am I invested. This book had me crying both happy and sad tears. At one point I had to put the book down and just accept that I needed to go and get a box of tissues because the next few chapters were going to hurt my heart!!
The plot was easy to follow with steady pacing, and some mystery developing alongside the romance to keep the pages turning. I appreciated the additional POV's that really added extra interest and layers to the stakes of the plot. The yearning, devotion, obsession and torment from the MMC was fantastic. He held that old-school vampire mannerism and mindset, whilst giving the appearance of a mysterious and gloomy fashion magazine model. This guy could NOT keep his cool when it came to the FMC and I ate up every second. The relationship between the MMC and FMC wasn't rushed and felt believable.
The FMC's development was so pleasing. She sheds light on the experience of grief, trauma, medical negligence, eating disorders, while the amount of unwavering compassion she still maintained for those unknown to her, not to mention her best friend and even her dog, just poured out of the pages. The love and friendship between the FMC and her best friend was so incredibly well written. The banter and friendship between the MMC and his golden retriever "bestie" had me laughing out loud, and I cannot wait for Book 2 to see more of these best friend characters and where the story goes.
I wasn't expecting to get as emotionally invested into these characters as I did, and oh boy am I invested. This book had me crying both happy and sad tears. At one point I had to put the book down and just accept that I needed to go and get a box of tissues because the next few chapters were going to hurt my heart!!
The plot was easy to follow with steady pacing, and some mystery developing alongside the romance to keep the pages turning. I appreciated the additional POV's that really added extra interest and layers to the stakes of the plot. The yearning, devotion, obsession and torment from the MMC was fantastic. He held that old-school vampire mannerism and mindset, whilst giving the appearance of a mysterious and gloomy fashion magazine model. This guy could NOT keep his cool when it came to the FMC and I ate up every second. The relationship between the MMC and FMC wasn't rushed and felt believable.
The FMC's development was so pleasing. She sheds light on the experience of grief, trauma, medical negligence, eating disorders, while the amount of unwavering compassion she still maintained for those unknown to her, not to mention her best friend and even her dog, just poured out of the pages. The love and friendship between the FMC and her best friend was so incredibly well written. The banter and friendship between the MMC and his golden retriever "bestie" had me laughing out loud, and I cannot wait for Book 2 to see more of these best friend characters and where the story goes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Alyssa Mullins and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and believe me, I've pre-ordered the special edition.
Stake me if I'm wrong brings the sass and the emotional gut punches in equal measure. I laughed, I cried, I thirsted after the ladder piercing I didn't know I needed.
For her pleasure indeed.
With small town vibes Stake me if I'm Wrong feels like the vampire diaries if they skipped the stupid love triangle and went straight to the good stuff.
Beau is deliciously dark and twisty and fiercely protective of Elowen from the get go because fated mates *swoon*. Of course, he's a total puppy dog for Elowen when he's not giving orders in the bedroom. Basically the perfect man, oh did I mention he owns a bookshop? Hot with a capital smoulder. His banter with best friend Kai had me howling it's not to be missed.
Elowen's grief and health struggles had me sobbing throughout but, of course, she has the best best friend anyone could ask for in Imani and I cannot wait to see how her story develops in book 2.
I even found myself rooting for the villain of the tale, she was so incredibly well written!
Where Mullins excells is in her characterisation, the multi first person POV quickly becomes natural where each character shines as an individual. The sensory language used is so immersive, I immediately fell in love. Kitchen smells pull me in and make me feel at home every time.
Stake me if I'm wrong brings the sass and the emotional gut punches in equal measure. I laughed, I cried, I thirsted after the ladder piercing I didn't know I needed.
For her pleasure indeed.
With small town vibes Stake me if I'm Wrong feels like the vampire diaries if they skipped the stupid love triangle and went straight to the good stuff.
Beau is deliciously dark and twisty and fiercely protective of Elowen from the get go because fated mates *swoon*. Of course, he's a total puppy dog for Elowen when he's not giving orders in the bedroom. Basically the perfect man, oh did I mention he owns a bookshop? Hot with a capital smoulder. His banter with best friend Kai had me howling it's not to be missed.
Elowen's grief and health struggles had me sobbing throughout but, of course, she has the best best friend anyone could ask for in Imani and I cannot wait to see how her story develops in book 2.
I even found myself rooting for the villain of the tale, she was so incredibly well written!
Where Mullins excells is in her characterisation, the multi first person POV quickly becomes natural where each character shines as an individual. The sensory language used is so immersive, I immediately fell in love. Kitchen smells pull me in and make me feel at home every time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stake me if I'm Wrong is a story of found family, humour, and paranormal antics that immerses you completely. Taking on a vampirexhuman relationship where the characters are living mundane lives is refreshing. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Kai and Beau and Imani and Elowen. These moments between them are my favourite part of the story. As well, the humour is top-tier and I found myself chuckling in many of the dialogue scenes involving Kai.
This is a slow-burn paranormal romance and one sees how Beau's feelings for Elowen start and intensify. I found myself invested in their relationship through him. Balancing the romance is the multiple character POVs. This gives readers a glimpse into the world to better understand character motives and feelings. This story slowly builds as you read and once everything is established, the action starts to come together. I found the villain of the story had some great moments and I would have loved to see more interaction between her and the main characters prior to the climax.
All in all, if you are looking for your next vampire romance that focuses more on themes of friendship, overcoming adversity, and taking chances on love, Stake Me if I'm Wrong is a read for your TBR.
Thank you to Spark and Quill and NetGalley for an opportunity to read this book.
This is a slow-burn paranormal romance and one sees how Beau's feelings for Elowen start and intensify. I found myself invested in their relationship through him. Balancing the romance is the multiple character POVs. This gives readers a glimpse into the world to better understand character motives and feelings. This story slowly builds as you read and once everything is established, the action starts to come together. I found the villain of the story had some great moments and I would have loved to see more interaction between her and the main characters prior to the climax.
All in all, if you are looking for your next vampire romance that focuses more on themes of friendship, overcoming adversity, and taking chances on love, Stake Me if I'm Wrong is a read for your TBR.
Thank you to Spark and Quill and NetGalley for an opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
‘if you really want me to keep going, you’ll scream my name.’
•stake me if i’m wrong🩸- alyssa mullins•
a paranormal, slow burn romance that you absolutely cannot wait to sink your teeth into!🫦
a story with an irresistible, broody, vampire mmc and a strong, resilient fmc who is stubbornly set in her ways when it comes to accepting help and being taken care of.
beau drewitt knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to make sure elowen knows her worth and that he is all in. no matter how hard things get, no matter the obstacles they come to face, he is adamant he is going NOWHERE!!! and let me tell you, that man keeps his two feet firmly planted on the ground and will not budge.
push all you like, that man is as solid as a mountain and wouldn’t even tremble in the face of hell on earth if it meant he had to leave elowen’s side.
alyssa’s writing is beautifully addictive, with comical elements and love interests that you absolutely end up rooting for!
mullin’s also brings awareness to ALS- a terminal condition that attacks the nerves and forces to the body to shut down.
this is why books are IMPORTANT. fictional or not. authors bring matters to attention from daily life and you literally do learn something new from every novel consumed.
•stake me if i’m wrong🩸- alyssa mullins•
a paranormal, slow burn romance that you absolutely cannot wait to sink your teeth into!🫦
a story with an irresistible, broody, vampire mmc and a strong, resilient fmc who is stubbornly set in her ways when it comes to accepting help and being taken care of.
beau drewitt knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to make sure elowen knows her worth and that he is all in. no matter how hard things get, no matter the obstacles they come to face, he is adamant he is going NOWHERE!!! and let me tell you, that man keeps his two feet firmly planted on the ground and will not budge.
push all you like, that man is as solid as a mountain and wouldn’t even tremble in the face of hell on earth if it meant he had to leave elowen’s side.
alyssa’s writing is beautifully addictive, with comical elements and love interests that you absolutely end up rooting for!
mullin’s also brings awareness to ALS- a terminal condition that attacks the nerves and forces to the body to shut down.
this is why books are IMPORTANT. fictional or not. authors bring matters to attention from daily life and you literally do learn something new from every novel consumed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75/5)
I absolutely loved this book! The addition of the town map and playlist was such a creative touch, and I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives throughout the story. With short, snappy chapters that kept me racing through the pages, I was constantly eager to see what would happen next. The clever chapter titles helped me navigate the timeline, making it even more engaging. As a long-time fan of vampire tales, I was thrilled to pick up on that delicious *The Vampire Diaries* vibe—it made the experience even more enjoyable!
The storyline dives into some intense themes; make sure to check the trigger warnings. Still, it masterfully balances these emotional moments with hilarious, light-hearted scenes that had me laughing out loud. The prologue hooked me instantly with its historical intrigue and left a deep impression.
While I found myself craving more details about Beau's early vampire years and thought the pacing in the second half galloped along a bit too quickly, I still deemed this a riveting read from start to finish! That ending?! It left me bursting with questions about what’s coming next, and I can hardly wait to dive into the next book!
A big thank you to Alyssa Mullins and NetGalley for the eARC!
I absolutely loved this book! The addition of the town map and playlist was such a creative touch, and I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives throughout the story. With short, snappy chapters that kept me racing through the pages, I was constantly eager to see what would happen next. The clever chapter titles helped me navigate the timeline, making it even more engaging. As a long-time fan of vampire tales, I was thrilled to pick up on that delicious *The Vampire Diaries* vibe—it made the experience even more enjoyable!
The storyline dives into some intense themes; make sure to check the trigger warnings. Still, it masterfully balances these emotional moments with hilarious, light-hearted scenes that had me laughing out loud. The prologue hooked me instantly with its historical intrigue and left a deep impression.
While I found myself craving more details about Beau's early vampire years and thought the pacing in the second half galloped along a bit too quickly, I still deemed this a riveting read from start to finish! That ending?! It left me bursting with questions about what’s coming next, and I can hardly wait to dive into the next book!
A big thank you to Alyssa Mullins and NetGalley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 🌶️🌶️
Alyssa has such a unique writing style that drew me in right away. Her humor and storytelling is different than anything I’ve read so far and I found myself laughing out loud more than once.
I love the relationship between Kai and Beau. Where Beau is broody and reserved, Kai is flirty and full of life. It oddly reminded me of Shrek and Donkey (don’t ask my why 😅) and gave the story a fun dynamic. In turn, we have Elowen who is shy and unsure of herself and her best friend Imani who is loud and proud. Because of this, the characters just blended well together!
My main critique for the book is that the storyline started slow with tension and yearning and then at 50-ish% it’s like everything happened rapid fire. The kiss turned into a spicy scene (which is fine) but the language used during the scene wasn’t fitting of how their relationship was up to this point so it kind of caught me off guard. Then everything from that point on was a little rushed in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed the read and am excited to see what happens in book two where Imani and Kai are involved. 🤭
Alyssa has such a unique writing style that drew me in right away. Her humor and storytelling is different than anything I’ve read so far and I found myself laughing out loud more than once.
I love the relationship between Kai and Beau. Where Beau is broody and reserved, Kai is flirty and full of life. It oddly reminded me of Shrek and Donkey (don’t ask my why 😅) and gave the story a fun dynamic. In turn, we have Elowen who is shy and unsure of herself and her best friend Imani who is loud and proud. Because of this, the characters just blended well together!
My main critique for the book is that the storyline started slow with tension and yearning and then at 50-ish% it’s like everything happened rapid fire. The kiss turned into a spicy scene (which is fine) but the language used during the scene wasn’t fitting of how their relationship was up to this point so it kind of caught me off guard. Then everything from that point on was a little rushed in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed the read and am excited to see what happens in book two where Imani and Kai are involved. 🤭
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The cover of Stake Me If I’m Wrong was what first caught my eye on NetGalley, and as a vampire loving gal, I knew I had to read it. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy ahead of its September 29th release date.
I instantly fell in love with the multiple POV writing style in this book. I particularly enjoyed the mystery surrounding Beau’s character; the cast is well-developed and likable, which made it easy to root for their happy ending. There were plenty of enjoyable twists and turns that kept me engaged, and the slow burn delivered exactly what it promised. I also appreciated that the spicy scenes were written well and didn’t feel cringy.
However, the pacing was a bit off for me personally. There were some chapters that I felt could have been cut, as they didn’t add anything to the overall story, and this made the middle section feel a little sluggish.
Overall, this was an okay read for me. While I enjoyed the characters and the romance, I didn’t love it, and I found myself struggling to push through the final few chapters. A solid effort, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me by the end.
I instantly fell in love with the multiple POV writing style in this book. I particularly enjoyed the mystery surrounding Beau’s character; the cast is well-developed and likable, which made it easy to root for their happy ending. There were plenty of enjoyable twists and turns that kept me engaged, and the slow burn delivered exactly what it promised. I also appreciated that the spicy scenes were written well and didn’t feel cringy.
However, the pacing was a bit off for me personally. There were some chapters that I felt could have been cut, as they didn’t add anything to the overall story, and this made the middle section feel a little sluggish.
Overall, this was an okay read for me. While I enjoyed the characters and the romance, I didn’t love it, and I found myself struggling to push through the final few chapters. A solid effort, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me by the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I don't care if you're the worst person in the universe. I don't care if you eat people at this point. I'm not afraid of you. I was scared. You scared the shit out of me, but how do you calmly tell someone you're a fucking vampire and not expect them to run? I know now. That's what matters. I guess what i'm trying to say is, I need you, Beau Drewitt."
I don't know what i can say about this book that hasn't already been said. I loved it. It's everything I want in a paranormal romance. You have the FMC who's none the wiser. You have the tall, dark, and broody vampire MMC that owns a bookshop. Yes you heard that right. Elowen and Beau are so cute together. I love Beau's protectiveness of her....unless they're in the bedroom. I laughed a lot in this book, especially when Kai opened his mouth. He might be my favorite. This book was also very emotional. I even liked Kalevala, the villain of the story. She was so well written. I can't wait to read more in this world.
Thank you Alyssa for letting me read an advanced copy of this! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I don't know what i can say about this book that hasn't already been said. I loved it. It's everything I want in a paranormal romance. You have the FMC who's none the wiser. You have the tall, dark, and broody vampire MMC that owns a bookshop. Yes you heard that right. Elowen and Beau are so cute together. I love Beau's protectiveness of her....unless they're in the bedroom. I laughed a lot in this book, especially when Kai opened his mouth. He might be my favorite. This book was also very emotional. I even liked Kalevala, the villain of the story. She was so well written. I can't wait to read more in this world.
Thank you Alyssa for letting me read an advanced copy of this! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my very first vampire book, and I absolutely loved it! I’m so thankful to have received an ARC of this book.
I’m so incredibly proud of Alyssa. She truly deserves the world, and I’m so happy I got the chance to read and support her book. You can really feel the heart she poured into this story.
I loved Beau and Elowen so much. Their story flowed together so naturally, and I found myself completely invested in them from the very beginning. Watching their relationship unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book.
This book took me through every emotion. I laughed, stressed, swooned, and was completely invested from beginning to end. I’m already counting down until I can get my hands on the next book in the series because I need more of all of these characters!
And can we talk about the spice for a second? It was absolutely top tier. Definitely an added bonus. 🥵🌶️
I’m so incredibly proud of Alyssa. She truly deserves the world, and I’m so happy I got the chance to read and support her book. You can really feel the heart she poured into this story.
I loved Beau and Elowen so much. Their story flowed together so naturally, and I found myself completely invested in them from the very beginning. Watching their relationship unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book.
This book took me through every emotion. I laughed, stressed, swooned, and was completely invested from beginning to end. I’m already counting down until I can get my hands on the next book in the series because I need more of all of these characters!
And can we talk about the spice for a second? It was absolutely top tier. Definitely an added bonus. 🥵🌶️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stake me if I’m wrong is a paranormal slow burn romance. Elowen and Beau are so perfect together. I love how attentive he is of her and how he wants nothing more than to take care of her. That being said, I do have to say that, no matter how respectful and sweet, he is when it came to spicy time that went straight out the window. 😂😂🥵
At first, I wasn’t too sure about the book. It did take me a few chapters to get into it, but I ended up loving it. As much as I enjoyed Beau, I absolutely loved Kai. And I cannot wait for book 2 and to see where his story goes.
Sidenote: not many books make me cry, but I did end up shedding a few tears towards the end!
At first, I wasn’t too sure about the book. It did take me a few chapters to get into it, but I ended up loving it. As much as I enjoyed Beau, I absolutely loved Kai. And I cannot wait for book 2 and to see where his story goes.
Sidenote: not many books make me cry, but I did end up shedding a few tears towards the end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Alyssa for letting me arc read your debut novel!!
Stake Me If I'm Wrong was so so amazing and brought on so many different emotions (I was crying around the 80% mark) 😂
Beau and Elowen made the most amazing pair of fated mates and the spice between them was phenomenal!!!
Not only was this an amazing book, but Alyssa is also an amazing person!! She puts so much time and effort into these amazing stories!!
Thank you Alyssa for always being an amazing friend!! I can't wait to see how far your writing career takes you! 🥰
Stake Me If I'm Wrong was so so amazing and brought on so many different emotions (I was crying around the 80% mark) 😂
Beau and Elowen made the most amazing pair of fated mates and the spice between them was phenomenal!!!
Not only was this an amazing book, but Alyssa is also an amazing person!! She puts so much time and effort into these amazing stories!!
Thank you Alyssa for always being an amazing friend!! I can't wait to see how far your writing career takes you! 🥰
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a wild ride from start to finish. I felt like I kept getting lulled into a false sense of security with all the cozy cuteness then, BAM, traumatic event over and over. There was so much "will they, won't they" but not about the MCs getting together, it was about if they were going to get their HEA. There were so many twists and turns that I could not put the book down. I cannot wait for the next book because Kai is obviously the best character.
Thank you to NetGalley and JAC Press for the free eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and JAC Press for the free eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alyssa Mullins debut novel Stake Me If I’m Wrong hit rom-com directly on the head! I was laughing, kicking my feet, crying and cheering for the characters throughout the entire book. The dynamic between Elowen and Beau is absolutely drool worthy. A man who will do anything for his girl AND does aftercare? Sign me up. I also really enjoyed seeing the dynamic between Elowen and Imani, Alyssa crafted their sisterly relationship beautifully. You don’t want to miss out on this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Small town vampire fated mates had me from the first page.
This is such a great debut novel - and I love the heat between Elowen and Beau.
Beau is so protective and knows that Elowen is worth protecting.
He is ten toes down for Elowen and will not budge.
Great debut novel and can't wait for her next book.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is such a great debut novel - and I love the heat between Elowen and Beau.
Beau is so protective and knows that Elowen is worth protecting.
He is ten toes down for Elowen and will not budge.
Great debut novel and can't wait for her next book.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
SMIIW Book Review 3 🌟
One of the book that I truly enjoyed reading! The dark elements represented were so intriguing and I couldn't put the book down! The world building, plot, and the characters' relationships were so good written and represented! And the main lead live and the care they held for each other even though sometimes it was unhinged and dark! I truly had a great time with this!
Thank you netgally for this amazing book. I can't wait to see more from this author!
One of the book that I truly enjoyed reading! The dark elements represented were so intriguing and I couldn't put the book down! The world building, plot, and the characters' relationships were so good written and represented! And the main lead live and the care they held for each other even though sometimes it was unhinged and dark! I truly had a great time with this!
Thank you netgally for this amazing book. I can't wait to see more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
3.75 ⭐️⭐️
This book took me a few chapters to get into- but I couldn’t put it down once it had me hooked. I loved the found family throughout this book and the multiple POVs really moved the plot along without slowing the pacing. Kai was one of my favorite characters- so I am excited to see he will be a main character in the next book!!
3.75 ⭐️⭐️
This book took me a few chapters to get into- but I couldn’t put it down once it had me hooked. I loved the found family throughout this book and the multiple POVs really moved the plot along without slowing the pacing. Kai was one of my favorite characters- so I am excited to see he will be a main character in the next book!!
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