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Blue-Collar Vigilante Vampires #1
Garbage Man
He collects trash for a living.
Before sunrise, he’s collecting her.
Rook Slater is big, brutal, and permanently grumpy. By day, he’s a garbage man. By night, he plays hockey and keeps the world at arm’s length.
Until the fated mate bond strikes hard and fast. One look at Kylie Moon—right after his twenty-eighth birthday—and destiny snaps into place.
She’s his.
There’s just one problem.
Her blood is rare—coveted—and the monsters in the shadows want to claim her.
Evil. Elite. Powerful. These are the kind of men who stop at nothing to have what they want.
But Rook Slater doesn’t lose what’s his.
And he certainly doesn’t bend the knee.
He’s good at taking out the trash—and these monsters are next.
Once fate locks in, Rook won’t just fight for the woman he loves.
He’ll kidnap and kill for her.
Before sunrise, he’s collecting her.
Rook Slater is big, brutal, and permanently grumpy. By day, he’s a garbage man. By night, he plays hockey and keeps the world at arm’s length.
Until the fated mate bond strikes hard and fast. One look at Kylie Moon—right after his twenty-eighth birthday—and destiny snaps into place.
She’s his.
There’s just one problem.
Her blood is rare—coveted—and the monsters in the shadows want to claim her.
Evil. Elite. Powerful. These are the kind of men who stop at nothing to have what they want.
But Rook Slater doesn’t lose what’s his.
And he certainly doesn’t bend the knee.
He’s good at taking out the trash—and these monsters are next.
Once fate locks in, Rook won’t just fight for the woman he loves.
He’ll kidnap and kill for her.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2026
390 people are currently reading
9428 people want to read
About the author
Max Monroe
77 books9,508 followersMany moons ago, a dynamic duo of romance authors teamed up under the pseudonym Max Monroe, and, well, the rest is history...
Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of more than fifty contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their social media newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.
Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of more than fifty contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their social media newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.
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April 17, 2026We owe you an apology.
JUST KIDDING.
Yes, we titled a book Garbage Man.
Because he’s a blue-collar vigilante vampire who will k!dnap and ☠️ for you.
*He’s also grumpy AF.
*Plays hockey.
*Doesn’t care if he racks up a body count in your honor.
*He bites… for your pleasure.
AND HE’S AVAILABLE NOW!
➡️ https://geni.us/GM_BCVV
(Ebook, paperback, & Kindle unlimited)
We’re so excited to finally get this one in your hands! We had the most exhilarating, exciting, addicting time writing this book!
XOXO, Max & Monroe
P.S. We won’t be changing anything. We love our big, bad Garbage Man 😍
JUST KIDDING.
Yes, we titled a book Garbage Man.
Because he’s a blue-collar vigilante vampire who will k!dnap and ☠️ for you.
*He’s also grumpy AF.
*Plays hockey.
*Doesn’t care if he racks up a body count in your honor.
*He bites… for your pleasure.
AND HE’S AVAILABLE NOW!
➡️ https://geni.us/GM_BCVV
(Ebook, paperback, & Kindle unlimited)
We’re so excited to finally get this one in your hands! We had the most exhilarating, exciting, addicting time writing this book!
XOXO, Max & Monroe
P.S. We won’t be changing anything. We love our big, bad Garbage Man 😍
May 2, 2026
1.5⭐️
What if your fated mate was your local garbage man who was also a vampire who was also a vigilante against yuppy, elitist, evil vampires who was also a recreational hockey player who was also a kidnapper?
The results are nonsensical.
Also fuck this lady’s grandma! You know you have special royal blood that functions as a vampire magnet and you wait decades to tell your granddaughter, only panicking about it once the threat on her life and freedom explodes???
EVERYBODY keeps miss Kylie Kay Moon in the dark about the dangers plaguing her for the majority of the book resulting in the most infuriating experience of forced ignorance on a highly confused individual I’ve ever had to read
The smut was good i guess
CW: explicit sexual content, stalking, kidnapping, blood, dead parents, murder, violence
What if your fated mate was your local garbage man who was also a vampire who was also a vigilante against yuppy, elitist, evil vampires who was also a recreational hockey player who was also a kidnapper?
The results are nonsensical.
Also fuck this lady’s grandma! You know you have special royal blood that functions as a vampire magnet and you wait decades to tell your granddaughter, only panicking about it once the threat on her life and freedom explodes???
EVERYBODY keeps miss Kylie Kay Moon in the dark about the dangers plaguing her for the majority of the book resulting in the most infuriating experience of forced ignorance on a highly confused individual I’ve ever had to read
The smut was good i guess
CW: explicit sexual content, stalking, kidnapping, blood, dead parents, murder, violence
Want to Read
March 26, 2026FINALly a working class UNIONIZED (i hope) vampire. it's about time!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kylie + Rook
Rook is a garbage man by day and he plays hockey by night. He's also a vampire. Who just turned 28 - which is when his fated mate is revealed to him.
And it's Kylie. The pretty ice skater he sees at the rink. He's also her garbage man.
And he's also not the only one who wants her. Very bad 'people' are after her too.
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!
══════════════════
ADORABLE!
Well. That was cute.
I'm not a fan of paranormal and I don't know why I would want a blue collar vampire when I could have one with all the money in the world? But here we are. And it was good.
It wasn't anything new or super amazing. Only thing different to other books is the blue collar thing. But I liked reading it. It was a quick fun romantic suspense vampire thingy with some funny moments. I liked that it wasn't all bloody bitey and super silly.
It could've been a bit longer with more info and details ... it was a bit insta here and there- but I still liked it.
I will definitely read the other two brothers next.
We get a bit of a cliffy.
Plus also - I wouldn't mind a TV Show about the Slater brothers!
GARBAGE MAN was great start to this new Vampire trilogy. Funny. Adorable. Grumpy. Suspensy. Vampirey. Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Rook - this one mine!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
April 18, 2026
An advance reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I was quite confused with this book. It was really fast paced but slow at the same time, especially at the beginning. The prologue was a bit confusing at first, and for the first half of the book you understand very little of what is going on.
The world building was a bit lacking. We don't get a lot of info on the vampires and the humans in this world. Also, when Rook takes Kylie she's of course angry and scared, but once she finds out about being mates she calms down? I get it it can be a reaction to the pull, but still.
Also, why hockey is involved? They just meet at the rink and basically no one ever plays, so why using a well loved trope and then nothing is related to it?
I was quite confused with this book. It was really fast paced but slow at the same time, especially at the beginning. The prologue was a bit confusing at first, and for the first half of the book you understand very little of what is going on.
The world building was a bit lacking. We don't get a lot of info on the vampires and the humans in this world. Also, when Rook takes Kylie she's of course angry and scared, but once she finds out about being mates she calms down? I get it it can be a reaction to the pull, but still.
Also, why hockey is involved? They just meet at the rink and basically no one ever plays, so why using a well loved trope and then nothing is related to it?
May 8, 2026
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔 (I wanted more depth from both mains and the vampire world building)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (there was something pretty light about these scenes)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? slow
When mains are first on page together: immediately in the prologue, but the prologue is just a cut scene from further in the novel (grr) either way though they are together in ch 1 within a few pages
Cliffhanger: So….the mains are happy for now-ish but I’d say it feels like a plot cliffhanger
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily read a review copy in e-book form from Hambright PR
Why I chose this book: The title made me laugh so I wanted to check it out
Mains: Rook Slater and Kylie Moon – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
Audiobook available? Not as of review posting
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Monroe’s Blue-Collar Vigilante Vampire series.
Basic plot:
Rook has realized Kylie is his fated mate – and she’s clueless about the vampire world and he will do anything to keep her safe.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary paranormal romance
- Boston area setting
- vampire hero / human heroine
- hockey player / garbage man hero
- tax accountant heroine
- heroine enjoys skating as well
- secret vampire world
- fated mates
- he’s tall – 6’6”
- telepathy
- medium steam – 3ish scenes and a slow burn but the scenes are fairly light
Ages:
- he’s 28, she’s 24
First line:
She tries to scream.
My thoughts:
I know this is probably just a me thing, but I really dislike when the ‘prologue’ of the book is a direct scene cut from much later in the book (in this case, 62%) I get it’s supposed to drive interest but my linear loving mind gets bothered by it. I’m like wtf is happening and then it’s not completely clear that it jumps back in time (because it’s prologue…) and it takes me awhile to figure it out and meanwhile I could just be getting to know the story and characters.
But, anyway, I was so curious about this one I had to try it. Garbage man. Hockey player, Fated mates. Secret vampire world. This was overall a fun read that had me so curious about what this vampire world entailed and how Rook and Kylie were going to end up together.
This one did have a slower feel to it and a lot of mysterious build up – I found myself getting antsy about the world building. And I felt like the mains barely talked by the time we were ¾ of the way through the book. I wanted them to be interacting more, having more dialogue. I felt like the interactions were a bit repetitive and the lack of communication about things (big things regarding the heroine) were frustrating to me. Rook was way too verbally constipated.
I was left wanting to know about the world building but it looks like it’s going to be a fast paced series that flows together really nicely. (the plot for book 2 picks up right at the end of this novel). Ultimately though I was left wanting more from this one.
Some world building notes – you have to wait most of the book to learn this so only read if you want the reveal early:
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me:
Favorite book: This one by default
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔 (I wanted more depth from both mains and the vampire world building)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (there was something pretty light about these scenes)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? slow
When mains are first on page together: immediately in the prologue, but the prologue is just a cut scene from further in the novel (grr) either way though they are together in ch 1 within a few pages
Cliffhanger: So….the mains are happy for now-ish but I’d say it feels like a plot cliffhanger
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily read a review copy in e-book form from Hambright PR
Why I chose this book: The title made me laugh so I wanted to check it out
Mains: Rook Slater and Kylie Moon – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
Audiobook available? Not as of review posting
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Monroe’s Blue-Collar Vigilante Vampire series.
Basic plot:
Rook has realized Kylie is his fated mate – and she’s clueless about the vampire world and he will do anything to keep her safe.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary paranormal romance
- Boston area setting
- vampire hero / human heroine
- hockey player / garbage man hero
- tax accountant heroine
- heroine enjoys skating as well
- secret vampire world
- fated mates
- he’s tall – 6’6”
- telepathy
- medium steam – 3ish scenes and a slow burn but the scenes are fairly light
Ages:
- he’s 28, she’s 24
First line:
She tries to scream.
My thoughts:
I know this is probably just a me thing, but I really dislike when the ‘prologue’ of the book is a direct scene cut from much later in the book (in this case, 62%) I get it’s supposed to drive interest but my linear loving mind gets bothered by it. I’m like wtf is happening and then it’s not completely clear that it jumps back in time (because it’s prologue…) and it takes me awhile to figure it out and meanwhile I could just be getting to know the story and characters.
But, anyway, I was so curious about this one I had to try it. Garbage man. Hockey player, Fated mates. Secret vampire world. This was overall a fun read that had me so curious about what this vampire world entailed and how Rook and Kylie were going to end up together.
This one did have a slower feel to it and a lot of mysterious build up – I found myself getting antsy about the world building. And I felt like the mains barely talked by the time we were ¾ of the way through the book. I wanted them to be interacting more, having more dialogue. I felt like the interactions were a bit repetitive and the lack of communication about things (big things regarding the heroine) were frustrating to me. Rook was way too verbally constipated.
I was left wanting to know about the world building but it looks like it’s going to be a fast paced series that flows together really nicely. (the plot for book 2 picks up right at the end of this novel). Ultimately though I was left wanting more from this one.
Some world building notes – you have to wait most of the book to learn this so only read if you want the reveal early:
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me:
Favorite book: This one by default
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
April 22, 2026
Thank you so much to Max Monroe for the advance copy of this!
This book is out now!
"So...you're obsessed with me?"
"Oh baby, I'm more than obsessed with you."
I was a little apprehensive when I learned that one of my favorite authors was trying something different and doing a paranormal series. But then it turns out that they were novellas and not a full book and I thought okay, this could be a little more digestible. I do not read a lot of paranormal especially with vampires but I knew I could trust the ladies! This was fun because not only do we have these 3 brothers who happen to be vampires but THEY ALSO PLAY HOCKEY (not professionally but for fun) - I'll take it!
I saw another review talk about that this lacked world building. I thought it had enough for me to understand what is happening. I am not a fantasy reader and sometimes hard for me to picture a fantasy world so having this set in modern times with very little world building was good for me. I understood enough of the clan and how they mate and didn't need anything further as for myself it would just complicate me.
"I don't hurt people without reason. But you're not a reason. You're the line."
"And if someone cross the line?"
"I'd kill them."
Rook is obsessed with Kylie. He plays hockey at the same rink that she does ice skating. We learn more about their connection but Kylie just thinks he is this grumpy man who doesn't like her. I don't blame her because he is very unlikable (which we also learn more about why that is). There were parts of this that made me giggle because naturally I had compared similar moments to that of my pinnacle vampire book - Twilight. He was so protective of Kylie and even though it would get on her nerves she also couldn't deny how attracted she was to him. And as the story goes on she cannot understand the urges she feels. And in true Max Monroe fashion this was spicy! Rook was so kind to Kylie and really took care of her. I was a little frustrated at him when he wouldn't tell her certain things but it all evened out.
The book ends on a slight cliff hanger but it seamlessly goes right into the next book. The next book will focus on Kane who is a Repo man (which comes out on 4/24).
If you are looking for a fun, sexy, quick read with some hot vampires and a little action - give this a read!
This book is out now!
"So...you're obsessed with me?"
"Oh baby, I'm more than obsessed with you."
I was a little apprehensive when I learned that one of my favorite authors was trying something different and doing a paranormal series. But then it turns out that they were novellas and not a full book and I thought okay, this could be a little more digestible. I do not read a lot of paranormal especially with vampires but I knew I could trust the ladies! This was fun because not only do we have these 3 brothers who happen to be vampires but THEY ALSO PLAY HOCKEY (not professionally but for fun) - I'll take it!
I saw another review talk about that this lacked world building. I thought it had enough for me to understand what is happening. I am not a fantasy reader and sometimes hard for me to picture a fantasy world so having this set in modern times with very little world building was good for me. I understood enough of the clan and how they mate and didn't need anything further as for myself it would just complicate me.
"I don't hurt people without reason. But you're not a reason. You're the line."
"And if someone cross the line?"
"I'd kill them."
Rook is obsessed with Kylie. He plays hockey at the same rink that she does ice skating. We learn more about their connection but Kylie just thinks he is this grumpy man who doesn't like her. I don't blame her because he is very unlikable (which we also learn more about why that is). There were parts of this that made me giggle because naturally I had compared similar moments to that of my pinnacle vampire book - Twilight. He was so protective of Kylie and even though it would get on her nerves she also couldn't deny how attracted she was to him. And as the story goes on she cannot understand the urges she feels. And in true Max Monroe fashion this was spicy! Rook was so kind to Kylie and really took care of her. I was a little frustrated at him when he wouldn't tell her certain things but it all evened out.
The book ends on a slight cliff hanger but it seamlessly goes right into the next book. The next book will focus on Kane who is a Repo man (which comes out on 4/24).
If you are looking for a fun, sexy, quick read with some hot vampires and a little action - give this a read!
April 20, 2026
4.25 Stars!
What an interesting, fast-paced and fun paranormal romance! I really enjoyed this book!
First, the whole blue collar vampire hiding in society and a burnt out accountant that drives him wild...ummm...hell ya! Add in that she’s in danger and he is being extra grumpy to keep her away and safe. Hell the F yeah!
Second... the TROPES!
Fated Mates
Grumpy, Possessive Alpha
Secret Vampire World
Touch Her and Die
Kidnapped for Protection
Brooding Hero
SOLD.
I inhaled this story. It sucked me in and left a mark (puns intended). So good!
What an interesting, fast-paced and fun paranormal romance! I really enjoyed this book!
First, the whole blue collar vampire hiding in society and a burnt out accountant that drives him wild...ummm...hell ya! Add in that she’s in danger and he is being extra grumpy to keep her away and safe. Hell the F yeah!
Second... the TROPES!
Fated Mates
Grumpy, Possessive Alpha
Secret Vampire World
Touch Her and Die
Kidnapped for Protection
Brooding Hero
SOLD.
I inhaled this story. It sucked me in and left a mark (puns intended). So good!
May 1, 2026
2.5 stars
The first book in a new series from Max Monroe (and my first read from these authors), this is a slow moving but entertaining vampire romance. It’s a quick read and the start to a trilogy with a continuous storyline, and while there is potential, I found this one a bit underwhelming.
Rook is a vampire who, together with his brothers, lives an ordinary, ‘blue collar’ life. He is (funnily enough) a garbage man, and he has recently found his mate in Kylie, a woman on his work route. Kylie has no idea about the existence of vampires, and she has no idea that her lineage makes her a target for some unsavoury vamps. And even though he doesn’t want a mate, Rook goes all in to protect the woman he knows is his.
It’s a different take on the vampire world, and as a long-time fan of vampire romance, I appreciated the originality of the story. But on the whole, I was underwhelmed with this book. I was frustrated with the slow start that didn’t provide much background, and the story progression drags, with minimal interaction between the main characters and nothing much happening in the first half of the book at all.
The biggest issue for me was that the romance felt supernaturally forced. Rook and Kylie are acquaintances, they speak occasionally, but their relationship is mostly him staring angrily at her and grunting at her when she tries to engage. Sure, there’s an attraction there, and he’s deep in mate-love with her, but they don’t actually have a real conversation until around 75% in the book. He reveals that they are mates, there is wild sexy time, and then they’re madly in love.
The world building also felt a bit lacking. You sort of get an idea of what might be happening, but again, it’s not until the end of the book when all is revealed, without any further exploration of the conflict. The book ends with them together and happy, but they are both still in danger, and the big confrontation with the bad guys is still to come.
This was a mixed read. It’s an interesting premise and an original take on vampire lore, but the slow pace and underdeveloped romance kept me from getting fully invested. I needed more from the world and more emotional build-up to really feel it. I’m curious enough to continue the series and see where the story goes, but this wasn’t the strongest start.
2.5 stars.
The first book in a new series from Max Monroe (and my first read from these authors), this is a slow moving but entertaining vampire romance. It’s a quick read and the start to a trilogy with a continuous storyline, and while there is potential, I found this one a bit underwhelming.
Rook is a vampire who, together with his brothers, lives an ordinary, ‘blue collar’ life. He is (funnily enough) a garbage man, and he has recently found his mate in Kylie, a woman on his work route. Kylie has no idea about the existence of vampires, and she has no idea that her lineage makes her a target for some unsavoury vamps. And even though he doesn’t want a mate, Rook goes all in to protect the woman he knows is his.
It’s a different take on the vampire world, and as a long-time fan of vampire romance, I appreciated the originality of the story. But on the whole, I was underwhelmed with this book. I was frustrated with the slow start that didn’t provide much background, and the story progression drags, with minimal interaction between the main characters and nothing much happening in the first half of the book at all.
The biggest issue for me was that the romance felt supernaturally forced. Rook and Kylie are acquaintances, they speak occasionally, but their relationship is mostly him staring angrily at her and grunting at her when she tries to engage. Sure, there’s an attraction there, and he’s deep in mate-love with her, but they don’t actually have a real conversation until around 75% in the book. He reveals that they are mates, there is wild sexy time, and then they’re madly in love.
“I’m yours … In this world and the next and everything in between … I’ll be yours until time no longer exists.”
The world building also felt a bit lacking. You sort of get an idea of what might be happening, but again, it’s not until the end of the book when all is revealed, without any further exploration of the conflict. The book ends with them together and happy, but they are both still in danger, and the big confrontation with the bad guys is still to come.
This was a mixed read. It’s an interesting premise and an original take on vampire lore, but the slow pace and underdeveloped romance kept me from getting fully invested. I needed more from the world and more emotional build-up to really feel it. I’m curious enough to continue the series and see where the story goes, but this wasn’t the strongest start.
2.5 stars.
April 20, 2026
Okay I seriously had NO idea what to expect when I saw the title of this book. It sounded like a parody or something at first. However, I was immediately hooked once I started reading and can see why this book is title as such.
Tropes include the following:
*Fated Mates
*Hot Hockey Player
*Touch Her and D!e
*Superhuman Abilities
*Hidden Bloodline
*The Protective Beast
*Found Family
Kylie Moon, an accountant with a hobby of ice skating, doesn't understand why so many of the hockey men openly gawk at her as she ice skates. Especially one broody one in particular - Rook Slater. He is 28 years old, gorgeous, and also happens to be Kylie's garbage man. Him and his two brothers are blue collar workers and don't mingle well with the other rich and elite hockey players. There is more going on there than Kylie can even comprehend.
Kylie lost her parents when she was young and is extremely close with her granny. Her granny keeps trying to meet up with her to tell her something important, but Kylie can't seem to find the time. Her best friend and roommate, Alyssa, is her found family. She keeps attempting to encourage Kylie to go out and have some fun rather than save herself for a special moment. Kylie doesn't see the point in this, but she also can't explain why she has an insane pull towards Rook.
Only in books where characters have supernatural abilities is it sexy when the MMC can smell your arousal...in real life, that would be such an ick! ;-) This was an incredibly easy read I finished in two days and I can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel with one of Rook's brothers because this ended on a definite cliff hanger!
Tropes include the following:
*Fated Mates
*Hot Hockey Player
*Touch Her and D!e
*Superhuman Abilities
*Hidden Bloodline
*The Protective Beast
*Found Family
Kylie Moon, an accountant with a hobby of ice skating, doesn't understand why so many of the hockey men openly gawk at her as she ice skates. Especially one broody one in particular - Rook Slater. He is 28 years old, gorgeous, and also happens to be Kylie's garbage man. Him and his two brothers are blue collar workers and don't mingle well with the other rich and elite hockey players. There is more going on there than Kylie can even comprehend.
Kylie lost her parents when she was young and is extremely close with her granny. Her granny keeps trying to meet up with her to tell her something important, but Kylie can't seem to find the time. Her best friend and roommate, Alyssa, is her found family. She keeps attempting to encourage Kylie to go out and have some fun rather than save herself for a special moment. Kylie doesn't see the point in this, but she also can't explain why she has an insane pull towards Rook.
Only in books where characters have supernatural abilities is it sexy when the MMC can smell your arousal...in real life, that would be such an ick! ;-) This was an incredibly easy read I finished in two days and I can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel with one of Rook's brothers because this ended on a definite cliff hanger!
April 12, 2026
Grumpy Garbage Man Turns Apex Predator (and Honestly… I’d Let Him)
This book? Absolute feral energy wrapped in a fated-mate fever dream and dipped in danger.
Rook Slater is the kind of MMC who doesn’t just touch grass—he hauls it away at 5 a.m., scowling like the world personally offended him. Blue-collar, brutal, emotionally constipated… and then fate hits him like a freight train made of instinct and obsession. One look at Kylie and suddenly this man goes from “leave me alone” to “I will dismantle society for you” in 0.2 seconds.
And I ate. It. Up.
Kylie isn’t just some fragile heroine either—she’s caught in a storm she didn’t ask for, with rare blood that basically paints a target on her back. The tension? Delicious. The stakes? High enough to make your pulse stutter. The villains? The kind you want to see wrecked in creative ways.
But let’s talk about Rook for a second…
This man doesn’t do soft. He does possession, protection, and unapologetic chaos. The romance isn’t gentle—it’s primal. It’s “touch her and I’ll bury you” energy with a side of kidnapping that somehow reads as devotion instead of a red flag. (We don’t question it—we support it.)
The chemistry? Electric.
The pacing? Tight, no filler.
The vibe? Dark, gritty, and just unhinged enough to keep you glued to the page at 2 a.m.
By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for them—I was fully ready to help Rook take out the trash.
If you love:
• Grumpy, morally gray heroes
• Fated mates with obsessive intensity
• High-stakes danger + protective chaos
• “He’d burn the world for her” energy
Then congrats, this book owns you now.
Final verdict: Filthy, fierce, and ferociously addictive. Rook Slater didn’t just take out the trash—he took my sanity with it. 🖤
This book? Absolute feral energy wrapped in a fated-mate fever dream and dipped in danger.
Rook Slater is the kind of MMC who doesn’t just touch grass—he hauls it away at 5 a.m., scowling like the world personally offended him. Blue-collar, brutal, emotionally constipated… and then fate hits him like a freight train made of instinct and obsession. One look at Kylie and suddenly this man goes from “leave me alone” to “I will dismantle society for you” in 0.2 seconds.
And I ate. It. Up.
Kylie isn’t just some fragile heroine either—she’s caught in a storm she didn’t ask for, with rare blood that basically paints a target on her back. The tension? Delicious. The stakes? High enough to make your pulse stutter. The villains? The kind you want to see wrecked in creative ways.
But let’s talk about Rook for a second…
This man doesn’t do soft. He does possession, protection, and unapologetic chaos. The romance isn’t gentle—it’s primal. It’s “touch her and I’ll bury you” energy with a side of kidnapping that somehow reads as devotion instead of a red flag. (We don’t question it—we support it.)
The chemistry? Electric.
The pacing? Tight, no filler.
The vibe? Dark, gritty, and just unhinged enough to keep you glued to the page at 2 a.m.
By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for them—I was fully ready to help Rook take out the trash.
If you love:
• Grumpy, morally gray heroes
• Fated mates with obsessive intensity
• High-stakes danger + protective chaos
• “He’d burn the world for her” energy
Then congrats, this book owns you now.
Final verdict: Filthy, fierce, and ferociously addictive. Rook Slater didn’t just take out the trash—he took my sanity with it. 🖤
April 22, 2026
I admit that I didn’t have exactly high expectations for a book named “garbage man”, but it exceeded my expectations in the best way possible. The plot is so fun, he’s a secret hockey playing vampire who also is a garbage collector. And I love how the mmc isn’t the rich asshole vampire for once (although he is severely grumpy, but it just makes for a fun grumpy x sunshine dynamic). And she comes from a very powerful bloodline but doesn’t know it, and becomes vulnerable. And while it is fun, I felt it was a little underwhelming. There was a lot of tension and buildup for a more mediocre climax. On one hand, I wished there was more time with them actually together, because they have so much chemistry it’s really a missed opportunity. But on another hand, there was a really rushed part, because wdym she went from hating him to loving him in ten pages? The concept is really fun, but there’s a lot more room for development of plot and characters.
It is the first in a series though and I’m quite invested so I’ll definitely tune into the next book. I give this a 3.5/5
It is the first in a series though and I’m quite invested so I’ll definitely tune into the next book. I give this a 3.5/5
April 18, 2026
This was fun! It was very easy reading and moved along at a cracking pace. It does offer a different vampire lore, with Elites, their gophers, and then the rest, living among the humans and being born and not made, almost exclusively male.
Kylie is one of the rare females with highly prized blood making her a target for the Elites. However, she is blissfully unaware of all of this going on around her while she works herself into a tizz over the looming tax deadline, despite some intense attention from a couple of men on the local hockey teams. To her Rook Slater is the very grumpy garage man who hates her. That is until his twenty eighth birthday when the fated mate bond strikes him and he’s now locked in on her and she’s suddenly seeing him in a different light.
There’s action, and kidnapping, and a good amount of vampire spice. The ending is designed to shock and sets up the next in the series perfectly.
Kylie is one of the rare females with highly prized blood making her a target for the Elites. However, she is blissfully unaware of all of this going on around her while she works herself into a tizz over the looming tax deadline, despite some intense attention from a couple of men on the local hockey teams. To her Rook Slater is the very grumpy garage man who hates her. That is until his twenty eighth birthday when the fated mate bond strikes him and he’s now locked in on her and she’s suddenly seeing him in a different light.
There’s action, and kidnapping, and a good amount of vampire spice. The ending is designed to shock and sets up the next in the series perfectly.
April 15, 2026
Who doesn’t want a grumpy, hot Vampire desperate for them?
This book has it all!
Giving us EXACTLY what we want with a fated mates trope…
The click. The shift. The wave of calmness and instant sense of belonging.
Spice that had you begging for more.
Yearning and angst that could cut the tension with a knife!
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Vampire Vigilante
Kidnapped for love
Touch her & 💀
Blue collar alpha
Brothers who protect
Kylie knows something is amiss when she is all of a sudden the interest of multiple intense men. A pushy hockey player who makes alarm bells ring in her head. Or the stoic grumpy knight in shining armour she didn’t ask for.
I loved the chemistry and slight enemies to lovers vibe we get from Rook & Kylie. The push and pull. She knows without knowing something is up, though she is just shy of finding out the truth.
When she does, it will turn her life upside down!
Ending on a cliffy, I’m excited to read the rest of this series!
Thank you to Max & Hambright PR for this ARC opportunity! 🫶🏻
Happy Reading
😊➕ 🩸
This book has it all!
Giving us EXACTLY what we want with a fated mates trope…
The click. The shift. The wave of calmness and instant sense of belonging.
Spice that had you begging for more.
Yearning and angst that could cut the tension with a knife!
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Vampire Vigilante
Kidnapped for love
Touch her & 💀
Blue collar alpha
Brothers who protect
Kylie knows something is amiss when she is all of a sudden the interest of multiple intense men. A pushy hockey player who makes alarm bells ring in her head. Or the stoic grumpy knight in shining armour she didn’t ask for.
I loved the chemistry and slight enemies to lovers vibe we get from Rook & Kylie. The push and pull. She knows without knowing something is up, though she is just shy of finding out the truth.
When she does, it will turn her life upside down!
Ending on a cliffy, I’m excited to read the rest of this series!
Thank you to Max & Hambright PR for this ARC opportunity! 🫶🏻
Happy Reading
😊➕ 🩸
April 20, 2026
Quick read, could have been a lot better than it was. There was not a lot of explanation aside from vague references to why the MMC delayed the connection with the FMC, then with barely anytime left they all of the sudden give in and live each other? Felt too rushed and even a bit forced, but maybe I just like more tension and build up and it don’t feel like it was really there
April 16, 2026
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
After reading hundreds of books, I can confidently say 3 of my favorite tropes are hockey guys, vampires and fated mates. So when I saw a book that had all three, I had to jump at it. Does it sound totally out there? Of course! But that’s the beauty of reading.
Garbage Man follows Kylie Moon and Rook Slater. Kylie is a young woman who dedicates her days to the accounting firm she works at and her nights skating at the rink she grew up going to. She lives a simple life and that’s just fine with her. Rook Slater is always around. He’s at the rink, playing with his brothers on their competitive Rec hockey league and watching her skate. He’s outside her house, taking out her trash as her literal garbage man. And he’s always close by to protect her from power hungry vampires that want her for her royal bloodline. Oh yes, did I mention he’s a vampire? He just casually drops that into her life like it’s not absolutely insane. The Elites of the vampire world want Kylie and Rook will never let them have her.
This book was very entertaining. It wasn’t very many pages so it read more like a short story but ended on a great cliffhanger so that’s always fun. Given the length, the plot moved very quickly and while I usually hate when characters fall in love too quickly, the addition of the physiological pull between fated mates made it make more sense. These vampires are also a bit different than the classic ones you see in movies and other books and their backstory was something I’d read an entire book about on its own. Only true negative was how short it was but still a fun read!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
After reading hundreds of books, I can confidently say 3 of my favorite tropes are hockey guys, vampires and fated mates. So when I saw a book that had all three, I had to jump at it. Does it sound totally out there? Of course! But that’s the beauty of reading.
Garbage Man follows Kylie Moon and Rook Slater. Kylie is a young woman who dedicates her days to the accounting firm she works at and her nights skating at the rink she grew up going to. She lives a simple life and that’s just fine with her. Rook Slater is always around. He’s at the rink, playing with his brothers on their competitive Rec hockey league and watching her skate. He’s outside her house, taking out her trash as her literal garbage man. And he’s always close by to protect her from power hungry vampires that want her for her royal bloodline. Oh yes, did I mention he’s a vampire? He just casually drops that into her life like it’s not absolutely insane. The Elites of the vampire world want Kylie and Rook will never let them have her.
This book was very entertaining. It wasn’t very many pages so it read more like a short story but ended on a great cliffhanger so that’s always fun. Given the length, the plot moved very quickly and while I usually hate when characters fall in love too quickly, the addition of the physiological pull between fated mates made it make more sense. These vampires are also a bit different than the classic ones you see in movies and other books and their backstory was something I’d read an entire book about on its own. Only true negative was how short it was but still a fun read!
April 23, 2026
I received a gifted ARC of this novel via the authors and am voluntarily posting this review. GARBAGE MAN is Book 1 in the new BLUE-COLLAR VIGILANTE VAMPIRES series by Max Monroe. Garbage man, Rook Slater, falls in love with his fated mate, Kylie Moon. He takes drastic action to protect her from the evil vampire elite who want to exploit her due to her rare bloodline. This is a spicy, open door, first person, dual POV, contemporary paranormal romantic comedy with tropes including hot hockey player, brooding hero, fated mates, grumpy, possessive alpha, he saw her and falls first, vampire/human, secret vampire world, hidden bloodline, blue-collar hero, kidnapped for protection, touch her and die, vigilante, and protective hero. I enjoyed this book so much I read all three arcs from start to finish without a break in between. The story drew me in almost immediately and didn’t let me go until the very last page. It is a new subgenre for the authors and I think that they did it justice. This is far from the funniest of these authors’ work, but it definitely had its’ moments of hilarity. I found the interactions between Rook and his siblings among the funniest moments in the story. I was amazed at how quickly Kylie gave into the bond between them given that she was unaware of the vampire world, and if I had any criticism at all it would be that. I admit to being jealous of the level of intimacy and certainty that the fated mate bond gave them. Too bad that isn’t something available to the rest of us! Kylie and Rook were both likable characters and I was really rooting for their HEA. This book ends with a hook into the next that I’m betting you will find impossible to ignore. I definitely recommend this novel for readers who enjoy paranormal romcoms. It is a really good time.
April 28, 2026
Thank you so much to Max Monroe and Hambright PR for providing me with an ARC copy of this amazing paranormal romance.
Max Monroe never fails to impress me; their writing is consistently engaging, and at this point, I will read anything they release. Their ability to balance humour, romance, and supernatural elements is one of the reasons I keep coming back to their work.
From the moment I saw the tropes, I knew this book would be a great fit for me, and it absolutely delivered. The vampire romance aspect was particularly compelling, adding both intrigue and emotional depth to the story.
Rook and Kylie’s relationship was a standout. The development of their connection felt natural and well-paced, making their dynamic both believable and engaging. I especially appreciated how their relationship unfolded over time, rather than feeling rushed.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read, and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
Max Monroe never fails to impress me; their writing is consistently engaging, and at this point, I will read anything they release. Their ability to balance humour, romance, and supernatural elements is one of the reasons I keep coming back to their work.
From the moment I saw the tropes, I knew this book would be a great fit for me, and it absolutely delivered. The vampire romance aspect was particularly compelling, adding both intrigue and emotional depth to the story.
Rook and Kylie’s relationship was a standout. The development of their connection felt natural and well-paced, making their dynamic both believable and engaging. I especially appreciated how their relationship unfolded over time, rather than feeling rushed.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read, and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
April 14, 2026
Garbage Man by @maxmonroe
4 ⭐️
This was a wild, chaotic, and fun ride. Blue collar men, mixed with vampire vibes, and fated mates! This one was definitely different than anything I’ve read!!
Rook is the grumpy, touch her and ☠️, MMC who is feral and overcome with complete obsession!! Kylie is the heroine FMC who doesn’t need saving from her busy life, but finds herself in a storm of tension, high stakes, and tangled up in villains she didn’t ask for.
This book was fast paced and full of tension, banter, and chemistry that sucks you in! This one was dark, unhinged, and had me absolutely rooting for these characters! I am set & ready for the next in this series!!
If you love morally gray men, fated mates, a touch of kidnapping, and obsessed men, this one is absolutely going to be for you!!
4 ⭐️
This was a wild, chaotic, and fun ride. Blue collar men, mixed with vampire vibes, and fated mates! This one was definitely different than anything I’ve read!!
Rook is the grumpy, touch her and ☠️, MMC who is feral and overcome with complete obsession!! Kylie is the heroine FMC who doesn’t need saving from her busy life, but finds herself in a storm of tension, high stakes, and tangled up in villains she didn’t ask for.
This book was fast paced and full of tension, banter, and chemistry that sucks you in! This one was dark, unhinged, and had me absolutely rooting for these characters! I am set & ready for the next in this series!!
If you love morally gray men, fated mates, a touch of kidnapping, and obsessed men, this one is absolutely going to be for you!!
April 17, 2026
You had meat Vigilante Vampires! Thank you to Max Monroe and Hambright PR for the ARC of this Garbage Man, book one in their Blue Collar Vignette Vampires Series.
It was everything I thought it would be! Hot, hockey playing vampires, a sassy FMC, fated mates, touch her and d!e, hidden bloodlines, hilarious banter, that good spice, and an ending leaving me ready for the next one!!!
Kylie Moon and her sass were an absolute highlight in this book. I feel like I highlighted almost everything she said. I love how awkward and grumpy Rook is, our ma is trying so hard. The brother’s have such camaraderie and unspoken loyalty. 5 stars from me, what a fun read.
It was everything I thought it would be! Hot, hockey playing vampires, a sassy FMC, fated mates, touch her and d!e, hidden bloodlines, hilarious banter, that good spice, and an ending leaving me ready for the next one!!!
Kylie Moon and her sass were an absolute highlight in this book. I feel like I highlighted almost everything she said. I love how awkward and grumpy Rook is, our ma is trying so hard. The brother’s have such camaraderie and unspoken loyalty. 5 stars from me, what a fun read.
April 21, 2026
Fast and Fun
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
Max Monroe has been a longtime favorite of mine, so I was really curious to see them step into the vampire world—and I did enjoy this new direction. As always, their signature mix of humor and steam is there, which makes the book an easy, entertaining read.
That said, Garbage Man felt very quick—I finished it in under two hours—and almost a little too rushed. Because of that, there’s not a ton of depth. I didn’t feel like I fully got to know the characters or what really drives them, which made it harder to get invested in their story.
The plot itself clearly stretches across the full trilogy of the Slater brothers, and this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that rolls straight into Kane’s story.
Overall, I had fun with it and I’m definitely sticking with the series.
ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
Max Monroe has been a longtime favorite of mine, so I was really curious to see them step into the vampire world—and I did enjoy this new direction. As always, their signature mix of humor and steam is there, which makes the book an easy, entertaining read.
That said, Garbage Man felt very quick—I finished it in under two hours—and almost a little too rushed. Because of that, there’s not a ton of depth. I didn’t feel like I fully got to know the characters or what really drives them, which made it harder to get invested in their story.
The plot itself clearly stretches across the full trilogy of the Slater brothers, and this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that rolls straight into Kane’s story.
Overall, I had fun with it and I’m definitely sticking with the series.
ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2026
𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐌𝐂
“𝓘’𝓶 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼. 𝓘𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝔁𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷, 𝓚𝔂𝓵𝓲𝓮 𝓜𝓸𝓸𝓷. 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓷𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓮𝔁𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓼.”
Don't let the title deter you. Garbage Man is a fun, quick paranormal romance with plenty of action, banter, and just the right amount of heat.
I love a broody, take charge MMC, and Rook was that and more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I'm excited to continue the series.
• Rook and Kylie
• Vampire x human
• Fated mates
• Hockey playing vampires
• Blue collar MMC
“𝓘’𝓶 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼. 𝓘𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝔁𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷, 𝓚𝔂𝓵𝓲𝓮 𝓜𝓸𝓸𝓷. 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓷𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓮𝔁𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓼.”
Don't let the title deter you. Garbage Man is a fun, quick paranormal romance with plenty of action, banter, and just the right amount of heat.
I love a broody, take charge MMC, and Rook was that and more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I'm excited to continue the series.
• Rook and Kylie
• Vampire x human
• Fated mates
• Hockey playing vampires
• Blue collar MMC
April 26, 2026
Thank you HambrightPR and MaxMonroe for the ARC!
This was fast paced, fun and exciting.
It’s gets to the good bits quick and leaves you begging for more! I cannot wait for the next book!!
Rook is the perfect blend of angry vampire daddy and Kylie is a stubborn, witty FMC that you can’t help hope she will come through unscathed.
🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️
This was fast paced, fun and exciting.
It’s gets to the good bits quick and leaves you begging for more! I cannot wait for the next book!!
Rook is the perfect blend of angry vampire daddy and Kylie is a stubborn, witty FMC that you can’t help hope she will come through unscathed.
🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️
April 29, 2026
Mac and Monroe did it again. I couldn’t put this one down. Rook and Kylie is top notch and looking forward to the rest of the series. I was concerned when I got to the 90% mark and it was still cute and no scary plot twist has happened, but the way it ended to que the next book was perfection… Repo Man here I come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2026
I read this book in seven days. This is the first book in the series and I’m excited for what is next to come.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 21, 2026
This felt like a quick read for me in the best way. It’s fast paced, super engaging, and kept me hooked the whole time. Rook is so grumpy (lol) but also insanely protective, and poor Kylie is just so sweet and has no idea the danger she’s in.
This story was such a fun ride, and now I seriously can’t wait to get more of the Slater brothers 👀
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for sending me the eARC before release day 🫶
This story was such a fun ride, and now I seriously can’t wait to get more of the Slater brothers 👀
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for sending me the eARC before release day 🫶
April 22, 2026
This book is face paced. I for sure have a lot of questions about what all is going on in this world. Can't to read the next one to find out more! All he wants to do is keep her safe!
April 15, 2026
I don’t usually read vampire/fated mate type stuff, but this was VERY good! It had me hooked from the start and I cannot wait for the next one!!!!
May 3, 2026
This was a very different kind of read for me I ended the blue collar concept but I was a vampire blue collar it was a very different read for me and would I read the next one I would however it took me some time to get into the story . Maybe I can give this another try
April 23, 2026
When your favorite authors cross over to the Romantasy side of romance... but make it blue collar and vampire?! Say less!
This was a story I never expected and loved every second of this book!
Thank you max Monroe for the early reads of your newest series!
This was a story I never expected and loved every second of this book!
Thank you max Monroe for the early reads of your newest series!
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