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I Already Planned My Retirement: A Vampire Romance Series

Win a free kindle copy of this book!

1 day and 01:15:21

50 copies available
U.S. only

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2026

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Shanna Lee

1 book13 followers

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5 stars
13 (35%)
4 stars
15 (40%)
3 stars
6 (16%)
2 stars
2 (5%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Stacy.
352 reviews191 followers
May 29, 2026
ARC REVIEW

How sweet it is to be bitten by you!

This is such a cute and sweet book.

In a world where vampires and humans coexist, we meet Theo, a teenage vampire, and Colette, a teenage human. They meet by literally running into each other. Then Theo saves Colette's life, and from that point on, a bond is formed. But someone doesn't like nor want their friendship to bloom and interferes. You will have to read the book to find out what happens next!

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review!
Profile Image for iris ઇଓ.
183 reviews
Did Not Finish
June 27, 2026
Didn't finish it because I realized a few chapters in that I'm probably not in the age demographic for this. It felt too childish for me and I couldn't get into it. Not the author's fault though—just an oversight on my part. I would still recommend this to anyone interested in YA and vampires. The little I read was quite good but I really had to fight a slump because of the writing 🫠

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC!
Profile Image for Caro.
265 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
July 17, 2026
YOU IMPRINTED ON MAY DAUGHTER?????

arc review is my own opinions, i cannot be bought or silenced. thank u booksirens and author shanna lee.

this was very much the young adult vampire romance that the description promised to bring. honestly an excellent addition to my collection of Recommendations for Middle School Little Cousins Who Love Romance. there are vampires out in the world, living alongside humans and occasionally killing them. except there's also a no-human-killing-treaty. essentially we have human and vampire racism and separatism and supremacy. that was a very interesting plot in this book, so i hope the rest of the series touches more on that.

the plot was great, it was super cute and very ya appropriate. the characters were interesting and fairly well developed. a few concepts don't make much sense to me (including, how is a 16-year-old girl working alone in a high school library?) but honestly i had no problem overlooking those bits just because the whole premise is already a little nonsensical. the pacing was off though, many events were rushed and the final resolution was so quick despite the entire book building up to it.

some of the writing was great, but other parts not as much. the author is really great at describing the atmosphere and setting of a scene in a way that allows readers to imagine the whole scene, without falling into the common hole of describing everything in exquisite detail when it's irrelevant.

while the characters were fleshed out, the narration was very flat and direct. and i would also say the same about some of the dialogue. at times it pulled me in but most of the time it was too emotionless. rather than telling a story about the characters, it feels like the characters' emotions/feelings/thoughts are just a means to the ends of ending the story. it gives me no reason to become personally invested in these characters honestly.

i would also say that the writing in this book is not quite what i expected. our characters are 16/17 and in high school, and while this doesn't necessarily mean that it should be written for upper-high school readers, i at least believed it would be advanced enough to appeal to the whole 12-18 age range. like cinder or even the selection. instead, i would compare it to something like dork diaries. the diction, structure, plot, and relationships are all pretty juvenile. if the characters weren't in high school, i would believe that this was actually a middle-grade book geared to maybe 8-12. it's not problematic at all, but could impact the target audience.

Profile Image for Landon.
192 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 19, 2026
ARC Reader
I debated on if I should rate this a five or a four. The reasons-- well they have to do with a few aspects that I found during the reading of it. Though I decided to go more off enjoyment rather than the little tidbits that were a little off to me.
The story was interesting. It was something I did enjoy a lot. Though it is very much a YA type romance book. Though that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it any less. Sometimes a good YA is a great palate cleanser from reading a bunch of dark romance books. I'm a sucker for vampire romance books.
The two main characters, Colette and Theo, are interesting as characters. Though I do find myself wanting to know more about the side characters. Alex for one, and his closeness with Rika.
Thus leads me to some of the 'point deductions' in my thoughts on the book.
The pacing for one. It is a shorter book, and the first in a series. Though the pacing seems quite quick. Somehow we go from Halloween to Christmas to Valentine's Day in a less than 200 page book. It just seems like time really flew by and it almost felt rushed.
Inner thoughts should stay inside. The characters like to talk to themselves... a lot. It is a bit concerning. The concept of inner thoughts are not a thing. Instead the concept of normal dialogue is used to convey such thoughts. Italic inner thoughts are always a wonderful concept rather than seeming like the town loon talking to yourself randomly. Unless if that is the vibe you're going for-- then be my guest.

The book was interesting, don't get me wrong. I did enjoy it. I do look forward to the next book. I would love to know more about the side characters. There are a lot of them and it seems like some of them didn't get enough time to shine or discover what drives them.
Profile Image for ୭ ˚.  raquel.
495 reviews313 followers
August 10, 2026
—4⭐

La idea de una protagonista que lleva toda su vida planeando meticulosamente su jubilación y que, de repente, tiene que replanteárselo todo es tan absurda como adorable, y Colette me ha ganado completamente. Además, el planteamiento de humanos y vampiros conviviendo con toda normalidad me pareció muy divertido y le da un toque diferente a la historia.

Y Theo y Colette… 🥹 Me encantó su dinámica. Sus interacciones tienen ese punto de tensión y ternura que hace que quieras seguir leyendo para ver qué demonios van a hacer el uno con el otro. Hay bastante humor, momentos muy tiernos y una parte romántica que disfruté muchísimo.

Sí que creo que algunas cosas podrían haberse desarrollado un poquito más y el ritmo se me hizo algo irregular en ciertos momentos, pero la verdad es que me daba igual porque estaba demasiado entretenida. Es una historia ligera, divertida y con mucho encanto, de esas que terminas pensando «vale, necesito saber qué pasa después». Definitivamente quiero seguir con la serie.
480 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 8, 2026
This is more of a kids romance - I am a Gen X and at 10 read Flowers in The Attic -okay -but I honestly think that if your kid is 13 and older they could handle this - no cursing, there is some discussion about "oh I have bonded with her and want to suck her blood" kind of deal - and they kiss. And if this series continues, they are juniors in high school, we might eventually hit a sex scene but at this point it is cool :)

And don't worry the main character isn't 60 and near retirement I was wondering about that to myself - she is actually a junior in hs and she explains that she lost her sister and she made plans what she would do in her retirement.

Vampires can go out in the sun, can live without human blood, and aren't supposed to bite humans - although some do. Our main male character, saves our non vampire friend -and there relationship slowly grows -

Lots of teenage angst, that grows to love - I hope the author continues the series so we can see where it goes.
Profile Image for morgansmoodreads.
60 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 24, 2026
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review

I love a vampire romance, so was pretty excited for this one. It is definitely Young Adult, yet I knew that going in. It’s light, fun, and sweet. There were just a few things keeping me from thoroughly enjoying it.

This was a very fast paced/short book, and felt a little rushed and choppy at times. The switching between multiple POVS and the characters’ constant inner dialogue made it a little hard to follow. Theo and Collette were both likable characters that you were quickly rooting for. Her obsession with retirement was funny and quirky, yet sometimes over the top.

I do feel like the bones of this story were good, it just as a whole really didn’t do it for me.

I appreciate the chance to read and review it so much.
Profile Image for Βίκυ Χ..
222 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 31, 2026
Hallway Glances & Immortal Chances🥀🩸💘

Imagine two classmates in a world where humans and vampires coexist almost peacefully. What could possibly go sideways? She’s a human with her entire life already pencilled in, and he’s a vampire who’s been bored past the point of breathing; same school, same hallways, completely different eternities. When their paths cross, the result is pure magic: whimsical without being silly, funny in one sentence and tender the next, with romantic tension that crackles like static. The writing feels airy and fresh, the characters are impossible not to root for, and the real-life themes are handled with such gentle, grateful grace. Short enough to blissfully inhale, long enough to leave a glow! An utterly rejuvenating read for all ages. I’ll follow Shanna Lee anywhere! 💕

Wholehearted thanks to Penpinery and the author for this treat of a book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1 review
August 6, 2026
An interesting YA that would be a good Hi-Lo (high-interest, low-reading-level) recommendation for students in 7th-10th grade. Colette is a quirky teen who already has their retirement planned, while her classmate Theo is a grumpy vampire who saves her from another vampire who intends to harm her. This chance encounter is the start of a slow friendship between the two, budding into a sweet romance. The storytelling does remind me of manga or manwha, as it is largely driven forward with dialogue between the characters and their inner thoughts. I feel that this would have been a good format for such a fast-paced story. There were some jarring plot points, the main one being Colette’s elusive reason for having her whole retirement planned out, but it started to make sense halfway through the book. A perfect read for students interested in modern-day vampire romances.
Profile Image for Sage (ON HIATUS FOR WORK).
61 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 5, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

4.7/5 ★★★★★

te iubesc

Vampires and humans. Through all the folklore and all the stories, we were told that they do not go hand in hand and they cannot co-exist. But I Already Planned My Retirement is written in a world where, they do co-exist with the help of a pact, signed by both worlds.

It is about a girl, Colette, who has been consistently planning out her retirement years, despite only being 16. She then meets a boy (a cute red-headed vampire btw) who will turn her retirement plan upside down. And she will make him feel things he doesn't know he could feel.

It was a really cute teen Y/A and I can't wait to follow their journey throughout the series.
Profile Image for Ruxi Avram.
159 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
June 8, 2026
Arc review
Thank you Shanna Lee and Booksirens for this book!
It is the delightful beginning of a love story between a human girl and a vampire boy, two adolescents from different backgrounds that find common ground.
Collette has a tight plan for her retirement, a sort of a bucket list inherited from her sister, and she struggles to recognize her own feelings, but also Theo's interest in her.
Theo is a vampire that works hard to be around humans and totally loses his senses around Collette, falling gradually and desperately in love with her.
Ir is a sweet and delightful love story, and I enjoyed reading it a lot!

I have received this book as ARC from Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Profile Image for Velmoraa.
15 reviews
Review of advance copy
June 11, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a fun and cute read! The plot had a very fanfiction-like feel in the best way possible—engaging, entertaining, and easy to get invested in. I really enjoyed the characters and their dynamics, and the story kept me turning the pages.

My only wish is that we had gotten more backstory and character development. I wanted a deeper look into their pasts so I could connect with them on a more emotional level. Even so, the book was enjoyable, light, and had plenty of moments that kept me hooked.

Overall, I had a great time with and would definitely recommend if you're looking for something fun and cute. 📚✨
Profile Image for CinBooks.
152 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 14, 2026
This reads more like a YA paranormal romance than an adult one. The characters are juniors in high school, and the romance is very sweet and age-appropriate. There's no spice—just some kissing and discussions around vampire bonding and bloodlust. If the series continues, that may change as the characters get older, but this book keeps things innocent.

I liked the take on vampires here. They can walk in the sun, don't need human blood to survive, and aren't supposed to bite humans, which made for an interesting twist. The romance develops gradually, with plenty of teenage emotions, awkward moments, and growing feelings.

Overall, this was a cute start to the series. I'm curious to see where these characters go next and would definitely pick up the sequel. 🧛‍♀️🩸💕
2 reviews
Review of advance copy
July 19, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

I Already Planned for Retirement is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and paranormal romance that kept me smiling from beginning to end. Colette Briars is the kind of character who believes every stage of life should be carefully planned, and watching those carefully laid plans unravel in unexpected ways makes for an entertaining and heartfelt journey.

The chemistry between Colette and Theo is charming, and their interactions are full of witty banter, sweet moments, and just the right amount of tension. The story balances its lighthearted tone with themes of taking chances, embracing change, and realizing that life doesn't always follow the roadmap we create for ourselves.

The pacing kept me engaged, and the writing made it easy to become invested in the characters and their world. Fans of cozy paranormal romance with lovable characters and plenty of laughs will find a lot to enjoy here.

If you're looking for a fun, feel-good romance with a supernatural twist and memorable characters, I Already Planned for Retirement is definitely worth picking up.

I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy paranormal rom-coms, opposites-attract romance, and stories that remind us life can surprise us in the best ways.
42 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 31, 2026
They're both sixteen and attending the same school. He just happens to be undead.

Theo suffers due to his immortality (he doesn't know how to enjoy life and can't find meaning). Enter Colette, who finds joy in every small aspect of life, even in the hobbies of retired old folks. Of course he's interested in her!

I want to know what happens next. When will the villain come back and what will he do? Colette has kind of a sad backstory which didn't get explored enough in this novel. Maybe in the next one?

The stereotypes some people may not like & may be bothered by them:
- he's super tall, she's very petite
- she's the protagonist so of course she's a klutz and falls over herself all of the time

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,871 reviews56 followers
Review of advance copy
June 2, 2026
This was a weird and strange story about a human and a vampire not wanting to admit their instant feels for each other . Theo the vamp, is shy and thinks he's not worthy, and he doesn't want to make her into a monster like him.

Collette has her life all planned out. Theo makes her rethink her plans. Collette gives him a moment of attention to show his feelings. Things get dicey and turn spicey.

Where is it all going? I love that vampire's are part of the normal world and part of the functioning culture there. I love supernatural elements, so this was my jam.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Profile Image for Brandi Conico.
216 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
June 15, 2026
I received this as an ARC from BookSirens. I would best describe it as a tween "Twilight." There is some unnecessary cursing by one character that I'd rather not see in a book written for this young, but it's not anything they won't see elsewhere, it just seems out of place and doesn't really add to the character or the story.

I go back and forth between a 3 and a 4 review, because It's probably fine for the age group it's written for. There's a lot of mini subplots that don't have a lot of development and the instalove or bonding is a little strange. There's just a lot of loose ends that don't tie. A 12 year old might not care.

It's cute, it has potential.
Profile Image for Katie.
944 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for the ARC of this book, I Already Planned my Retirement.


I was hoping for a fast book to palate cleanse after a 700 page fantasy and this was mostly that. I loved the premise of the book, but it was entirely too childish for me. Yes, it's labeled as adult fiction/romance/ya, but this felt like it was written by a 12 year old. There were breaks in each chapter to differentiate who was speaking, but even in those paragraphs, there were multiple POVs. There was also no depth to the characters and it was all surface level.

I just wasn't a fan!
Profile Image for Alexandra Berndsen.
89 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 5, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this book.

A short and sweet vampire romance set in an alternate world where humans and vampires co-exist. Our two main characters, Colette & Theo, cross paths in school, but they don’t really notice each other until Theo rescues Colette on her way home when she is attacked by a vampire. After that affection starts to grow, but how could they possibly make it work and face all the challenges that would come with their relationship?

I really enjoyed this book. It was short and sweet, fast pacing, but still easy to follow. Perfect for teenagers who like a bit of supernatural elements too their reading.
Profile Image for Hannah R.
9 reviews
August 6, 2026
I Already Planned My Retirement made my heart grow three sizes.

This book had a very sweet love story between a vampire and a human. There were many tender moments, and parts that left me giggling. My biggest issue with this book is that it's supposed to be a high school setting, and it really feels like the FMC is in middle school. She's very naive and believes whatever the people around her say. Overall, this was a 3-star read.

Tropes:
🔹Paranormal Romance
🔹Young Adult
🔹Forced Proximity
🔹Everyone Sees It, But You
🔹Friends to Lovers

Thank you NetGalley, Shanna Lee, and Victory Editing for the ARC
12 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
June 8, 2026
I Already Planned My Retirement is about Colette, a high school human student, who's ready to live out her meticulous plans for retirement. She lives in a world where humans and vampires harmoniously co-exist, including attending high school together. Her carefully laid plans go out the window when she meets Theo, a vampire. PS: He loves garlic.

The story is a cute and whimsical feel-good read.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, but all opinions are my own and this review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Tracy.
2,535 reviews39 followers
Review of advance copy
July 7, 2026
I really liked Collette and Theo. I liked him teaching her vampire lore and history, and that she is a very giving person who likes a variety of things. I feel like this could be fleshed out a great deal more. How did the general population at school feel about vampires? The teachers? Is Catalina super evil or just a stuck up … vampire? I didn't have a good feel for how Collete looked for sure, and Theo's descriptions tended to be the same. So i'd like to see more, but i liked the general story, and read it in a few hours at work ;)
Profile Image for Katzian.
1 review1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 20, 2026
This is a light, fast-paced supernatural romance with lively chemistry between the characters. Both Collette and Theo gave me second-hand embarrassment in a way that reminded me of high school crushes. I got a few good chuckles out of it.

It reads like a slice-of-life romance anime: quick, engaging, and easy to sink into. If you're looking for something that demands deep investment, this might not be that. But as a light, quick read, it's a decent choice.

Thanks to the author and Booksirens for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Johanna.
6,688 reviews121 followers
August 7, 2026
Book 1 of A Vampire Romance Series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'Now she’s stuck choosing between the life she carefully organized and a romance she never saw coming.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Binge reading stories.
219 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June 16, 2026
3.75 stars

Yes, it was sweet, fun & cutie but Colette believes everything & everyone readily & that's simultaneously good and bad.

Also, there was a slight mention of retirement & after that it became a sob background story for fmc. nothing good came out of it.
Otherwise, all of it was good. Their friendship were beautiful.

Thank you Net gallery, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. for providing me with the ARC.

p.s - who was the person who attacked her in the start of the book?
Profile Image for Rou📖.
59 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2026
ARC review
I really liked the book it was a fun teen read and sooo sweet🥹 maybe a bit too teen for my taste but the characters and the story honestly were really good just hope the rest would be longer but a solid 4⭐️ sums up how much I liked it and would love to read the rest of the volumes!
Thanks for book sirens for sending me the advanced reader copy of this book to read and review!
Profile Image for Anayah Navarrete .
131 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 26, 2026
I absolutely loved the book because it was incredibly well-written, engaging, and kept me captivated from start to finish. The plot was intriguing, the characters were well-developed, and the themes were thought-provoking.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
442 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2026
I am a grandma and i enjoyed this very much. It is written for middle schoolers in my opinion but that doesn’t mean i cant kick off all the old age stuff and just pretend for a moment then get the book for my granddaughter and watch us talk vampires & human society. Yep its a plan. And if my daughter cant find where i got the book well so much better for me.
18 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
July 16, 2026
I truly enjoyed this book. I really loved the characters in this book and I am excited to see what becomes of them in the next one and ready to find out more about the main character and her family. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for mavi.
55 reviews
Review of advance copy
July 26, 2026
Even though it's marketed as Young Adult fiction, this book would probably appeal more to middle schoolers. The writing and dialogue was a bit too juvenile for characters that are supposedly in high school, and the characters were hardly given any depth. But for what it was, I Already Planned My Retirement was a cute short read about a vampire and a human falling in love.

Thank you to BookSirens for providing me an ARC to review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews