Firerose

by Farrah B.

Ten years of friendship. Five days in Cairo. One connecting door that changes everything.

What does a vampire and an ex-vampire hunter have in common? A decade of friendship and a small town that judges them for it.

Vienna Firerose hosts a supernatural podcast and writes steamy romance novels for a living. Running low on ideas, she decides to revisit the cemetery for a dose of inspiration.

Sheriff August Drakanos upholds the law in Murex Cove, wearing his duty to his family like a crown of thorns above his head. His friendship with Vienna raises eyebrows, yet he treasures it like a dragon hoarding gold.

One night, he catches her loitering in the cemetery after hours, and what starts off as an idea for her podcast, turns into a five-day trip to Cairo with him as her travel companion.

Spending time with Vienna, away from the shackles of expectations, brings to the surface feelings he'd spent years denying himself. Feelings that threaten to ruin their friendship and change their lives forever.

to loversForbidden romanceTravel romanceForced proximity

107 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2026

About the author

Farrah B. is a bookworm turned romance writer, which is kinda ironic given how she grew up reading horror all throughout high school. Her favorite authors included Christopher Pike, R.L.Stine and Lisa Jane Smith.

But then she watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and fell in love with that unique blend of horror and romance, and it shaped her in more ways than one. She spent the next seven years talking her best friend's ear off about the show, honing her storytelling powers along the way.

After graduating from college, Farrah dabbled in fanfiction, winning several fandom choice awards for depicting charming bad boys with heart. Her secret recipe? Witty dialogue and lovable characters with emotional depth.

When she's not writing, Farrah paints, travels and lets her creativity lead the way. Find her on Instagram @farrah.b.on.kindle

Reviews

[BlueSkySoul BlueSkySoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I absolutely loved it!

Vienna and August have incredible chemistry, and their witty banter kept me smiling the entire time. The Egypt setting was a major highlight, adding a thrilling layer of adventure and mystery to the plot. I deeply rooted for them from start to finish, especially with August’s vulnerability balancing Vienna’s sharp wit. If you love forbidden vampire romance filled with heart and humor, you need to read this!

[Michelle Leask · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from the Author as a ARC review. I am a major Buffy fan. So when I found out the author was also a Buffy fan I kinda jumped around with excitement! The book is like a fun love letter to Buffy but with its own twist. I fell hard for vampire August with his amber eyes and long red hair ( hello Lucien vibes IYKYK ) and Vienna was fantastic! Loved her bubbly personality and nerdy references. I can’t wait to see what more is in store, for these too cuties! 10/10

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vienna is an ex vampire slayer but now podcaster and smut writer and August is a vampire she was supposed to kill but is now her best friend for 10 years. He is the Sheriff. He gets her a ticket to go to Cairo to do a podcast on a tomb they found and some events happen. This book will keep you on your toes and has twist and turns and I love the energy between Vienna and August especially towards the end. I am invested and want to see how things turn out for them all. I loved it!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun premise, great characters! I love the budding romance between these two. I also felt like I was stepping back into my childhood with all the Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes. I remember why I loved Angel so much back in the day…

I’m excited to see where this story goes! I genuinely want to know more about this world.

[Jamie Lynn Snider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute story. One of friendship and love. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Vienna and August.

[Elanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ex-vampire slayer, Vienna Firerose is now a podcaster . Her best friend happens to be August, a vampire police chief. They make quite the interesting pair. Things get even more exciting then August invites Vienna to go to Cairo to go vlog about a crypt from an enigmatic Pharaoh. Little did Vienna know that August was going with her.

It was a good read, very interesting, kept me hooked. The characters were so cute and adorable eventually let their long buried feelings surface.

There were a couple things that didn't really work for me, though. The pop culture/meta references seem so jarring, but in this story it does make sense. I just personally don't care for them, it definitely took me out of the reading for sure. The Stanly tattoo... Cringey...

I also really wish we could have gotten more detail about the lore and background of the vampire slayers and the vampire treaty. What caused it to happen? What changes were made? How long did it take for things to get to a new normal? Things like that I would have very much enjoyed. I also wish we could have gotten more out the the crypt situation as well, lore and why does it make humans ill? It was glossed over a little bit by saying there were anti-human wards, but why? I wish the mystery could have gotten resolved before our characters left.

Overall it was a very entertaining read and the characters were fun and lighthearted. Their story will continue so I am excited to see where they go next!

[wine_about_books11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating ~ 4.5/5 ⭐

First off: if you grew up watching The Vampire Diaries, you'll eat this up.🩸I devoured this in one sitting. It's a short read, but it packs a punch.

At its heart, this is the story of Vienna Firerose, an ex-vampire hunter turned supernatural podcast host (and a smut writer), and August Drakanos, the town sheriff who also happens to be a vampire. They've shared a decade of friendship but when a spontaneous five-day trip to Cairo for Vienna's podcast forces them into close quarters, everything they've buried for years begins to surface.

One of my favorite things about this book was how much we got to experience Cairo through Vienna's eyes. The culture, the atmosphere, and everything—it felt like I was vicariously traveling right alongside her.

Their dynamic is equally compelling. Both Vienna and August are so STUBBORN. And bossy. And ridiculously cute together. Their bantering had me grinning like an idiot multiple times.

Just one thing: the book ends on a cliffhanger though—so prepare to scream!

Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIREROSE has drama, witty banter, confusion, tender moments, jealousy, clarity, suspense, competition, sexy times, and taking a chance.

I enjoyed FIREROSE. There were a few places that I think intent could have been made more clear, but August and Vienna’s story is interesting, they are very likable characters, and the plot is good—the sub-plot of August’s betrothal to Aurora is a bit muddied, though.
*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨August
FMC:
✨Vienna
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA - I don’t think this is a ‘to be continued’
Tropes:
👉forbidden love
👉friends to lovers
👉mutual pining
👉witty banter
👉protective mmc
👉forced proximity
👉small town romance
Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2, mf, semi-open🚪sex
💥profanity.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[InkAndWhiskers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Vienna and August's friendship felt genuine, making the friends-to-lovers romance believable and satisfying. Their chemistry was easy to root for, and I was invested in seeing where their relationship would lead.

The only reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five is that the story felt as though it existed within a much larger world. The romance itself is complete, but I felt as if there's a broader series or ongoing story behind the scenes. It wasn't confusing, but I did occasionally feel like there was more to the world than I was seeing.

Overall, it's an enjoyable paranormal romance with engaging characters, and I'd happily read more stories set in this world.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I was madly in love with Angel (and Angel the series) so when I found out the author was also a Buffy fan I knew I had to read this book. The best thing about it is the friendship at its center. Vienna and August have already known each other for ten years when the book opens, and you can feel that history in the way they speak to each other. As a Greek reader, I definitely smiled when I found out where the vampire family comes from. It's short, funny and fast-moving. By the end I was very ready for book two. Open door in the later chapters, if that matters to you.

[Rebecca Bectoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an advance copy from the author for my honest review.

The two main characters are August (vampire) and Vienna (human ex vampire slayer) and they are great together. If you loved Buffy the vampire slayer then you'll love this book. Vienna's roommate was a great character too.

I did enjoy the part when they were in Egypt but I'd like to have learnt more about what they were doing and why it was affecting Vienna. The ending was good and I liked that it was a cliffhanger too, looking forward to what happens next.

[Caity Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRE-PUBLISHING REVIEW

Great read. Fast paced and loved the story.

A few aspects could be expanded on. There is some time jumped that I felt could have been avoided and more time into character/story development could have been used.

Agree with some of the other reviews that the vampire lore could have been expanded on and given some more details into the basis of the relationships between the two main characters and the vampire history ect but overall I enjoyed it!

Need the second book ASAP!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Spending time with Vienna, away from the shackles of expectations, brings to the surface feelings he'd spent years denying himself. Feelings that threaten to ruin their friendship and change their lives forever.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly 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.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!love Vienna and August !!! this is their love story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... she's an ex-vampire hunter turned podcaster and romance novelist... he's the vampire sheriff in there small town.. they are best friends and have been for years now... when Vienna needs inspo and ends up at the cemetery and August finds her... a spontaneous trip to Cario happens for her podcast and he's along for the ride ... this was so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MahiReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Firerose! I’m a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope and the romance between August and Vienna was believable and well earned.

Their trip to Cairo felt authentic and it was a fun setting for the friendship to evolve, especially when August finally goes after what he wants.

Those two had so much chemistry so I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in book two!

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. This was funny and charming in a way that I really appreciated. Cute sweet with just the right amount of spice. It reminds me a little of Michele Bardsley's Broken Heart series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anayah Navarrete · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Its beautiful writing and captivating plot drew me in completely. The rich characters and thought-provoking themes kept me engaged throughout. Overall, it was an incredible reading experience!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun short story. I loved the banter and how Vienna and Augusts friendship developed into so much more. Can't wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is clean witty book. With a little suspense. The characters flow smoothly with each. I would love to have an epilogue. Telling about August mother when he departed the plan demanding his appearance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.