How to Face Eternity is a low-stakes, slice-of-life style romance following Leanne, a newly turned vampire, while she navigates the mysterious trials of immortality alongside Riftan, her immortal mentor.
Blurb:
My life began where some might say it ended: the night I died.
As the “trophy girlfriend” of an infamous crime boss, I always suspected death would come for me. But when a tall, dark, handsome predator rescues me from the trunk of a rival mafioso’s Cadillac, I discover that the city of Creswell holds fears beyond mortal crime: creatures of the night in human skins, beautiful, fast, and hungry for blood.
Riftan swears I’ll despise him for giving me the curse of immortality, but contempt is the last thing I feel for him. We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but our life together isn’t the hell he promised; rather, it’s my own messed-up version of heaven. He is my mentor and my friend, teaching me everything I need to know to face eternity… yet he shows affection shamelessly, pushing the boundaries of what is appropriate while claiming that our relationship can’t be romantic.
As the lines between friends and lovers blur, will he finally accept me as the equal he can love, or will I be left to face the rest of my long eternity with the torment of a heart he’s broken?
A long-time resident of the Pacific Northwest, Sierra either loves to be immersed in nature or lost in a fantasy world. If she's not out snowboarding, surfing, or skating, Sierra can be found at her desk writing fantastical romances or cosplaying like she belongs in one. Though the local high school students know her as snowboard coach, her friends know her as an anime-loving, metal music-listening, role-playing, busybody who's always got something new going on.
Since you're here, it means you know her as the author, SH Clasen. A self-proclaimed romance enthusiast, Sierra's novels revolve around romance of all varieties, particularly fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal. In her opinion, if it fights or bites, it's probably sexy.
Above all, Sierra's favorite thing in the world is talking about the many things she loves with like-minded people, so don't be shy to hit up her socials and start up a conversation about something cool!
Her life began where some might say it ended: the night she died.
This unfortunately wasn’t for me and I wasn’t very fond of either of the main characters or their actions.
FMC is a mafia boss' girlfriend, she is kidnapped by a rival group, then thinks she is saved but ends up bitten by a vampire instead. She seeks him out so that she won’t die from his bite.
I am not the ideal audience for this book. While I am sure there will be others who will thoroughly enjoy this book, I am DNFing @ 20%.
1. Surface-level plot and character development. There is a whole lot of "telling" going on. There isn't any real development of character, which makes it impossible to connect to the FMC or MMC. They're both written so blandly they could literally be placeholders for any other storyline. There isn't anything unique or captivating about either. Which was a shame, because chapter one's introduction to Leanne was giving me some feminine rage hints...but it just sizzled out entirely. And Riftan, being a 700+ year old vampire should not be so wishy-washing and boring.
2. Pacing. This is a fast-paced narrative, which I generally don't prefer anyways, but this pacing was completely unbelievable. Chapter one the FMC is acknowledging she knew being involved with a mafia leader was going to lead to her ruin and then discovers the paranormal exists. She goes from terrified to die to telling the vampire to turn her. And, in turn, the vampire goes from saying he'd never turn another human again to deciding he's bored and turning her would prove an interesting hobby. Like what? A few chapters later she is described as not acclimating to her new heightened senses well, yet the very next chapter she's navigating a nightclub in Prague.
The vibes for this book definitely lean toward the cozier side of things, so readers who enjoy lighter reads will probably enjoy this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Firstly, thank you so much to the author for trusting me with an arc of this book <3 This was such a unique vampire romance. It will certainly appeal to readers who prefer a slower paced story, a slower burn, and emotional complexity.
I’m always here for a good vampire romance, and this was such a fun, slower-paced take on the trope. The romance is a PROPER slow burn, and I really enjoyed watching Leanne adjust to her new immortal life while getting to know Riftan and figuring out what their relationship actually was.
The slice-of-life feel worked really well for me, and I liked getting to experience all the little pieces of Leanne’s new life rather than everything being nonstop action.
That being said, toward the end I did feel like the story started to drag a little. At 630 pages, there were definitely moments where I felt like we could have gotten to the point a bit quicker.
Overall though, I had a really good time with this one, and I’d absolutely read more if the author plans to turn this into a series! 👀🖤
Vampires + slow burn + immortal romance? You already know I was going to be invested.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC! I had a great time getting lost in Leanne and Riftan’s story. 🖤
I wanted to like this so bad, but I just couldn’t relate to the fmc… and the way the old vampire was acting just didn’t make sense at times… Its supposed to be cozy but I also didn’t really get that vibe…. maybe I’m not the audience for this… dnf at 44%.
This really just didn’t hit for me. Very fast paced at the beginning but a lot of the book was just filler and I don’t think it needed to be as long as it was. The plot and characters were really interesting but it was just much longer than it really needed to be. Most of the action in the book is concentrated at the beginning and ends of the book. The ending scene was so brief it felt almost like an afterthought. I do love the way the relationships between Leanne and the other characters played out. Overall I’d still recommend the read.
Leanne was the local mob boss' girlfriend but after getting bitten by a vampire, she's a fledgling in need of some training. How to Face Eternity follows her learning exactly that. The only catch being that Riftan, the vampire who bit her is hot and, despite their clear attraction to each other, forbids their romance.
It is important to understand before reading that while there is a lot of slice-of-life vampire training his newly turned fledgling, there are also entanglements with the mafia and descriptions of violence. I think this veers toward the lighter end of a dark paranormal romance, not the cozy read that the descriptions I see make it out to be. This doesn't mean it isn't enjoyable, it just should be taken into consideration before picking up a copy. I'm not a huge fan of the mafia elements. Granted, mafia stories aren't really my thing, I feel it's implemented as filler that pushes the plot along. I don't know if fans of mafia romance would get enough to enjoy those elements of the story, but I hope they find out about the book nonetheless because it's an entertaining enough read. If you're a fan of the vampire genre, you'll be pleased. In the early part of Leanne's training, there are interesting elements of vampire lore implemented that make it an interesting read. The vampiric element is well done and stays as a steady pulse throughout the novel. The narrative turns the slow burn into an immediate situationship. To the author's credit, I became just as frustrated as Leanne with the way Riftan pushes the boundaries of their relationship without wholly committing. There is certainly a difference between wanting the couple to get together and getting annoyed with how the story teases it out; this book leans toward annoyance. When the story begins to get interesting and the will-they-won't-they peaks, it is completely cut off as Leanne returns to her old life. This is when I entirely lost interest in the novel. I wanted to skip through to get back to the vampire romance. When we eventually do return to that, I got invested again before once again getting tangled up in Leanne's mortal affairs. The book is too long for my taste. It wouldn't work as well if part one and part two are separate books, I would have felt that part one was deeply unsatisfying, but they still could be trimmed down. The beginning and end of the book move quickly to the point that the end feels rushed.
I would recommend this book if you think a vampire romance with a dash of mafia flavor would be your cup of tea, unfortunately it just isn't mine.
I received this as an eARC from the author in order to read and review. Thank you to the author for this opportunity!
About 25-60% through it almost felt like Twilight series fanfic (especially New Moon), but if they were aged up and Edward had to turn Bella way before when he did in the Twilight series. And also, the edition of mafias (but I mean low key the vampire and werewolf factions felt a little mafia-ish).
I was a little surprised at who the baddie ended up being, but like not too surprised because the motivations and the whole mafia-ness of it all totally made sense. However I do feel like the mafia part of the book really wasn’t necessary to the story as a whole.
The relationship between Leanne and Riftan was high key toxic and they 100% needed therapy (Bella and Edward too but that’s another story). They probably should have been on a break for some years and Leanne should not have taken him back so easily because he was a grade a a-hole to her for 3 years; at least the first time he didn’t crawl back immediately after what he said/did, but she really should have stood ten toes down with the second one. If this weren’t fiction, I could see a real life couple like them having a cycle of breakups and makeups until they’re in a retirement home.
The book ended with the relationship a-okay, and the lead in to the next book was not really a cliffhanger and really had nothing to do with some kind of third act/sequel break up, which was really nice.
I think if I had read this before it was revamped, and was still cut into multiple parts, I would have a different feeling about this book, because there def would have been a huge cliffhanger just from guessing at where the end of the original part 1 was probably at (I hate huge cliffhangers, bane of my existence).
I think I would casually read the next book, and am very pleasantly happy that the set up was not a draw dropping cliffhanger like I initially thought it would be.
I entered How to Face Eternity with expectations of vampires, romance, blood, and danger. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional connection I formed with the characters.
Leanne’s journey of growth was particularly captivating. She begins the story at a dark point in her life and is unexpectedly granted eternity. Witnessing her gradual transformation as she learns to survive as a vampire, builds self confidence, fights for her independence, forms friendships, and ultimately desires the future she was given was incredibly satisfying.
Riftan, the centuries old and grumpy vampire, adds a humorous element to the narrative. Initially, he believed he could teach Leanne how to endure immortality without developing a deep attachment to her. However, their relationship evolves through friendship, playful banter, tension, jealousy, protectiveness, frustration, and ultimately, love. This gradual development made their connection feel authentic and earned.
The found family aspect, particularly Jameson, brought warmth and humor to the story.
While the book does contain supernatural danger, blood, violence, revenge, and emotional drama, it is the characters who truly captivate the reader. I particularly appreciated how the meaning of “facing eternity” shifts as Leanne undergoes personal growth.
If you enjoy character driven vampire romance, slow-burn tension, a strong found family, protective male main characters, and a heroine who evolves into her own strength, How to Face Eternity is definitely worth exploring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you’re looking for a cozy vampire read with a side of mafia vengeance, then this will work for you. It's basically a book on the eternal life of Leanne. The book starts off fast, with Lee being kidnapped and honestly...believable. This is where we meet Riftan. There is choice here, die due to the connection of being a Mafia Boss girl or choose to be immortal and experience a life she didn't think possible?
Of course, she chose the better option, and we get to watch her live that life through her and Riftans' eyes. There are many laughable moments in this one. You will absolutely get annoyed with Riftan because, well, men can be annoyingly stubborn.
The timeline of this story will be kidnapping, training, happiness, abandonment/heartbreak, growth by the way of finding oneself, devastation, atonement, bonding, battle time, decompression via mimosas.
If that sounds like your kind of fun, take a chance on this one.
"Triggering a little bit of fight and a hell of a lot of flight..."
"A full-grown, seven hundred- and eighty-year-old man, as intimidating as could be, still somehow possessed a smile that could be described as cute."
"He was earth, and I was a falling star, and there’s nothing I could do about the way gravity pulled me to him."
“A world without you is not meant for me anymore.”
Honestly, this book was very interesting to read. With the way the plot was structured, it really captivated me. It had its sad moments, happy/funny moments and a lot of real emotion brought into it. Overall it was a heartbreaking, anxiety inducing read (w/ a HEA, of course).
I loved the “forced” proximity between Riftan and Leanne. I thought their dynamic was cute in the beginning and then just pure emotional turmoil towards the end. I liked how it incorporates them working towards a healthy relationship cause I feel like most vampire relationships are portrayed as toxic.
I did think that Leanna could’ve been less of a pushover when it came to Alex tho, cause girl?? this is not the time to be “motherly” or wanting to keep a human alive from your past. I would totally understand if it came to a peaceful resolution, but since it didn’t, I just felt as thought it was unnecessary for him to be alive for that long, and for that scenario to end in like 2 chapters. A lot of it was a ton of plot filler and kinda dragged on in the end. I did think Leanne was hypocritical and maybe chose the wrong time to be soft-hearted, but I do like an fmc that tries to be good but still has capabilities to take care of her business.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is a well written, slow paced, slow burn, low stakes, low fantasy, toe dip into a dark romance with a morally grey MMC. It is more of a cozy romance.
It started out with what seemed like a high stakes kidnapping where the MMC leaves the FMC for dead. But she immediately forgives him because she's attracted to his looks. There is no tug and pull here or righteous anger. Honestly, this made me want to dnf here and I was not rooting for them as a couple.
Then things turn very slow. It's a cozy read where they are somehow besties. There are no emotional scenes where there some profound deep connection. It is all surface level. Nothing of significance happens. Then there's a tilted ex lover who makes a threat and wanders off. Does the ex lover ever come back into the story? I think so, but I dnf'd at 66% so I do not know. There isn't any backstory or lore.
If you like cozy romances, you may enjoy this book. It isn't for those who enjoy high fantasy, high stakes, or deep emotional connections. I have no desire to finish this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy from the author. We follow Leanne's journey through her start of eternity. Guided by the vampire that turned her, Riftan. If you like a semi-cozy vampire romance with some mob drama peppered in, this is the story for you! It is not a slow burn but the yearning is STRONG and we have stunning side characters. Riftan decides to turn Leanne after she begs for eternity in the face of actual death. He grants her this life because he is somewhat bored in this "down decade" and wishes to have something to do for a couple years. We get to see Leanne learn what it takes to be a vampire, love a vampire and get control of her life again. I really enjoyed how Leanne learned about live feeding and which prospects she chose to feed on. It made me think what I would do if I was turned and I think I'd go about it the same way. I did find myself thinking the book didn't need to be as long as it was, with some chapters feeling like unnecessary filler. But overall the book was a fun read and a nice start to my spooky tbr. 3 Available on October 3rd.
The story follows Leanne a young woman thrust into the vampiric world. Riftan becomes her mentor and slowly shows her the ropes of her new undead existence. They travel and she grows as a person and as an immortal. The ups and downs they share will have you thinking deeply on their situation. The open conversation they share is so refreshing. I sincerely couldn’t appreciate more how healthy their relationship with one another really is. Every deep conversation looking out for the other’s benefit no matter if it was a painful choice or not. Every character was full of life and depth. I loved the side characters just as much as Leanne and Riftan, Jameson I’m looking at you! This had me at the edge of my seat never knowing what was going to happen next. Honestly I love the uncertainty so much, never having an inking of what was to come kept me on my toes. It was absolutely perfect for a Vampire story with crime boss relations. ✅ Mentor/ Mentee ✅ Forced Proximity ✅ Cozy Gothic
Starting off unhinged and full of curiosity, this novela quickly spiraled into a mystery for me packed with rivalry, tension, and things far darker than one might fathom.
A world within a world, where Leanne and Riften blur the lines between mortal and immortal friendship and something far more dangerous. Their dynamic is climatic, humorous, and charged with a passion simmering just beneath the surface. I loved how the story pulled out the darker side of fantasy while still wrapping itself in unexpected cozy vibes and romantasy.
And then there’s the question of eternity…as Riften and Leanne walk a tightrope filled with danger, a mew awakening and a connection that may be far more powerful than either of them expected. If your like me and enjoy a good dark fantasy, simmering romance with a little cozy chaos, this one might be worth sinking your teeth into.
This book was beautiful. It follows the life of Leanne who becomes a vampire by Riftan. This is definitely slow burn and I wanted to hate Riftan for how he was acting but I gave up because he genuinely wanted to do what was best for Leanne. There are a lot of ups and downs but I can honestly say I had no idea how this book was going to end which I loved. I kept reading the next chapter immediately because I was scared of what would happen next and didn’t want to sit and think about it for too long. I loved the ending and I’m so happy they got the ending they deserved even if I didn’t think that was going to happen for a little bit. In the acknowledgements, the author states she doesn’t think this is a book that would be recommended on Booktok but I disagree and think this should be screamed about to everyone!!
How to Face Eternity by SH Clasen is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves vampire romance, supernatural elements, and a slow-burn relationship with plenty of emotional tension. I really enjoyed the premise and the way the story explored immortality, personal growth, and the challenges of adjusting to a completely different life. Leanne and Riftan brought an interesting dynamic to the story, and their relationship added plenty of intrigue. I especially enjoyed the mix of darker themes, romantic tension, and softer moments that help balance the story. The vampire world adds an extra layer of mystery, while the character development gives readers something more than just romance. Overall, How to Face Eternity is a great choice for readers who enjoy paranormal romance, mysterious characters, and stories that blend danger with emotional connections.
I believe this was originally written as two books that were then merged into one. As one book, it was long with some very dry sections. I found there was a lot of unnecessary background info given and overly detailed sections that weren’t needed to further the plot, but also sections where significant details were omitted (basically the whole of adjusting to be a vampire part).
The climax and conclusion were predictable and fell flat. Overall, I think it would have been a more enjoyable read if there had less about Leanne’s life prior to being turned (both at the beginning and after her return to town), and more adjusting to immortality and more final conflict.
Oh what an absolute delight to read this ARC. It is a bit longer but both of the books in the duology combined into this one means closure and completeness, and honestly, that makes it perfect.
The yearning and pining and mistakes and just stupid humanity throughout these pages and between the characters as they learn to face Eternity, to love, to make friends, and to survive, is delicious and agonizing, and it makes everything else all the sweeter. Jameson and Davin are adorable and perfectly foiled to Riftan and his performative bratty, aloofness.
It was certainly a wild ride of twists and turns when these characters learned how to love, how to stand up for themselves and others, how to survive themselves AND the malicious world at large.
This book follows Leanne and Riftan and her journey becoming a new vampire at first it starts out as somewhat of a forbidden romance because the two cannot be together because Riftan sees himself as a mentor to Leanne. This book was interesting but it kind of dragged on in parts. I did like the mob side plot at the beginning that was quite interesting. We follow along as Leanne becomes a vampire and his life through her first years until she’s deemed to be on her own. The two separate and they find their way back to each other, even if that’s through negative means. I enjoyed the book, but it was a little long. I was gifted and arc of this book. This review is completely voluntary and reflects my opinions
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
How to Face Eternity by SH Clasen follows Leann as she navigates life as a “trophy girlfriend” and vampire. Leann is such a relatable and lovable character. Following her through this book is like yapping with your best friend. Riftan is her mentor and so easy to hate. But let’s be real, we love a redemption arc!
This book is cozy, gory, and has the best supporting characters you could ask for. The twist and turns are well thought out and keep you engrossed in the story. I could not put this down! How to Face Eternity belongs on every fall/Halloween TBR! I am so lucky and forever grateful for the chance to read this ARC! 5 ⭐️
This book is definitely a slower paced book. It is a Slow Burn Paranormal Romance with a sprinkle of mafia. We are following a fledgling named Leanna as she navigates her new life as a Vampire. You get to experience her new life with her without it feeling like it’s being rushed. There is a lot of back and forth with Riftan’s lack of commitment and emotional issues on him falling for her but also being her Sire. Some parts feel like they were stretched out more than they should have but if you are look for an easy read slow burn with Vampires this is a good start for you.
Oddly enough, this one was giving Pam and Eric from True Blood vibes. I like. I really thought Riftan would be the usual alpha mentor MMC type but he's really not. Leanne was a great FMC. She had one of the more realistic "making all the mistakes-20s while juggling newfound immortality" runs. I like that they actually talk things out for the most part, even if Riftan is a little awkward with the romance aspect. The side characters are what make the story and plot more interesting. This one is definitely one of those books you read over a long weekend but I finished it in 2 days.
This was such an easy, enjoyable romance to get lost in. I was immersed in the story right from the beginning and it was one of those books that just cruised along nicely for me.
I really enjoyed the slow burn, and the bickering felt like the kind of ridiculous arguments real couples actually have. 😂 It made their relationship feel believable.
A sweet, easy read that kept me happily invested from beginning to end.
This book gets my emotions all over the place. I love it! 💚 There's so much details that I don't want to miss. If I step away for a bit to look at the story as a whole, I can see how much growth the characters are experiencing as well as the growth in their relationship. There are ups and downs, push and pull. It's certainly is not easy but it showcases really well how a growing relationship looks like.
SH Clasen’s writing is immersive and all consuming like a hug from your best friend. I loved that this was a slower, cozier pace than my typical high stakes romances. It’s a story you’d want to curl up with the full moon and candles on, just gothic enough to keep things interesting while the cozy, slice of life aspect is the perfect palette cleanser. Jameson was the highlight of the story for me, though Leanne’s infectious positivity was refreshing and I adored her 😍😍
I read this book to 50% and I just couldn’t read anymore. I was bored.
While this book wasn’t for me, I know for sure the audience is there! The banter between the MMC and FMC is cute. I prefer more action and treachery (personal preference). This book, to me, was more like a contemporary slow burn vampire romance.
I read 50% of the book and just couldn't get into it. I DNF'D. In all fairness I had just finished an infinity star read for me prior starting this so my opinion may be altered. I plan on coming back to this story in the future to try again. I liked the idea of this story for sure but the pacing was off for me.
How to Face Eternity was a fun and spicy slow burn that follows Leanne, a newly turned vampire, as she navigates her new immortal life. There was tons of drama, both in the relationship as well as with the outside world. The book was on the longer side, but I loved the slow burn of the first half and all the mafia drama in the second half.