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Pool Boy #1
Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion
I should have asked what happened to the last pool boy . . .
The money’s good, and my rent is scarier than the rumors about Witherborne Mansion.
All I gotta do is clean the pool, keep my head down, and not get involved.
Then I meet Theo. The hot mess, party-boy vampire heir who is absolutely not my type.
His brother wants him dead. Not getting involved.
His mother cares more about political ambitions than her sons. Doesn’t matter to me.
The neighbors are something scarier than vampires. Not my problem.
But when a body shows up in the Witherbornes’ pool it becomes my business. Literally.
I’m the only human in a house full of vampires, trying to work out who did it.
Now I’m involved, it’s definitely my problem, and Theo is beginning to matter to me in ways that can’t end well for either of us.
My name is Owen, I’m just the pool boy, and my chances of survival are absolutely zero.
*
Fans of SOS HOTEL will adore this fast-paced romp filled with laughter, a few unfortunate individuals who may end up deceased in pools, some questionable life choices, and one blood-adverse vampire playboy who does not understand boundaries. Featuring a touch-starved ex-con and a bisexual disaster vampire, the nights are about to get wild in Miami.
Minimum wage, maximum bodycount!
The money’s good, and my rent is scarier than the rumors about Witherborne Mansion.
All I gotta do is clean the pool, keep my head down, and not get involved.
Then I meet Theo. The hot mess, party-boy vampire heir who is absolutely not my type.
His brother wants him dead. Not getting involved.
His mother cares more about political ambitions than her sons. Doesn’t matter to me.
The neighbors are something scarier than vampires. Not my problem.
But when a body shows up in the Witherbornes’ pool it becomes my business. Literally.
I’m the only human in a house full of vampires, trying to work out who did it.
Now I’m involved, it’s definitely my problem, and Theo is beginning to matter to me in ways that can’t end well for either of us.
My name is Owen, I’m just the pool boy, and my chances of survival are absolutely zero.
*
Fans of SOS HOTEL will adore this fast-paced romp filled with laughter, a few unfortunate individuals who may end up deceased in pools, some questionable life choices, and one blood-adverse vampire playboy who does not understand boundaries. Featuring a touch-starved ex-con and a bisexual disaster vampire, the nights are about to get wild in Miami.
Minimum wage, maximum bodycount!
268 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2026
About the author
Ariana Nash
60 books2,361 followersBorn to wolves, Ariana Nash only ventures from the Cornish moors when the moon is fat and the night alive with myths and legends. She captures those myths in glass jars and returning home, weaves them into stories filled with forbidden desires, fantasy realms, and wicked delights.
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Review of advance copy
The neighbors’ pool had just tried to eat me, and I needed to get to the bottom of it. Not literally.
The pool guy with a shady past teams up with a vampire bad boy influencer to investigate a murder. After he gets out of prison, Owen wants nothing more than to avoid trouble. Unfortunately trouble finds him in the form of Theo, the heir to the local vampire family. Oh and the dead body in the pool.
I’d spent two years being careful Owen in prison, good Owen out of it, the version of me that didn’t scare anybody and didn’t get involved, and he’d spent his whole life being the Theo on the other side of someone’s screen, the heir with the weight of centuries on his back. The face of the generation of vampires that had to live with the coming out.
This book was very interesting. I've read a ton of character-driven books lately, and this one was very much focused on the plot instead. There's a lot going on in this book, from the mysterious body of the former pool boy showing up in the Witherborne pool, the insane Witherborne family dynamics, their creepy neighbours, Owen's past misdeeds showing up to haunt him, and the developing chemistry between Owen and Theo.
“Who am I kidding? You are so my type,” I said aloud, knowing he couldn’t hear. “Chaotic, thrilling, funny, unpredictable, sexy as heck. Unreliable, probably sleep around, terrible boyfriend material. Trouble all the way through to the bones. Why can’t I find a nice boring golden boy? Because it’s boring.” I mocked myself, getting into it. “You’re going to die on the sexy bad-boy hill, Owen.” But it would be a hill worth climbing.
My favourite part of the book was the chemistry between Theo and Owen. They're both incredibly lonely and have a surprising amount of things in common. Their relationship/friendship develops slowly- so slowly that I thought the book was YA. There is very little spice in the book, but I never doubted their attraction for one another. We also have the cutest of nicknames (Freckles and Fangs OMG 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰) and forehead kisses and literal touch-him-and-die vibes 🤩.
Theo was bad for me, in a good way. And maybe I could be good for him, in a bad way?
This book wasn't really what I expected from the blurb, and the slow burn plot line had me very confused about the pacing until I realized that this is just the first book of at least 2 about the same characters. Everything seemed to be moving so slowly but it makes sense now that I know there's a second book. While I enjoyed it, I finished the book kinda frustrated about the number of plot lines extending into the second book. There was a preview of book 2 at the end and I wasn't even remotely tempted to read it. I think that tells me that while the book was good and the plot dynamic, I prefer more of a balance between the plot and character development. All I know about the 2 MCs is a bit about their past/family issues, that they're lonely and that they like each other. Quite a bit happened but it feels empty without more of a connection to the characters- for me personally, at least. Like eating too much candy.... you're left a bit queasy and know you need to go find something substantial to balance it out.
He knew exactly what he was doing, knew how to tease, and I was here for it, falling into deep waters all over again. I might drown in Theo Witherborne, but in that moment, I realized it would be a fine way to go.
Rating: 3.75 stars
Angst: 2/5
Steam: 1/5
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
My favourite part of the book actually happened between Owen and Bentley, Theo's younger brother:
“What I’m saying is,” he continued. “You want old-school vampire, that’s me. Sneaking about, creeping into bedrooms, stalking maidens—”
“A pervert, got it.”
“Right. What? No. Haven’t you read any dark romances? Human females adore being stalked and intimidated.”
I laughed. “Human females?”
His eyebrows pinched together. “What do you know about human females? You’re gay.”
I laughed harder. “I know they probably don’t like being referred to as human females. Was your date tonight an AI girlfriend?”
“Fuck you, pool boy. I’m in a relationship with a wonderful female.”
“Is it your reflection?"
Top notch banter 😆
I normally don't mention typos and other issues but I really hope someone proofread this because there are a lot of errors still.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was provided an e-copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Vampires
✅ Nice characters
✅ Pace
✅ Simple & Straightforward world-building
✅(🆗) A lot of things are happening
✅(🆗) Romance development
❗️❗️Trigger warning: dead body, almost drowning
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
3.5 stars
Please don’t hate me!
I usually devour Ariana Nash’s books, but I struggled a little to get into this one. It reminded me more of her SOS Hotel series, with more humor and a lighter plot than Silk & Steel or The Prince’s Assassin, but I didn’t care about these new characters as much as I usually do.
Owen is the new pool boy at the Witherbornes' mansion, and he is trying his best to keep a low profile and leave his con life behind him. He wants a fresh start away from trouble and far away from dangerous guys who seem to always get him into trouble, which is easier said than done when he has to see Theo Witherbornes every time he works at the mansion.
I didn’t think being a pool boy came with such extensive knowledge about pools’ ecosystems. Owen seems to genuinely love his job, and the author injected just enough technical information about pool care to make it believable and realistic: it’s more than just a side job; Owen truly knows his shit, but it’s not boring or too detailed either. It did convince me, however, that I do not want to have a pool and have to care for it. Too much trouble.
Theo is flamboyant, and not your usual vampire (he faints when he sees blood). He also likes to put his life all over social media and create funny trends such as #Thowen. Things get even more complicated when a dead body turns up, and Owen can’t forget about it, or his need to investigate and find out how the previous pool boy died, and who killed him.
I feel that neither Owen nor Theo has found who they want to be, or who they are supposed to be yet. There is room for a lot of character development, as well as relationship development, and I am eager to see how it will play out in the next book. While I do like Theo and Owen, and there is an obvious attraction between them, I do not feel much of an emotional connection yet.
This is a funny mystery/murder story. It is fast-paced and a quick read, and reminds me more of the SOS Hotel series than Ariana’s other, darker fantasy series. It is easy to fly through this book, to get attached to Owen and Theo, and to smile while reading about their shenanigans. I do feel that a lot happened in a very short amount of time, though. There is the murder of the previous pool boy to elucidate, the weird things happening at the Whiterbornes’ neighbors, Owen’s mysterious past trying to suck him back in, with someone appearing to stalk him, and the romance budding between Owen and Theo. I did enjoy the fast pace and the quick read, but I do think I would have liked this story more if it had been longer or if Owen’s past had not been a focal point, because it was a lot at once.
On the plus side, this means there is potential for a lot of development and focus on Owen’s past and his ex in the next book. I am also curious about Fleur: how will she be relevant? Where exactly did she come from, and how are the Witherbornes going to handle this? Is she going to just crash in their pool house forever?
I do have questions, and I am not madly in love with these characters yet, but I will read the next book for sure. Ariana Nash is an auto-buy author for me, and even if this book didn't land with me the way her previous works did, I still had a good time reading it. I enjoyed the fast pace and it was a quick read, perfect to get some entertainment, flashy vampires, and creepy magic.
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✅ Vampires
✅ Nice characters
✅ Pace
✅ Simple & Straightforward world-building
✅(🆗) A lot of things are happening
✅(🆗) Romance development
❗️❗️Trigger warning: dead body, almost drowning
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
3.5 stars
Please don’t hate me!
I usually devour Ariana Nash’s books, but I struggled a little to get into this one. It reminded me more of her SOS Hotel series, with more humor and a lighter plot than Silk & Steel or The Prince’s Assassin, but I didn’t care about these new characters as much as I usually do.
Owen is the new pool boy at the Witherbornes' mansion, and he is trying his best to keep a low profile and leave his con life behind him. He wants a fresh start away from trouble and far away from dangerous guys who seem to always get him into trouble, which is easier said than done when he has to see Theo Witherbornes every time he works at the mansion.
I didn’t think being a pool boy came with such extensive knowledge about pools’ ecosystems. Owen seems to genuinely love his job, and the author injected just enough technical information about pool care to make it believable and realistic: it’s more than just a side job; Owen truly knows his shit, but it’s not boring or too detailed either. It did convince me, however, that I do not want to have a pool and have to care for it. Too much trouble.
Theo is flamboyant, and not your usual vampire (he faints when he sees blood). He also likes to put his life all over social media and create funny trends such as #Thowen. Things get even more complicated when a dead body turns up, and Owen can’t forget about it, or his need to investigate and find out how the previous pool boy died, and who killed him.
I feel that neither Owen nor Theo has found who they want to be, or who they are supposed to be yet. There is room for a lot of character development, as well as relationship development, and I am eager to see how it will play out in the next book. While I do like Theo and Owen, and there is an obvious attraction between them, I do not feel much of an emotional connection yet.
This is a funny mystery/murder story. It is fast-paced and a quick read, and reminds me more of the SOS Hotel series than Ariana’s other, darker fantasy series. It is easy to fly through this book, to get attached to Owen and Theo, and to smile while reading about their shenanigans. I do feel that a lot happened in a very short amount of time, though. There is the murder of the previous pool boy to elucidate, the weird things happening at the Whiterbornes’ neighbors, Owen’s mysterious past trying to suck him back in, with someone appearing to stalk him, and the romance budding between Owen and Theo. I did enjoy the fast pace and the quick read, but I do think I would have liked this story more if it had been longer or if Owen’s past had not been a focal point, because it was a lot at once.
On the plus side, this means there is potential for a lot of development and focus on Owen’s past and his ex in the next book. I am also curious about Fleur: how will she be relevant? Where exactly did she come from, and how are the Witherbornes going to handle this? Is she going to just crash in their pool house forever?
I do have questions, and I am not madly in love with these characters yet, but I will read the next book for sure. Ariana Nash is an auto-buy author for me, and even if this book didn't land with me the way her previous works did, I still had a good time reading it. I enjoyed the fast pace and it was a quick read, perfect to get some entertainment, flashy vampires, and creepy magic.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
Read
July 3, 2026 NEW COVERS!
'JUST THE POOL BOY AT VAMPIRE MANSION'
I mean, that title says a lot about it, right there. 😄
Here's a little teaser about the characters:
Owen: Pool Boy
Ex-con trying to be a brand-new, very boring man.
Lives by rules because the rules keep him out of trouble (mostly).
Allergic to attention, social media, and getting involved.
Says exactly the wrong thing the second his mouth opens.
Soft heart he keeps insisting he doesn't have.
Can't walk away from a stray, a corpse, or a pretty disaster.
Talks to pools like they're people.
Buried his wild side six feet deep but it's clawing its way up.
Broke, guarded, and falling for the worst possible person.
Theo: Vampire Heir
Party boy with a smile for every camera.
Loud, sparkly chaos hiding a whole lot of dark.
A vampire who sunbathes, fears blood, and breaks every rule of his kind.
Flirts like it's a competitive sport.
Wants to be loved for who he is, not what he is. Deeply lonely.
Stows away in a stranger's car (Owen) and refuses to leave.
His brother wants him dead. His mother is worse.
Hot mess. Knows it. Owns it. Weaponizes it.
*
And I am so excited for you to meet them!
Of course, Pool Boy is going to get compared to SOS HOTEL, and we all miss the hotel trio. (Zee is currently sulking that he's not getting his own book). But this world is fresh and fun, with its own kind of chaos, and while it has silly and dark SOS HOTEL vibes (it's still me writing it, after all), it's new and exciting too.
Come along for the ride 😄💦
OUT NOW!
'JUST THE POOL BOY AT VAMPIRE MANSION'
I mean, that title says a lot about it, right there. 😄
Here's a little teaser about the characters:
Owen: Pool Boy
Ex-con trying to be a brand-new, very boring man.
Lives by rules because the rules keep him out of trouble (mostly).
Allergic to attention, social media, and getting involved.
Says exactly the wrong thing the second his mouth opens.
Soft heart he keeps insisting he doesn't have.
Can't walk away from a stray, a corpse, or a pretty disaster.
Talks to pools like they're people.
Buried his wild side six feet deep but it's clawing its way up.
Broke, guarded, and falling for the worst possible person.
Theo: Vampire Heir
Party boy with a smile for every camera.
Loud, sparkly chaos hiding a whole lot of dark.
A vampire who sunbathes, fears blood, and breaks every rule of his kind.
Flirts like it's a competitive sport.
Wants to be loved for who he is, not what he is. Deeply lonely.
Stows away in a stranger's car (Owen) and refuses to leave.
His brother wants him dead. His mother is worse.
Hot mess. Knows it. Owns it. Weaponizes it.
*
And I am so excited for you to meet them!
Of course, Pool Boy is going to get compared to SOS HOTEL, and we all miss the hotel trio. (Zee is currently sulking that he's not getting his own book). But this world is fresh and fun, with its own kind of chaos, and while it has silly and dark SOS HOTEL vibes (it's still me writing it, after all), it's new and exciting too.
Come along for the ride 😄💦
OUT NOW!
August 11, 2026
"I blinked, thoughts tripping over themselves again. I’d just been drugged, dragged through a broken window backwards by some kind of evil tree creature, brought my potential boyfriend back from the dead, talked to my dark self, closed a gate to some kind of supernatural prison hell, seen things I was pretty sure humans were never supposed to see, and Theo was flirting?"
Oh she's done it again! Another cracker of a short-read, hilarious, MM paranormal dark comedy romance from Ariana Nash. This one will be loved by fans of the fabulously successful SOS Hotel series, which also comes highly recommended, starting with SOS Hotel: For a Supernaturally Safe Stay!
Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion is Owen and Theo's story. Owen is the pool boy and Theo is the (apparent) party boy, vampire son of the mansion owners where Owen works.
But all is not as it seems at Vampire Mansion, and when Owen finds a body floating in the pool things go from bad to worse with hilarious (and deadly!) consequences....
What To Expect:
🩸MM romance (but secondary to the story)
🩸Human/vampire
🩸Dark themes, but also funny
🩸Dark comedy
🩸PNR
🩸Grumpy/sunshine
🩸Fabulous storytelling
🩸HEA
A definite hit and a fun, darkly comedic palate cleanser!
4.5 stars
Oh she's done it again! Another cracker of a short-read, hilarious, MM paranormal dark comedy romance from Ariana Nash. This one will be loved by fans of the fabulously successful SOS Hotel series, which also comes highly recommended, starting with SOS Hotel: For a Supernaturally Safe Stay!
Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion is Owen and Theo's story. Owen is the pool boy and Theo is the (apparent) party boy, vampire son of the mansion owners where Owen works.
But all is not as it seems at Vampire Mansion, and when Owen finds a body floating in the pool things go from bad to worse with hilarious (and deadly!) consequences....
What To Expect:
🩸MM romance (but secondary to the story)
🩸Human/vampire
🩸Dark themes, but also funny
🩸Dark comedy
🩸PNR
🩸Grumpy/sunshine
🩸Fabulous storytelling
🩸HEA
A definite hit and a fun, darkly comedic palate cleanser!
4.5 stars
August 22, 2026
Overall, I really enjoyed the start to this new series and I am looking forward to the next installment. That being said, the first 50% was clunky and slow for me.
After 50%, the story and mystery really started to pick up and I also became more invested in the characters along with the chemistry between Owen and Theo. I'm intrigued by Fleur and Theo's brother Bentley. I feel like Bentley is just misunderstood lol. I am also eager to learn more about Owen and all that he has going on.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loved the SOS Hotel series.
After 50%, the story and mystery really started to pick up and I also became more invested in the characters along with the chemistry between Owen and Theo. I'm intrigued by Fleur and Theo's brother Bentley. I feel like Bentley is just misunderstood lol. I am also eager to learn more about Owen and all that he has going on.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loved the SOS Hotel series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"𝙻𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚖𝚊𝚗. 𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚌𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚙𝚘𝚘𝚕𝚜."
Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion is the newest wacky series by Ariana Nash. The writing is definitely a different vibe than her usual work IMO. I do agree there are similarities with the SOS HOTEL series, such as wild shenanigans going seriously wrong, all while the characters are trying to do everything right. And it all starts with Owen being the unlucky guy to end up the most recent pool boy at a mansion full of bloodthirsty vampires.
𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚟𝚊𝚞𝚕𝚝 𝚊 𝚏𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎. 𝙸𝚏 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘. 𝙸𝚝 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝."
Theo was an interesting character to get to know. He's known as a rich playboy who spends his time at parties and shmoozing. When we first meet him, he comes off as a total d-bag. Owen totally agrees. I thought that was going to be it. His whole personality. I should have known better. Nash has a way of making you fall in love with characters that normally you'd tend to hate. It sneaks up on you, with little glimpses of what truly lay behind the mask. We get all that and more with Theo.
"𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝, 𝙸 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚝 𝚋𝚒𝚐. 𝚂𝚎𝚎𝚗. 𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚙𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚒𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚒𝚝."
Owen, dear human Owen, wears his own mask as well. Owen has a past. A past he wants nothing to do with. He has his new job in pool maintenance and is determined to stay on the straight and narrow with the help of his bestie aka his parole officer. He doesn't have time for rich philanderers and he definitely doesn't have time for dead bodies. Nope. None.
Unfortunately for BOTH Owen and Theo I don't think things are going to go the way either of them are hoping for. From possible murderous pools and highly suspicious neighbors to random visitors popping up out of no where with no idea how they arrived, these two end up on quite the adventure. And though we've touched on the building romance and conquered one enemy, I have a feeling there is much more to come for the residents of Vampire Mansion.
Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion is the newest wacky series by Ariana Nash. The writing is definitely a different vibe than her usual work IMO. I do agree there are similarities with the SOS HOTEL series, such as wild shenanigans going seriously wrong, all while the characters are trying to do everything right. And it all starts with Owen being the unlucky guy to end up the most recent pool boy at a mansion full of bloodthirsty vampires.
𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚟𝚊𝚞𝚕𝚝 𝚊 𝚏𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎. 𝙸𝚏 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘. 𝙸𝚝 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝."
Theo was an interesting character to get to know. He's known as a rich playboy who spends his time at parties and shmoozing. When we first meet him, he comes off as a total d-bag. Owen totally agrees. I thought that was going to be it. His whole personality. I should have known better. Nash has a way of making you fall in love with characters that normally you'd tend to hate. It sneaks up on you, with little glimpses of what truly lay behind the mask. We get all that and more with Theo.
"𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝, 𝙸 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚝 𝚋𝚒𝚐. 𝚂𝚎𝚎𝚗. 𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚙𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚒𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚒𝚝."
Owen, dear human Owen, wears his own mask as well. Owen has a past. A past he wants nothing to do with. He has his new job in pool maintenance and is determined to stay on the straight and narrow with the help of his bestie aka his parole officer. He doesn't have time for rich philanderers and he definitely doesn't have time for dead bodies. Nope. None.
Unfortunately for BOTH Owen and Theo I don't think things are going to go the way either of them are hoping for. From possible murderous pools and highly suspicious neighbors to random visitors popping up out of no where with no idea how they arrived, these two end up on quite the adventure. And though we've touched on the building romance and conquered one enemy, I have a feeling there is much more to come for the residents of Vampire Mansion.
September 19, 2026
September 2026
Kindle edition
Saw the cover and decided to give it a go. There was a lot to unpack there. Curious about the next one now that the pool boy is done pretending. Undecided on the brother, he needs a partner. Hit and miss on Theo, he did step up, so his next steps will be interesting. Preview sounds fun.
Kindle edition
Saw the cover and decided to give it a go. There was a lot to unpack there. Curious about the next one now that the pool boy is done pretending. Undecided on the brother, he needs a partner. Hit and miss on Theo, he did step up, so his next steps will be interesting. Preview sounds fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2026
If you've been following me for a while, you know I adored Ariana's SOS Hotel series. So when she announced this book and the fact that it had those same chaotic vibes? YES PLEASE. Did it disappoint? Not even a little bit. This was fantastic and I can't wait to see what's next for this cast of chaotically awesome characters. We've even got a new MC with a mystery behind him. Totally human. Or is he? Too bad I can't binge read the series right away to find out faster.
October 13, 2026
4⭐️
Owen is just a pool boy trying to lay low. Being a pool boy for a family of famous vampires is definitely more interesting than he thought it would be. Not only does he find the handsome Theo lying out in the sun, which is extremely inadvisable for a vampire, but he later finds a body floating in the neighbours’ pool as well. This book is just the beginning of Owen and Theo’s story and is full of paranormal mystery and fun.
you can expect:
-vampire / human
-famous vampire that’s actually highkey depressed and hates his family
-pool boy human with a dark past
-a paranormal murder mystery
This book was quite fun and there were definitely at least two moments where I laughed out loud. It takes place in a world where a vampires have just “come out” and are being accepted into society. I think it’s the kind of book that you’re not supposed to take seriously. If you take it seriously, you’re not gonna have a good time. You have to read this book expecting it to be a little bit wild and you’re going to have a great time. I think this author usually does a great job of creating fun paranormal books like this one.
This book was very clearly just the beginning of a series and although the main murder mystery wraps up in this book, there is still very clearly more overworking plot that is going to be explored in future books. I also think that the author did a good job of establishing the characters relationship and the fact that even though this book only takes place over a two week period, these two feel a connection that is quite deep. To be honest, they’re kind of trauma bonding if you think about it.🥲
Anyways, I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a paranormal book that is going to make you laugh and is more plot heavy. That being said this book is still quite short, and I think the rest of the series will likely be easy to consume as well.
TW!!!
Although this book is written in a very lighthearted style, it is worth mentioning that Theo does try to kill himself at the beginning of the book and it is quite sad, so please do take that into consideration before you pick up this book!
Owen is just a pool boy trying to lay low. Being a pool boy for a family of famous vampires is definitely more interesting than he thought it would be. Not only does he find the handsome Theo lying out in the sun, which is extremely inadvisable for a vampire, but he later finds a body floating in the neighbours’ pool as well. This book is just the beginning of Owen and Theo’s story and is full of paranormal mystery and fun.
you can expect:
-vampire / human
-famous vampire that’s actually highkey depressed and hates his family
-pool boy human with a dark past
-a paranormal murder mystery
This book was quite fun and there were definitely at least two moments where I laughed out loud. It takes place in a world where a vampires have just “come out” and are being accepted into society. I think it’s the kind of book that you’re not supposed to take seriously. If you take it seriously, you’re not gonna have a good time. You have to read this book expecting it to be a little bit wild and you’re going to have a great time. I think this author usually does a great job of creating fun paranormal books like this one.
This book was very clearly just the beginning of a series and although the main murder mystery wraps up in this book, there is still very clearly more overworking plot that is going to be explored in future books. I also think that the author did a good job of establishing the characters relationship and the fact that even though this book only takes place over a two week period, these two feel a connection that is quite deep. To be honest, they’re kind of trauma bonding if you think about it.🥲
Anyways, I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a paranormal book that is going to make you laugh and is more plot heavy. That being said this book is still quite short, and I think the rest of the series will likely be easy to consume as well.
TW!!!
Although this book is written in a very lighthearted style, it is worth mentioning that Theo does try to kill himself at the beginning of the book and it is quite sad, so please do take that into consideration before you pick up this book!
September 16, 2026
3.5 ★
I'm so glad that one of my favorite authors is back with a whole new series. And of course, I enjoyed it so much! This book is more aligned with her most humorous and not as dark series. A lovely yet full of action story with a quick pace.
Surprisingly (not) I like the dickish brother that we are supposed to hate. But it's not my fault if these characters are just so enticing lol. And I still believe that Bentley has a soft heart beneath all those murdery threats.
I loved the banter between Owen and Theo. It was a little bit instalovey but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It matched this type of story’s pace and the plot in general. Though I will love to see how their relationship evolves in the next book. They still have a lot of external problems to sort and some secrets of their own.
The kind of dysfunctional characters that I enjoyed reading about the most. Can’t wait to read the next instalment!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
“You’re still our pool guy, right?” he asked, half looking over his shoulder but not really seeing.
“Yeah, I guess, if you want.”
“I want you, Owen.”
I'm so glad that one of my favorite authors is back with a whole new series. And of course, I enjoyed it so much! This book is more aligned with her most humorous and not as dark series. A lovely yet full of action story with a quick pace.
Surprisingly (not) I like the dickish brother that we are supposed to hate. But it's not my fault if these characters are just so enticing lol. And I still believe that Bentley has a soft heart beneath all those murdery threats.
I loved the banter between Owen and Theo. It was a little bit instalovey but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It matched this type of story’s pace and the plot in general. Though I will love to see how their relationship evolves in the next book. They still have a lot of external problems to sort and some secrets of their own.
The kind of dysfunctional characters that I enjoyed reading about the most. Can’t wait to read the next instalment!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
September 8, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I’m always excited for a new series from Ariana Nash. Owen narrates this story and his point of view is so fun. He’s just out of jail and trying to put his past behind him. He’s disappointed in himself for the choices he made and, while he wants to forget his past, his ex now has people following Owen. He knows he should stay away from Theo, but a gorgeous vampire is difficult to avoid, no matter now hard Owen tries. Theo and Owen just get each other and all of Owen’s resistance won’t change that. There is a push and pull between them, as well as some sweet moments that drive their relationship.
I am definitely interested in Owen and Theo and what is next for them in their relationship and seeing Theo navigate being a vampire. I look forward to reading more about Theo and Owen, the pool boy who may have a larger role in life than he realizes.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I’m always excited for a new series from Ariana Nash. Owen narrates this story and his point of view is so fun. He’s just out of jail and trying to put his past behind him. He’s disappointed in himself for the choices he made and, while he wants to forget his past, his ex now has people following Owen. He knows he should stay away from Theo, but a gorgeous vampire is difficult to avoid, no matter now hard Owen tries. Theo and Owen just get each other and all of Owen’s resistance won’t change that. There is a push and pull between them, as well as some sweet moments that drive their relationship.
I am definitely interested in Owen and Theo and what is next for them in their relationship and seeing Theo navigate being a vampire. I look forward to reading more about Theo and Owen, the pool boy who may have a larger role in life than he realizes.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
August 28, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Four stars.
Firstly, this was so much fun. If you loved SOS Hotel, this matches the vibe completely. Full on shenanigans with a maybe sweet romance growing in between? This brought me out of a small slump and I'm so grateful.
I love Owen. He's totally just a pool boy, the same way Adam was totally, 100% human (IYKYK). I both love and hate that Owen has a secret because this is the kind of thing that makes me want to keep reading. Hate it because book two isn't here yet 😭.
And sweet babi Theo. From his initial description I anticipated disliking him but I adore him and can't wait to see more of him in future books.
The only reason I'm not rating this five stars is because I found the beginning to be a little slow and I took some time to get into it. But once things start moving it takes off.
Definitely recommend adding this to your TBR for the chaos vibes 😌
Four stars.
Firstly, this was so much fun. If you loved SOS Hotel, this matches the vibe completely. Full on shenanigans with a maybe sweet romance growing in between? This brought me out of a small slump and I'm so grateful.
I love Owen. He's totally just a pool boy, the same way Adam was totally, 100% human (IYKYK). I both love and hate that Owen has a secret because this is the kind of thing that makes me want to keep reading. Hate it because book two isn't here yet 😭.
And sweet babi Theo. From his initial description I anticipated disliking him but I adore him and can't wait to see more of him in future books.
The only reason I'm not rating this five stars is because I found the beginning to be a little slow and I took some time to get into it. But once things start moving it takes off.
Definitely recommend adding this to your TBR for the chaos vibes 😌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2026
4.25/5. I’m into it. It was clunky in the beginning, kinda choppy and a little disjointed, but once it smoothed out and things picked up, it was really good. There’s still plenty to learn, too, so that’s another tick in the positive column. I will always hate when everything is all figured out and explained by the end of the first book. There’s no mystery or fun after that. I am invested. The chaos and the sweetness and the hilarity go well together, the characters are complex and inviting, and the story is ridiculous in the best ways. It’s good soup.
—I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and unwanted opinions are my own.—
—I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and unwanted opinions are my own.—
October 27, 2026
You know how you read a cute book and it's all giggles and feet kicking funny? This was not that.
I didn't understand if this was trying too hard but didn't go hard enough or if there was a series I should have read before this to make the "mysterious" pool boy make sense.
I'm frustrated I didn't DNF but I thought whats there not to love. Supernatural vampires, hot pool boys, some kind of mystery... it just didn't work together to make any kind of cohesive story.
I didn't understand if this was trying too hard but didn't go hard enough or if there was a series I should have read before this to make the "mysterious" pool boy make sense.
I'm frustrated I didn't DNF but I thought whats there not to love. Supernatural vampires, hot pool boys, some kind of mystery... it just didn't work together to make any kind of cohesive story.
August 29, 2026
A fun rom-com blend of mm romance, and supernatural mystery, with a pool boy investigating a murder, and trying not to fall for the vampire playboy.
There is lots of family drama, a building romance and chemistry, and paranormal chaos.
There is lots of family drama, a building romance and chemistry, and paranormal chaos.
August 31, 2026
I REALLY liked this one!
Our sweet little "pool boy" and the party boy Vampire-heir, LOVED their love/hate banter, the found family aspect and the spice ❤️
I loved that it had a mystery storyline as well as a love story!
Definitely worth a read, fun, fast and easy to fall into!
Our sweet little "pool boy" and the party boy Vampire-heir, LOVED their love/hate banter, the found family aspect and the spice ❤️
I loved that it had a mystery storyline as well as a love story!
Definitely worth a read, fun, fast and easy to fall into!
August 29, 2026
This feels like the start to another great series.
September 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🤣🤣🤣
🩸
🧑🤝🧑 Theo y Owen
Un libro ligerito, vibe veraniega y gracioso. Ya quisiera poder leer el segundo y espero que no tarde mucho y ni sea una seria muy larga 🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣
🩸
🧑🤝🧑 Theo y Owen
Un libro ligerito, vibe veraniega y gracioso. Ya quisiera poder leer el segundo y espero que no tarde mucho y ni sea una seria muy larga 🤣🤣
August 12, 2026
Ooof this is going to be a hard one to rate, because whilst there was a lot here to enjoy, this book had SO MUCH GOING ON that it just felt overwhelming. It also didn’t seem to know if it was going for high-level comedy or out and out horror at points. Also, this is not a standalone as I had thought, but the start of a series; there are many open plot lines at the end of this book that will no doubt be picked up in future books.
First of all I will say that I really do like this author’s writing; it’s fun and clever and although cheesy at times, all in all her books are a good read. That being said, I think this one just overreached; it was just too much in a short space. Spoilers incoming:
✨ Vampires and their coming out to the world (not really explained. Also Vampires in this world are born basically human and have to die and be brought back in order to become full vampire. Which brings up all sorts of biological questions which are not answered).
✨ A murder mystery with a dead ex pool boy (who had a friendship? Relationship? With love interest Theo, which was not really explained)
✨ MC Owen has a mysterious criminal past and an evil ex who has destroyed his life, but Owen doesn’t want to talk about it (fodder for a future book, I assume, but not explained in this one)
✨ Theo’s brother Bentley is constantly trying to kill him (apparently sibling rivalry!? Just boys being boys, vamps being vamps y’all. But other than apparently extreme jealousy and bad parenting, the repeated attempted fratricide is not explained)
✨ A girl with amnesia and apparently the ability to give salient plot points away when needed is found in the pool and now lives with Theo with very little explanation… (again, I assume this will be picked up in a later book… not explained here)
✨ I’d also argue that one of the main draws in vampire books is y’know, the biting. This doesn’t happen in this as Theo is repulsed by blood (but how does he survive, I hear you scream? It’s not explained) and I feel like if you take away the sexy biting, just don’t make ‘em vampires, y’know. That’s just me though.
So as you can see, it’s a bit of a mess, imho, with too many elements just not explained at all or not enough. I think some people will love the chaotic nature and many, many plot lines, but I prefer my series to start out simple and build up.
This does sound like I hated this book. I didn’t, it was a fun read with good writing and some interesting ideas. I think some people will adore this, it just wasn’t for me.
Thanks to the author for an advanced eARC through GRR 💕
First of all I will say that I really do like this author’s writing; it’s fun and clever and although cheesy at times, all in all her books are a good read. That being said, I think this one just overreached; it was just too much in a short space. Spoilers incoming:
✨ Vampires and their coming out to the world (not really explained. Also Vampires in this world are born basically human and have to die and be brought back in order to become full vampire. Which brings up all sorts of biological questions which are not answered).
✨ A murder mystery with a dead ex pool boy (who had a friendship? Relationship? With love interest Theo, which was not really explained)
✨ MC Owen has a mysterious criminal past and an evil ex who has destroyed his life, but Owen doesn’t want to talk about it (fodder for a future book, I assume, but not explained in this one)
✨ Theo’s brother Bentley is constantly trying to kill him (apparently sibling rivalry!? Just boys being boys, vamps being vamps y’all. But other than apparently extreme jealousy and bad parenting, the repeated attempted fratricide is not explained)
✨ A girl with amnesia and apparently the ability to give salient plot points away when needed is found in the pool and now lives with Theo with very little explanation… (again, I assume this will be picked up in a later book… not explained here)
✨ I’d also argue that one of the main draws in vampire books is y’know, the biting. This doesn’t happen in this as Theo is repulsed by blood (but how does he survive, I hear you scream? It’s not explained) and I feel like if you take away the sexy biting, just don’t make ‘em vampires, y’know. That’s just me though.
So as you can see, it’s a bit of a mess, imho, with too many elements just not explained at all or not enough. I think some people will love the chaotic nature and many, many plot lines, but I prefer my series to start out simple and build up.
This does sound like I hated this book. I didn’t, it was a fun read with good writing and some interesting ideas. I think some people will adore this, it just wasn’t for me.
Thanks to the author for an advanced eARC through GRR 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2026
Too many things not explained
Reading this felt as though I was missing half the story. It's loud and chaotic and over the top, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because this is obviously purposely meant to be comedic, but so much didn't make sense. I don't know if that's because this is a series, and all will be explained as it progresses, but it made me feel as though all the characters had inside knowledge that they either assumed I already had too or were absolutely not going to share.
This just didn't do it for me so I won't be continuing with the series.
Reading this felt as though I was missing half the story. It's loud and chaotic and over the top, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because this is obviously purposely meant to be comedic, but so much didn't make sense. I don't know if that's because this is a series, and all will be explained as it progresses, but it made me feel as though all the characters had inside knowledge that they either assumed I already had too or were absolutely not going to share.
This just didn't do it for me so I won't be continuing with the series.
August 29, 2026
Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion is a fun, chaotic start to a new series. There are flashy vampires, murder, strange magic, humour, and a fair amount of ridiculous moments. It’s definitely more on the entertaining side than the emotionally intense side, and that’s not a bad thing. 😄
I have to say that for the first part of the book, I was interested but not fully engaged… I just wasn’t completely hooked. Thankfully, things picked up later on, and that’s when I became much more invested in the mystery and the characters. And just as it got really good, the book ended. 😑 The audacity! 😜😜
I really liked Owen and Theo. Their relationship is definitely a slow burn (there isn’t a great amount of romance or spice), but I did enjoy watching them get closer. There is still a lot we need to learn about both of them, but what we do know raises a lot of questions… but it also made me more invested in them. Theo is flamboyant and chaotic, a vampire who faints at the sight of blood 😅, and a “social media darling.” Owen is the ex-con pool boy, trying to keep his head down and create a new life for himself while staying out of the social media eye... I think you can guess how this last part goes for him. 😆😆
That said, I’m not as emotionally connected to them as I thought I would be. I think the single POV also plays a role in that. The whole book is told from Owen’s POV, and that can be limiting in some ways when reading a romance. Both Theo and Owen are interesting and complex characters, so I’m hoping the next book gives them more space to grow, individually and as a couple.
There is also quite A LOT happening in this book. There’s the murder mystery, Owen’s past, the strange neighbours, the Witherborne family, Fleur, and the developing relationship... all competing for our attention. I enjoyed the fast pace, but the story might have been juggling a liiiiittle bit too much, to be honest. But I had no problem following everything that was going on, so it wasn’t really that big of an issue for me.
And two more things before I go and finish this review. One, I actually kinda loved Bentley, and I’m quite curious about him. And two, I absolutely do not want a pool. I knew that before, but this book confirmed it. 😂
All that said, Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion is a quick, entertaining read with a lot of potential for the rest of the series. I’m curious to see where the story goes next.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.
I have to say that for the first part of the book, I was interested but not fully engaged… I just wasn’t completely hooked. Thankfully, things picked up later on, and that’s when I became much more invested in the mystery and the characters. And just as it got really good, the book ended. 😑 The audacity! 😜😜
I really liked Owen and Theo. Their relationship is definitely a slow burn (there isn’t a great amount of romance or spice), but I did enjoy watching them get closer. There is still a lot we need to learn about both of them, but what we do know raises a lot of questions… but it also made me more invested in them. Theo is flamboyant and chaotic, a vampire who faints at the sight of blood 😅, and a “social media darling.” Owen is the ex-con pool boy, trying to keep his head down and create a new life for himself while staying out of the social media eye... I think you can guess how this last part goes for him. 😆😆
That said, I’m not as emotionally connected to them as I thought I would be. I think the single POV also plays a role in that. The whole book is told from Owen’s POV, and that can be limiting in some ways when reading a romance. Both Theo and Owen are interesting and complex characters, so I’m hoping the next book gives them more space to grow, individually and as a couple.
There is also quite A LOT happening in this book. There’s the murder mystery, Owen’s past, the strange neighbours, the Witherborne family, Fleur, and the developing relationship... all competing for our attention. I enjoyed the fast pace, but the story might have been juggling a liiiiittle bit too much, to be honest. But I had no problem following everything that was going on, so it wasn’t really that big of an issue for me.
And two more things before I go and finish this review. One, I actually kinda loved Bentley, and I’m quite curious about him. And two, I absolutely do not want a pool. I knew that before, but this book confirmed it. 😂
All that said, Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion is a quick, entertaining read with a lot of potential for the rest of the series. I’m curious to see where the story goes next.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Hey, pool boy?”
Should have kept on walking.
Ar. I. Ana. What has happened? What wild ride did I just reach the end of? I am windswept and thunderstruck and I have been left wanting sooooo much more of #Thowen!
I might drown in Theo Witherborne, but in that moment, I realized it would be a fine way to go.
I'm a longtime Ariana Nash fan, and I can't help but compare this series-opener to other series they've written. For me this book's tone sits between her more serious MM fantasy stories and SOS Hotel - It was funny, sexy, and full of action, but also hit a little deeper. The prose and immersive descriptions were so on point, I felt like I was right there with Owen wandering through the Briar's garden, or staring up at buildings that need no names to draw you in.
Theo was absolutely delicious - he was the perfect blend of flirty and sincere, that never made me second guess his true intentions with Owen. And that first kiss? Scorching. Like I can't. Read this book because that scene will live rent-free in my head for awhile.
"Don’t I have to invite you in or something?” I’d meant it as a joke, to lighten the tension, but his face turned to thunder.
He glared. “That is highly racist.”
This book has to set the record for the most dysfunctional family you somehow manage to come to adore. I loved as a family unit. Some of the side characters, like didn't seem wholly needed but added a little depth to some of the scenes. I can't wait to see how the Witherborne's turn up in future books to help (or hinder) Owen's attempts at keeping the pool at a perfectly balanced pH level.
Overall I really, truly loved this book and cannot WAIT for Book 2!
*I received an ARC from the author but my review is all my own opinion.
September 11, 2026
Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion offers a playful combination of paranormal mystery, dark comedy, fantasy, and MM romance. The premise immediately creates an unusual contrast between Owen, a human pool boy trying to keep his life simple, and the chaotic vampire family whose mansion becomes the center of his increasingly dangerous problems. The result is a story that uses supernatural elements while maintaining a strong sense of humor.
Owen provides an engaging perspective on the strange world surrounding the Witherborne family. His desire to keep his head down quickly becomes impossible when Theo, a vampire heir with his own complicated family circumstances, enters his life. Their growing connection adds emotional tension to a story already filled with murder, family conflict, supernatural dangers, and unexpected complications.
The mystery surrounding the body discovered in the pool gives the story an additional layer beyond its romantic elements. Owen is drawn into investigating what happened while trying to understand the unusual people around him. Theo's complicated position within his family further develops the central conflict and creates room for both humor and emotional tension.
The novel's combination of MM romance, vampires, dark humor, supernatural mystery, family drama, and eccentric characters gives it strong crossover potential. It can appeal to readers who enjoy paranormal romance, gay fantasy, supernatural mysteries, romantic comedy, and stories featuring unusual found family dynamics. The series potential also provides an opportunity to build continuing reader interest around Owen and Theo.
With a Goodreads rating of 4.17 from more than 170 ratings and 80 reviews, Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion has already established an encouraging early reader presence shortly after its release. Its combination of dark comedy, vampire fiction, MM romance, and mystery gives it several strong discovery paths among contemporary paranormal and LGBTQ fiction audiences.
Owen provides an engaging perspective on the strange world surrounding the Witherborne family. His desire to keep his head down quickly becomes impossible when Theo, a vampire heir with his own complicated family circumstances, enters his life. Their growing connection adds emotional tension to a story already filled with murder, family conflict, supernatural dangers, and unexpected complications.
The mystery surrounding the body discovered in the pool gives the story an additional layer beyond its romantic elements. Owen is drawn into investigating what happened while trying to understand the unusual people around him. Theo's complicated position within his family further develops the central conflict and creates room for both humor and emotional tension.
The novel's combination of MM romance, vampires, dark humor, supernatural mystery, family drama, and eccentric characters gives it strong crossover potential. It can appeal to readers who enjoy paranormal romance, gay fantasy, supernatural mysteries, romantic comedy, and stories featuring unusual found family dynamics. The series potential also provides an opportunity to build continuing reader interest around Owen and Theo.
With a Goodreads rating of 4.17 from more than 170 ratings and 80 reviews, Just the Pool Boy at Vampire Mansion has already established an encouraging early reader presence shortly after its release. Its combination of dark comedy, vampire fiction, MM romance, and mystery gives it several strong discovery paths among contemporary paranormal and LGBTQ fiction audiences.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars
I was provided a free e-copy of the book by the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks you for this!
I am really happy that Ariana Nash is writing again. While I am more a fan of her darker and more serious work, I was eager to start this new series.
This book has some dark themes but are brought in the story with humour and have a similar silly vibe to the SOS series.
Our main character is Owen, a pool boy that just got a new job at the mansion of a prestigious vampire family, The Witherborne. Owen wants to leave his past life behind and just focus on the job. Like he said: he prefers pools over people.
Theo, is the oldest vampire son and seems like a rich and spoiled party playboy, that spend most of his time being an internet and social media star. He is not that great of a vampire and faint at the sign of blood. His brother Bentley is constantly trying to kill him, so he can become the family heir in his place.
Owen is trying to not get involved, but failed miserably when he discovers the dead body of the previous pool boy floating in the vampire’s pool.
A lot of things are going on at the same time and not that much get resolve; Owen decides to investigate and Theo decides to tag along and become friend with him. Those two are clearly attracted to each other, but the romance is on the slower side.
The Witherborne neigh bough is hiding something and seems shady, a strange amnesic girl appears in the pool and Theo ex-boyfriend wants him back.
This was a good introduction to this new series, I had fun reading it, and I am curious to learn more about Theo and Owen, but I feel something was missing and I cannot put exactly my finger on it.
The pace was fast and it was a quick enjoyable light read.
I was provided a free e-copy of the book by the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks you for this!
I am really happy that Ariana Nash is writing again. While I am more a fan of her darker and more serious work, I was eager to start this new series.
This book has some dark themes but are brought in the story with humour and have a similar silly vibe to the SOS series.
Our main character is Owen, a pool boy that just got a new job at the mansion of a prestigious vampire family, The Witherborne. Owen wants to leave his past life behind and just focus on the job. Like he said: he prefers pools over people.
Theo, is the oldest vampire son and seems like a rich and spoiled party playboy, that spend most of his time being an internet and social media star. He is not that great of a vampire and faint at the sign of blood. His brother Bentley is constantly trying to kill him, so he can become the family heir in his place.
Owen is trying to not get involved, but failed miserably when he discovers the dead body of the previous pool boy floating in the vampire’s pool.
A lot of things are going on at the same time and not that much get resolve; Owen decides to investigate and Theo decides to tag along and become friend with him. Those two are clearly attracted to each other, but the romance is on the slower side.
The Witherborne neigh bough is hiding something and seems shady, a strange amnesic girl appears in the pool and Theo ex-boyfriend wants him back.
This was a good introduction to this new series, I had fun reading it, and I am curious to learn more about Theo and Owen, but I feel something was missing and I cannot put exactly my finger on it.
The pace was fast and it was a quick enjoyable light read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ariana Nash, my first MM queen, is back with another dose of absolute chaos. 🖤
I’ll be honest: I wasn't in the best reading mood for this one, and I think that affected how much I enjoyed it. Not the book's fault — absolutely mine. 😂 Because the more I read, the more I realised this has that very particular Ariana/SOS Hotel energy that I love: crazy shenanigans, ridiculous situations, unhinged banter, and what the hell is happening now? moments.
And honestly, I dare say this has the same universe-ish vibe as SOS Hotel. 👀
There is A LOT happening here. Vampires, murder, secrets, supernatural weirdness, questionable life choices, and enough chaos to keep things moving. The banter was probably one of my favourite parts, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Owen and Theo.
This is definitely a slow burn and very much a "preparing you for what's to come" kind of book. Not everything is wrapped up neatly, and there is clearly A LOT more coming. Normally that might frustrate me, especially because I don't have the patience for endless series anymore, but here? I actually liked it. It feels like Ariana is laying the foundations for something much bigger.
#Thowen #GoldenRetrieverEnegy #HotPoolGuy #PoolGuyAtVampireMansion
Even when I wasn't fully invested, the book still managed to make me laugh and kept me curious about where all this madness is going.
Ariana, you will always have a special place in my reading heart. You were my first MM queen, after all. 🖤
Now I'm curious to see where all this chaos is taking us… because clearly, we're only getting started. 👀
Ariana Nash, my first MM queen, is back with another dose of absolute chaos. 🖤
I’ll be honest: I wasn't in the best reading mood for this one, and I think that affected how much I enjoyed it. Not the book's fault — absolutely mine. 😂 Because the more I read, the more I realised this has that very particular Ariana/SOS Hotel energy that I love: crazy shenanigans, ridiculous situations, unhinged banter, and what the hell is happening now? moments.
And honestly, I dare say this has the same universe-ish vibe as SOS Hotel. 👀
There is A LOT happening here. Vampires, murder, secrets, supernatural weirdness, questionable life choices, and enough chaos to keep things moving. The banter was probably one of my favourite parts, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Owen and Theo.
This is definitely a slow burn and very much a "preparing you for what's to come" kind of book. Not everything is wrapped up neatly, and there is clearly A LOT more coming. Normally that might frustrate me, especially because I don't have the patience for endless series anymore, but here? I actually liked it. It feels like Ariana is laying the foundations for something much bigger.
#Thowen #GoldenRetrieverEnegy #HotPoolGuy #PoolGuyAtVampireMansion
Even when I wasn't fully invested, the book still managed to make me laugh and kept me curious about where all this madness is going.
Ariana, you will always have a special place in my reading heart. You were my first MM queen, after all. 🖤
Now I'm curious to see where all this chaos is taking us… because clearly, we're only getting started. 👀
Review of advance copy
I was on the fence about whether to rate this 3 or 4 stars; it's probably 3.5 stars if I could do halves because despite there being a lot I loved, there were also a few little niggles that brought it down for me. I loved the humour and wittiness throughout from Owen's commentary and Theo's responses. Some details really brought these characters to life like Theo's repeat texting or Owen's gushing explanations about pools (which should seem boring but somehow wasn't at all). I thought they had good chemistry together, I liked the character development around Theo's family and there was a lot going on regarding the pool and neighbour.
I wish that more had been said about Owen's background because it was all a little bit smoke and mirrors at this stage and I didn't really buy in to the idea that Owen was a 'bad guy' purely because he said he was. There were quite a few references to this and nothing backed up the assertion. I was also confused by the random mirror-image thing by the pool and I wish that Fleur's character had been dealt with a bit more as she seemed to just be accepted immediately like it was all normal. I enjoyed how things progressed with Owen and Theo (despite me wanting to shake Owen several times for just walking off). I hope that the next book develops things properly between them and we see them take steps closer to a HEA. Overall, it's an action-packed read with plenty of humour and good characters.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I wish that more had been said about Owen's background because it was all a little bit smoke and mirrors at this stage and I didn't really buy in to the idea that Owen was a 'bad guy' purely because he said he was. There were quite a few references to this and nothing backed up the assertion. I was also confused by the random mirror-image thing by the pool and I wish that Fleur's character had been dealt with a bit more as she seemed to just be accepted immediately like it was all normal. I enjoyed how things progressed with Owen and Theo (despite me wanting to shake Owen several times for just walking off). I hope that the next book develops things properly between them and we see them take steps closer to a HEA. Overall, it's an action-packed read with plenty of humour and good characters.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
"I hadn’t cared about vampires much until getting the pool gig at the Witherbornes’, and now there were splintery things leaping from pools to kidnap vampire heirs, and the pool itself had some kind of vibe I could dial into. A man had died, a girl with no name had appeared, and somehow I’d ended up in the middle of it. But the wine was good, so none of that mattered."
Ariana Nash wins for writing the funniest book I have read this year. I know its only August but we are a couple hundred books deep and none have made me laugh like Just a Pool Boyat Vampire Mansion.
Theo is your classic troubled heir to a prominent family. He's all over magazines, kind of a fuck boy, and definitely not a good friend for Owen to be making when he's trying to be a good boy.
Owen in New to Miami and trying to make a nice life for himself. Fresh out of prison and on parole he needs to keep his nose clean and his head down. He come preloaded with bigger issues tham being attracted to a possibly suicidal vampire.
Right from the beginning they are fang deep in a murder mystery. A dead body is pool hopping and a murderer is somewhere hanging around Owen and all he wants to do is clean pools, but the drama keeps pulling him in.
Its Theo... Theo is the drama.
This book is worth a 5 star from me. I absolutely loved it!
There is a little bit of a cliffhanger, nothing that should keep you up at night, and Ariana is writing a book two. So get the jump on this one ASAP.
Happy Reading
Ariana Nash wins for writing the funniest book I have read this year. I know its only August but we are a couple hundred books deep and none have made me laugh like Just a Pool Boyat Vampire Mansion.
Theo is your classic troubled heir to a prominent family. He's all over magazines, kind of a fuck boy, and definitely not a good friend for Owen to be making when he's trying to be a good boy.
Owen in New to Miami and trying to make a nice life for himself. Fresh out of prison and on parole he needs to keep his nose clean and his head down. He come preloaded with bigger issues tham being attracted to a possibly suicidal vampire.
Right from the beginning they are fang deep in a murder mystery. A dead body is pool hopping and a murderer is somewhere hanging around Owen and all he wants to do is clean pools, but the drama keeps pulling him in.
Its Theo... Theo is the drama.
This book is worth a 5 star from me. I absolutely loved it!
There is a little bit of a cliffhanger, nothing that should keep you up at night, and Ariana is writing a book two. So get the jump on this one ASAP.
Happy Reading
September 26, 2026
i’m so annoyed by how this book turned out. It’s almost like Ariana’s alter ego wrote this.
I picked this up because i’m familiar with Ariana’s writing and she’s written some of the best MM fantasy books i’ve ever read. So i had some good hopes for this book.
Yeah i was thoroughly disappointed. And it wasn’t for a lack of plot cuz it was there. It had such a good foundation and i was sooo intrigued. But the execution was nothing short of horrendous.
The pacing was bad, the dialogue was bad, some of the things the characters were saying/doing wasn’t relevant to the plot or their character. Everything felt very surface level especially Owen’s backstory (which i want to excuse by saying it’ll be explained in the next book but idk). The fantasy/paranormal elements felt like they belonged to a different story. At some point, i was so turned around, i wasn’t even sure who was what anymore. This book felt more like a first draft awaiting further development than a polished book and i am annoyed just thinking about it.
Justice for Owen & Theo cuz i really liked them and i loved watching their relationship develop and Bentley even started growing on me. I’m curious about the vampires history especially with the neighbours and i hope we get to meet other supernatural creatures in the next book.
i hope the second book does a better job of well everything. Because i would like to know more about Owen & Theo
I picked this up because i’m familiar with Ariana’s writing and she’s written some of the best MM fantasy books i’ve ever read. So i had some good hopes for this book.
Yeah i was thoroughly disappointed. And it wasn’t for a lack of plot cuz it was there. It had such a good foundation and i was sooo intrigued. But the execution was nothing short of horrendous.
The pacing was bad, the dialogue was bad, some of the things the characters were saying/doing wasn’t relevant to the plot or their character. Everything felt very surface level especially Owen’s backstory (which i want to excuse by saying it’ll be explained in the next book but idk). The fantasy/paranormal elements felt like they belonged to a different story. At some point, i was so turned around, i wasn’t even sure who was what anymore. This book felt more like a first draft awaiting further development than a polished book and i am annoyed just thinking about it.
Justice for Owen & Theo cuz i really liked them and i loved watching their relationship develop and Bentley even started growing on me. I’m curious about the vampires history especially with the neighbours and i hope we get to meet other supernatural creatures in the next book.
i hope the second book does a better job of well everything. Because i would like to know more about Owen & Theo
Review of advance copy
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Pool boy Owen was trying to start a new normal life, but it seems normal isn’t really in the cards for him.
Murder mystery, a crazy dramatic vampire family, even crazier neighbors, a party boy vamp and human pool boy who are both so much more underneath the facade.
While the plot and paranormal aspects were extremely fun, the romance was a little lacking for me. A slow burn low spice, with hopefully lots to look forward to in the next installment. Very curious to see more of our pool boy that’s a little darker inside than he wants to be and more of this weird but amusing family.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Complicated family dynamic
- Ex-con MC
- Manipulative ex & stalking
- Murder
- Vampire vs human
- Slow burn/Low spice (one scene)
- Frotting
- Dick piercing
“Owen. You and I are going to solve Jay’s murder.” “Uhm, no thank you. I have to be in bed by one a.m.”
Pool boy Owen was trying to start a new normal life, but it seems normal isn’t really in the cards for him.
Murder mystery, a crazy dramatic vampire family, even crazier neighbors, a party boy vamp and human pool boy who are both so much more underneath the facade.
All I could do was hope that whatever he was getting me into didn’t leave me face down in the neighbors’ pool too.
While the plot and paranormal aspects were extremely fun, the romance was a little lacking for me. A slow burn low spice, with hopefully lots to look forward to in the next installment. Very curious to see more of our pool boy that’s a little darker inside than he wants to be and more of this weird but amusing family.
I might drown in Theo Witherborne, but in that moment, I realized it would be a fine way to go.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Complicated family dynamic
- Ex-con MC
- Manipulative ex & stalking
- Murder
- Vampire vs human
- Slow burn/Low spice (one scene)
- Frotting
- Dick piercing
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well this was everything I expected and more. After reading the SOS series, I knew that @AriannaNash, who knows how to write MM romance would bring us another great series.
Just a Pool Boy delivers in spades!
A darkish rom com as Pool Boy, Owen tries to hide his true identity in Miami.
Having been burned by his previous relationship that landed him in prison, he didn't want to remember or be found by his ex.
So why not start as a bottom feeder and become a pool boy with an occasional car wash gig thrown in?
Simple right?
Until Owen meets Vampire Heir, Theo Witherborne, known Playboy and social media guru. He loved to # everything, and it was not long before #Thowen #Freckles #Splashsnack #MinimumWage MaximumTrauma was trending on Theo's his IG. So much for living under the radar!!
There is plenty of banter between the two MMC's as Owen takes stock of his life with having a Vampire in it!
A murder mystery to solve, and as the Pool boy for both the Witherborne's and their neighbours, the Briar's, Owen finds himself smack bang in the middle of something supernatural.
This is way more than a Pool Boy's job description!
And of course there is a trickling of spice on the way till both Theo and Owen finally "get it" together!! #Thowen!!
An overall great first book in this new series, and I cannot wait for book 2, Just the Pool Boy and The Demon Overlord!
Just a Pool Boy delivers in spades!
A darkish rom com as Pool Boy, Owen tries to hide his true identity in Miami.
Having been burned by his previous relationship that landed him in prison, he didn't want to remember or be found by his ex.
So why not start as a bottom feeder and become a pool boy with an occasional car wash gig thrown in?
Simple right?
Until Owen meets Vampire Heir, Theo Witherborne, known Playboy and social media guru. He loved to # everything, and it was not long before #Thowen #Freckles #Splashsnack #MinimumWage MaximumTrauma was trending on Theo's his IG. So much for living under the radar!!
There is plenty of banter between the two MMC's as Owen takes stock of his life with having a Vampire in it!
A murder mystery to solve, and as the Pool boy for both the Witherborne's and their neighbours, the Briar's, Owen finds himself smack bang in the middle of something supernatural.
This is way more than a Pool Boy's job description!
And of course there is a trickling of spice on the way till both Theo and Owen finally "get it" together!! #Thowen!!
An overall great first book in this new series, and I cannot wait for book 2, Just the Pool Boy and The Demon Overlord!
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