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The Vampire's Ballerina

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Principal ballerina Imogen Van der Berg has everything she’s dreamed of since she was a little beautiful costumes, adoring fans, and a life in the spotlight. Even with all that, there’s still something missing in her life, something she’s not sure she deserves—love. And not just any kind of love. Imogen yearns for a deep, true love that will echo through the ages. But Peter—the vampire her heart longs for—is also her boss.

A vampire needs human blood to survive, unless they find their soulmate. Peter has known Imogen belongs to him since the day they met. In order to mark her as his mate, he must change her into a vampire too, forcing her into hiding until she’s adjusted to her new abilities. But can he ask her to give up her life and her career to spend the rest of her days with him?

A passion-filled rehearsal leads to a kiss, and they both find they can no longer stay away from each other. Now, Imogen faces a humanity or eternity.

137 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2026

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Allie Carstens

12 books199 followers

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5 stars
21 (47%)
4 stars
13 (29%)
3 stars
8 (18%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Monica (switching platforms) .
331 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2026
I came into this with absolutely no clue about the characters or the fact that this novella focuses on characters from the main series, but on a particular moment in their lives. Despite that, I never felt like I was missing anything, and even though the focus was entirely on Imogen and Peter, I had no trouble following their story.

I liked and was intrigued by them from the synopsis, but after reading this novella, I fell for them even more, especially Peter. For a vampire, he was incredibly attentive and considerate toward Imogen. He always treated her with so much tenderness, while also being honest about both the good and bad sides of becoming a vampire. I honestly found him perfect. Imogen, on the other hand, felt a little too whiny at times, but given her background and everything going on around her, I can understand why that was a limitation for her.

As a novella, and especially considering I had no previous knowledge of the world or characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them and their story, even if little. The characters had great chemistry, and the spice was perfection.

My only issue was that in a few places, it felt like the author skipped over things a little too quickly just to get to the next part, so some moments could have used a bit more development. Overall, though, I enjoyed this little glimpse into Imogen and Peter’s story!

Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Profile Image for Morgan | bookish_morgano.
185 reviews
September 20, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

This sweet, spicy novella should be read after Book 2 of Crescent Lake where we get insight into our lovely Peter and Imogen.

I read this in one sitting and had an absolute blast.

Add to your TBR if you like:
- vampire x human
- fated mates
- dance director x primary ballerina
- it’s always been you
- light blood play

Thank you Allie for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
319 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 17, 2026
𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓭𝓲𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓾𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝓰𝓲𝓯𝓽. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓽. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘’𝓶 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷. 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓮𝓷𝓳𝓸𝔂 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓽 𝓫𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓪, 𝓷𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓲𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝔂 𝓻𝓾𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝓮 𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻.

This is just as sweet as the first book in this novella series and if you want a fluffy vampire romance, you will love it! In this book we have Peter, a vampire and Imogen, a human. She comes across as a bit of a selfish person, but she's hiding some insecurities which Peter snuffs out being the amazing vampire and chosen he is.

It took me a little while to work out who Imogen was, its been quite sometime since I read The Alpha's Pen Pal and couldn't recall her, it's not need as this is a standalone in this novella series but my brain needed to know the placement or where she's from given the mention of the other characters.

It was a fast paced, sugary sweet novella that I swooned over, no horrors or much blood over here.

Cute, sweet and sensitive vampires are making a comeback with this novella, and I am a girl over here swooning about being turned 😍
Profile Image for Michelle Houghton.
237 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 19, 2026
This novella from Allie Carstens shares a side story from one of the recurring characters in her Crescent Lake series. Although all of the books in the series are standalone they read better when read together as the cast is tightly interwoven between the stories. This story actually takes place in the middle of the primary series. And is devoted to one of the significant secondary characters. It is a very beautiful paranormal romance with open door intimacy. I do love that two souls that that have been so very lonely see clearly to each other. A story of what finding your “one” is worth, and what it can complete within you.
Profile Image for XenyMarie.
884 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 28, 2026
“I will love you for all of my endless days.”

I love Immy and Peter so much!

I really enjoyed the way that they both tried to fight their feelings and connection, but I love even more how they found in each other that eternal kind of love that is meant for you and no one else.

For a short novella, this story is packed with so many feelings and emotions. And even though Immy and Peter get their forever love, there's one specific part in the epilogue that is bittersweet and had me all up in my feels.

Quote: “She is everything. She is the end and the beginning. She makes this eternal existence bearable—no—more than bearable. She makes me feel alive again.”
126 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2026
I love novellas because they are short and sweet. This one took the cake for me. We first meet Imogen and Peter in the Alpha’s Penpal then later on we see them again in the Beta’s Blind date. And we all wanted to know what happened between them. This answers all our questions and some. I love how they opened up to one another and showed that love doesn’t have a timeline. Their journey was one we needed but the ended had me in tears. I love Imogen. She is more than what she allowed herself to be. And Peter is hot. Vampires are my thing and he dances. Yup bite me. Just another great piece of writing by Allie.
Profile Image for Mimi.
265 reviews
October 10, 2026
🧛‍♂️ Quick Read + Instalove? Sign Me Up! 🩰

Sometimes you just need a quick read, and The Vampire's Ballerina fits the bill!

Peter (I'm sorry, but that name could've been better 😂) is a vampire who knows Imogen is his mate, and Imogen is already head over heels for him. The instalove vibes are definitely there!

When they finally kiss, Peter explains that the only way they can be more than they already are is for him to turn her. You'd think the decision would be a no-brainer when you're in love, right? Well, not exactly.

Becoming a vampire means Imogen has to go into hiding until she can control her abilities, leaving the spotlight behind. Now she has to decide whether forever with Peter is worth giving up the life she knows.

This was a fun, quick read for anyone in the mood for a vampire romance with instalove and a big life-changing decision.

But tell me, would you choose your vampire mate and disappear into hiding, or would you keep your place in the spotlight? 👀
Profile Image for Danita Beukes.
56 reviews
October 2, 2026
This is such a sweet and spicy Novella, I love my vampire romance and this one is really one for you tbr.

We meet Imogen, she has lots of insecurities and Peter is a sensitive vampire that lets Imogen have her own choices regarding their future.

The ending will put a smile on your face!

This novella should be read after book 2 of Crescent lake (personally I'm only reading book 2 now after finishing this novella, and I wish I started sooner with this series).
Profile Image for Kelly  - Kelly's Book Blog.
529 reviews26 followers
October 3, 2026
4.25 Stars

I absolutely LOVED this Crescent Lake Novella! He's the vampire and she is the ballerina and the chemistry between them is smoking hot!

Not only do you get a spicy paranormal / vampire romance novella but you get to see some of the past Crescent Lake characters which is amazing and so fun. It felt so good to be back in this world.

Buckle up because this spicy novella takes you for a ride and will give you all the feels! So good!
Profile Image for Marlene Saldana.
21 reviews
October 16, 2026
🩸🩰 The Vampire’s Ballerina by Allie Carstens

This was such a fun, spicy little vampire romance! The chemistry between a vampire and a ballerina had me hooked, and I loved the paranormal romance vibes mixed with the passion and tension between the characters. I really enjoyed being back in the Crescent Lake world and getting another story to fall into. If you love vampire romance with plenty of heat, this one is definitely worth picking up! 🖤
Profile Image for LaDambaLaika.
21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
September 16, 2026
Can a ballerina and a very old vampire put their fears aside and live happily ever after together? If you like the author and her books as much as I do, then you won't be disappointed.  It grabs you right from the first chapter, and it's funny, intense, and sexy.
And you know what folks, i cant wait for the next book or novella of this Series to drop.
Profile Image for Amanda.
472 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 17, 2026
This was a fun little steamy read. I enjoyed Peter and Imogen's relationship, you could tell it deepened and expanded in each time jump. I also loved how careful he was with her so that she could make her own decision regarding their future. And that Epilogue brought tears to my eyes! I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Krystle.
170 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2026
What they deserve

I absolutely loved getting to know Imogen and Peter in this novella because they were such unknowns in the main CLS novels. I mean, I couldn't stand Imogen when we first met her, but to see her similarities with Haven? My heart goes out to her, and I'm so glad that she has Peter and her friends. I was also happy to see that Peter has his chance at happiness.
Profile Image for Robyn.
14 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2026
This novella was so adorable and one I didn’t know I needed! There is so much more to Imogen than the girl we first meet in Book 1 of the Crescent Lake series. Both Peter and Imogen have a pull to each other but fight it at first. But once they both acknowledge it that’s it, they’re each other’s other half. This novella brought a nice mix of sweetness and spice. I adore them!
Profile Image for Cheyanne Davidson.
19 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2026
ARC REVIEW:

I loved getting to see Imogen and Peter’s love story unfold. It was the perfect little novella filling in the how and when we say from the main story line. It was just a feel good read, and the ending gave me chills and put a smile on my face.
Profile Image for Kelsi.
691 reviews25 followers
September 25, 2026
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you’re looking for a sweet, spicy, and romantic novella featuring a vampire who quickly falls for a human ballerina where they both have a few obstacles to get over before their love can truly bloom then Vampires Ballerina is a must for your TBR!
Profile Image for Reading.With.Janet.
553 reviews10 followers
October 2, 2026
It's been a minute since I read a vampire romance and I devoured this one. We meet Imogen a human and Peter a vampire. Imogen has insecurities and Peter is a sensitive vampire. I like that he let's Imogen make her own decisions regarding their future. I loved the ending this is a must read.
Profile Image for Giniro.
353 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2026
It's a short and sweet novella in this universe that Allie has made! I love the wolves and it was refreshing to take a break and have Imogen's story with Peter!

The dancing~! (that's all I'm going to say, just kicking my little feet around!!!)
Profile Image for Sjolander.
46 reviews
October 11, 2026
Okay. So honestly I wanted to give it a 4 star rather than the 5 star. That's because I wish that there was more told within the last chapter and the epilogue.

Their story was well written. I would've like to see the emotional transformation and if his fears were warranted.
Profile Image for Rachel Lawrie.
77 reviews1 follower
Read
October 15, 2026
Yay for Immy

Beautiful novella! I have loved all the cresent lake books and so good to see Immy get her sexy vamp! Peter is sweet, patient and non judgy while Immy grow and becomes who she was meant to be. Beautiful!
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
7,275 reviews179 followers
October 18, 2026
This was a sweet and spicy novella. I loved the that Imogene had a thing for her vampire boss Peter, and him with her. Sage being his mate, but he didn’t want to take her away from her life. A really enjoyable read..
29 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
Ballerina in her twenties meets her charismatic, at times stoic soulmate Vampire who just so happens to be her boss.

I love their story and originally already read it on ream.
Profile Image for Esther Cespedes.
254 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
ARC Review
I really enjoyed this novella, it made me cry happy tears.
It is open door romance so it’s spicy.

I’m providing this review voluntarily.
57 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2026
Amazing

Love the way this is written and the world building.

Its a lovely story to compliment the cresent lake series!
6 reviews
October 12, 2026
A steamy and passionate short story about how two lonely souls finally find each other for forever.
Profile Image for Tabitha Jo.
42 reviews
October 3, 2026
eARC Review
A Crescent Lake Novella by Allie Carstens
3.5 stars
This short novella followed Imogen and Peter. I liked this book but I wanted more. This is the first book I have read in this series, and I think that may be part of why it felt like we didn't get enough time with these characters.
The characters had great chemistry and the spice was perfection. The story just felt rushed to me.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews