Drew What’s a retired rockstar vamp to do in a quaint, quiet English town? Buy the only pub, make it a vampire haven, and flirt incessantly with my one and only employee, of course.
Nova I hate everything about my new boss. His face. His arrogant smile. The way he acts like he knows everything. I hate him so much I just want to… kiss him? What the hell?
3.5 stars. As a vampire, you have to start over somewhere else regularly, or people could get suspicious why you never age. Now Drew has to start somewhere else, he’s been around long enough with his rock band Blood Money. He and his clan will move to a small town where no one will know them. He took over a pub called Sheep’s Rest, the bartender seems to be a vampire too. Drew is intrigued by this beautiful man.
Nova isn’t amused by the plans coming from Drew, the new owner of the bar. Nova is the bartender and now Drew wants to change the whole concept of the bar, one only for vampires. Nova doesn’t like it a bit and isn’t shy to tell.
So, they started the wrong way, Nova is closet off, distant, and even rude, Drew tries everything to convince him his plans are great. At last, Nova decides to help.
It seems Nova and Drew came from the same sire, Tyra, and this sire is cruel!
Drew longs for a relationship, someone who will love and comfort him. He’s attracted to Nova but afraid Nova doesn’t want him that way.
The story is about their blooming relationship, developing Drew’s plan, there are some side stories, sweet and violent ones. Both vampires have been through hurt in their lives, we get to know them better throughout the story. In the beginning, I couldn’t visualize Drew and his personality in my head, later on in the story, it got much better. I think I was a bit like Nova he didn’t understand him either. Drew seems to be a brat, a free spirit, not ready for commitments, but boy he wasn’t like that at all. It was an easygoing story, nothing heavy, there are some appealing sexy encounters. The plot was nicely put together. The story has quite a fast pace, is slightly developed, and enjoyable to read.
3 stars for a book that had a lot of potential but left me yearning for more.
Blood on Tap by Riley Long introduces the town of Middle Brierly in England where Drew is starting over again after the end of his musical career. As a long lived vampire he is bored and decides to buy a bar in the small English town to keep himself occupied. He goes into the bar and comes across a grumpy Viking bartender vampire who doesn't want to give him the time of day. Nova has lived in Middle Brierly for one hundred years and is living a peaceful solitary life. He doesn't want the bar he works in to change and doesn't want to deal with Drew and his clan. Drew doesn't plan on giving up so easily and lures Nova into helping refurbish the bar. They share their histories with each other and end up finding more reasons to be together. But their history comes screaming back into their lives and threaten their newly found happiness. Will they be able to overcome the past or will it ruin their futures.
Drew and Nova are two very different vampires. Drew lives a more outrageous lifestyle having just left a famous rock band and is now looking to open his own bleeder bar. Nova has chosen a solitary life with his dog and being a bartender at a human bar. When their lives become interconnected Drew immediately feels the draw to Nova while it takes time for Nova to get over his preconceived notions about Drew and vampires as a whole. Once he opens himself up to the idea of a relationship with Drew he can't help but adore him and want to spend all their time together. The intimate scenes are steamy while you still can tell they feel so safe.
"For the first time in many years, I felt truly safe in the arms of another vampire, and I held Nova close, almost unable to let him go."
I was so excited when I read this was going to be a vampire MM novel set in England. I love books set in England and was so ready for some British vampire goodness. I did not get this. I did not get any slang or references besides the town and London. This was seriously disappointing and I felt like this story could have taken place in America just in any small town set outside of a major city. I also feel that this book should have been considered the second book in a series because the author has another book about Drew's clanmates Eli and Charlie.
I really liked the story (Drew and Nova were super cute) but the pacing detracted from my overall enjoyment. I’d give this a solid 3.5.
This was one of those books where the story is awesome, but the execution didn’t entirely work. The concept of Drew (cocky on the outside but actually sweet and a little insecure on the inside) meeting and falling for Nova (grumpy and reclusive with mora issues over drinking blood from the source), the bartender at the pub he’s recently purchased is cute. Their interactions also worked really well - you got a decent dose of unwelcome attraction, rolling of eyes and reluctant amusement. However, you then suddenly go from an antagonistic relationship to they’re sleeping together at break neck speed (especially when this wasn’t a case of I hate you but I’ll sleep with you). Similarly, you go from a bad guy turning up to major miscommunication (or perhaps lack of communication is better) to problem solved we are all happy and in love in what seems like mere pages. Those parts of the plot were I think where the most character development/interaction/connection was going to happen, but it’s very much glossed over. It’s a pity, because I think we missed what would have been some great writing. That sudden change in pace towards the end also makes the whole ending feel very rushed and a bit anti-climactic.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d still recommend it as a decent read; the storyline is good and the side characters are solid (William and Joey are characters I’d happily read more about). You’re just left feeling like it could have been so much more. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next book (this appears to be a series given Eli and Charlie have their own book) and hopefully the pacing won’t be as much of an issue.
The writing is fast paced with lots of emotion throughout, a short and easy enjoyable read. I loved Drew in the previous book, so it was great see him as the mc and i fell in love with Nova instantly.
While the relationship between them did feel a little instant, i think that was mainly the length of the book and there is some time skips so it didn't bother me much. I enjoyed their banter, flirting and working together to prepare the bar for guests.
The lingering moments as see their atteaction grow, Nova has never been interested in men before so his uncertain to start but once the steam starts their chemistry is stunning and lots of fun.
Also learning each others history, the way they were turned and origins as both have been around for centuries. The way of life for vampires, use of bleeders and the society building was interesting.
I loved the idea of a village purely for vampires, which ensure their safety and the protection of humans. The way they work together, as many are aware of vampires and coexistance - the importance and use of bleeders
While focus is upon Nova and Drew romance, their is sideplots that were entertaining and i do enjoy that the vampires actually have the darker aspect in small doses. That its not all just lighthearted and soft, there is still that side to their instincts which i adore in a way.
Overall i enjoyed reading Nova and Drew's story, getting to see what happens next for the clan and i hope to see more. I'm intrigued by Rudy at the moment, but would love to see more of these characters in any way. Although of course, there is a happy ending for Nova and Drew with the end of this tale 💕
I loved the idea of Nova being more of a quiet, keeps to himself, homebody type of vampire. It is the opposite of how vampires usually are portrayed, and it made it easier for me to identify with his character. When Drew shows up, he does pull Nova a bit out of his comfort zone. Drew is confident, optimistic, and thinks he has a great idea with his plan to turn a town of primarily vampires into one where they are the only residents. Well, with some “food” around as needed of course.
It’s an interesting setup, though the execution is relatively straightforward with not much drama until near the end. The relationship that develops between Nova and Drew is sweet with just that right touch of heat.
There are two conflicts that arise late in the story, one that’s a pet peeve of mine between Nova and Drew as the type conflict between them I am tired of seeing in romances. The other, something that threatens more than just their relationship, felt like too much of a coincidence and a bit forced to me. These points along with some minor continuity issues in the beginning of the book did pull me out of the story just a touch.
Overall though, I did enjoy reading Blood on Tap and am giving it 3.5 stars.
So, I had a hard time getting into this one. Drew was so cocky & just rubbed me the wrong way, maybe it was because he was a musician & in the limelight. Anyway, he is bored with life & he will tell you; he is always bored. He decides to buy a bar in a small town where Nova works. Nova does not drink from live donors and wants nothing to do with Drew when he shows up. He tells him that no he isn't interested in men or drinking from bleeders (that is what the donors are called). Drew & Nova grow close while working on refurbishing the bar. Other than mentions about London, nothing stood out as this being set in England. The narrator even had more of an Australian accent then English IMO. About halfway through we find out that Drew is scared that his sire might find him. But what I didn't get was that they were part of a rock band & in the limelight & if she didn't come looking for him then, when he would be really easy to find. The story is relatively angst free, except for the stupid misunderstanding between Nova & Drew.
I received a copy of the Audiobook from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion
This is a new author to me & I really liked reading this MM vampire romance that has an entertaining “enemies to Lovers undertone” The characters have very distinctive opposing personalities & it was pleasant to see the relationship bloom as they both challenged & complimented each other. The plot is written with a steady pace that has some heartwarming events and/or unavoidable incidents. It is about: a bored vampire (Drew Smythe) buys a tavern (Sheep’s Rest) in a small english town (Middle Brierly) & promptly turns it into a haven for vampires, naturally a quiet solitary vampire bartender (Nova Hagen) of said pub is not too impress with Drew but as time goes by the attractions begin to flare then a dangerous vampire from Drew’s past appears. There is: some action, drama, suspense, mild intrigue, vampires, humans, friendship, comradery, confrontations, danger, threats, conflict, violence, memories, determination, attractions, longings, manipulations, misunderstandings, some steamy scenes, love, contentment & a happy conclusion for this couple.
This was the first time I've heard an audiobook narrated by Andrew Morrison and while it was mostly enjoyable, there were times when the character from London had no accent whatsoever, which I found distracting.
The overall story was sweet, featuring a vampire from Texas moving to England to get out of the spotlight until it was safe after faking his death. The other MC was a bartender in the town that he moved to, and wasn't thrilled with his taking over the bar and town.
Once they began to know each other, they were very sweet and genuine. The story progressed from there, the only angst happening in the last hour.
First, this is a standalone, but this is about Eli's clansmate. This time the story centers around Drew who is now a retired rocker/vampire. Nova is his one employee, who acts like he can't stand Drew. But something from Drew's past is threatening to intrude. I liked the setup and the way the two main characters interacted. The story was paced well and I liked it, but there were some issues with it. Like it was supposed to be set in England, but nothing really stood out that would say it was England. I also feel like there could have been more development and more conflict than there was. That said, it is still a good story and I still recommend you read it for yourself. 3.5 stars.
I really liked the first book in the series and I was excited to finally read Drew's story.
Now that the band is officially dead, everyone moved to England and started a new life. First I thought it's hilarious and no way would it work, becuase anyone and everyone could recognize them, and what then? I still think that it was just too easy to pull off, but anyway, this isn't what the story was about.
Drew and Nova were both great characters, but sadly both were flat to me. The first glimpse was interesting and I enjoyed reading about them, but their problems and the 'don't want to fall in love' process was boring. I thought it would be so much more interesting when two vampires are together, but the first book is still my favorite. And the worst part, the thing I hate when I read about vampires and is missing; the bloodlust- I want to see them feed! I want blood! And in this book there weren't...
It was an easy read, nothing too heavy or too emotional, just a light romance. I wanted to love it more then I had.
I actually really liked the concept and story behind this one, it put a different twist and had a unique voice for a vampire story and I enjoyed it the more I got into it. The writing itself was pretty nice, not perfect, I did notice a lot of typos but aside that I also saw a lot of new vocabulary and I always love that in a story. As for the plot itself however, it was a very fast story with fast development. Overall, it was a quick read that focused more on the spice/intensity of the relationship than it did the actual conflict. Most of the focus went directly to the romance (which is fine) but it did somewhat take away from other plot points and the romance itself developed too quickly for my personal taste. Sometimes the writing was hard to understand and connecting one point to the other took having to reread it a few times.
The story was wonderful and I loved the resolution to the romance AND the conflict. Overall, if you’re looking for a slow burn, a plot focused story, or something with a little more emotion…this isn’t the story for you. If you ARE looking for; spicy oneshot type vibes, a quick read, lots of sass, cool/unique vampires, and just an all around fun and silly story, then GO FOR IT! :) I will say, while this story hasn’t been very memorable for me nor given me a book hangover, I still really enjoyed it and it was a nice break from the intense stories that I’m used to reading. I finished it in a day and it inspired a lot of new ideas for me so props to the author! Well done.
Nova, a vampire happily working in a run down bar in a small village in the English countryside. Drew left his successful rockstar life behind in a fiery blaze. He moved to the small village to create a safe haven for his vampire family and others of his kind. The bar was his first step and he definitely wanted Nova to be his second.
Different mythos in that being a vampire is a totally accepted part of society. No wars or other conflicts (there is a person from their past that must be dealt with). Small bit of angst while Nova decides whether or not he can be with a man. Learning Nova and Drew’s history came out naturally as part of the storyline. Supporting characters were well rounded, specially Clara. I also liked that Nova had a dog, Theo was a sweetie.
I though it was well done and I found it romantic. All around good story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Blood Money may be done, but Drew needs something to keep him entertained. While the rest of his clan is content with laying low for a while, he goes and buys himself a bar. I'm not sure if he's capable of relaxing, he seems to get bored easily, which is the complete opposite of Nova. Sheep's Rest is the bar Drew just purchased, and Nova has been the bartender there for a long time. He is good with his customers, but not really the social type of guy. If he had a beating heart, I would have actually been worried he'd have a heart attack upon hearing Drew's plans for the place. The differences between both men are undeniable, yet so is the attraction each feels. I couldn't wait for them to explore that attraction, I knew it'd be hot, and I was right. Drama decides to pop in for a visit towards the end, causes problems between the guys, so things get a bit messy. There were some issues within the book, but I still liked it, and would encourage others to give it a read.
New to me author and narrator, and I am here for them both. This was such a delightful book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a completely different vampire dynamic than I have read it other books, and I quite enjoyed that. I very much enjoyed all the characters as well, and wish there was more. Nova, was the small town vampire tending bar for humans and Drew was a worldly traveled vampire seeking to start the first all vampire town. When Drew and Nova meet for the first time, you know they are meant for each other, and Drew tries very hard to get Nova to see that. I liked how Nova was able to explore his feelings for Drew and I thought it was so interesting that their starts were similar and heartbreaking. I would love to read about the other characters in this universe if there are some. I look forward to listening to this narrator again as well as reading more work by Riley Long.
Blood on Tap takes a unique twist on the vampire romance tropes which I found quite interesting. Drew has lived many different lives in his centuries of existence, but now he and his clan are looking for somewhere new to settle down. Landing in a small town within the UK, the last thing Drew expects is to find love in the form of the very hunky vampire bartender, Nova. Nova and Drew were interesting characters with their own flaws and baggage, but they work it out in the end. This story was sweet and unique with a little bit of angst and action to push the plot forward to a happy ending.
The audiobook was narrated by Andrew Morrison. Andrew has a really nice voice that worked well for the narration and characters. I enjoyed listening to him immensely. The production could have been a little smoother, but it wasn't anything too noticeable, and it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the audiobook. If another book was to be produced in this series, I'd definitely grab it up.
First time reading/listening to a book from this author, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I have enjoyed this story a lot and the characters.
Excellent world-building, and the characters were well-formed. Drew and Nova are complete opposites, but both Vampires, there are lots of side characters that enhance the storyline. The pub in the village is the central point. There is a lot of angst, heat and violence, and you get a complete HEA.
Again, a new to me narrator, Andrew Morrison, was a pleasure to listen to, clean and concise. I speed this narration up to 1.50 on Audible, which is usual for me.
Blood on Tap By: Riley Long Narrated by: Andrew Morrison Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall 🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration 📚📚📚📚 Story Read at 1.50 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Blood Money was gone, as promised after all a bet is a bet right. Now bored out his mind Drew is about to shake up things in this small little vampire/human town in the quaint little country town of England that is if he can get the hot little bartender to follow his plans. Nova is just fine and happy with his solitary life with Theo and when his best friend William visit Middle Brierly. He didn't need or want to the upset that the ex-band mates coven was bringing to town. Are that was the lie he was willing to say.. right? I find it hilarious that Drew is meeting his match in more then one way after encountering Nova, and the struggle is real with Nova because Drew is the tempting him into a first in many different ways but was it enough to change everything he had known for years.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews. Riley Long is a new-to-me author and I like her writing style... it flows well, even with alternating POVs from our MCs: Drew and Nova. Nova doesn't like Drew when they first meet, but they both feel a pull toward each other. I was hoping for a more drawn out enemies to lovers tension but Drew and Nova share their first kiss pretty quickly. Soon they are working together to renovate the bar. While there's conflict in the form of an enemy showing up at the bar, this gets resolved fairly quickly. If you're looking for a low angst, flowing read about two vampires who fall in love while building a bar in a quiet town, this book is going to hit the spot!
What happens when the centuries old band members of the vampire rock band „Blood Money“ fake their own deaths for a new start? Right, they leave the country for good, move across the ocean and settle down in a small village near London.
And out of sheer boredom, Drew, the former lead singer, buys a rundown human bar and converts it into a vampire establishment.
Come and meet Drew ( and the rest of the „Blood Money“ bunch) and Nova, who is the bartender in Drew´s new bought bar.
While Drew feels an instant attraction to Nova, Nova hates everything about him. Follow them both from being enemies to working together until their relationship changes into something more tender and sweet.
This was a nice read and a really cute vampire romance with some very steamy scenes 🔥🔥
Unfortunately, for me, the whole book felt only skin deep. I have so many unanswered questions — what about the other other vampires in Middle Brierly? If this town is filled with solitary vampires, how do they react to having a clan move in? What does the rest of the world think of solitary vampires? How common are vampires? Not a single human has a problem with vampires, so I’m guessing they’re common? There is so little attention given to the world beyond Drew and Nova and that can work, but unfortunately, for me, in this case it didn’t.
I listened to this on audio. It was pretty good, I think my favorite character was Clara! In the beginning, it felt like it was being set up as an enemies-to-lovers story because Nova didn’t like Drew at the beginning for some reason. I’m still not totally sure why, because it didn’t take very long before previously straight Nova was having sexy times with Drew. Most vampires aren’t straight, when you live so long, why limit yourself that way? Overall, I liked this book, the only criticism I have is that sometimes things that were previously presented as a potential issue are just suddenly resolved. The narrator fairly good, though he had a little difficulty keeping the accents correct some times.
Drew is a vampire that is looking to start a new chapter in his life and that of his clan. So he buys a bar that he hopes to turn into a safe haven for vampires. The only wrench in his plan is the quite homebody vampire that is the bartender there. This was a good read. The two main characters were interesting and had a lot of chemistry. Some of the story felt a little disconnected. I didn't really understand the bit towards the end and it felt a little anti-climactic. It was overall a decent book but I felt like it was missing something.
I enjoyed this fast reading well written vampire romance by Riley Long it was so good. When the clan decided to reinvent themselves we moved to small town outside of London just to chill for a while. I get bored easily so I purchased a bar with the idea of remodeling it to cater to vampires so when I go to check it out I find a vampire working behind the bar the and attraction to each other was intense. But he's reluctant to pursue it, so now I just need to figure out how to get on board about us being together maybe forever.
I loved this story of Drew a vampire/retired rocker/pub owner who sets his sights on his employee. This is an opposites attract romance in every way, as Nova is a quiet guy who just wants to work and live his ordinary life - at least he thinks he does until he meets Drew. The relationship is much gentler in its development than I expected and I enjoyed that. Something about the comfortable pub atmosphere carries through the book. If you'd like to dip your toes into paranormal m/m romance this would be a great place to start.
Blood on Tap, was a good, solid installment in the series. Despite my overall satisfaction with the book, there still seemed to be something missing. The characters were well written and intertwined nicely. Perhaps the book was a little slow building compared to other books I've read where vampires were either main or side characters.
Drew and Nova were definitely enjoyable and I do look forward to reading more from this author.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
I was intrigued by the blurb, especially Nova's POV where he can't stand his boss, but for the first time, he has interest in another man. They are complete opposites, Drew used to being the center of attention and Nova, while enjoying his job, is a bit of an introvert. There is a bit of insta love, which is a trope I thoroughly enjoy, but there isn't too much angst and the vampire lore isn't a prominent topic of discussion. It's a sweet read and I enjoyed getting to know both Nova and Drew!
A solid 3.5, the story was good but I felt like something was missing. Drew and Nova were good together but there was little build up and they went from 0 to 60 pretty quick. I loved Nova and his identity was a surprise, bit of a loner but opened up really nice. Drew was cocky but a bit of a softy underneath and I found the friends more interesting. The ending was OK, I just felt like the story was rushed. A solid foundation which I'm hoping is expanded in further books.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. This book is about Nova who is a vampire bartender, he is quiet, laid back and hates his new boss. Drew is a vampire who can’t sit still even though he and his band just moved to a new town to lay low, he decides to buy a bar. Drew is now the new owner of the bar that Nova bartends at. Drew wants to make it into a safe haven for vampires. This story was a nice read.
This enemies-to-lovers vampire story was an easy read for me. I enjoyed the attraction between Drew and Nova, even though Nova wasn't one to acknowledge it at first. As a matter-of-fact, he tried resisting. But, when it comes to vamps, even the silent, keep-to-themselves type, they usually get when they want.
There was little drama, straight-forward storytelling, and just enough romance to hold my interest until the end. A very solid 3 stars for me. Great MM vampire romance!
Entertaining story, with a few pacing issues. Drew and Nova were engaging characters, quirky, and as different as night and day. The sexy times were indeed quite sexy. There were a few times when the pacing was bogged down with details I waited patiently to reappear, as they seemed important. Only they were never mentioned again, leaving me feeling slightly unfulfilled.
Andrew Morrison did a banging job of narrating, I will most definitely be looking forward to more of his work.