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Vinny the Vampire & Me (Mafia, Murder, and Mayhem (as a Rom-Com)
New York Book Festival Winner 2022 for Romance
Greeting Vinny the Vampire with a gun may not be the smartest decision for other Paranormals, but after twenty years of friendship and shenanigans, Brenda Cuorebella could do so much worse to the Blood Mafia Boss.
You’re bound to grow up as the most sarcastic, smart-mouthed half-breed when your family of incubi and succubi run a business with the Underground Mafia alongside other Paranormals such as Vinny the Vampire, her best friend. After leaving the Underground of New York City to live on Topside and escape growing feelings for Vinny, among other things, ghouls come to town, and all hell breaks loose as people go missing. A hot detective investigates the case while the mob families start to make moves in their territories.
Brenda will have to navigate the chaos of her two worlds above and below and explore the disappearances while protecting her identity, ties to the mafia, and growing feelings. All while trying to keep her library section intact, take a damn nap, and find the closest bottle of free whiskey.
Cliffhanger and Guaranteed HEA
Contains darker themes, police brutality and assault, forced hospitalization, torture and slight gore, and gun violence .
Greeting Vinny the Vampire with a gun may not be the smartest decision for other Paranormals, but after twenty years of friendship and shenanigans, Brenda Cuorebella could do so much worse to the Blood Mafia Boss.
You’re bound to grow up as the most sarcastic, smart-mouthed half-breed when your family of incubi and succubi run a business with the Underground Mafia alongside other Paranormals such as Vinny the Vampire, her best friend. After leaving the Underground of New York City to live on Topside and escape growing feelings for Vinny, among other things, ghouls come to town, and all hell breaks loose as people go missing. A hot detective investigates the case while the mob families start to make moves in their territories.
Brenda will have to navigate the chaos of her two worlds above and below and explore the disappearances while protecting her identity, ties to the mafia, and growing feelings. All while trying to keep her library section intact, take a damn nap, and find the closest bottle of free whiskey.
Cliffhanger and Guaranteed HEA
Contains darker themes, police brutality and assault, forced hospitalization, torture and slight gore, and gun violence .
243 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2022
31 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Elm Jed
19 books123 followersElm Jed is obsessed with creating stories through writing, videos, or painting on random pieces of wood. When they’re not telling their best friend a new story idea from reading a book they hate, they’re playing DND, conjuring spells, playing dress-up, or going for a long drive.
They're a Marine Corps Veteran, and love spending time with the Ren Faire family.
They absolutely love their supportive partner and husband, who makes sure they eat between writing and reading the books they collect for their hoard.
You can find Elm Jed on social media platforms with the handle
@elmojedi10
They're a Marine Corps Veteran, and love spending time with the Ren Faire family.
They absolutely love their supportive partner and husband, who makes sure they eat between writing and reading the books they collect for their hoard.
You can find Elm Jed on social media platforms with the handle
@elmojedi10
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 30, 2022
This was so well written! The story was amazing with the right amount of foreshadowing to keep you wondering, and when the other shoe drops...oh boy. Its an easy read and the story flow is amazing. There are warnings that go along with this book, so be mindful of those.
I laughed, and there were a few moments I cried!
I cannot wait to read more! I will be anxiously awaiting the next release of the book with the story!
I laughed, and there were a few moments I cried!
I cannot wait to read more! I will be anxiously awaiting the next release of the book with the story!
February 3, 2022
Rom-Com @sskickery
OKAY SO. AMAZING DEBUT NOVEL
When this book was initially hinted at, I was so excited, because as a fellow book dragon you always need something new to add to the horde.
The characters draw you in with their absolutely HILARIOUS banter. I kid you not, I giggle snorted in the break room on more than one occasion. Their drive and stubbornness will have you internally screaming the entire time and it is WORTH EVERY SECOND.
The drama keeps you hooked, and the writing style goes down smooth like a fine drink.
I absolutely cannot WAIT for the continuation of this story and the world that Elm Jed has built.
OKAY SO. AMAZING DEBUT NOVEL
When this book was initially hinted at, I was so excited, because as a fellow book dragon you always need something new to add to the horde.
The characters draw you in with their absolutely HILARIOUS banter. I kid you not, I giggle snorted in the break room on more than one occasion. Their drive and stubbornness will have you internally screaming the entire time and it is WORTH EVERY SECOND.
The drama keeps you hooked, and the writing style goes down smooth like a fine drink.
I absolutely cannot WAIT for the continuation of this story and the world that Elm Jed has built.
March 25, 2022
Great well written read.
Wonderful slow burn romance. Nicely
written, great world building and utterly believable characters. I love it when the main character losing her temper with frustration and lashes out. Then other characters call her out for it. Makes it so believable.
Wonderful slow burn romance. Nicely
written, great world building and utterly believable characters. I love it when the main character losing her temper with frustration and lashes out. Then other characters call her out for it. Makes it so believable.
February 19, 2022
I'm roping my staff into reading this because holy shit! I need more of this story. This entire book is *chef's kiss* beautiful, it made me cry and laugh and just be happy and I so desperately needed that. I am over the moon excited for book 2💜
January 28, 2023
I love Elm Jed.
I found them on tiktok and knew immediatly I was going to buy this.
And I loved the book.
Middle of the road rating is for editing and grammar issues through out the book and the transition into the relationship was missing a couple of elements that will probably be addressed in the sequel. I was just really thrown off be them being left up in the air.
I will absolutely be reading the next one.
The story is absolutely brilliant! The mystery kept me guessing the whole time, and I’m still guessing about how things are gonna go.
The world Elm created is beautiful and edgy. Perfect for this kind of story.
I’m so happy I found this author and cannot wait to read more.
I found them on tiktok and knew immediatly I was going to buy this.
And I loved the book.
Middle of the road rating is for editing and grammar issues through out the book and the transition into the relationship was missing a couple of elements that will probably be addressed in the sequel. I was just really thrown off be them being left up in the air.
I will absolutely be reading the next one.
The story is absolutely brilliant! The mystery kept me guessing the whole time, and I’m still guessing about how things are gonna go.
The world Elm created is beautiful and edgy. Perfect for this kind of story.
I’m so happy I found this author and cannot wait to read more.
March 19, 2024
slow start but worth the wait
This book was recommended to me by a couple of my friends. As a busy mom, it took me longer than I would have liked to finish it. The lead up was a slow start with the constant starting and stopping for my reading time. Once I got the to the good part I couldn’t put it down. It was well worth the wait! I’m told the next two books only get better Excited to read the next one and will let you all know how it goes. Also…drink some water!
This book was recommended to me by a couple of my friends. As a busy mom, it took me longer than I would have liked to finish it. The lead up was a slow start with the constant starting and stopping for my reading time. Once I got the to the good part I couldn’t put it down. It was well worth the wait! I’m told the next two books only get better Excited to read the next one and will let you all know how it goes. Also…drink some water!
October 9, 2024
4.5 stars! I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this due to the first chapter giving very ‘millennial’ with the writing style. I’m glad I decided to keep reading because I love this book! I love the world and political dynamic. Brenda’s family is amazing and I love her relationships with them. I love the slow burn. The story line is so well don’t. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This would be a 5 star but there are some editing issues that need to be addressed.
This would be a 5 star but there are some editing issues that need to be addressed.
April 3, 2022
I absolutely loved reading this book. Love the dynamic of Brenda with Vinny. Also how she is with her family and all the other Paranormals. When the books and journals get destroyed at her job at the topside public library and she first come across Dr. Traloski's name I was on the edge of my seat. When she later found the Immunity testing:Children Studies, I was like oh, shit. When she finds out why she has her scars I was screaming Oh, Shit repeatedly. How Vinny handled it and her was just amazing. I was so irritated when I kept getting interrupt when I was trying to finish the last few chapters cause I just didn't want to put it down. Also love how each chapter is given it own title. I want the second book Now, but I know I have to wait. As much I am looking forward to the next book, I am already sad knowing that there will be an end to their story. I don't want it to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
A very fun read! A great spin on Supernatural romance, a great take on underground world building, secrets lurking around every corner. You will fall in love on the very first paragraph. Easily one of my top ten favorites!
May 30, 2022
I loved this book! Snarky characters are my favorite and I appreciated the consent in romantic relationships. The family relationships were lovely as well! I’m looking forward to reading more!
March 17, 2023
When my friend recommend this book, she told me not to judge it by the cover. And let’s be real, this cover is awful and it makes it look like the book doesn’t have a lick of editing and probably needs it badly. (I hate to be rude, but unless it was recommended to me by someone I trust, I would have avoided this book completely and literally almost did anyway even though I trust my friend. It’s a bad cover and it needs to be redone because it limits the reader audience.)
But the book itself is SO good!
I loved the magical and modern setting with a paranormal underground with the ability to go topside to the regular streets of NYC. There were a variety of paranormal types and Brenda, the FMC, was a half breed raised by incubi and succubi. Her best friend was a shifty Vampire, and she was fighting off some feelings for him, not ready to lose her friendship with him knowing as the Mafia Boss, he needed to mate within another Vampire. She moved Topside and worked as a librarian, going back underground to be with her family on the weekends.
Some issues topside had her trying to unravel a mystery and connecting the dots to her own murky past.
This book was so well done and interesting and action packed and romantic!
Trust me, I see the same cover y’all see, and I promise you can just ignore it and read it anyway. I’m glad I did and I apologize for looking at my friend like maybe she lost her mind and had terrible taste in books all of a sudden. (Sorry, Vanessa! I trust you now I swear!)
But the book itself is SO good!
I loved the magical and modern setting with a paranormal underground with the ability to go topside to the regular streets of NYC. There were a variety of paranormal types and Brenda, the FMC, was a half breed raised by incubi and succubi. Her best friend was a shifty Vampire, and she was fighting off some feelings for him, not ready to lose her friendship with him knowing as the Mafia Boss, he needed to mate within another Vampire. She moved Topside and worked as a librarian, going back underground to be with her family on the weekends.
Some issues topside had her trying to unravel a mystery and connecting the dots to her own murky past.
This book was so well done and interesting and action packed and romantic!
Trust me, I see the same cover y’all see, and I promise you can just ignore it and read it anyway. I’m glad I did and I apologize for looking at my friend like maybe she lost her mind and had terrible taste in books all of a sudden. (Sorry, Vanessa! I trust you now I swear!)
January 22, 2023
I enjoyed the premise of this book immensely. The concept and the world that Elm is creating is definitely worth delving into, and I would love to learn more about the structures that are already set in place. There is a want left after reading this book to know more; I found myself wanting to delve into Vinny's back story, I desperately wanted more of Bekham and I wanted more of the Cuorebella family! I do feel that the book could use a bit more editing as some times I found myself catching extra words or awkward phrasing that a little more fine-tuning could have helped to alleviate.
All in all, I rated it as a 3 because I found that it was very good as start to a series and left me definitely wanting more and to know what happens.
All in all, I rated it as a 3 because I found that it was very good as start to a series and left me definitely wanting more and to know what happens.
April 22, 2022
You had me at underground mafia
Snarky "Veronica Mars" type runs from home to find herself in the human world since he is a half breed. But home pulls her right back in when a human detective shows up at the library to use her as cliff notes about her underground mafia family. Oh and did a mention her bestie is a " Damon Salvatore" like vampire and new media boss...why is he so jealous when she get a drink with the human detective??
Friends to lovers and it worth the slow burn! Loved the consent King Vinny! Thank you for the sarcasm and the best banter I've read in years! Love! Just do yourself a favor and read it
Snarky "Veronica Mars" type runs from home to find herself in the human world since he is a half breed. But home pulls her right back in when a human detective shows up at the library to use her as cliff notes about her underground mafia family. Oh and did a mention her bestie is a " Damon Salvatore" like vampire and new media boss...why is he so jealous when she get a drink with the human detective??
Friends to lovers and it worth the slow burn! Loved the consent King Vinny! Thank you for the sarcasm and the best banter I've read in years! Love! Just do yourself a favor and read it
October 13, 2023
I loved this take on the supernatural species. Main character is Brenda Cuorobella. She is a mostly blind woman working as a librarian, her bestie is the Vampire Mob boss, Vinny.
Mysteries and mayhem ensue. I loved every minute of it. It does deal with processing childhood trauma. PTSD. And falling in love. Consent, boundaries, stripper poles, and family all play a beautiful role in this book. Go read it. It’ll make you cry, laugh, get mad, want to pull a gun on Brenda or kick her in the butt and tell her to shoot Vinny already! Oh wait, that might have been just me.
Then follow up with the next book in the series.
Mysteries and mayhem ensue. I loved every minute of it. It does deal with processing childhood trauma. PTSD. And falling in love. Consent, boundaries, stripper poles, and family all play a beautiful role in this book. Go read it. It’ll make you cry, laugh, get mad, want to pull a gun on Brenda or kick her in the butt and tell her to shoot Vinny already! Oh wait, that might have been just me.
Then follow up with the next book in the series.
September 4, 2022
Why Elm?!? Why?!?!
I started reading this book because of Elm's tiktoks. Sure a few things where "spoiled" because of them, but nothing huge.
I feel like I flew through this story, didn't want to put it down, had to because of real life. Kept thinking about it though.
In regards to the title of my review; How could you end the book the way you did!?!!?!?!? I'm lucky that I read this when the sequel is already out! I couldn't imagine having to wait for the second book with how you ended it!
After this I'm immediately buying the second book on Kindle and buying the books physically.
I started reading this book because of Elm's tiktoks. Sure a few things where "spoiled" because of them, but nothing huge.
I feel like I flew through this story, didn't want to put it down, had to because of real life. Kept thinking about it though.
In regards to the title of my review; How could you end the book the way you did!?!!?!?!? I'm lucky that I read this when the sequel is already out! I couldn't imagine having to wait for the second book with how you ended it!
After this I'm immediately buying the second book on Kindle and buying the books physically.
December 16, 2022
I love this book. I hardly ever reread books, but I am currently rereading this one. I love how the family dynamics are. Elm makes it feel like you are a part of the family. The playful banter found all through out the book is amazing. The major emphasis on consent is also comforting. The characters are very relatable as well. Elm definitely leaves you guessing on what’s going to happen next as well. You’ll want the second book ready to go due to the cliffhanger at the end. If you like J.R. Ward, I’m confident you’ll like Elm. (I know I’m vague, but I don’t want to give any spoilers.)
February 8, 2023
Perfection
This book has to be one of the best I've read in a long time. Just enough passion to keep things interesting, but the story.. the story was amazing. The building of the characters and watching them grow. I really really enjoyed this, Full of action and suspense, love and hate, war and peace. I cannot wait to see what book 2 has instore for me. Elm keep doing great things. You've gained a life long fan here!!
This book has to be one of the best I've read in a long time. Just enough passion to keep things interesting, but the story.. the story was amazing. The building of the characters and watching them grow. I really really enjoyed this, Full of action and suspense, love and hate, war and peace. I cannot wait to see what book 2 has instore for me. Elm keep doing great things. You've gained a life long fan here!!
April 18, 2022
Amazing debut novel
Hard to put down
Could not stop laughing as a devoured this book
I can't say for the next book
One of the downsides to starting a series immediately after the first book is released is realizing just how long you have to wait for the next
I adored all of the underground characters, can't wait to see more of them
Hard to put down
Could not stop laughing as a devoured this book
I can't say for the next book
One of the downsides to starting a series immediately after the first book is released is realizing just how long you have to wait for the next
I adored all of the underground characters, can't wait to see more of them
April 21, 2022
This is a cute, fun debut. Definitely would benefit from some editing, especially where repetitive words/phrases are concerned. But the world is cool and the characters are engaging. Has a fair amount of cheese, as expected in something described as a romcom - still getting used to that as a reader, so unable to judge fully. I’m interested enough that I’d be willing to give the sequel a shot.
April 30, 2022
Such a fun read
I loved every character in this book! There could have been a little more action but for the 1st book in the series I can let it go. I kept waiting to see if Vinny would see what Bruno did and how he's going to handle it. Maybe in the next book. Going to purchase the next book now 🙂
I loved every character in this book! There could have been a little more action but for the 1st book in the series I can let it go. I kept waiting to see if Vinny would see what Bruno did and how he's going to handle it. Maybe in the next book. Going to purchase the next book now 🙂
May 4, 2022
Holy Hell! A new personal record for me. I finished it in a day, well less than a day. I finished this in roughly 4 hours. I seriously love how it flows. How there really isn’t a dull moment. And really honestly it keep me engaged in the book to the point i didn’t want to put it down. can’t wait for the next one because that cliffhanger…
August 22, 2024
This book was my introduction to the Romantasy or Paranormal Romance genre and I was not disappointed. Elm does such a great job creating threads between the characters, plot, and setting. Not to mention, the ending. Absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
April 11, 2022
Sultry and sassy
I am so happy I follow this author and found this book. Deep diving in to adventure and a spicy romance. Action and family and mobs and librarians oh my.
So much fun and I anticipate the next one.
I am so happy I follow this author and found this book. Deep diving in to adventure and a spicy romance. Action and family and mobs and librarians oh my.
So much fun and I anticipate the next one.
July 27, 2022
When the pieces fell together
It had a slow start but once the pieces were shown it all fell together. Brenda and Vinnys banter is great together and I loved the blend of supernatural mafia. Will be reading book 2 cause that ending was not expected!
It had a slow start but once the pieces were shown it all fell together. Brenda and Vinnys banter is great together and I loved the blend of supernatural mafia. Will be reading book 2 cause that ending was not expected!
July 29, 2025
not my usual cup of tea, but i do like mafia and the world-building in this story is great. kinda felt like it dragged and took a while to get to the good stuff, but i liked the development of all the interesting characters and world aspects
January 31, 2022
Love this!
Never been big on this type of read but honestly this book is amazing! I was laughing and drying the entire book. I cant wait to read the second book when it comes out.
Never been big on this type of read but honestly this book is amazing! I was laughing and drying the entire book. I cant wait to read the second book when it comes out.
February 1, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can’t wait to get the second book when it comes out. That’s one hell of a cliffhanger and I’m loving it.
Can’t wait to get the second book when it comes out. That’s one hell of a cliffhanger and I’m loving it.
March 5, 2022
OMFG!! This is the best book I have read so far this year!! It has everything I am looking for in a book! I need the next book!! If you have not read this book, DO IT!!
April 5, 2022
Loved it!!
One of the best books, I have read in ages!! Totally recommend!!! You won’t put it down. I can’t wait for the second book to come out!
One of the best books, I have read in ages!! Totally recommend!!! You won’t put it down. I can’t wait for the second book to come out!
April 10, 2022
I really loved the characters and world-building in this novel. It needs the input of a good copy-editor, but I would love to add this to my library’s shelves.
Can’t wait for #2.
Can’t wait for #2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews