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Love Me Dead #1
Blood Thinners
The only thing more annoying than a ghost flash mob is a rogue vampire attack…
Supernatural investigator Mina Summers is only one undercover mission away from the promotion she’s worked for her entire career. Her assignment is simple: figure out why several unregistered vampires are going rogue—including one that ruined her best suit—and attacking humans. Her investigation leads her to Thinner, a new celebrity-endorsed weight loss company that’s shrouded in mystery and promises seemingly impossible results.
Mina’s convinced she’ll finish her mission in time for dinner, but when she face-plants into Carma Nicks, Thinner’s smart and sexy vice president, Mina’s suddenly out of her depth. Surely her heart is only racing due to adrenaline, right? Falling for—and sleeping with—a mark goes 100% against protocol, but Mina’s plans to keep her distance are as flimsy as the agency-issued ghost that resides in her apartment.
When Thinner’s secrets disrupt the peace between supernaturals and humans—and threaten Carma’s life—Mina’s forced to choose between protecting her dream career or saving the woman she loves.
Supernatural investigator Mina Summers is only one undercover mission away from the promotion she’s worked for her entire career. Her assignment is simple: figure out why several unregistered vampires are going rogue—including one that ruined her best suit—and attacking humans. Her investigation leads her to Thinner, a new celebrity-endorsed weight loss company that’s shrouded in mystery and promises seemingly impossible results.
Mina’s convinced she’ll finish her mission in time for dinner, but when she face-plants into Carma Nicks, Thinner’s smart and sexy vice president, Mina’s suddenly out of her depth. Surely her heart is only racing due to adrenaline, right? Falling for—and sleeping with—a mark goes 100% against protocol, but Mina’s plans to keep her distance are as flimsy as the agency-issued ghost that resides in her apartment.
When Thinner’s secrets disrupt the peace between supernaturals and humans—and threaten Carma’s life—Mina’s forced to choose between protecting her dream career or saving the woman she loves.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 4, 2022
20 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Heather Novak
20 books143 followersBold, Breathtaking, Badass Romance.
When she’s not pretending to be a rockstar with purple hair, Heather Novak can be found crafting LGBTQ+ romances with disability representation. She’s also a weekly columnist for Hypoparathyroidism News, where she talks about life with her rare disease. Heather’s work as an award-winning author and advocate earned her a spot on BEQ Magazine’s 40 LGBTQ+ Leaders Under Forty list in 2021.
Heather is full of bisexual glitter, is pretty sure her left arm is haunted, and collects multiple editions of her favorite books. She lives in southeast Michigan with Mr. Heather and a collection of musical instruments and mobility aids.
Follow her at heathernovak.net
When she’s not pretending to be a rockstar with purple hair, Heather Novak can be found crafting LGBTQ+ romances with disability representation. She’s also a weekly columnist for Hypoparathyroidism News, where she talks about life with her rare disease. Heather’s work as an award-winning author and advocate earned her a spot on BEQ Magazine’s 40 LGBTQ+ Leaders Under Forty list in 2021.
Heather is full of bisexual glitter, is pretty sure her left arm is haunted, and collects multiple editions of her favorite books. She lives in southeast Michigan with Mr. Heather and a collection of musical instruments and mobility aids.
Follow her at heathernovak.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 4, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ – Blood Thinners was an excellent surprise. I know I’m not supposed to judge a book by its cover but a good/fun/pretty cover will make me want to read. And this one is perfect for the story.
Mina Summers is a SHAP (Supernatural-Human Accountability Partnership) agent, who just came back to work after a four-month break due to an accident. She was denied the promotion she was hoping for by none other than her father but at least it means she gets to work one more case with her best friend and partner Jake Robinson. After what seems to be an invasion of strange-acting vampires, they infiltrate Thinner, a company selling apparently miraculous weight-loss shakes.
The plot kept me on my toes all book long, not so much for the ending itself but for the way to get there and the characters’ motivations. It starts deceptively light and entertaining, and as the story unfolds, it gets more complex, with an underlying message about the lengths we’ll go to in order to conform to the image society makes us think we should aspire to. It goes even deeper with Thinner as its diet appears to cure incurable diseases and who wouldn’t be willing to give it a try?
My favourite part, however, is that I loved all the characters. Mina is at once badass and bitter and determined and a marshmallow. Jake is the best friend anyone should have and I love his family, especially his stepmother Magnolia. Then there’s Sebastian, Mina’s roommate and the hilarious ghost of a duke, and his best friend Reggie, also a ghost. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the surprisingly caring demon helping Mina’s elderly neighbours.
I, of course, kept the best for the end. Like Mina, I’m a sucker for a good villain (her words). In this case, that would be Lucinda Nicks, CEO of Thinner. And Carma, her daughter and VP of Thinner, who steals Mina’s breath at first sight. In my head, she’s a femme fatale, which is funny because this book doesn’t feel very noir (on the contrary, it feels very technicolour) but it has the right pace and dynamics, if not the atmosphere. And is it weird that I felt incredibly happy I have the same car as Carma, albeit in a much more conservative colour? Carma is irresistible and I could totally relate to Mina not being able to keep her mind on the mission.
I ended this book feeling the way I do when I come out of – or used to come out of, in pre-pandemic times – a movie theatre after watching an adrenaline-filled picture, or a really entertaining one. Mentally satisfied and bursting with energy. I’ll be looking forward to more sapphic stories by Heather Novak.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mina Summers is a SHAP (Supernatural-Human Accountability Partnership) agent, who just came back to work after a four-month break due to an accident. She was denied the promotion she was hoping for by none other than her father but at least it means she gets to work one more case with her best friend and partner Jake Robinson. After what seems to be an invasion of strange-acting vampires, they infiltrate Thinner, a company selling apparently miraculous weight-loss shakes.
The plot kept me on my toes all book long, not so much for the ending itself but for the way to get there and the characters’ motivations. It starts deceptively light and entertaining, and as the story unfolds, it gets more complex, with an underlying message about the lengths we’ll go to in order to conform to the image society makes us think we should aspire to. It goes even deeper with Thinner as its diet appears to cure incurable diseases and who wouldn’t be willing to give it a try?
My favourite part, however, is that I loved all the characters. Mina is at once badass and bitter and determined and a marshmallow. Jake is the best friend anyone should have and I love his family, especially his stepmother Magnolia. Then there’s Sebastian, Mina’s roommate and the hilarious ghost of a duke, and his best friend Reggie, also a ghost. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the surprisingly caring demon helping Mina’s elderly neighbours.
I, of course, kept the best for the end. Like Mina, I’m a sucker for a good villain (her words). In this case, that would be Lucinda Nicks, CEO of Thinner. And Carma, her daughter and VP of Thinner, who steals Mina’s breath at first sight. In my head, she’s a femme fatale, which is funny because this book doesn’t feel very noir (on the contrary, it feels very technicolour) but it has the right pace and dynamics, if not the atmosphere. And is it weird that I felt incredibly happy I have the same car as Carma, albeit in a much more conservative colour? Carma is irresistible and I could totally relate to Mina not being able to keep her mind on the mission.
I ended this book feeling the way I do when I come out of – or used to come out of, in pre-pandemic times – a movie theatre after watching an adrenaline-filled picture, or a really entertaining one. Mentally satisfied and bursting with energy. I’ll be looking forward to more sapphic stories by Heather Novak.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2022
2.5. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was one of those stories that has a lot of quippy dialogue. Anyone who knows my reviews knows that can often be a bit of a miss for me. There's just something off to me, about using humor in that constantly "on" way, and never really revealing a true character persona underneath. It means we fail to relate to the character, and don't really go deep enough to care.
This is how I felt about our MC Mina, she's at a crossroads having been seriously injured in her last case, with the Supernatural Human Accountability Partnership, (SHAP) and heading into a new case, with an alluring love interest. She's messed up emotionally, but it's all just used as jokey-fodder. The few times realness seeps in, it's quickly covered over again, and more jokes are made... I just struggle with that, big time.
Ultimately the story is eked out, and yet not much of anything of substance happened. It takes wellll over half of the story for us to get any where. There's very little substance in the relationship, or the investigation, with trying to figure what is happening with the company Mina is investigating, and her love-interests involvement. And yet - there are a LOT of super obvious CLUES shining like giant beacons, with red flags and sirens - about what is going on. So, I was rolling my eyes a fair bit, and huffing and sighing a bit too much. But I finished it.
I'm sure others are going to enjoy this more than I, but even ignoring the overall tone I struggled with, I thought it felt far longer than it needed to be, and I really didn't believe the love connection here. I wanted more. Check it out for yourself.
This was one of those stories that has a lot of quippy dialogue. Anyone who knows my reviews knows that can often be a bit of a miss for me. There's just something off to me, about using humor in that constantly "on" way, and never really revealing a true character persona underneath. It means we fail to relate to the character, and don't really go deep enough to care.
This is how I felt about our MC Mina, she's at a crossroads having been seriously injured in her last case, with the Supernatural Human Accountability Partnership, (SHAP) and heading into a new case, with an alluring love interest. She's messed up emotionally, but it's all just used as jokey-fodder. The few times realness seeps in, it's quickly covered over again, and more jokes are made... I just struggle with that, big time.
Ultimately the story is eked out, and yet not much of anything of substance happened. It takes wellll over half of the story for us to get any where. There's very little substance in the relationship, or the investigation, with trying to figure what is happening with the company Mina is investigating, and her love-interests involvement. And yet - there are a LOT of super obvious CLUES shining like giant beacons, with red flags and sirens - about what is going on. So, I was rolling my eyes a fair bit, and huffing and sighing a bit too much. But I finished it.
I'm sure others are going to enjoy this more than I, but even ignoring the overall tone I struggled with, I thought it felt far longer than it needed to be, and I really didn't believe the love connection here. I wanted more. Check it out for yourself.
January 6, 2022
Mina Summers has just been assigned to investigate Thinner, a company selling exclusive shakes to would be dieters promising unnatural results. They have linked the shakes to some unusual attacks and need to find out what is in the secret recipe. As Mina and her partner look into the company posing as employees Mina finds herself falling in love with Carma, the daughter of Thinner’s creator.
I really enjoyed this book. I love supernatural romance as well as police procedural d and this hit all the marks. Mina was a great MC and Carma was adorable, together they have tons of chemistry. Filled with all sorts of fun side characters like demons, werewolves and ghosts there was no point in the book where anything lagged or got boring. I especially loved the Sebastian and Reggie inserting themselves into all sorts of funny situations and also giving sage advice to Mina when she really needed it. Can’t wait to read more like this from Heather Novak!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I love supernatural romance as well as police procedural d and this hit all the marks. Mina was a great MC and Carma was adorable, together they have tons of chemistry. Filled with all sorts of fun side characters like demons, werewolves and ghosts there was no point in the book where anything lagged or got boring. I especially loved the Sebastian and Reggie inserting themselves into all sorts of funny situations and also giving sage advice to Mina when she really needed it. Can’t wait to read more like this from Heather Novak!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2022
This was SO MUCH FUN. argh. Exactly what I needed.
A supernatural investigator trying to understand the new vampire attacks going around and at the same time going undercover to investigate the secret behind a super shady company that thrives promising substantial weight loss with their revolutionary shakes? SIGN ME UP
The characters are great, flawed, troubled, funny, and wise. They complement each other. A ghost that gives great advice, a demon who's a hero and loves sweaters, and neighbors that love summoning them. It's impossible not to love everyone.
I giggled and laughed out loud so many times.
On the romance side, yes, it's a bit of instalove, but there's so much going on at the same time that I didn't mind it so much. I enjoyed their flirting, their dates, plus they're very cute together.
If you're looking for something light and thoroughly entertaining, look no further! This book is the right thing for you.
A supernatural investigator trying to understand the new vampire attacks going around and at the same time going undercover to investigate the secret behind a super shady company that thrives promising substantial weight loss with their revolutionary shakes? SIGN ME UP
The characters are great, flawed, troubled, funny, and wise. They complement each other. A ghost that gives great advice, a demon who's a hero and loves sweaters, and neighbors that love summoning them. It's impossible not to love everyone.
I giggled and laughed out loud so many times.
On the romance side, yes, it's a bit of instalove, but there's so much going on at the same time that I didn't mind it so much. I enjoyed their flirting, their dates, plus they're very cute together.
If you're looking for something light and thoroughly entertaining, look no further! This book is the right thing for you.
April 7, 2022
This was such a fun and entertaining book I loved it
First off this cover just made me want to love this book and couldn't wait to read it. So glad that I judged this book by its cover bc it did not disappoint.
Great characters (and motives that made this book even better) kept the story going and you wanting more
Great relationships
There was so much more paranormal things in this book than just vamps, so that was fun and a great add in
Funny parts that made you laugh out loud
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First off this cover just made me want to love this book and couldn't wait to read it. So glad that I judged this book by its cover bc it did not disappoint.
Great characters (and motives that made this book even better) kept the story going and you wanting more
Great relationships
There was so much more paranormal things in this book than just vamps, so that was fun and a great add in
Funny parts that made you laugh out loud
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2023
“When I buy a new book, I read the last page first. That way, in case I die before I finish, I know how it ends. That, my friend, is a dark side.” - Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally
I’ve never empathized with this quote before, until I started reading Blood Thinners. It took everything in me not to skip to the end so that I could find out if I’d get the ending I wanted.
Heather was able to create a story that felt real…vampires, ghosts and demons? OH MY! The relationships between the characters felt natural, complete, and endearing. The banter between them spoke my kind of sassy language and I loved every minute of it.
If you’re looking for a story that’s easy to follow with LGBTQ+ positive characters, look no further. Mina and Carma will have you wanting (and wishing for) a happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I’ve never empathized with this quote before, until I started reading Blood Thinners. It took everything in me not to skip to the end so that I could find out if I’d get the ending I wanted.
Heather was able to create a story that felt real…vampires, ghosts and demons? OH MY! The relationships between the characters felt natural, complete, and endearing. The banter between them spoke my kind of sassy language and I loved every minute of it.
If you’re looking for a story that’s easy to follow with LGBTQ+ positive characters, look no further. Mina and Carma will have you wanting (and wishing for) a happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
January 7, 2022
I was granted access to a ARC. This book is 5/5 stars. I'll write up more later, but trust me, this book is wroth a read!!
I have been trying to figure out, how to put into words, just how good this book is. I got a ARC of Blood Thinners by heather novak.
This is a paranormal, Lgbtqai, romance, happily ever after book. Think csi, NCIS, and #
Special Unit 2. Also if you don't know what that is, omfg go look it up.
This is set in what feels like the our real world, just one with the paranormal. Which for someone like myself who believes strongly in the paranormal, I want a sweater wearing demon now, please and thank you.
I feel in love with Mina the FMC, right away. I love her relationship with Jake, and that it is not a sexual one, but a familiar one. I absofuckinglutely love Sebastián, and would read a book all about him. I would also read books about Mina and Jake's past assignments, and Mina's dad's past assignments. Like, just give me all the books/stories from this world please.
I also really like the cover, goth, punk, rock a billy, 50's clothes and chick's are totally hot. So, win for me.
But really, when this book hits the shelves, you all better be reading it. It comes out April 4, 2022, you can pre order currently on Amazon.
I have been trying to figure out, how to put into words, just how good this book is. I got a ARC of Blood Thinners by heather novak.
This is a paranormal, Lgbtqai, romance, happily ever after book. Think csi, NCIS, and #
Special Unit 2. Also if you don't know what that is, omfg go look it up.
This is set in what feels like the our real world, just one with the paranormal. Which for someone like myself who believes strongly in the paranormal, I want a sweater wearing demon now, please and thank you.
I feel in love with Mina the FMC, right away. I love her relationship with Jake, and that it is not a sexual one, but a familiar one. I absofuckinglutely love Sebastián, and would read a book all about him. I would also read books about Mina and Jake's past assignments, and Mina's dad's past assignments. Like, just give me all the books/stories from this world please.
I also really like the cover, goth, punk, rock a billy, 50's clothes and chick's are totally hot. So, win for me.
But really, when this book hits the shelves, you all better be reading it. It comes out April 4, 2022, you can pre order currently on Amazon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
April 8, 2022First of all there is not a lot of quality paranormal romance and even less of LBGTIA+. Not only is the sex realistic its really damn good and this is coming from a bisexual woman. For the first time in romance I feel SEEN, ACCEPTED AND HEARD. That WLW isn't just a trope. Heather Novak's dialogue is solid the heat is there and the plot makes you want more. If you like True Blood or Vampire Diaries and crave sex positive romance featuring likeable, relatable characters-this is the very next book you need to put on your TBR. Pick it up, binge it and anxiously await the next installment like the rest of us Tacos. .
I didn't even leave Date started and date finished because I finished it in a day. And I hardly ever do that especially in tax season as a tax accountant. The book is that good.
I didn't even leave Date started and date finished because I finished it in a day. And I hardly ever do that especially in tax season as a tax accountant. The book is that good.
May 2, 2022
Bi MC/ lesbian LI. Grumpy/sunshine. Forbidden romance. Found family. Ghost roommates. Sweater wearing demons.
My oh my, Blood Thinners has quite easily become my favorite sapphic paranormal book. Novak has an ability to simply captivate the reader through her rich detailing of lovable characters and creation of a world that seemingly might not be too farfetched. A world where uninformed humans live alongside super natural creatures of the sort. If that’s the case, sign me up for a ghost friend named Sebastian.
This story was fast-paced with a swoon-worthy romance, a hint of paranormal mystery, and plenty of laughable moments. Add this to your TBR and join me in crushing on strawberry smelling Carma.
March 31, 2022
I was so excited to get an ARC of Blood Thinners by Heather Novak. Once I started reading it, I could not stop. I mean it. I finished it while sitting at the salon, dye in my hair, glasses off my face, with my phone (because I had it as an eBook) pushed as close to my face as possible so I could read it. (Remember, those glasses were off.) I had to do what I had to do to finish this book!
And I cried.
I'm a sap. It is who I am, though I begrudgingly admit it. Me, cool? Absolutely not.
Heather's characters - are they cool? Absolutely. I wish I were that cool. Or even 10% that cool.
We have this badass female protagonist, Mina, who is first introduced to us momenta after ending a fight with a vampire. She then goes into her home to hang out with her Titanic-loving ghostie roomie.
This child of the 90s, millennial woman who grew up on strong female characters (that dealt with the supernatural) was hooked.
Fiercely driven Mina does not let anyone or anything keep her from achieving her goals until she gets an assignment from her employer SHAP (Supernatural Human Accountability Partnership - think of an governing organization made up of human and the supernatural to keep everything in line). SHAP wants her to investigate Thinner, a company promising miracle weight loss with amazing results. The results? Suspicious. Something isn't right and the results are too good to be true.
Undercover with her partner and bestie, Jake, Mina infiltrates Thinner to find out the skinny on why everyone is getting skinny.
Enter Carma.
Intelligent and beautiful, witty and fierce, Carma is the Vice President of Thinner, the daughter of the celebrity company founder.
Carma is everything Mina wants.
Carma may be the one who destroys everything Mina has achieved.
In the best way possible, I could not wait to finish reading this book. I needed to know what was truly happening at Thinner. I needed to know how involved Carma was. Is she the villain or innocent? What about Mina and everything she has spent her life working for?
I did get my answers, but I was immediately sad that it was over. I wanted it to go on. With a surprise no one would have guessed at the end, it couldn't be over yet!
I write this, days before Blood Thinners releases, excited for others to read this book. (Also, I may or may not be counting the days until the second book in the Love Me Dead series releases.)
Enjoy!
And I cried.
I'm a sap. It is who I am, though I begrudgingly admit it. Me, cool? Absolutely not.
Heather's characters - are they cool? Absolutely. I wish I were that cool. Or even 10% that cool.
We have this badass female protagonist, Mina, who is first introduced to us momenta after ending a fight with a vampire. She then goes into her home to hang out with her Titanic-loving ghostie roomie.
This child of the 90s, millennial woman who grew up on strong female characters (that dealt with the supernatural) was hooked.
Fiercely driven Mina does not let anyone or anything keep her from achieving her goals until she gets an assignment from her employer SHAP (Supernatural Human Accountability Partnership - think of an governing organization made up of human and the supernatural to keep everything in line). SHAP wants her to investigate Thinner, a company promising miracle weight loss with amazing results. The results? Suspicious. Something isn't right and the results are too good to be true.
Undercover with her partner and bestie, Jake, Mina infiltrates Thinner to find out the skinny on why everyone is getting skinny.
Enter Carma.
Intelligent and beautiful, witty and fierce, Carma is the Vice President of Thinner, the daughter of the celebrity company founder.
Carma is everything Mina wants.
Carma may be the one who destroys everything Mina has achieved.
In the best way possible, I could not wait to finish reading this book. I needed to know what was truly happening at Thinner. I needed to know how involved Carma was. Is she the villain or innocent? What about Mina and everything she has spent her life working for?
I did get my answers, but I was immediately sad that it was over. I wanted it to go on. With a surprise no one would have guessed at the end, it couldn't be over yet!
I write this, days before Blood Thinners releases, excited for others to read this book. (Also, I may or may not be counting the days until the second book in the Love Me Dead series releases.)
Enjoy!
February 2, 2025
Sapphic Paranormal 🩷
"If you knew how this would finish, would you have altered your course?" he asked. Was it worth it? I closed my eyes for a long moment, remembering the smell of strawberries, the feel of her lips against mine, the sound of her heartbeat as l laid my head on her chest. I shook my head once."
Cute sapphic story! The ending had me worried for a bit but I loved how it came together 🩷
"If you knew how this would finish, would you have altered your course?" he asked. Was it worth it? I closed my eyes for a long moment, remembering the smell of strawberries, the feel of her lips against mine, the sound of her heartbeat as l laid my head on her chest. I shook my head once."
Cute sapphic story! The ending had me worried for a bit but I loved how it came together 🩷
June 8, 2022
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job. I enjoyed the story, h/h and secondary characters.
October 30, 2023
Entertaining, fast paced first person read. The world building is just enough, the relationship feels real and the side characters are lovable.
April 4, 2022
Wow! Heather Novak does it again!
Once I started reading, I was hooked.
Mina Summers is back after a work break. Back with her best friend (and SHAP partner) Jake, its time to solve one last mystery. Of course not mystery is complete without a romance thrown in. So when Mina meets Carma Nicks ... sparks fly! Romance, supernatural mystery, ghosts, werewolves.... whats not to love?
Nb - I was given this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Once I started reading, I was hooked.
Mina Summers is back after a work break. Back with her best friend (and SHAP partner) Jake, its time to solve one last mystery. Of course not mystery is complete without a romance thrown in. So when Mina meets Carma Nicks ... sparks fly! Romance, supernatural mystery, ghosts, werewolves.... whats not to love?
Nb - I was given this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t stop reading at the end! It was just the sort of book I needed right now. Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
April 5, 2022
This book was so freaking fantastic!! Well written, creative and so damn EMOTIONAL!! We are introduced to Mina, a supernatural investigator for SHAP-paranormal version of FBI/CIA- a workaholic to her core and an all-around emotionally unavailable grump. She is sent on an undercover mission to Thinner a celebrity-endorsed weight loss company shrouded in secrets and mystery. There we meet her love interest, Carma, beautiful, smart, kindhearted ball of overcast sunshine (you'll get this once you read the book) - and the real heart tugging emotion begins. As her investigation leads Mina deeper and deeper into the puzzle that is Thinner, self-doubt begins to rear its ugly head in who Mina thought she was and wanted out of life. With the help of her best friends, Sebastian (a ghost) and Jake, Mina works against the clock to save her future, keep her family and most important of all, Carma. I definitely recommend this book for people that enjoy grumpy/sunshine, bi/lesbian, paranormal Titanic reenactments, cinnamon roll demons, CSI and besties that go above and beyond.
July 30, 2022
Pretty much unreadable. To the point I won't even try to do a good review, just listing the important points.
Worldbuilding: almost none, and the few lines trying to explain things manage to be contradictory or stupid.
Characters: dumb and dumber. But stupider. Seriously, we're supposed to believe the MC is some hotshot supernatural detective??? When she's staring at obvious clues (think Twilight level of obvious and idiotic) and manages to never see anything??
And the romance you ask? Sorry, didn't see any. Just some strange instalust without rhyme and reason.
At least the writing is... Who am I kidding, the style equals the substance in this book. Let it join 50 Shades of grey and co in the cemetary of published bad fanfictions.
Worldbuilding: almost none, and the few lines trying to explain things manage to be contradictory or stupid.
Characters: dumb and dumber. But stupider. Seriously, we're supposed to believe the MC is some hotshot supernatural detective??? When she's staring at obvious clues (think Twilight level of obvious and idiotic) and manages to never see anything??
And the romance you ask? Sorry, didn't see any. Just some strange instalust without rhyme and reason.
At least the writing is... Who am I kidding, the style equals the substance in this book. Let it join 50 Shades of grey and co in the cemetary of published bad fanfictions.
July 13, 2022
I had such high hopes for this one. I was craving something with humor, a fun, juicy, paranormal romance.
The romance fell flat for me. It wasn’t believable. I did not like the characters at all. I found the dialogue to be more annoying than humorous. For me it dragged on and on. I was determined to finish it. I did. I’m glad it’s over.
Honestly, I think this would be a great read for many lovers of paranormal romance, but the tone of it is all wrong for me.
The romance fell flat for me. It wasn’t believable. I did not like the characters at all. I found the dialogue to be more annoying than humorous. For me it dragged on and on. I was determined to finish it. I did. I’m glad it’s over.
Honestly, I think this would be a great read for many lovers of paranormal romance, but the tone of it is all wrong for me.
February 22, 2022
Fresh off a four month break from work, supernatural agent Mina Summers is handed a new case, instead of the promotion she expected. At least she's working the case with her steady partner, Jake. As the two go undercover in the world of Thinners, a weight loss company possibly dipping their toes into the supernatural, Mina finds more than she bargained for. When the owner's daughter, Carma Nicks, walks into the room and locks eyes with Mina, she knows she's doomed; Mina can't both fall in love with a mark and get the promotion she so desperately wants. What is going on at Thinners - and what road will Mina decide to take?
Blood Thinners takes place in a world that features uninformed humans alongside supernatural creatures of all stripes, including vampires, werewolves, and creatures that have not yet been thought of yet. This world could easily be our world, especially with rich details that the author sprinkles through-out. I immediately fell in love with the cats in the story, and even small details as Mina's favorite band were woven into the story, which really made the world come alive. Like the real world, this story does have some spicy sex scenes, celebrating both lesbian and bisexual sexuality along the way. Like most good romance novels, this is a light-hearted read, and I laughed out loud plenty of times (although if you're like me, the story will make you cry, too).
Populating the world were an amazing cast of characters. Mina was head-over-heels in love while simultaneously trying to figure out what to do about her life-long dream; I will have the phrase "it's okay to change your dreams" permanently etched in my heart after reading this book. Although I loved Mina, I was shocked about just how quickly she fell for Carma; simply by looking at a picture of her she got weak in the knees. Maybe it's just my cynicism, but I don't feel as though that's realistic? No matter how it started, I ended up rooting for Mina and Carma as the story progressed, even shedding a few tears near the end. In addition to the main duo, Mina's strong friendship (but nothing more) with Jake was super refreshing; I love seeing books that feature two people who clearly love each other in a non-romantic way. (As a plus, Jake is the subject of the second book in the series, and I can't wait to return to see him find love too!) In addition, there is a cast of ghosts that instantly stole my heart, not to mention the sweater-wearing demon who is determined to show not all demons are bad.
While this story is primarily a romance, there was the added mystery of what exactly was happening at Thinners. I don't typically read a ton of romance, but I have a soft spot for any mysteries that make their way to my (virtual) bookshelf. In that aspect, I was a bit disappointed, since I predicted what was happening quite early on (although it is a quite clever solution). I do appreciate that the author left breadcrumbs for the reader to follow, but they were less like breadcrumbs and more like a giant neon sign screaming the solution. That being said, I was quite surprised at the ending twist, which made me even more excited to pick up the next book. As this is marketed primarily as a romance, I'm not taking any stars away from it, but if you're trying to read it for the mystery aspect alone you'll likely be disappointed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I breezed through it in less than 24 hours, which is virtually unheard for me - that is how un-put-downable it is! I'd highly recommend it for fans of One Last Stop; just like Casey McQuiston's novel, this book is a heart-warming story with some magical elements, some spicy sex scenes, and moments that will make you both laugh and cry - not to mention that it's also a woman/woman romance pairing. This story would make a fantastic beach read, if you should find yourself in need of one!
**The author gave me an ARC copy in exchange for a review. This does not affect my opinions or this review.**
Blood Thinners takes place in a world that features uninformed humans alongside supernatural creatures of all stripes, including vampires, werewolves, and creatures that have not yet been thought of yet. This world could easily be our world, especially with rich details that the author sprinkles through-out. I immediately fell in love with the cats in the story, and even small details as Mina's favorite band were woven into the story, which really made the world come alive. Like the real world, this story does have some spicy sex scenes, celebrating both lesbian and bisexual sexuality along the way. Like most good romance novels, this is a light-hearted read, and I laughed out loud plenty of times (although if you're like me, the story will make you cry, too).
Populating the world were an amazing cast of characters. Mina was head-over-heels in love while simultaneously trying to figure out what to do about her life-long dream; I will have the phrase "it's okay to change your dreams" permanently etched in my heart after reading this book. Although I loved Mina, I was shocked about just how quickly she fell for Carma; simply by looking at a picture of her she got weak in the knees. Maybe it's just my cynicism, but I don't feel as though that's realistic? No matter how it started, I ended up rooting for Mina and Carma as the story progressed, even shedding a few tears near the end. In addition to the main duo, Mina's strong friendship (but nothing more) with Jake was super refreshing; I love seeing books that feature two people who clearly love each other in a non-romantic way. (As a plus, Jake is the subject of the second book in the series, and I can't wait to return to see him find love too!) In addition, there is a cast of ghosts that instantly stole my heart, not to mention the sweater-wearing demon who is determined to show not all demons are bad.
While this story is primarily a romance, there was the added mystery of what exactly was happening at Thinners. I don't typically read a ton of romance, but I have a soft spot for any mysteries that make their way to my (virtual) bookshelf. In that aspect, I was a bit disappointed, since I predicted what was happening quite early on (although it is a quite clever solution). I do appreciate that the author left breadcrumbs for the reader to follow, but they were less like breadcrumbs and more like a giant neon sign screaming the solution. That being said, I was quite surprised at the ending twist, which made me even more excited to pick up the next book. As this is marketed primarily as a romance, I'm not taking any stars away from it, but if you're trying to read it for the mystery aspect alone you'll likely be disappointed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I breezed through it in less than 24 hours, which is virtually unheard for me - that is how un-put-downable it is! I'd highly recommend it for fans of One Last Stop; just like Casey McQuiston's novel, this book is a heart-warming story with some magical elements, some spicy sex scenes, and moments that will make you both laugh and cry - not to mention that it's also a woman/woman romance pairing. This story would make a fantastic beach read, if you should find yourself in need of one!
**The author gave me an ARC copy in exchange for a review. This does not affect my opinions or this review.**
May 11, 2022
Blood Thinners starts with a great first line that immediately hooks readers and throws them right into the storyline. Detective Mina Summers, the daughter of the leader of the organization known as SHAP (Supernatural Human Accountability Partnership), is just one assignment away from becoming Regional Director for the agency. Should she obtain this position, she will be the youngest one in the agency’s history. There is nothing and no one that will stand in her way. That is at least until she receives her one last assignment.
Detective Summers’s final assignment is to look into a celebrity-endorsed retreat that guarantees weight loss permanently. SHAP finds this claim suspicious, especially in light of the increased number of cases involving rogue vampires randomly making attacks. Mina and her partner Jake are anxious to wrap up this case and move on. However, the Vice President and daughter of Thinner CEO, Carma, might have other ideas.
Mina is the leading lady in this story, and even though she is a bit standoffish, you cannot help but love her character and the character she becomes. Novak does an excellent job of character development, not just with Mina but with all the characters in the book. Sebastian is Mina’s ghost roommate who is obsessed with the movie Titanic. Jake is Mina’s SHAP partner and best friend. He is the level-headed one of the two and tries to keep Mina grounded.
While reading Blood Thinners, I was reminded of the writing style of Lauren Weisberger, i.e., The Devil Wears Prada, and shortly into the book, there is a comparison of the CEO to Miranda. This familiar writing style is engaging, draws readers into the action, and builds attachment to the characters.
Blood Thinners is a fast-paced romantic mystery with LGBTIA+ characters. With excellent and robust world-building, readers will be able to escape into the world created and experience a love story that is heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Detective Summers’s final assignment is to look into a celebrity-endorsed retreat that guarantees weight loss permanently. SHAP finds this claim suspicious, especially in light of the increased number of cases involving rogue vampires randomly making attacks. Mina and her partner Jake are anxious to wrap up this case and move on. However, the Vice President and daughter of Thinner CEO, Carma, might have other ideas.
Mina is the leading lady in this story, and even though she is a bit standoffish, you cannot help but love her character and the character she becomes. Novak does an excellent job of character development, not just with Mina but with all the characters in the book. Sebastian is Mina’s ghost roommate who is obsessed with the movie Titanic. Jake is Mina’s SHAP partner and best friend. He is the level-headed one of the two and tries to keep Mina grounded.
While reading Blood Thinners, I was reminded of the writing style of Lauren Weisberger, i.e., The Devil Wears Prada, and shortly into the book, there is a comparison of the CEO to Miranda. This familiar writing style is engaging, draws readers into the action, and builds attachment to the characters.
Blood Thinners is a fast-paced romantic mystery with LGBTIA+ characters. With excellent and robust world-building, readers will be able to escape into the world created and experience a love story that is heartwarming and heartbreaking.
January 6, 2022
When I heard that one of my favourite authors was offering ARCs of her upcoming book ‘Blood Thinners’, my hand shot up of its own accord. The story was fast-paced, swoon-worthy, quip-laden, mysterious and provided the perfect amount of campiness!
The female/female romance was sweet and sexy, the chemistry off the charts. I could relate to the MC Mina, and her awkwardness at expressing her feelings. I loved her friendship group, especially Sebastian the top hat-wearing, Titanic-obsessed ghost. Jake was also a favourite (can’t wait to read about him and his grim reaper love interest in book two.)
Novak provides the reader with a fully-imagined world where supernatural characters co-exist with humans, largely under the radar of most humans. However, she peppers the information throughout in an intriguing way, rather than bombarding us with info dumps. Her style makes me hungry to learn more; to delve into this unique, delicious world she’s created!
I often forget that a special aspect of Novak’s books are their sex-positivity and alignment with LGBTQ+ values. The stories are always so fun and heart-warming, that I get swept up in a world where these things are par for the course; it’s a world I don’t like to let go of once the story has ended.
Thank you Heather for a fabulous read. Am thirsty for more!
The female/female romance was sweet and sexy, the chemistry off the charts. I could relate to the MC Mina, and her awkwardness at expressing her feelings. I loved her friendship group, especially Sebastian the top hat-wearing, Titanic-obsessed ghost. Jake was also a favourite (can’t wait to read about him and his grim reaper love interest in book two.)
Novak provides the reader with a fully-imagined world where supernatural characters co-exist with humans, largely under the radar of most humans. However, she peppers the information throughout in an intriguing way, rather than bombarding us with info dumps. Her style makes me hungry to learn more; to delve into this unique, delicious world she’s created!
I often forget that a special aspect of Novak’s books are their sex-positivity and alignment with LGBTQ+ values. The stories are always so fun and heart-warming, that I get swept up in a world where these things are par for the course; it’s a world I don’t like to let go of once the story has ended.
Thank you Heather for a fabulous read. Am thirsty for more!
June 12, 2022
Every time I open one of Heather Novak's books I can't help but laugh at how we initially met. It involves a real life friend I met on the internet, a conversation about tacos, and a very, very gay hornless unicorn. I feel like that pretty much tells you that Heather is a unique and beautiful soul and you should really give her books a chance.
Blood Thinners is one of my favorite kinds of stories with a good mix of the supernatural with just enough doses of reality to keep you up at night wondering, "Could this world really exists? Are werewolves actually real? Why in gods name don't I have a ghost best friend?".
I did get this book early and needed to wait until the full novel was released to make sure there weren't any major changes. Honestly from the first moment I laid eyes on this one I was going through all the feels. I'm sad to say my review got delayed by life and then book two came out this week and I couldn't abide by that. Heather has a way to make you feel like everyone is real and you're right there in the action through the good and not so good times. I love it. Also she's funny as hell and every time I read through this again I still laugh at loud at moments and conversations they have.
Just in case any of my previous words didn't hit the point home, I strongly recommend Blood Thinners. It's a fun romp and you really want to know what's been going on in Michigan right under your nose.
Blood Thinners is one of my favorite kinds of stories with a good mix of the supernatural with just enough doses of reality to keep you up at night wondering, "Could this world really exists? Are werewolves actually real? Why in gods name don't I have a ghost best friend?".
I did get this book early and needed to wait until the full novel was released to make sure there weren't any major changes. Honestly from the first moment I laid eyes on this one I was going through all the feels. I'm sad to say my review got delayed by life and then book two came out this week and I couldn't abide by that. Heather has a way to make you feel like everyone is real and you're right there in the action through the good and not so good times. I love it. Also she's funny as hell and every time I read through this again I still laugh at loud at moments and conversations they have.
Just in case any of my previous words didn't hit the point home, I strongly recommend Blood Thinners. It's a fun romp and you really want to know what's been going on in Michigan right under your nose.
February 9, 2022
So, if you’re looking for a dark urban fantasy along the lines of skulduggery pleasant or The Dresden Files but an LGBTQ+ version (as I was) then this isn’t the book for you.
It is however, easy to read, the characters are fleshed out and likeable and the story itself isn’t bad at all. It doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously which is fine if you’re in the mood for a book you don’t have to concentrate too much on. It’s perfect if you just want a fun supernatural read. The only reason it gets 4 stars is because sometimes I felt there was a bit too much ‘telling’ as opposed to ‘showing’. I just felt like I was being told and had to accept things rather than experiencing them through the writing. If that makes any sense?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is however, easy to read, the characters are fleshed out and likeable and the story itself isn’t bad at all. It doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously which is fine if you’re in the mood for a book you don’t have to concentrate too much on. It’s perfect if you just want a fun supernatural read. The only reason it gets 4 stars is because sometimes I felt there was a bit too much ‘telling’ as opposed to ‘showing’. I just felt like I was being told and had to accept things rather than experiencing them through the writing. If that makes any sense?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2022
This was a really fun book, didn't take itself too seriously, and a great way to kick off spooky season.
Mina Summers has dedicated her entire life to SHAP, the government agency in charge of keeping the peace between supernaturals and humans.
She is only one mission away from promotion to a desk job. Her last assignment, go undercover at Thinner a new weight loss company getting unreal results. She is convinced this will be a quick in and out on her way to the top, until she meets VP Carma Nicks. Confused by the woman's genuine nature, and drawn in to her orbit, Mina has to ask herself is willing to bring down not only the company but possibly the woman she has grown to love.
The leads were both likeable, with distinct personalities, but outside of the MCs the rest of the cast were quirky and lovable. Particularly Mina's ghost roommate.
Mina Summers has dedicated her entire life to SHAP, the government agency in charge of keeping the peace between supernaturals and humans.
She is only one mission away from promotion to a desk job. Her last assignment, go undercover at Thinner a new weight loss company getting unreal results. She is convinced this will be a quick in and out on her way to the top, until she meets VP Carma Nicks. Confused by the woman's genuine nature, and drawn in to her orbit, Mina has to ask herself is willing to bring down not only the company but possibly the woman she has grown to love.
The leads were both likeable, with distinct personalities, but outside of the MCs the rest of the cast were quirky and lovable. Particularly Mina's ghost roommate.
March 3, 2022
Wildly entertaining.
Just looking at the cute cover, I thought this book was going to be just a fun vampire romance. It was so much more. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Supernatural with lots of otherworldly creatures, crazy situations, good friends and family drama; along with a few laughs and nail biting moments. I loved the pairing of Mina and Carma, but I was so worried how their story would turn out having met while Mina was working undercover. When the truth came out, I felt sad. But the ending was more than I could have asked for.
This is one of those books that you will want to read over and over and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens with Jake and hopefully get an update with Mina and Carma.
Just looking at the cute cover, I thought this book was going to be just a fun vampire romance. It was so much more. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Supernatural with lots of otherworldly creatures, crazy situations, good friends and family drama; along with a few laughs and nail biting moments. I loved the pairing of Mina and Carma, but I was so worried how their story would turn out having met while Mina was working undercover. When the truth came out, I felt sad. But the ending was more than I could have asked for.
This is one of those books that you will want to read over and over and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens with Jake and hopefully get an update with Mina and Carma.
December 12, 2022
Mina is a member of SHAP (Supernatural-Human Accountability Partnership) and she's returning from a four-month break brought on from an accident. She is sadly denied a promotion by her own father, but sees the silver lining of working one more case with her bestie, Jake. They investigate the company, Thinner, that sells shakes to dieters, and they have unnatural results. They create vampires. While investigating Thinner, Mina falls in love with Carma, the daughter of Thinner's founder. Will this complicate her investigation? Will she be able to trust Carma? This books was a fun read, and it is one of my top-ten books from 2022! I can't wait to read more from Heather! ❤
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 16, 2024
I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
I got sucked in right away with our main character. I read this book on audio and the narrator did a great job.
If you like supernatural mystery, with an emotionally stunted and yet kick arse female main character this is exactly what you'll find in Blood Thinners. You'll also find complicated workplace flirting and romance, found family, a mystery that is important but not always front and centre in the book.
Lots of fantastic banter and snarky relationships that end up being ridiculously healthy and entertaining were also wonderful surprises.
I really enjoyed the story overall and the writing was fun.
I'm also excited to learn that it is part of a series with two more books now on my TBR pile.
I got sucked in right away with our main character. I read this book on audio and the narrator did a great job.
If you like supernatural mystery, with an emotionally stunted and yet kick arse female main character this is exactly what you'll find in Blood Thinners. You'll also find complicated workplace flirting and romance, found family, a mystery that is important but not always front and centre in the book.
Lots of fantastic banter and snarky relationships that end up being ridiculously healthy and entertaining were also wonderful surprises.
I really enjoyed the story overall and the writing was fun.
I'm also excited to learn that it is part of a series with two more books now on my TBR pile.
February 19, 2025
Very bingeable story. If you're looking for a fun sapphic vampire romance, this will do the trick. I enjoyed the worldbuilding, the light tone, the banter between Mina and her little found family, and the chemistry between the two characters. It wasn't perfect. For example, I was kind of like... How has Mina not figured out the signs of vampirism obviously at play? And there were kind of random character choices that were never explained despite being extremely relevant to the plot. And there were a few loose ends that I didn't see the point of leaving unresolved unless they end up setting up some of the other books in the series. However, this was delightful and fun enough that I didn't really care about a few loose ends and plot holes.
February 17, 2022
Mystery, hauntings, ghosts, weres, vamps, conspiracy, and a miracle weight loss diet. This concoction was absolutely wonderful. I really enjoyed these two chuckleheads finding one another and falling head over fangs. It was innocent and flirty while being hot and heavy. Risking it all for love, couldn't ask for a better story arc and the characters dialogue? Omg. You will laugh so much. The ghost besties- complete riots. I will definitely read this book again and can't wait for the June and September book releases.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2022
If you’re looking to escape into a book, pick up Blood Thinners. Author Heather Novak’s Mina Summers is the badass bestie you want to have coffee with…that is if she took breaks. Blood Thinners takes you on a steamy, suspenseful, thrill ride through supernatural hotspot Applechester, Michigan. If you want all of this with sweater wearing demons, movie loving ghosts, and a forbidden workplace romance, You’ll be on the edge of your seat for the case and romance until the very end. Blood Thinners is a literary candy coated jalapeño popper. Sweet with just the right amount of savory goodness wrapped in a spicy bite.
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