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Odd Blood #1
Odd Blood
Stuck That’s what Josephine felt like. A burnout millennial on the verge of losing her housing, her roommate, and maybe even her best friend. It made perfect sense to go to a Halloween party, ignore her feelings, and spend the time searching for apartments instead. A Chance She hadn’t expected meeting him . A man in a vampire costume took a hard fall in front of her. Against her better judgment, Josephine is determined to make sure this stranger makes their way home safely. Alarm bells in her head be damned. Luck Eadwulf is charming, silly and is super committed to whatever performance he’s putting on. Despite herself, Josephine enjoys their conversation, even indulges in his claims that he’s a vampire. Except, he isn’t pretending. Unexpectedly, Josephine is offered a way out of her dilemma. All she has to do is become the nanny to Eadwulf’s elderly granny roommate. That should be easy… right? Thrust into the spooky, quirky world of vampires; are things falling apart or falling into place? Odd Blood is a romantic comedy featuring diverse characters, a slow burn romance, and creative expletives. This is a slow burn romance with gore and adult content suitable for 18+. Please find full content advisory on author’s social sites.
Please This is a demisexual late bloomer love story with NO SPICE and is the first act in a series with a guaranteed HEA/HFN and no major cliffhanger.
Please This is a demisexual late bloomer love story with NO SPICE and is the first act in a series with a guaranteed HEA/HFN and no major cliffhanger.
323 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2022
52 people are currently reading
1882 people want to read
About the author
Azalea Crowley
15 books133 followersAzalea Crowley (she/they) writes for those who find beauty in the dark and unusual, where love thrives in the shadows. Her unique brand of horror romances combines the grotesque with the gorgeous—blood-soaked love stories that glimmer pink with a touch of gore. If you need a visual, imagine magical girls with chainsaws plowing the undead—fun, terrifying, and contradictory!
From the misty Pacific Northwest to realms filled with vampires, sirens, and shadowy monsters, Azalea Crowley creates darkly whimsical adventures where love blooms in unexpected and dangerous places. Weaving in Indigenous, Filipino, autism, disability, and LGBTQIA2S+ representation, their stories offer inclusive worlds.
For readers who crave both light and dark, Azalea Crowley invites you to embrace your inner misfit and discover that monsters can love—and keep their fangs.
Find her at https://www.azaleacrowley.com/ or sign up for her newsletter, where you can get bonus content.
From the misty Pacific Northwest to realms filled with vampires, sirens, and shadowy monsters, Azalea Crowley creates darkly whimsical adventures where love blooms in unexpected and dangerous places. Weaving in Indigenous, Filipino, autism, disability, and LGBTQIA2S+ representation, their stories offer inclusive worlds.
For readers who crave both light and dark, Azalea Crowley invites you to embrace your inner misfit and discover that monsters can love—and keep their fangs.
Find her at https://www.azaleacrowley.com/ or sign up for her newsletter, where you can get bonus content.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 6, 2022
I received an ARC for my honest opinion of this piece. This MASTERpiece.
I want to start this off with how much of a blessing it was to not only be allowed to read this fantastic, wild, off the walls, stupid vampires with stupid rules and 'horseshit' governmental structure, but for Azalea to have entrusted me with an ARC of a clearly passion project. I have loved every second peeling my way through this chonky boy. So here's the break down:
What it is:
A slightly gory and very bloody romantic comedy about a realistic woman trying to figure out her life and a trio of fantastic vampires. Josephine is amazing, the way I felt comfy in her mind and completely understood her choices, the pain in her self-degradation that grows to confidence and growing a mighty fine spine. She is an a+ study in a woman in her 30's whose realized everyone else is chasing that 'american dream' while that's not what she wants or what's in store for her. I cried laughing and cried in pain at a lot of the dry humor and sarcasm, Jo is top tier main character. Finally a vampire human MC who isn't immediately impressed by vampires and their bullshit. But that doesn't mean they're not charming. Eadwulf is a fucking meat headed, goofy, ding-dong and I loved hearing his goofy voice. I'm also #teamNorma and #AnaIsTheBest, fuck Meisha the ghost.
What to expect:
Slow romance. The build is subtle and soft, they become friends and trusted allies first. When I say slow, please understand I'm talking about a Demi person realizing not only they're demi, but that someone might possibly be of interest to them. Jo is PAINFULLY... and I mean that affectionately, unaware of anyone elses emotions so she turmoils over if people care about her, so especially with Eadwulf it was like pulling teeth that this man has been flirting with her since the beginning. This isnt a typical vampire romance where they have a meet cute and flirt until the end and then work out the nitty gritty details later. This is Character development driven romance and both characters have alot of room to grow.
Why it's 5 stars:
If my love for this work isn't clear already, I spent half my time screaming and making sticky notes in the app over the stupid fucking cheesy jokes. I spent the other half crying laughing at all the vampire innuendos, easter eggs, ridiculous banter, and clear joy Azalea felt writing this piece. It's not genre typical and it was refreshing to read something different that I can't comp to others out at this time. 10/10 highly recommend to people who are a bit spicy neurodivergent, adults who had a huge vampire phase but didn't like any of the choices they were given, people who laugh at ding-dong jokes and enjoy ribbing their family members, and anyone who knows what it's like to be in love with someone you don't know love you back until they make it painfully obvious. Will absolutely be reading again.
I want to start this off with how much of a blessing it was to not only be allowed to read this fantastic, wild, off the walls, stupid vampires with stupid rules and 'horseshit' governmental structure, but for Azalea to have entrusted me with an ARC of a clearly passion project. I have loved every second peeling my way through this chonky boy. So here's the break down:
What it is:
A slightly gory and very bloody romantic comedy about a realistic woman trying to figure out her life and a trio of fantastic vampires. Josephine is amazing, the way I felt comfy in her mind and completely understood her choices, the pain in her self-degradation that grows to confidence and growing a mighty fine spine. She is an a+ study in a woman in her 30's whose realized everyone else is chasing that 'american dream' while that's not what she wants or what's in store for her. I cried laughing and cried in pain at a lot of the dry humor and sarcasm, Jo is top tier main character. Finally a vampire human MC who isn't immediately impressed by vampires and their bullshit. But that doesn't mean they're not charming. Eadwulf is a fucking meat headed, goofy, ding-dong and I loved hearing his goofy voice. I'm also #teamNorma and #AnaIsTheBest, fuck Meisha the ghost.
What to expect:
Slow romance. The build is subtle and soft, they become friends and trusted allies first. When I say slow, please understand I'm talking about a Demi person realizing not only they're demi, but that someone might possibly be of interest to them. Jo is PAINFULLY... and I mean that affectionately, unaware of anyone elses emotions so she turmoils over if people care about her, so especially with Eadwulf it was like pulling teeth that this man has been flirting with her since the beginning. This isnt a typical vampire romance where they have a meet cute and flirt until the end and then work out the nitty gritty details later. This is Character development driven romance and both characters have alot of room to grow.
Why it's 5 stars:
If my love for this work isn't clear already, I spent half my time screaming and making sticky notes in the app over the stupid fucking cheesy jokes. I spent the other half crying laughing at all the vampire innuendos, easter eggs, ridiculous banter, and clear joy Azalea felt writing this piece. It's not genre typical and it was refreshing to read something different that I can't comp to others out at this time. 10/10 highly recommend to people who are a bit spicy neurodivergent, adults who had a huge vampire phase but didn't like any of the choices they were given, people who laugh at ding-dong jokes and enjoy ribbing their family members, and anyone who knows what it's like to be in love with someone you don't know love you back until they make it painfully obvious. Will absolutely be reading again.
Read
September 5, 2022This was a delightful paranormal story that gave me romcom and K drama vibes. Take an awkward Himbo Vamp from a powerful lineage , add a quirky woman in her early thirties who's still figuring things out and you have a recipe for misunderstandings galore! This wasn't like anything I've read before.
Josephine was a functional mess who didn't hide how broken she was. Ignoring her fears she stepped out of her comfort zone and found herself a part of a world she never knew existed. I loved the way Ms Crowley really dug into the changes that happen with friendships and life in general as we hit our early thirties ana lives take different turns..it made Jo feel so relatable.
Her sweet cinnamon roll Himbo trying to adjust to the modern age was KDrama worthy with my his old fashioned language, outdated customs and references and endearing fumbling. ( Be it with words or walking)
Action and drama were sprinkled throughout the story along with intriguing world building. I enjoyed my trip into this new world.
Josephine was a functional mess who didn't hide how broken she was. Ignoring her fears she stepped out of her comfort zone and found herself a part of a world she never knew existed. I loved the way Ms Crowley really dug into the changes that happen with friendships and life in general as we hit our early thirties ana lives take different turns..it made Jo feel so relatable.
Her sweet cinnamon roll Himbo trying to adjust to the modern age was KDrama worthy with my his old fashioned language, outdated customs and references and endearing fumbling. ( Be it with words or walking)
Action and drama were sprinkled throughout the story along with intriguing world building. I enjoyed my trip into this new world.
September 29, 2022
Firstly, to start off with, I would like to say that I very much liked the feel this book gave while I was reading it. It felt like I was sitting in the castle’s parlor myself, enjoying a good book. That’s how it made me feel.
Secondly, this reminded me of one of my favourite vampire comedy movies [no, not The Fearless Vampire Killers] from 1995, Blood & Doughnuts! I remember my mom bringing this movie home and telling me she’d thought I’d like it. And I really did! Just like I really liked reading Odd Blood! Odd Blood also reminded me of the intenseness/darkness of Vampire Journals. It’s as if Azalea, Odd Blood’s wonderful writer, read my mind and combined everything about all the vampires I’ve found myself attracted to, and put them all into the main vampire, Eadwulf.
Odd Blood is a book about a young woman, Josephine, who befriends a total goofball of a vampire, Eadwulf. I found myself chuckling at the banter, the questions, the confusion, the old-world mindset vs. the new-world mindset, and the silly-willy arguing. I had a near permanent smile on my face as I read through each chapter. I enjoyed watching the growth of Josephine from someone who was living their lives day by day not stepping out of the rhythm, into someone who can hold her own, learn to express herself and her emotions, grow her passions, and grow as an individual that she is happy with being. Sure, there are ups and downs, but that’s life for you. And Josephine grabs life by the horns and makes sassy as fuck lemonade!!
Let me tell you though, this book has major twists that you wouldn’t expect, and keeps you wanting to read more as you’re reading. You want to know what’s around the corner and who’s gonna do what and why. You’ve got good humans, bad humans, good vampires, bad vampires, bats, cats, and ghosts, oh my!!
And hot-damn!! This delightful book will have you screeching for more, for sure!! Because damn straight, that’s what I did!! I am absolutely excited for the next book!!
I highly, HIGHLY suggest giving this lovely book a read. You won’t be disappointed. It’s absolutely adorable… or… adorkable really, because Eadwulf is so freaking adorkable!!!
Secondly, this reminded me of one of my favourite vampire comedy movies [no, not The Fearless Vampire Killers] from 1995, Blood & Doughnuts! I remember my mom bringing this movie home and telling me she’d thought I’d like it. And I really did! Just like I really liked reading Odd Blood! Odd Blood also reminded me of the intenseness/darkness of Vampire Journals. It’s as if Azalea, Odd Blood’s wonderful writer, read my mind and combined everything about all the vampires I’ve found myself attracted to, and put them all into the main vampire, Eadwulf.
Odd Blood is a book about a young woman, Josephine, who befriends a total goofball of a vampire, Eadwulf. I found myself chuckling at the banter, the questions, the confusion, the old-world mindset vs. the new-world mindset, and the silly-willy arguing. I had a near permanent smile on my face as I read through each chapter. I enjoyed watching the growth of Josephine from someone who was living their lives day by day not stepping out of the rhythm, into someone who can hold her own, learn to express herself and her emotions, grow her passions, and grow as an individual that she is happy with being. Sure, there are ups and downs, but that’s life for you. And Josephine grabs life by the horns and makes sassy as fuck lemonade!!
Let me tell you though, this book has major twists that you wouldn’t expect, and keeps you wanting to read more as you’re reading. You want to know what’s around the corner and who’s gonna do what and why. You’ve got good humans, bad humans, good vampires, bad vampires, bats, cats, and ghosts, oh my!!
And hot-damn!! This delightful book will have you screeching for more, for sure!! Because damn straight, that’s what I did!! I am absolutely excited for the next book!!
I highly, HIGHLY suggest giving this lovely book a read. You won’t be disappointed. It’s absolutely adorable… or… adorkable really, because Eadwulf is so freaking adorkable!!!
September 7, 2022
I recieved an ARC copy in exchange for my review. Now that that's out of our way, let's get to the meat and potatoes.
Josephine as a protagonist irked me. As someone who struggles with change, I thought I could empathize with her. I could not. At least not in the beginning.
Her relationship/friendship with Eadwulf is at times annoying, but most of the time endearing. The breakout star of this book? Norma. Norma is that bitch. Or that vamp if you prefer. Even when she has *ahem* gone off the deep end, she makes me howl with laughter.
That cat is up to something.
Overall this book was a hilarious read, and I'm eager to know more about the side characters.Also some comments that Norma has made to Josephine are a little sus and make me believe there is more to her than meets the eye.
Josephine as a protagonist irked me. As someone who struggles with change, I thought I could empathize with her. I could not. At least not in the beginning.
Her relationship/friendship with Eadwulf is at times annoying, but most of the time endearing. The breakout star of this book? Norma. Norma is that bitch. Or that vamp if you prefer. Even when she has *ahem* gone off the deep end, she makes me howl with laughter.
That cat is up to something.
Overall this book was a hilarious read, and I'm eager to know more about the side characters.Also some comments that Norma has made to Josephine are a little sus and make me believe there is more to her than meets the eye.
November 21, 2022
Refreshing, funny, filled with contemporary references. Perfect for the ttrpg and monster nerd that has neurodivergent and/or ace spectrum identities. Openly pro-LGBT, racially diverse and celebratory, caring and loving about physical and mental disabilities, a variety of body types and personalities. Realistic dialogue that I could actually see myself and friends using. Best vampire romance I've ever read, my only complaint is how short it is but the author has promised us 3 more books in the series! Cannot recommend nearly enough.
Minor TWs: kidnapping, drugs, mindcontrol, Alzheimer's similarities, anxiety, vomiting, blood, violence, murder, customer service, racism (directed at character and recounted)
Minor TWs: kidnapping, drugs, mindcontrol, Alzheimer's similarities, anxiety, vomiting, blood, violence, murder, customer service, racism (directed at character and recounted)
January 25, 2023
I am stunned. STUNNED.
I don't remember the last time I genuinely laughed this much during a read.
And then to have such relatable characters, found family, and an unparalleled warmness in my heart every time Eadwulf uttered the phrase "baby bat," -- I'm just completely enthralled with everything this book is.
Odd Blood is the cozy horror I didn't know I needed and you should absolutely read it!
I don't remember the last time I genuinely laughed this much during a read.
And then to have such relatable characters, found family, and an unparalleled warmness in my heart every time Eadwulf uttered the phrase "baby bat," -- I'm just completely enthralled with everything this book is.
Odd Blood is the cozy horror I didn't know I needed and you should absolutely read it!
December 15, 2022
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was pretty cute honestly. I found it a bit tedious to get through but that doesn't change it's cuteness.
It lacks quite a bit in the romance department, has lots of what we do in the shadows vibes without the whole mockumentary thing, Norma is my idol and that will only make sense if you read it.
My favorite thing is the spooky season vibes and the main character being demisexual! This is a claim made by the author but it doesn't feel well pointed out in the book but I firmly love representation in all forms!
I think it's a worthwhile read solely for how cozy, slice of life it feels.
This was pretty cute honestly. I found it a bit tedious to get through but that doesn't change it's cuteness.
It lacks quite a bit in the romance department, has lots of what we do in the shadows vibes without the whole mockumentary thing, Norma is my idol and that will only make sense if you read it.
My favorite thing is the spooky season vibes and the main character being demisexual! This is a claim made by the author but it doesn't feel well pointed out in the book but I firmly love representation in all forms!
I think it's a worthwhile read solely for how cozy, slice of life it feels.
January 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main character is quirky but not a mpdg and the vampire characters are enjoyable. I think my only criticism is that i wish we saw more of the FTDCA and more explanation of Norma. She seems to know Josephine a lot and other things she shouldn’t, is she just crazy or are they connected more??? I need to know hopefully the second book will come out soon.
Mpdg- manic pixie dream girl
Mpdg- manic pixie dream girl
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2025
This is what it would feel like if “What We Do in the Shadows” actually committed to giving us a real slow burn romance (cowards!). Very reminiscent of the paranormal romcoms of the 2000s but make everyone just a little bit queer and a lot more neurodivergent, had so much fun!
September 5, 2022
Hello! This is an ARC review with an overall rating of 3 stars.
[This review contains spoilers regarding book themes and characters.]
Thank you to Azalea Crowley first and foremost for sending it my way!
To begin - I do believe that Azalea Crowley is a promising writer sitting on some really good ideas and lovable characters, and I am excited to see her next work!
For a debut novel, Odd Blood is a fairly solid read, and not much more than what it claims to be: a vampire romcom, through and through. It's quirky, sweet, humorous, and it's got vampires!
Who This Book Is For: I'd recomend it for anyone who's dipping their toes into the world of Monster Romance or anyone looking for a cheesy yet spooky Halloween-season read. If you enjoy romcoms in general, What We Do In The Shadows, Dark Shadows, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer- this book is for you! This book does contain a fair ammount of vampire-typical blood and gore and very small ammounts of (also vampire typical) slightly dubious consent (though it is nowhere near anything violent and I never truly felt like our protagonist was in any real danger).
Representation: Philippina main character, Latine side-characters, Eastern-European characters, Queer human and vampire characters, Plus-sized/chubby representation.
Main Appeals: Odd Blood does a nice job at subverting the typical romcom and vampire novel tropes while still maintaining these genre's appeal and charm. Our protagonist, Josephine, is a nerdy thirty-two year old baker who feels like her life is at a dead-end, more so now than ever after her best friend announces her marriage. She meets a vampire outside a Halloween party and begrudgingly becomes the caretaker for his ward (an older woman who appears to suffer from the vampire equivalent of dementia) - from then on, typical vampcom tropes ensue (a fight with a bestfriend, a meeting with the high vampire council, self-esteem issues, exorcist-style crawling-on-ceiling and so on so forth). Crowley is great at writing humorous dialogues and banter, she pokes fun at previous iterations of vampires as well, including Dracula himself. My personal favorite is the knock-off Edward Cullen type in sequin pants who serves somewhat as an antagonist.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is all the worldbuilding that Crowley has done, mainly based in real-life vampire folklore, she has constructed a very credible vampire world without falling into the excesive rules and laws that can make a vampire novel tedious. All of the vampiric characters as well, come off as well rounded and unique. Our main love interest is Eadwulf of Wallachia: an ancient yet not very bright vampire who's main characterization is that he is comically large. He's sweet, caring, a gentleman, and works for a great love interest. If you like big boys- he's your man.
The final chapters of the novel take a twist that I really did not see coming but I really enjoyed! It took a darker turn by romcom standards but it allowed Josephine to embody the classic vampire-novel heroine while still retaining her own gentle and meek character.
Personal Gripes/Novel's Weaknesses: The main reason this review is 3 stars is due to the fact that I feel there is a lack of development between Josephine and Eadwulf's relationship throughout the novel. While the world and characters around them are clearly established and fairly strong, Josephine and Eadwulf's relationship falls a little flat. They spend a lot of the novel apart from one another and while the moments that they do share together are sweet, I wish there were more scenes between them that allowed the reader to really champion and want the characters to end together. Eadwulf's own feelings for Josephine are never acknowledged throughout the novel so it makes his confession at the end seem a bit out of nowhere and Josephine's own insecurities and self-esteem issues did also become a bit too much at one point. Half-way through the novel, she still kept demeaning herself and it lost it's innitial 'quirky' charm. Which is why I was very satisfied when she finally stood up for herself at the end of the novel.
Overall, Crowley's work is good and I know that with practice she could really create a great series, which is why I have high hopes for the following novels. Her characters are charming, her worldbuilding is strong, and her storyline is engaging. I hope she becomes bolder as a writer because I would love to see it reflected in her work. Thank you again for sending this book my way.
[This review contains spoilers regarding book themes and characters.]
Thank you to Azalea Crowley first and foremost for sending it my way!
To begin - I do believe that Azalea Crowley is a promising writer sitting on some really good ideas and lovable characters, and I am excited to see her next work!
For a debut novel, Odd Blood is a fairly solid read, and not much more than what it claims to be: a vampire romcom, through and through. It's quirky, sweet, humorous, and it's got vampires!
Who This Book Is For: I'd recomend it for anyone who's dipping their toes into the world of Monster Romance or anyone looking for a cheesy yet spooky Halloween-season read. If you enjoy romcoms in general, What We Do In The Shadows, Dark Shadows, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer- this book is for you! This book does contain a fair ammount of vampire-typical blood and gore and very small ammounts of (also vampire typical) slightly dubious consent (though it is nowhere near anything violent and I never truly felt like our protagonist was in any real danger).
Representation: Philippina main character, Latine side-characters, Eastern-European characters, Queer human and vampire characters, Plus-sized/chubby representation.
Main Appeals: Odd Blood does a nice job at subverting the typical romcom and vampire novel tropes while still maintaining these genre's appeal and charm. Our protagonist, Josephine, is a nerdy thirty-two year old baker who feels like her life is at a dead-end, more so now than ever after her best friend announces her marriage. She meets a vampire outside a Halloween party and begrudgingly becomes the caretaker for his ward (an older woman who appears to suffer from the vampire equivalent of dementia) - from then on, typical vampcom tropes ensue (a fight with a bestfriend, a meeting with the high vampire council, self-esteem issues, exorcist-style crawling-on-ceiling and so on so forth). Crowley is great at writing humorous dialogues and banter, she pokes fun at previous iterations of vampires as well, including Dracula himself. My personal favorite is the knock-off Edward Cullen type in sequin pants who serves somewhat as an antagonist.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is all the worldbuilding that Crowley has done, mainly based in real-life vampire folklore, she has constructed a very credible vampire world without falling into the excesive rules and laws that can make a vampire novel tedious. All of the vampiric characters as well, come off as well rounded and unique. Our main love interest is Eadwulf of Wallachia: an ancient yet not very bright vampire who's main characterization is that he is comically large. He's sweet, caring, a gentleman, and works for a great love interest. If you like big boys- he's your man.
The final chapters of the novel take a twist that I really did not see coming but I really enjoyed! It took a darker turn by romcom standards but it allowed Josephine to embody the classic vampire-novel heroine while still retaining her own gentle and meek character.
Personal Gripes/Novel's Weaknesses: The main reason this review is 3 stars is due to the fact that I feel there is a lack of development between Josephine and Eadwulf's relationship throughout the novel. While the world and characters around them are clearly established and fairly strong, Josephine and Eadwulf's relationship falls a little flat. They spend a lot of the novel apart from one another and while the moments that they do share together are sweet, I wish there were more scenes between them that allowed the reader to really champion and want the characters to end together. Eadwulf's own feelings for Josephine are never acknowledged throughout the novel so it makes his confession at the end seem a bit out of nowhere and Josephine's own insecurities and self-esteem issues did also become a bit too much at one point. Half-way through the novel, she still kept demeaning herself and it lost it's innitial 'quirky' charm. Which is why I was very satisfied when she finally stood up for herself at the end of the novel.
Overall, Crowley's work is good and I know that with practice she could really create a great series, which is why I have high hopes for the following novels. Her characters are charming, her worldbuilding is strong, and her storyline is engaging. I hope she becomes bolder as a writer because I would love to see it reflected in her work. Thank you again for sending this book my way.
November 11, 2022
This is my absolute favorite book of the year. and I can't wait to read the rest of the series! I'm losing my mind over that cute ending! This book is great for anyone need of an excellent paranormal rom com, very much in the vein of what we do in the shadows!
It has himbo vampires, actual scary vampires, and a hella relatable main character that I love so much. On my list of all time favorites!
It has himbo vampires, actual scary vampires, and a hella relatable main character that I love so much. On my list of all time favorites!
January 29, 2023
Oh Norma! I adore her.
This books is a wonderful mix of Dark Shadows, What We Do In The Dark and a K-Drama. Josephine is at a point in her life where she socially feels a little left behind. She’s not meeting the milestones a lot of her friends group seem to be and that causes tension between her and her best friend/room mate.
This book has some amazing antics. It was funny and dark in a way that was just enough to make it feel like traditional vampire lore without all the heaviness.
I do wish I got to see a little more interactions with Eadwulf and Josephine. A lot of the book they were in different places and doing different things which I felt was a shame because I loved the moments when we got to really seem them interact. I hoped they’d get together the whole book so missions accomplished, I just wish there were more moments to really see how Eadwulf stole the heart of the girl who thought her heart couldn’t be stolen… by anyone.
Can’t wait for book 2! Norma has my brow raised for sure! Just what are you up to???
This books is a wonderful mix of Dark Shadows, What We Do In The Dark and a K-Drama. Josephine is at a point in her life where she socially feels a little left behind. She’s not meeting the milestones a lot of her friends group seem to be and that causes tension between her and her best friend/room mate.
This book has some amazing antics. It was funny and dark in a way that was just enough to make it feel like traditional vampire lore without all the heaviness.
I do wish I got to see a little more interactions with Eadwulf and Josephine. A lot of the book they were in different places and doing different things which I felt was a shame because I loved the moments when we got to really seem them interact. I hoped they’d get together the whole book so missions accomplished, I just wish there were more moments to really see how Eadwulf stole the heart of the girl who thought her heart couldn’t be stolen… by anyone.
Can’t wait for book 2! Norma has my brow raised for sure! Just what are you up to???
September 6, 2022
This was honestly a super fun peak into a vampire household! My only issue is that he's not a himbo he's just been out of the cultural zeitgeist for 30 years. To me a himbo is Emmett Cullen, funny and obsessed with his girl. Eadwulf is just awkward and very old fashioned. I hope that in book two we get to see more of Eadwulf as a hot funny dude who worships his girlfriend. Also love the glasses rep as a pro glasses person. Other pros include Josephines demisexuality and Norma. Big shout out to Norma you rock my dude!!!
October 24, 2023
Spooky fun for the season
Where to start? Norma is goals. Anna is hilarious. Himbo and Josephine are adorable.
This story is sweet with just the right amount of spooky with a romance that is just perfection. There is no spice in this book, it's all about building the relationship oh so exquisitely.
Josephine is a demi sexual who finds love in a himbo vampire. Meet there roommates and watch what happens as their world's collide.
I cannot wait for the next book. Definitely, recommend.
Where to start? Norma is goals. Anna is hilarious. Himbo and Josephine are adorable.
This story is sweet with just the right amount of spooky with a romance that is just perfection. There is no spice in this book, it's all about building the relationship oh so exquisitely.
Josephine is a demi sexual who finds love in a himbo vampire. Meet there roommates and watch what happens as their world's collide.
I cannot wait for the next book. Definitely, recommend.
June 2, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up for this wonderfully cozy and delightfully entertaining book! If you're looking for a vampiric beach read- THIS IS IT! I spent the day outside on a lounge chair with this book and it was a day well spent.
We see diversity in our characters- all of whom are entertaining and unique in their own ways. The relationship in this book was slow to develop, but in a way that works. The found family aspect of this book is what really shines and I love the HELL outta found family.
Absolutely recommend this and the author (whom I follow on Tik Tok) seems like a really good egg too!
We see diversity in our characters- all of whom are entertaining and unique in their own ways. The relationship in this book was slow to develop, but in a way that works. The found family aspect of this book is what really shines and I love the HELL outta found family.
Absolutely recommend this and the author (whom I follow on Tik Tok) seems like a really good egg too!
December 26, 2022
This book is a delight from start to finish. If you love “What We Do in the Shadows” but wish the vampires had a little more empathy (and occasional wits), this is the story for you. Josephine, the main character, is highly relatable to any neurodivergent reader, and a breath of fresh air in a genre stuffed with lookalikes. Eadwulf is a charmingly genuine himbo, and their dynamic is really sweet and entertaining to read. I can’t wait for the sequel!
May 24, 2025
For posterity's sake, I will start off by saying that I received an ARC copy in exchange for an *honest* review.
Odd Blood was a delightful read. The characters were multi-faceted, the relationships more than face-level, and, yes, Eadwulf is (as advertised) a vampire himbo. I'd never heard of a vampire himbo before stumbling upon Azalea's Tik Tok videos, but I am glad I've heard of it now.
My favorite part was the fact that this book made me smile. I enjoyed reading it and that is what I base my reviews on. It was funny, ironic, punny, sweet--the ending made me want to scream into a pillow (not because of any dark twist, but because of the fact that I wanted to read more and the book had not even officially been released yet). If you're looking for a low-key paranormal rom-com, this book fits that criteria. I'd read this book for Eadwulf and Norma alone.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC, dear author!
Odd Blood was a delightful read. The characters were multi-faceted, the relationships more than face-level, and, yes, Eadwulf is (as advertised) a vampire himbo. I'd never heard of a vampire himbo before stumbling upon Azalea's Tik Tok videos, but I am glad I've heard of it now.
My favorite part was the fact that this book made me smile. I enjoyed reading it and that is what I base my reviews on. It was funny, ironic, punny, sweet--the ending made me want to scream into a pillow (not because of any dark twist, but because of the fact that I wanted to read more and the book had not even officially been released yet). If you're looking for a low-key paranormal rom-com, this book fits that criteria. I'd read this book for Eadwulf and Norma alone.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC, dear author!
October 16, 2022
Odd Blood is a Rom-Horror-Com story featuring Josephine who is in her thirties and works in a bakery. She ends up running into Eadwulf who she thinks is just a drugged party-goer but ends up being a vampire. Due to her caring for Eadwulf, he asks her to be the caregiver to a vampire who has haze (it functions like dementia). Between making sure she doesn't get eaten by her ward, navigating a vampire community with rules and regulations, and figuring out her newfound feelings for a certain vampire himbo, Josephine is simply trying her best.
While this book does have romantic feelings, it does not have explicit scenes in them. Personally, I enjoyed that because the story was more centered around the budding friendships and relationship dynamics between the characters.
I particularly liked the world building and the distinctions between Thralls and other vampire companions. I will be looking forward to the next book coming out.
While this book does have romantic feelings, it does not have explicit scenes in them. Personally, I enjoyed that because the story was more centered around the budding friendships and relationship dynamics between the characters.
I particularly liked the world building and the distinctions between Thralls and other vampire companions. I will be looking forward to the next book coming out.
October 23, 2022
Paranormal RomCom
By the end you will have a smile plastered on your face and tears rolling down you cheek because it’s over. I can’t say that this starts of slow but it does take a while to get use to Jo and they way she processes things. It was around 40% where it all started making sense for me. But I absolutely loved the journey. This was a hilarious cast of characters that you will absolutely adore. The writing style is a little quirky but it grows on you. Kind of like Jo the fmc. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I’m hoping it’ll be a nice long series because I loved being in this world with these characters. And that cliffhanger hurt so good.
P.S. I loved the mixed kid/racial ambiguous jokes/humor. It’s a sweet “I see you” moment
By the end you will have a smile plastered on your face and tears rolling down you cheek because it’s over. I can’t say that this starts of slow but it does take a while to get use to Jo and they way she processes things. It was around 40% where it all started making sense for me. But I absolutely loved the journey. This was a hilarious cast of characters that you will absolutely adore. The writing style is a little quirky but it grows on you. Kind of like Jo the fmc. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I’m hoping it’ll be a nice long series because I loved being in this world with these characters. And that cliffhanger hurt so good.
P.S. I loved the mixed kid/racial ambiguous jokes/humor. It’s a sweet “I see you” moment
October 29, 2022
loved every minute
I enjoyed every minute of this book! Perfect for What We Do in the Shadows fans. Seriously if you like banter and vampire dramatics, you’ll have a good time. I also absolutely loved Josephine and reading from her POV. I literally cannot wait to get my greedy hands on the next one.
I enjoyed every minute of this book! Perfect for What We Do in the Shadows fans. Seriously if you like banter and vampire dramatics, you’ll have a good time. I also absolutely loved Josephine and reading from her POV. I literally cannot wait to get my greedy hands on the next one.
September 29, 2022
Quirky and fun paranormal romcom. Perfectly timed for this spooky season.
I liked Josphine and Eadwulf well enough but I LOVED Norma. She was literally the best, i could read her for hours.
Joesphine was a little hard for me to connect with, it made it a hard start for me. But once i got to know her i really churned through her story.
Overall it was well written and a good read!
I liked Josphine and Eadwulf well enough but I LOVED Norma. She was literally the best, i could read her for hours.
Joesphine was a little hard for me to connect with, it made it a hard start for me. But once i got to know her i really churned through her story.
Overall it was well written and a good read!
September 29, 2022
I went into this read not sure of what to expect, I was nervous that something I was so excited about would disappoint. It did not. It’s such a fun and cute paranormal story. It was a refreshing breath of air from the dark romances I had been reading.
January 3, 2024
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I swear I tried. How does anyone get past the terrible writing style 😭 This book sacrificed sense for quirk at every turn.
August 6, 2025
“I didn’t know humans could make half of a human. Where do they hide the other half? Do they present the other half to other sad humans who cannot make their own small humans?”
Wicked Flavours enticed me to read this story. This, however, felt like an early variation of Wicked Flavours and it just wasn't hitting for me.
It was very What We Do In The Shadows and Josephine was playing the role of Guillermo. Ana was so Nadja. Eadwulf was a variation of Nandor+Laszlo (especially at the start) and Baron. Even the friendly convention chic is a variation of Guida.
Was that really surprising? Josephine guessed not. Most women were regulated to the role of caretaker.
I think what made me largely lose interest in the story was that it wasn't exciting. Josephine's tempo in the story doesn't really change unless she's having a break down or the during the major confrontation. She feels like she's gliding through life at 15% and the introduction of Eadwulf and his world juat slightly bumps it to 25%.
I am not a fan of derogatory pet names, so Ana calling Jo a Fussbucket (the fuck is that even) over and over annoyed me so much. Same way Nadja would give derogatory pet names to Guillermo which I wasn't a fan of.
I loved Eadwulf calling her my little bat and other bat related pet names. Towards the end when he explains that he thought
“I am a sad, sick goat!” she wailed into the carpet, helplessly.
There are a lot of funny moments, which for me actually saved the story. Looking at the other stories in this series I am interested in reading Ana's book, but I'll not make promises I'll be back for it.
Since this story mirrors Wicked Flavours and/or vice versa, I wonder whether the other independent story by A.C. - Good Mourning, Darling also does the same?
July 20, 2025
This was so silly, and very cute! Despite the low ratings, I actually really loved the main characters. I was even able to gloss over some typos and other things due to this being self-published.
My problem lies with the MC who I am taking as autistic (because she has a lot of similar traits to myself). She's very... factual. Which is why it bugged me so bad that the author brought up the myth about brains ceasing growth at 25. This is entirely nonfactual. In fact, there has never been evidence to suggest that your brain reaches full maturity at 25. Where did this idea come from? I have no idea.
This is probably one of the most prolific myths of all time, and even a quick google search will give you many research papers about how the maturity of your cerebral cortex is all based on environmental factors and any trauma you may have endured.
That aside, (because I'm sure it's not serious to anyone besides myself who has to make sure things are factual), some of the parts dragged on a little. I loved the first half, and then by the middle I'd lost interest only to fall in deep again at the end.
Overall a fluffy meet-cute with a thirty something year old and a disaster vampire. If you can gloss over some scientific inaccuracies and uber-millennial language, I'm sure you could love this story.
My problem lies with the MC who I am taking as autistic (because she has a lot of similar traits to myself). She's very... factual. Which is why it bugged me so bad that the author brought up the myth about brains ceasing growth at 25. This is entirely nonfactual. In fact, there has never been evidence to suggest that your brain reaches full maturity at 25. Where did this idea come from? I have no idea.
This is probably one of the most prolific myths of all time, and even a quick google search will give you many research papers about how the maturity of your cerebral cortex is all based on environmental factors and any trauma you may have endured.
That aside, (because I'm sure it's not serious to anyone besides myself who has to make sure things are factual), some of the parts dragged on a little. I loved the first half, and then by the middle I'd lost interest only to fall in deep again at the end.
Overall a fluffy meet-cute with a thirty something year old and a disaster vampire. If you can gloss over some scientific inaccuracies and uber-millennial language, I'm sure you could love this story.
January 22, 2024
I’m so behind on writing reviews but this book brought me such joy I had to rate it.
So many books claim to be comedies and are either mean or not funny, but this one hits just the right tone and maintains it. Memes? Yes. Snark? Sure, but not overwhelming.
I’m also fussy about Seattle based media but gosh this was a Vibe and I loved it. Not exclusionary if you aren’t from the PNW but not fun if you are.
I can’t speak to the Demi or Asian American rep, so I’ll leave that out, but found the other queer rep delightful.
Fans of Gideon the Ninth, What We Do in the Shadows, etc should give this series a shot!
So many books claim to be comedies and are either mean or not funny, but this one hits just the right tone and maintains it. Memes? Yes. Snark? Sure, but not overwhelming.
I’m also fussy about Seattle based media but gosh this was a Vibe and I loved it. Not exclusionary if you aren’t from the PNW but not fun if you are.
I can’t speak to the Demi or Asian American rep, so I’ll leave that out, but found the other queer rep delightful.
Fans of Gideon the Ninth, What We Do in the Shadows, etc should give this series a shot!
July 16, 2024
Odd Blood is the first installment in an oddball vampire romantic comedy series. Josephine is stuck in a deadend job and about to lose her housing because her roommate and best friend is getting married when she meets Eadwulf at a Halloween party. Eadwulf is a silly but charming man who isn’t just dressed up as a vampire, he actually is one. But when he offers her a stay-in position as caretaker to his grandmotherly vampire ward, it’s an offer she cannot refuse.
This was just a very cute and charming read. It’s very quirky and odd and a bit tonally confusing. It’s kinda gory but we just sort of accept to ignore all the blood and the murders because of how lighthearted it otherwise is. I loved Eadwulf who is a silly himbo of a vampire, recently woken up from years of slumber so he is late to pop culture and technologically ignorant. I loved all his strangeness and character traits and he has genuine laugh out loud moments like that “Parkour!” reference. Josephine has a demisexual awakening so she starts out very oblivious and unaware of Eadwulf’s advancements and her own budding attraction. And of course, that makes excellent fodder for this romantic comedy.
A note on the Asian rep of this book: Josephine is part Asian, Filipino more specifically, but it just is never that apparent. The “Asianness” felt very generic like removing shoes when indoors (not at all practical in the context of living in an old castle IMO) and her liking K-dramas. If the book hadn’t mentioned she was part Filipino, I never would have guessed (and I am Filipino myself). I wouldn’t say it was tokenness because her being racially ambiguous played a role in her character, but it brushed along those lines in terms of specificity.
Odd Blood is a cute campy romantic comedy.
*I read this book as a judge for the 2nd Indie Ink Awards. My review here will not necessarily reflect my score there.
This was just a very cute and charming read. It’s very quirky and odd and a bit tonally confusing. It’s kinda gory but we just sort of accept to ignore all the blood and the murders because of how lighthearted it otherwise is. I loved Eadwulf who is a silly himbo of a vampire, recently woken up from years of slumber so he is late to pop culture and technologically ignorant. I loved all his strangeness and character traits and he has genuine laugh out loud moments like that “Parkour!” reference. Josephine has a demisexual awakening so she starts out very oblivious and unaware of Eadwulf’s advancements and her own budding attraction. And of course, that makes excellent fodder for this romantic comedy.
A note on the Asian rep of this book: Josephine is part Asian, Filipino more specifically, but it just is never that apparent. The “Asianness” felt very generic like removing shoes when indoors (not at all practical in the context of living in an old castle IMO) and her liking K-dramas. If the book hadn’t mentioned she was part Filipino, I never would have guessed (and I am Filipino myself). I wouldn’t say it was tokenness because her being racially ambiguous played a role in her character, but it brushed along those lines in terms of specificity.
Odd Blood is a cute campy romantic comedy.
*I read this book as a judge for the 2nd Indie Ink Awards. My review here will not necessarily reflect my score there.
December 23, 2022
4.5 rounded up.
A cozy, cute, funny and resolutely modern vampire story with asexual/aromantic spectrum (demi) representation that actually felt realistic with a bonus temperamental ghost and a peculiar feline. While there were an abundance of expressions that will date this book in a few years and the relationship between Josephine and Michele was sometimes a bit too saccharine for me but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end I particularly enjoyed Eadwulf's himbo nature and how it interacted with Josephine's personality and watching their relationship progress in a way that felt organic and actually earned.
I can't wait for the next one!
A cozy, cute, funny and resolutely modern vampire story with asexual/aromantic spectrum (demi) representation that actually felt realistic with a bonus temperamental ghost and a peculiar feline. While there were an abundance of expressions that will date this book in a few years and the relationship between Josephine and Michele was sometimes a bit too saccharine for me but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end I particularly enjoyed Eadwulf's himbo nature and how it interacted with Josephine's personality and watching their relationship progress in a way that felt organic and actually earned.
I can't wait for the next one!
July 4, 2025
What We Do in the Shadows fans, this is for you!
Josephine is such a relatable, refreshingly grounded main character. She's demisexual, autistic, BiPOC, and so relatable. She’s tired, broke, and not in the mood for vampire nonsense… which is, of course, when vampire nonsense shows up in the form of Eadwulf. Eadwulf is a ridiculous, soft-hearted vampire himbo, and I loved every second of his existence.
The slow-burning romance is delightful, but what really made this book shine was how sincerely weird and sweet it is. There’s a vamp grandma roommate with memory issues, awkward miscommunications, and some wild situations that had me laughing out loud. It leans into the absurd without ever losing its emotional center, and that’s hard to pull off.
This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck and hoped something weird and wonderful might pull them out of it. It’s hilarious, inclusive, and heartfelt. New obsession unlocked.
Josephine is such a relatable, refreshingly grounded main character. She's demisexual, autistic, BiPOC, and so relatable. She’s tired, broke, and not in the mood for vampire nonsense… which is, of course, when vampire nonsense shows up in the form of Eadwulf. Eadwulf is a ridiculous, soft-hearted vampire himbo, and I loved every second of his existence.
The slow-burning romance is delightful, but what really made this book shine was how sincerely weird and sweet it is. There’s a vamp grandma roommate with memory issues, awkward miscommunications, and some wild situations that had me laughing out loud. It leans into the absurd without ever losing its emotional center, and that’s hard to pull off.
This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck and hoped something weird and wonderful might pull them out of it. It’s hilarious, inclusive, and heartfelt. New obsession unlocked.
January 25, 2023
I love this chaotic book! From the moment Josephine and Eadwulf first met I was HOOKED.
Odd Blood was such a fun read. I LOLed a couple of times reading this. I love how vampires crawling on walls and hissing at each other like cats were treated as normal occurrences. If you're looking for a slow burn halloween read with demi sexual heroines and himbo vampires, you should definitely check this out!
Odd Blood was such a fun read. I LOLed a couple of times reading this. I love how vampires crawling on walls and hissing at each other like cats were treated as normal occurrences. If you're looking for a slow burn halloween read with demi sexual heroines and himbo vampires, you should definitely check this out!
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