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Review:
I’m going to start this review by talking about the main, most important difference between this book and the first one—there was a lot less Quin and a lot more Alistair. I always find it an odd choice to temporarily remove the love interest in the second book in a series, especially since I absolutely adored the relationship between Quin and Matheus in the first book and wanted to see how it would progress. Also because I loved Quin. Quin was funny. But somehow removing him from the majority of the story didn’t diminish my enjoyment.
Matheus was still his quippy, sarcastic, klutzy self, and his humor seemed a lot less judgmental this time. Also, sometimes I swear Matheus is me in the most random of ways:
– He’s an introvert.
– He hates nature.
– He hates the crunching sound of bugs when you kill them so much that he has to leave the room.
– As much as he hates bugs, he still felt bad when Quin killed a moth in Book 1 because he doesn’t mind moths as long as they stay far enough away from him.
– He covers his eyes when there are needles in movies.
– He hates being around people but still cares about people and wants to be helpful to them.
I actually could continue, but I think you might get bored, and that’s probably enough to prove my point. It made him relatable at times. And again, even though the characters and the book in general are a bit exaggerated at times for the sake of humor, Matheus did have a lot of nuanced and real emotions about heavier things.
Alistair also turned out to be an great character. He was definitely clingy and a bit of a damsel-in-distress (flaws he admitted to having), but his perversion and flirtiness were oh-so-fun, and his people skills were admirable and impressive. He and Matheus together made a fun duo to read about, just in a different way than Matheus and Quin, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change.
And of course I should probably mention the plot, which had just enough action and mystery to keep me hooked, not wanting to put the book down.
Last but not least, this book also continued with the mixture of humor and darkness that was present in the first. This author is good at showing the darker parts of vampirism and at not skipping over or glamorizing the messed-up parts of these characters’ lives.
I first read this series in ebook form, but I’ve also listened to the audiobooks, and my thoughts on the audio narration for the whole series can be found in my review for the first book. (I had mixed feelings.)
So overall, despite the fact that I missed Quin, this was a great second in series that had me cracking up and enjoying my time with the characters just as much as the first!
*I’ve read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 1st read, slightly updated after my 2nd and 3rd reads.*
Reread Ratings:
4 Stars (1st Read – 2016)
4 Stars (2nd Read – 2017)
4.5 Stars (3rd Read – 2020)
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 in Amy Fecteau's Real Vampires Don't Sparkle Series. Anyone who likes M/M vampire books, sarcastic characters with fun banter, slow burn romance, and a good combo of darkness, intensity, emotion, and humor.
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I’m happy you had just as much fun with this one despite Quin’s absence, Kristen. And I loved the list of similarities between you and Alistair…you hate nature?!? I’m with you (and Alistair) on needles. Luckily I’m okay with the bug killing thing…seeing as I have 2 daughters who are mortified of them and always come to me for ‘help’ in getting rid of them. 😉 Okay, I really have to figure out where I can squeeze in Real Vampires Don’t Sparkle. 😀
You should definitely read this since it’s so fun! It has pretty big cliffhanger ending though, so you might want to wait until closer to the final book is out if you don’t like those. It’s actually Matheus, the MC, who is my spirit animal, but yes! I am NOT a nature person. I can recall one day in my entire life when I voluntarily went and did something nature-y and actually enjoyed it, haha. Sitting outside to read sometimes is about as outdoorsy as I get 😛 But gah, bugs! You should see me trying to pick up a dead roach even. Last time I did it I used like 27 paper towels and a plastic bag lol.
Sorry I got the name wrong – yes, Matheus. :/ I’m laughing out loud over reading outdoors being as outdoorsy as you get. 😉 I guess you don’t vacation to Colorado then, huh? I live in the woods! Of course, we don’t have as many bugs as other places (like Dallas where my hubs is from) but spiders…Eew!
The one nature-y thing I voluntarily did was visit this state park that had woodsy areas and a gorgeous natural spring to swim in, but, for the most part, no woods for me, thank you. I much prefer the beach if I’m going to be outdoors! I guess every place has their own nasty creepy crawlies though, unfortunately -_-
This image got cut up nicely on your blog home page lol. And yes I’ve seen a few series that do that remove the love interest totally or partially in the second book. It’s fun to encounter a character in a book that so similar to you! I can relate to the not liking to be around people, but still want to help them. Sounds like a great sequel even though you missed Quinn. Great review!
Haha, right? It’s like my blog has started developing a mind of its own, and it turns out it’s rather bossy and a little inappropriate 😛
It’s surprising to me how many series I’ve read in which the love interest disappears for the second book. I always think it’s odd, every time. But yes, it’s definitely fun when you find a character you have so much in common with, especially such random, obscure things lol. Thanks!
Glad this worked even without the love interest. I sometimes get annoyed when a character I like (especially a main character) disappears for a whole book, but in this case sounds like Alister filled the void nicely. 🙂 The humor sounds like a win too.
I’ve read quite a few books in which the love interest wasn’t in the second book. It’s a weird phenomenon lol. And yeah, usually it’s my favorite character. But thanks, I’m glad it worked here too. Alistair did end filling the void pretty well!
yay your are reading a ” Real Vampires Don’t Sparkle” series! I’m so happy I could kiss you. Here.. xoxo
Lol I should’ve known you’d like the name of this series! And aww, glad to see our bloggy romance is still going strong 😉
it was always strong in this side. It was you claiming you didn’t know me anymore 🙂 but my love is strong for both of us 🙂
I’m sorry. Please forgive me for being a bad bloggy wife!
hummm no don’t recall reading one structure like that. That sounds like an interesting choice. Glad you enjoyed it. At least the plot and the characters made up for it 🙂
It’s weird because I’ve actually read multiple series that have done this?? But it still ended up being good 🙂 Thanks!
This sounds really good! You know I love my m/m romances. 🙂
-Lauren
Lol as do I!