This book grabbed me from the start because Lorenzo was such a ridiculous vampire (I say with fondness). Sort of awkward and out of touch. But in a way that was endearing. The flashback that introduced his POV made me feel for him. And half the premise of this book is that he has this big plan to get revenge on Charlie, except he has no plan. Terrible at coming up with plans. Just, “To do: Get revenge.” That’s it. And as I said, I liked him already, but getting to know his sweetness, his depth, and his struggles as a hundreds-year-old vampire only made me like him more.

I liked Charlie too. He had his own more immediate, human struggles. He was friendly and curious and took a genuine interest in the people he met. He wasn’t always perfect, especially in the flashback when he was a bit younger, but who is? It was also interesting seeing him through Lorenzo’s eyes, not just Charlie’s POV, because Lorenzo noticed different things and started seeing things in different ways throughout the story.

The author did a great job of showing the build up of the relationship, showing them getting to know each other, spending time together, falling for each other. Their interactions were delightful. Lorenzo was trying so hard to be a hardass, but he just couldn’t do it and kept caving. And Charlie was using Lorenzo for info at first, but he was clearly becoming genuinely interested in Lorenzo and enjoying spending time with him. It was a fun dynamic. I squee-ed inside when they first kissed. I melted when Charlie realized he loved Lorenzo. I really enjoyed this romance, it was very sweet and believable, and it made me smile. Also, I do love me a good sexy vampire bite scene 😉

I liked the side characters too. Lorenzo had some unique, sometimes frustrating, but mostly lovable roommates. All of them supernaturals. A few other characters had small parts too. And there was a nice subplot/theme in the book about finding friendship and community.

This is not super vampirey in terms of blood and biting, but it is vampirey in the sense that one of the main characters is a vampire, and his thoughts and feelings are very much shaped by that. You get to understand why it’s hard for him. It also shapes how he connects with others and even how he’s ended up with the friends and acquaintances he has. And you do get a small taste of his speed/strength, and that one bite scene I mentioned. But it’s not glamorous or gritty or overly angsty. It’s a mundane portrayal of vampires, in a good way. I enjoyed the balance this book struck between human and fantastical.

And the book was fun! There were some silly antics and lots of supernaturals and little lighthearted moments between characters. But all pretty believable. Yes, there are supernaturals and magic, but within that context, the things the characters got up to, the way they acted, it was pretty grounded. And as the book’s official description promises, it’s low stakes, no big action or saving the world, just people living their lives. (Ok, wait, I just understood the stakes joke 😅)

I enjoyed the audiobook narration by Michael Crouch. It was easy to tell Charlie and Lorenzo apart, especially since Lorenzo had an accent. Other characters sounded different enough as well. And it sounded natural with the right emotions and all that.

Overall, this was a fun and sweet romance with a chill plot, lovable characters, and lots of supernaturals!

*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2025 // Format: Audiobook*