This one was good. I enjoyed the premise and the interactions between Cassie and Frederick. I feel like the story lagged a bit in the middle, and the drama towards the end was not that exciting. Overall, it was fine.

I have been struggling to commit to reading anything so I decided to pick up this book and give it a try. I finished this book in one day. This was the exact palate cleanser I was looking for. This book was such a quirky, fun read with a cinnamon-bun MMC who happens to be a vampire. It had several laugh out loud moments and Frederick was the sweetest, most awkward (in a good way) vampire. Cassie, the FMC was pretty adorable too, but even though the story was told from her perspective, Frederick stole the show. The chemistry between the two was well written with a few spicy scenes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun PNR with adorable characters. I will definitely be reading more from Jenna Levine.

In this funny, witty rom-com with a supernatural twist, the past and the present collide as one eccentric human tries to help an ancient vampire learn to survive in the modern twenty-first century.

Broke, burnt-out, and at her wit's end, Cassie is desperately trying to stay afloat working as a struggling artist. When an offer for an incredible apartment arises at a steal of a price, Cassie hesitantly jumps at the opportunity. However, when she meets her potential roommate in person, his formal attire, traditional way of speaking, and out-of-date decor make her question everything. But when she moves in, she finds herself drawn to him and his endearing, heartfelt letters, acts of kindness, and handsome smile—and there might be more to him than she thinks.

This book made me laugh out loud and smile like crazy! It was such a fun, light, and comedic read that’s just good for the heart (especially if you love a bit of spooky like me!). The romance between the two was incredibly ADORABLE! The push-and-pull tension and simmering chemistry made me fall for them and their sweet encounters. Both were such cinnamon roll characters, and it made me so happy to see those qualities in almost polar of opposites.

The concept of vampires adapting in our modern world, learning what selfies are, that TikTok is not a type of music (that made me chuckle!), and discovering how to blend in was so intriguing, and Levine wrote it all with a touch of charm and humor.

Overall this book was such a great pick-me-up read and PERFECT for the upcoming fall season!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

First, thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for an eARC of this book!

I would rate this as a 3.5 but rounded up to 4. As far as debut novels go, this is a fun read! But it does have some failings.

First, I liked the two main characters. They have great personalities. And I loved that Cassie had such a unique passion. But I didn’t feel a lot of chemistry between the two. The romance was slow until things happened and then it was very very fast. And I’m definitely a reader that needs lots of tension, and I didn’t feel that here.

That being said, the book is a romantic comedy. And I think it excels at that! To me, true romantic comedies have some bonkers plots or characters. And this definitely does! It made me laugh, which really all I need in a romantic comedy.

Now, for the third act conflict. I wish there was more. I will give full disclosure and say that I am a third act break up stan. For those who hate third act break ups, this book does not have one! But the conflict is external and lasts maybe two chapters. And to be honest, everyone does the bare minimum to overcome it. The conflict resolution felt almost middle-grade than romantic comedy.

Now, I think it’s important to keep in mind that this is the author’s debut novel! It would be wild for it be perfect. And it’s definitely a fun read (I binge read it in two days). I think Jenna has really amazing potential, and I’m excited to see what she writes next.

Cassie is a struggling artist who is in-between jobs and kind of couch surfing when she comes across a Craigslist ad that is almost too good to be true: wonderful location, $200 a month in rent, and the roommate works evenings so you mostly would have the apartment to yourself. Now, most people would have a lot of questions, and Cassie does go look at the place, and it seems like everything is fine. She moves right in.

Sure, her roommate sounds like he's 100 years from the past, doesn't have pots and pans in the house (okay, Cassie allegedly sold hers to a consignment shop??? so let's not judge girl), and doesn't have wifi but... that $200 rent sure is sweet. Inevitably, we find out that Frederick J. Fitzwilliam is a <b>vampire</b> -- which makes perfect sense because he's just so gentlemanly and again, seems like he's from 100 years ago, in a too-good-to-be-true type way. He's gorgeous. He doesn't kill people (he's a good vampire). So honestly, what could the problem be?

Well, problem one is Cassie is a little shocked to learn this. Don't worry, everyone gets over their initial vampire shock. The other issue: his (vampire) mother has entered Frederick into an arranged marriage that he definitely does not want to be in now that he's in love with Cassie. He falls for the human hard and fast everyone and now that is where he wants to be (not that he ever wanted to be in the arranged marriage).

It is a cute rom-com type story and you know there will be a happy ending based on the cover alone. I wasn't crazy about the arranged marriage and kind of evil mother side plot that the author threw in here -- it really wasn't needed. The story was great with a vampire awakening from a "vampire coma" and wanting to learn how to live in the modern times, hence why he needs a roommate. We didn't need this mom-drama and arranged marriage nonsense.

Good supporting side characters (he has a vampire friend you're going to fall in love with). A very quick read if you sit down with it and don't put it down. Some steamy sex (it took us forever to get to it!). And it makes you giggle and smile and believe in romance again.

5 out of 5 stars
Highly recommend for all bookshelves. Libraries, order for your readers because this one is going to be in high demand!

Cassie is a struggling artist living in Chicago. As she’s being evicted from her apartment, her best friend finds a listing that seems a little too good to be true. She checks it out and meets Frederick J Fitzwilliam, her future roommate. He’s weird (and attractive) - he sleeps all day, works all night, reads regency romance books, and prefers to communicate through handwritten letters. Even though he’s weird, things are fine until Cassie comes home early one day and finds the fridge full of bags of blood.

This was a really sweet one. The perfect straightforward, sort of silly, rom-com type of book to break me out of a reading slump. Frederick was so sweet and I loved the scenes with Cassie helping him adjust to modern life. All of the letters back and forth were my favorite parts I think. This would be a perfect book to read as we transition into spooky season soon, a lighthearted easy read to break up some of the dark reads 😂

With a title like My Roommate Is a Vampire, things might seem a bit obvious but let’s get into the plot. The story begins with Cassie who is a struggling millennial, looking for a new apartment after failing to pay her rent. She stumbles upon a Craigslist ad for a room for rent for $200 in a nice part of town and she immediately reaches out.

Upon hearing from Frederick J. Fitzwilliam, she quickly discerns that he’s not a serial killer but his strange behavior and unusual schedule raise a few red flags. However, she decides to ignore them and these two quickly form a friendship which comes to a head when she finds out he is a vampire.

From there, we find out exactly why Frederick wants a roommate and the relationship between the two continues to simmer. Honestly, this book is a lot of fun and is easily one of my favorite paranormal romances I’ve read. It’s also surprisingly fun for a book about vampires which is honestly a rarity these days.

I don’t want to get too much into the plot because I feel like it’s best to go in not knowing much so if you’re excited about My Roommate Is a Vampire, you should check it out. The only issue I had was that the pacing felt off but I do feel like that could be because Jenna Levine is a debut author.

Whether you’re looking for something funny, want a paranormal romance, or just enjoy a fish-out-of-water story, then this one is going to work for you. I also feel like it’s a great one to help you transition into your fall/spooky reading mood. Overall, I had a lot of fun with this one and it’s one I know I’ll be thinking about even months after reading.

Thank you Berkley/Random House for the review copy of My Roommate is a Vampire. This is a fun romcom read that reminds me that yes, vampire themes are still in and can be a lot of fun for some added flavor (haha) to romcom tropes. I enjoyed this book, it is quick and light hearted, and even brings in some solid Buffy the Vampire Slayer references, always a win for me. 4 stars because this book is just what is sets out to be and it's fun and easy.

This is a light read, lean into the cover art and don't think twilight or dracula... think rom com with a gentle hearted lovable vampire who finds himself with a family that's hard to navigate and a roommate who might be the right one and a main character who finds herself a roommate who ok has blood in the fridge and is nocturnal but seems to care about her in a genuine way and may also indeed be the right one. (there is a joke in here somewhere).

Pick up a fun read, treat yourself, and ok let the right one in, your enjoyment isn't at stake (sorry) if you are wanting a fun romcom vampire story. Enjoy!

3.5 Stars

Light and easy. Sweet and a little steamy, tiny bit of emotional depth, but mostly an uncomplicated vampire romance.

It’s definitely a tell, not show, type of writing style. And there’s a certain element of cheesy-ness to it. I mean, the lead discovers vampires are real and her “research” is to sit down and binge “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. It’s a certain kind of vibe and you just go along with the glossing over, irrational reactions, and mostly simplistic resolutions. Basically it’s just fun and with a marshmallow of a vampire.

So if that sounds like your kind of diversion, then give it a try. It was a nice book to read in between big epics.

Netgalley provided me with this book

I was really excited to read this book because it looked really funny, and I love a good romcom book.

I did thoroughly enjoy this book! It was cute and a super fast read, my only dislike was the ending kind of fell flat for me. I would still suggest this book to other romcom readers, found myself laughing out loud a few times!

Review posted on Goodreads

This was a fun, light-hearted read.

Cassie is an artistic about to evicted from her apartment. She and her best friend come across a roommate wanted ad that seems too good to be true. Cassie knows there has to be a catch somewhere but is willing to ride it out. And her new roommate Frederick J Fitzwilliam seems stuffy, weird and really old fashioned and also really hot. Because of their opposite shifts they leave little post it notes to each other that are sweet and cute. Forgetting something Cassie heads back to the apartment and finds a blood bag in her refrigerator that wasn’t their earlier. Now, Frederick needs to come clean… but he also has a proposition for Cassie. He needs help to learn to be more modern and with the times.

This was a cute rom-com that ticked all my boxes. The characters were just a tad silly and endearing, you should definitely one-click this paranormal rom-com.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was such a cute rom-com! Funny, low angst, plenty of steam when it counted. Cassie is super easy to root for, and Frederick is adorable in a just-out-of-a-Jane Austen-novel" kind of way. I could have read several more chapters of Cassie trying to teach Frederick about the modern world. Perfect reading for when you need a light, humorous romance!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.

It was fine. It was cute. I got to 50% and was like, do I even care about finishing this book? The answer was...not really. I was not invested in this book at all. I don't know what I was expecting, but I certainly was left wanting. I didn't feel any chemistry between the characters, which I wish I had, because I feel like this is a concept I would have adored.

The other issue was...Cassie. As a character, I found her not the most likeable, and her inner thoughts were...a tad bit irritating. I would have forgiven all the above if I had been invested in the romance or the plot, but I was invested in neither.

And I am a huge PNR fan -- I love vampire romances, but to me, it felt like the vampires were on the backburner, and had less to do with the story. Despite the title of the book.

It was cute, but not a book that I would be inclined to pick up again.

This was such a fun, cozy and quick read! I knew from the very beginning that I was going to love it! I mean, I’m a sucker for a vampire story!

My Roommate Is a Vampire was laugh out loud funny! The best part of this book was Cassie helping Frederick navigate the modern world. He is cloudless about the 21st century so there are lots of hilarious scenes. When this is released, I’m going to have to get the audiobook so I can reread!

The romance was sweet! I really enjoyed their back and forth letters. It was such a clever way for them to get to know each other.

The ending was a little too easy and kind of rushed. You’d think that since vampires are involved it would have been more dangerous. I do like how things wrapped up though. I would 100% devour a sequel!

Other random things that I loved:
-Cassie’s little drawings on the letters
-Cassie’s love for art & Frederick’s interest in her passion
-Frederick learning to use Instagram..specifically what he commented on a post
-The messages between Frederick and Reginald made me laugh
-The Taylor Swift references
-Frederick ordering a coffee
-Fruit

If you are looking for a hilarious & cute paranormal romance to sink your teeth into, add this to your TBR immediately! Spooky season is on its way and this book would be perfect to pick up!

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Vampire romcom meets roommates trope!! I don't read paranormal romance often, but steamy vampire romances that aren't too dark or scary are definitely my type.

Cassie is desperate for a place to live and can't pass up the price of this apartment. Her roommate seems a little odd, but she assumes she isn't in any real danger until she discovers the undeniable evidence that he is a vampire. He explains that he has been asleep for the last century and needs her help to live among humans.

What I liked:
🦇My favorite part of this book is the notes that Frederick and Cassie leave for each other in their apartment. It reminded me of The Flatshare, because Cassie sleeps at night and Frederick sleeps during the day, so there is a lot of communication through letters.
🦇 Classic awkward roommie moments, such as the post-shower towel-only run-in.
🦇Frederick, being a centuries old vampire, is very formal and starchy. He also reads regency romance!
🦇 They watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer together and have some cute moments...
🦇 Set in Chicago and Naperville, IL (who knew there was a vampire dungeon in the city I grew up 😅)
🦇 A book that came to mind while reading this was Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle, because each hero is out of place and the magic/paranormal aspect is more silly than sexy.

👎
🦇 This was really missing the chemistry and pining of a typical vampire romance. Like, does he even vant to suck her blood? He is way too chill around her. There's no Twilight-y "This is the skin of a killer, Bella" stuff in this one. He doesn't really seem very thirsty, if you know what I mean...
🦇 I like that Frederick was starchy, earnest, and kind. . .but he was unfortunately a really bland character overall. I think this book could have been more interesting if we also got his point of view.
🦇 I really wanted more information about vampire life and myths. Cassie barely asks him anything about being a vampire. Is he super fast? How often does he need to feed?Does he sparkle in the sun? Can he drink animals? We get some vampire world-building eventually, but it felt like too-little-too-late. He just didn't *feel* like a vampire at all and his secret magical ability was absolutely ridiculous... I am seriously still scratching my head about this choice.
🦇 I think my hopes were too high for this one and by the second half I was disappointed with the character development and story arc. By the end, I still had so many unanswered questions.

There is still a chance I'd read a sequel if there will be one. However, I think I'd try it on audio instead of taking the time to read it.

Thanks so much Berkley and Netgalley! All thoughts are my own.

I'm not a big vampire fan but when my friend Kristin told me that I needed to read this immediately, I picked it up. I wasn't expecting to read it in less than a few days! It was a super fast read and extremely humorous.

What would have made this book even better for me is it were a dual POV, especially considering Fredrick being a damn vampire. I do feel like Cassie and Fredrick's chemistry wasn't as strong on page and needed to be a bit more flushed out. It's very much an insta-love/instant attraction romance. I also think that the conflict at the end was resolved way too quickly and the ending was abrupt.

What I did like about it was how funny it was. Cassie is teaching Fredrick how to act like a normal human in this day in age and he is not having it, especially texting. He has a vampire buddy Reginald that is an absolute riot and I hope he ends up getting a sequel because I need more of that guy. Cassie is also a relatable character for me as she is around my age and doesn't know what the fuck she wants to do with her life at the beginning of the book but we follow her as she realizes her dreams and how she goes about achieving them. I thought that was really inspiring!

If you love vampires and want a super quick and fun read, I highly recommend this one! It was perfect to pick up and get lost in the pages.

As much as I enjoyed reading this story, some of it fall flat for me. I couldn't get into the main character and her love interest development. It just wasn't for me.

I went into this book expecting a lighthearted, hopefully funny, maybe a little spicy (?) romcom about a girl who accidentally moves in with a hot vampire, with an added bonus of it being set in Chicago (where I've lived for 20+ years). Was I expecting a literary masterpiece? No... but I was hoping for something more, especially from the main female character, Cassie, who was deeply irritating and not enjoyable to read about at all.

You see, Cassie is an Artist - a capital A Artist - who paints landscapes and then glues trash to the canvas to make a statement about consumer society or something. Her Art is apparently too subversive for anyone to appreciate (lol), so she struggles to make ends meet as a barista. She moves in with vampire dude, Frederick J. Fitzwilliam (FJF), who immediately thinks she is the most amazing creature he's ever seen and super digs her trash art, and romance develops with some ups and downs along the way.

There were some legitimately funny moments - the vampire dungeon in Naperville was hilarious, and I liked a lot of FJF's ridiculous confusion about modern society, but then... Cassie. Cassie and her art were so cringey it pulled me out of the story. I loved the cover and the premise of this and thought there was a lot of potential, so hopefully other readers are able to enjoy it more than I did.

While this could be a cute, fun escapist read, the directionless rambling of the first two chapters had me not just lost interest, but never actually gain interest.

It might get better once you immerse yourself in the story, but the style of writing didn't lead me to believe this.

Again, reviews are just opinions. Your opinion might be different!

I am always here for a dark prince and My Roommate Is A Vampire definitely gave me that. That said, the writing did not match the tension these two characters had while we didn’t see them grow a lot either as people/occults. If you want a quick steamy read, Levine’s book is a lot of fun but I wouldn’t expect a lot of character building.