The target audience for this book is Young Adult. I'm a little too old to be called young, and the book does have a very young feel to it. It also has some emotionally charged moments that could easily upset many readers. It had some entertaining events that led to a giggle or two. Overall, it's an excellent read for ages 13-16.

This was a truly original queer, YA, paranormal romance and I devoured it. The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends picks up after Brennan's suicide attempt. Now he finds himself back at college, without much familial support, and a vampire. Enter Cole, the librarian who discovers Brennan's secret, and who is brought into his life as a result.

I worried that this story would feel more NA than YA, considering the setting and the content matter, but the story isn't gory or too violent and Cole and Brennan's story was very sweet. If a bit slow at the beginning, it picks up, and manages to cover a lot of difficult topics in a way that doesn't weigh the book down. A great fall romance.

I have been reading vampire romance books from the start of my reading obsession back in middle school. But vampire rom-coms can be one of two things: completely cheesy or downright entertaining. Somehow, The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends is a combination of both but in a good way. A pleasant surprise is the start of this book; we are not dropped in the moment our MMC Brennan’s change occurs. We open a few weeks after his “accident” and he has gone down an infinite rabbit hole to solve his dilemma of becoming a newbie vampire. In walks Cole, the charming and caring librarian at his college. One thing leads to another and Brennan’s secret is out; and Cole being a Twilight fan (props brother) is all in. He thinks this is the most exciting adventure to partake in. Meanwhile Brennan’s struggle is weighted heavier than the typical(?) transition of a vampire.

Brennan struggles with severe depression and anxiety; a kinship I found reading his worries as his looming eternity overwhelms is ability to handle his new state. While Brennan must come to terms with this reality, a new presence finds itself into his life: there are Vampire Covens that welcome newbies and help hide their existence. But to add to the drama of his new undead life, Brennan wasn’t the only one turned the night of his accident and students are going missing as blood fills the city’s river. With a great modernized version of vampire covens this new adult romance combines a murder mystery with a coming-of-age tale that dips heavily into the darker side of hopelessness one can feel. As Brennan has to accept his undead status, he also has to accept the mortality of Cole and balancing that against how his head and heart feel. All in all, a cute read with a dark undertone and a touch of existential crisis (which is to be expected).

This book was such a breath of fresh air when it comes to RomCom’s and YA romance. The characters were well fleshed out, the plot was engaging without being too much, and the love story was just the sweetest! I had such a good time with this book!

I wasn’t sure I was going to like Brennan as an MMC at first, he seemed a bit overly dramatic for my usual taste. But once i got the chance to get to know him I really enjoyed him! His character growth was great, he was a bit closed minded and judgmental in the beginning, but through his relationships and friendships he was really able to mature and grow, and I loved how Cole was a big part of that. And the communication!! It was lovely to read about characters that actually verbalize their feelings and thoughts and listen with intention.

I also loved all of the representation in this one. Obviously it’s a queer love story but there’s so much more in this. It offers so many fresh perspectives and I enjoyed how dynamic each character was. I also really loved all of the mental health rep. I felt like it was handled in a really healthy way, and I appreciated the openness around all of it, even though it may be triggering for some so definitely check your TW’s.

The only bit that made me go a little 😬 was all of the Twilight references. Listen, I love Twilight. Ironically and also unironically. And one or two bits about it would be cute, but this was a lot. Even going so far as to mimic quite a few scenes from the movie. It wasn’t enough to make me stop reading the book, but I could have done with a few less lol

Well written romcom about a shy clinically depressed Brennan who finds himself being turned into a vampire and his new friend (love interest) Cole. It was a cute story but I was confused at first as to when and how he was turned. For me the explanation came to late into the story. Other than that an enjoyable read with interesting characters.

Enjoyable queer vampire coming of age taking place in a college setting after an accident. Tw- suicide, anxiety, homophobia, and depression. I thought this book was different from most vampire tales because it tackles so many issues that are human problems. I can see why it was compared to Buffy the vampire slayer that way.

The book is a little all over the place at times but it is possible to follow the plot. I wanted to know more about what characters are up to at the end.

This is a really good little read! It’s written in a fun way and the characters are all very likeable. It’s a light take on vampires and avoids being cheesy / trope-y. There is heavier subject matter in it (self half, loss), but everything is purposeful and helps the growth of the individuals / adds to the story. Overall really well written, the love story is present but not “bash you over the head” and the story itself doesn’t need it to move along.

I am still processing my thoughts on this. It was interesting and it was something but other times I was a bit bored. Like it was a book, I read it and I enjoyed parts of it.

This book surprised me in all the best ways. On the surface, it’s a paranormal rom-com about a newly turned vampire trying to navigate college, bloodlust, and crushes—but at its heart, it's a thoughtful story about identity, vulnerability, and learning to choose your own path, fangs and all.
Brennan, a college student turned vampire overnight, is thrown into a life he never asked for. His awkward, heartfelt attempts to figure out vampirism (without harming anyone) are both funny and touching. When Cole stumbles into Brennan’s secret and decides to help him, their relationship grows into something genuinely warm, supportive, and refreshingly drama-free. Their connection has that sweet grumpy/sunshine vibe, and it’s honestly a delight to watch unfold.
Despite its supernatural premise, the story doesn’t shy away from real-life struggles—mental health, queerness, and complicated family dynamics all have their place here. These themes are handled with care and nuance, never weighing the story down, but grounding it in emotional honesty.
The humor hits often (especially if you love sarcastic diary entries and pop culture nods), though some jokes might land better depending on your age bracket. Still, the voice is consistent and charming throughout. The plot occasionally takes a backseat to character development and cozy moments, but I didn’t mind—it made the bigger moments feel more personal.
This is a book for anyone who wants queer joy, found family, and vampire lore with a side of emotional growth. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to—it just tells a good, heartfelt story with sincerity and a lot of bite.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Wednesday Books for the early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is a total delight—equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. Brennan’s journey from college sophomore to reluctant vampire is messy, emotional, and so relatable. I loved the quirky clan of “good” vampires and the sweet, slow-burn romance with Cole (the campus librarian crush!). The story balances humor with real emotional depth, especially around Brennan’s mental health and identity. It’s like Heartstopper meets Buffy, but with its own unique charm. If you’re into queer paranormal rom-coms with bite (and a lot of heart), this one’s a must-read. I smiled, I swooned, and I want more!

The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends is a fun, quirky paranormal romance with a mix of humor, teen drama, and supernatural elements. Jamie D’Amato creates a likable protagonist and a playful take on vampire tropes that make the story enjoyable and easy to read. The blend of romance and lighthearted adventure adds charm and entertainment value.

That said, the plot can feel predictable at times, and some characters lack depth, making it harder to fully invest in their relationships or conflicts. While the story is amusing and engaging in parts, it doesn’t fully distinguish itself in the crowded realm of paranormal teen romance.

Overall, The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends is a fun, light read—perfect for fans of quirky, supernatural romances, though it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

This book surprised me in so many ways. I went into it based on pure vibes from seeing the Fanart by Kidovna and was not disappointed in the slightest. As someone who LOVED reading Twilight and Vampire Academy back in Middle School & High School this book brought so much nostalgia to me. Loved the world & vampire lore the author created. The MMC reacted SO genuinely to becoming a vampire I was laughing out loud to his poor crash outs. Cole was such an amazing love interest and friend to Brennan I loved their entire relationship arc. Highly recommend this book if you want a good old gay vampire romcom. It hit all the boxes for me in the best way!

Yays:
- Very fun YA romcom
- Connection between Brennan and Cole was really sweet
- We love it when one character finds it hot when the other character knows the dewey decimal system
- Banter!!!
- Side characters were great
- Touched upon some serious topics in what I thought was a good way

Nays:
- The "twist" was not really a twist, as I predicted it early on but it was still delivered well
- I sort of felt that the ending was a bit abrupt

Overall, a really fun read!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

***Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing an advanced copy of the book via NetGalley. My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience.***

I loved this book so much that I finished it in just two sittings. The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends struck a really great balance between humor and emotionally heavy content. This was a coming-of-age story at its heart about finding and understanding one’s identity and place in the world, as well as building a community of people who accept and love you for who you are. The writing was easy to read, and the pace of the story kept me eagerly engaged from start to finish.

First things first, I did really like the vampire content in The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends. Nothing about the story really screamed horrifying. Instead, it was mostly about vampires figuring out how to live in modern society, which was both interesting and amusing. The reader got to learn things alongside Brennan as he navigated the changes to his body, and it worked really well. The vampire clan was giving hilarious found family vibes, and I wish there’d been even more of an emphasis on clan business and the opportunity to meet other clan members. I was really satisfied with the world-building overall, though. It wasn’t too overwhelming, but there was enough detail to really sell it.

The mental health representation in The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends was also excellent. Brennan experienced anxiety and depression and had previously attempted suicide. He had such a fascinating and moving inner journey, which was by far the main focus of the novel. I liked how his vampirism forced him to confront his issues with hiding the ‘monstrous’ parts of himself from those he loves. He learned to lean on others to help him process his more difficult thoughts and emotions. Brennan also had a tendency to have a lot of existential crises. I was fascinated by his struggle with coming to accept immortality while also battling thoughts about the pointlessness of life.

Cole was a ray of sunshine, and I adored his relationship with Brennan in The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends. Cole was kind and wanted to help everyone he met. Unfortunately, it made him a bit of pushover in order to keep everyone happy. His relationship with Brennan helped him grow into someone that no longer allowed others to make his decisions for him. The two boys helped each other grow in such important ways, and I loved that about their relationship. Their friend group was entertaining as well and gave off great Scooby gang vibes, especially toward the end. So, the comps to both Buffy and Heartstopper were actually quite appropriate.

Overall, The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends was a heartwarming and fun story with plenty of emotion, great characters, and cool vampire moments. The adorable romance and inner mental health journey took center stage, with the plot sometimes feeling like it took too much of a backseat. It all really worked for me, though, and I’m so glad I decided to pick this book up. Therefore, I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

a great addition for YA fans, but also people who are nostalgic for early love, or just want something FUN to read. Her characters are so funny and kind, we loved thinking about a vampire living in the NOW and how that plays out in the teen queer community. Perfect read!

As a millennial, I had a younger sister who introduced me to Twilight. I had, of course, read anything by Anne Rice I could get my hands on that existed in my small conservative town and was excited to share a love of vampires with my baby sis. It was terrible of course but one of my favourite memories with her is being at a midnight release party for Breaking Dawn and to this day, I celebrate Hoa Hoa Hoa season starting and watch all the movies over again in a cocoon of content nostalgia.

Yes, I still have all my books

Thank you to St Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for feeding my desire to read about cute queer vampires in exchange for my honest review.

The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood and Boyfriends is part journal, part research notes, filled with text messages and social media posts. Brennan is a cerebral thinker, getting lost in the stacks of the library. However, it's not for class that he's so involved in his work. It's trying to find out how he was turned into a vampire and what his existence is going to look like after her wipes out the entire squirrel population on campus trying to keep himself fed. What makes matters worse is Cole, the "cute librarian guy" who always is there for students to make them feel supported with a mug of tea and a blanket, who just so happens to find out Brennan's secret.

This book is adorable. The queer romance, the Frat bro roommate who is actually really supportive and open minded even if he cooks with too much garlic made me so happy. There are some darker tones in this book (trigger warnings include: suicidal ideation, attempt offscreen, homophobic parents, death, blood, animal death) The way that the mental health aspects is really well done and handled in a sweet and hopeful way.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self harm, please reach out for help - the world is better with you in it. If you need support in Canada please dial 9-8-8 for the national suicide prevention hotline. You Matter.

If you need a fun little romantic story to celebrate the end of summer then I highly suggest picking up The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood and Boyfriends immediately and cozy up with a good blanket, a hot cup of coffee and if you're lucky enough, a hot librarian.

Man, I really really wanted to like this one, especially since I got a physical copy from the publisher, but the constant HP & Buffy reference got exhausting. I also work at a college and this is not how they act?

This was such a cute and engaging read! I loved the mixed-media format—journal entries, pamphlets, texts, and the main narrative all woven together. It made the story feel dynamic and fresh, almost like you were peeking into Brennan’s life in real time.

As a YA paranormal rom-com, this book really stays in its lane in the best way. It’s quirky and fun, but also soft and heartfelt. Brennan’s voice felt authentic, and I appreciated how the story touched on sensitive topics like mental health with care and hopefulness, without ever losing its lightness.

Despite the vampire angle, this isn’t gory or scary—it’s more about Brennan’s coming-of-age journey as he learns to navigate life, friendship, and romance while dealing with the (slightly inconvenient) reality of vampire puberty. His budding relationship with Cole is sweet and charming, and I couldn’t help but root for them the whole way through.

If you like your paranormal stories with humor, heart, and just a gentle bite, this one’s a winner!

This book was so fun! I kind of didn't realize this was going to be YA because Brennan, one of the main characters, is 19 and in college, but I do think this is suitable for an older YA audience! Cole and Brennan's developing relationship is very sweet, and despite the heavy subjects touched on in the book I think this is a story with broad appeal.

This is such a cute book 😭 I love when YA books are just like this!!

Brennan is adorable and Cole is just so sweet!!

I can't tell you how often I smiled and let out happy tears just because this book was so sweet and emotional.

Please be mindful as it deals with some sensitive subjects!