I really, really loved this. It was charming, it was heartfelt, it was snarky, it was insightful. At times the book felt like it maybe tried to do a little too much (urban fantasy + lgbtqa+ romance + mystery), but it still was a lot of fun. The immediate storyline wrapped up nicely but the overall story felt incomplete, so I’m hoping that means there will be a second book!

While I really wanted to connect to this story more, it felt like too much of it was focused on nostalgia as a stepping point. As someone who never read Twilight, the constant references got fairly old, fast. There’s also the issue that these characters are supposed to be 19, and yet all the things that are referenced as “things they grew up with/the Twilight craze” are things that I, a 30yr old, actually grew up with.

I also know some others have mentioned the blink and you miss it Harry Potter reference (unnamed, but that’s what it was) that was included early on, so I won’t go into detail there. However, Twilight also has many issues - especially stemming from Stephanie Meyer’s Mormonism and explicitly in relation to the racism included in the narrative. It just feels like another franchise we could - and should - let quietly die. It wasn’t that good.

I also just didn’t connect with either of the characters, and felt like the underground vampire culture to be a bit difficult to believe. Not to mention, the main male love interest regularly smokes as an “attractive” quality, and the hatred the main male character had for the other vampiric character felt like his hatred stemmed in some sexism for her being a woman - criticizing her looks and the like.

I am willing to come back to this book sometime in the future, as I know it has aspects to it that I found fun and entertaining, but for now I’ll have to quietly DNF this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me this e-ARC.

Though I feel like the ending was very rushed and the book itself was cringy in a YA highschoolers way despite the characters being in collage and adults, I really loved this book! It was sweet, angsty, and funny! I thought the take of vampirism was interesting, and would definitely recommend this! Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

📖 Title: The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends

✍🏾 Author: Jamie D'Amato-debut author

📅Publication date: 8-26-25 | Read: 8-22-25

📃 Format: e-Book 352 pgs.

Genre:
*Fantasy
*Paranormal Romance
*New Adult-college
*Rom-Com

Tropes:
*found family
*vampire/human pairing
*LGBTQIA+
*whodunit

👆🏾POV: 3rd person single

⚠️TW: murder, depression, suicide attempt

🌎 Setting: Sturbridge University-Boston

Summary: Brennan is back at school after a mental health crisis last year. He gets into a car accident and wakes up a vampire. He receives a cryptic text to meet someone named Sunny. She introduces him to the urban clan's way of life. A student disappears and Brennan's not sure who killed them, so he investigates to find out vampire clan secrets with help from "the cute blanket guy"(Cole) and some newfound friends.

👨🏾Hero: Brennan Brooks-19, college sophomore

🎭 Other Characters:

* Dominque "Dom"-turned vampire same time as Brennan
*Cole-20, school librarian/fellow student
*Nellie-vampire community outreach/counselor
*Sunny-does surveillance and security for vamps
*Travis-the oldest/most powerful vampire in New England clan
*Tony + Mari-Brennan's roommate and gf
*Meredith Brooks-Brennan's mother

🤔 My Thoughts: I loved that Brennan used his journal writing as an outlet for his feelings. He's empathetic and kind but had some bad luck. I never took Travis seriously because I pictured him as a surfer dude. Dom was a complex character because she felt guilt yet yearned for blood. She was manipulated but redeemed herself. I felt closest to her because of the tragedy she suffered while wanting to make her own rules. Brennan and Cole were cute together but a little adolescent. I felt when Travis challenged them without Nellie or Sunny's help.

Rating: 3.5/5 ✨
Spice level: 1/5🌶️kissing only

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books, and Jamie D'Amato for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

Brennan and Cole are absolutely adorable. The cozy, young love, sweet vibes to this book were perfect. This is a great summer to fall transition book and I ate it up. There were the high stakes of being a vampire, the side characters all felt so developed and I just loved every second.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was a fun read! If you like vampires and a super gushy romance, you’ll like this one.

I just couldn’t fully connect to the characters or the plot. I wish it focused more on one thing, preferably the romance. I know it’s about being a vampire too, but I felt like we were being pulled in lots of different directions.

I liked Nellie and Sunny. I was a little suspicious of them at times, just because I wasn’t sure if they were really handling things. But Sunny was so cool and Nellie was super cute and funny!

I loved Tony, he was so funny. His moments, though there weren’t that many, were my favorite. It took me a little bit to warm up to Mari but that’s because it took her a while to warm up to Brennan. I thought they were all a little too chill on vampires being real and knowing one, but it is what it is.

Cole and Brennan were great together! I was totally invested in their love story. I just wish we saw more of it. We got more by the end, but I was hoping for the whole entire book to be focused on them with only a little bit of mention to Brennan figuring out how to be a vampire. Their chemistry was great. It definitely gave “Heartstopper” vibes.

This was a really funny book too. I was laughing out loud at so many moments.

Travis was so annoying but he had some funny lines too. I didn’t feel one way or another on Dom.

This wasn’t my favorite read, which is why I gave it 3 stars, but I know that is just a personal taste. I think it’s worth the read! I can see a lot of people liking this one.

4⭐️

This was cute quick read. I loved the goofiness of the elder vampires struggling to get used to present day technology as well as Brennan trying to get used to to being a vampire in and of itself. On top of that I think the seriousness of Brennan's past suicidal ideation in juxtaposition with his new immortality was such an interesting addition to a more or less lighthearted story. The parental trauma that both Brennan and Cole had and the way they could relate with Brennan's past attempt and Cole's brother's death was also a great move. Cole being the Campus Cryptid because he's so sweet and showing that even he gets overwhelmed at time was heartwarming.

I did struggle with the way Brennan reacted to Dom. He was immediately so judgmental that a brand new vampire didn't have perfect control over their ability. Brennan's own control was based entirely around his own safe hatred of himself. He was so condescending of every 'murder' and it was wild to me that he just thought that everyone would immediately have the same level of control as him. I also feel like the climax of the story kind of fell flat but I guess it fit for a cozy story.

Thanks Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing this ARC to me and Wednesday Books for Providing me a final copy!

Thank you Netgalley for sending me this ARC.

I do enjoy this book, it's funny, cute, cheesy MM romance that makes me giggling and kicking feet because Brennan and Cole are so cute together!!!

It's a whodunit mystery involving vampires, so expect some bloody scenes. Sometimes it's leaning to heavier topic such as depression and suicide attempt, so please make sure to check the trigger warning.

Brennan just recovers from his last suicide attempt, but somehow his luck is so awful that now he has to navigate his new life (or un-life?) as a newly-turned vampire. When he's still adjusting to his new normal, he meets this cute librarian—Cole—and falls in love.

But Brennan is a Vampire now, and Cole? He's just a human. And there's a wicked Vampire out there that preys on humans. So Cole and his friends have to do something to protect both the good Vampires community and humans from this evil being.

Thank you Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the e-arc and ALC.

So, I tried to like this. I really did. The premise sounded adorable. But, I couldn't get passed the Twilight and HP references. Honestly, none of this felt realistic for how college students act, like the references to the books of the YA genre were a bit...outdated. I can handle cringe, but this book just felt flat.

It isn't a bad book, but it was not my cup of tea.

Rating: 4/5
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

In this story, we meet Brennan—a newly turned vampire who’s just trying to survive on squirrel blood while figuring out his new life. He refuses to drink from humans, so when his cravings grow stronger, he resorts to sneaking blood from the school’s blood bank. Unfortunately, he gets caught… by the cute library guy. From there, Brennan’s life becomes messier, but also brighter, as he learns that maybe there’s hope (and love) even in the dark.

I really enjoyed following Brennan’s journey as he struggled to adjust to vampire society, leaned on books for guidance, and slowly opened himself up to friendship and romance. His interactions with Cole—the adorable librarian who catches him red-handed and cheekily tells him to read Twilight—were such a highlight. Their banter was sweet, witty, and natural, and watching their relationship blossom was so much fun. The side characters also stood out—Sunny and Nellie were both fascinating, layered additions who added to the “found family” vibe I loved.

What impressed me most was how the author balanced the lighthearted, fun aspects of the story with deeper, heavier themes. Through Brennan’s struggles, we see an authentic portrayal of depression, suicidal ideation, complicated family dynamics, and the pain of not feeling accepted. But we also see hope—Brennan’s growth, his ability to forge his own path, and the reminder that family isn’t only defined by blood. The small mystery subplot added an extra layer of intrigue, keeping me hooked as Brennan tried to untangle who was doing what and why.

This book is witty, sweet, queer, fast-paced, and filled with both heart and humor. If you’re a fan of paranormal romance with found family, tender character growth, and plenty of banter, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

A big thank-you to NetGalley and SMP for the opportunity to review this book!

When Brennan (a newly turned vampire) accidentally gets caught stealing blood by the guy who works in the library his life gets even more complicated. What follows is a fun story of a college kid trying his best to navigate classes, friendships, vampirism, and the fact that he’s now immortal.

I love found family and this book is such a great example of it. Brennan learns to embrace his vampirism with the help of a cast of eccentric and fun characters. The main drama of the plot is interesting and hinges on how complicated turning would really be. This book also contemplates what it will be like to live forever and how someone who often struggles with depression can deal with this.

Something I love in a book with a ridiculous concept is when it doesn’t take itself too seriously, this book is a great example of that. Brennan reads Twilight as part of his vampirism research, alongside hundreds of pamphlets given to him by an incredibly old vampire who is questionable with technology. There’s vampire laser tag, bachelorette watching nights, and water guns full of pasta sauce.

This book is funny and easy to read but also provides a lot to think about. As someone who has read a lot of vampire fiction - this is a good one!

(I will say check the content warnings with this one there are many references to an attempt Brennan made the year before and while they are not graphic they are more prevalent than I would have expected based on the CW page and general tone of this book)

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a copy of this!

“Sorry!” he called through the door and paused his crisis for later.

Same Brennan, same.

When Brennan wasn’t being a judgemental, whiny brat, I really liked him. But man, sometimes he’s up there on his high horse, judging others, and making decisions for everyone in his life, while whining about his own, ad nauseam, and I just wanted to reach in and punch him. Poor Dom was going through too much, and he just wouldn’t let up. He thinks he knows better, so he’s telling her what to do and what to feel. He does that to Cole too, and it’s just... Yuck. I would have liked to see that toxicity addressed.

But his anxiety was relatable, and I liked how the author represented it.

The book was more into the romance and angst than it was the vampire aspect. Which isn’t totally my cup of tea. But on the whole, I enjoyed it and think others will too.

The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends was such a fun and charming read. I loved the mix of humor, romance, and supernatural adventure—it kept me entertained from start to finish. The characters were quirky and relatable, and I especially enjoyed the witty dialogue that made the story feel lively and fresh. A few plot points felt a little predictable to me, but overall it was an enjoyable and engaging read that I’d happily recommend.

The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood and Boyfriends was a fun, campy book about college, relationships, and of course - vampires.

I really enjoyed how lighthearted this book was, and the humor worked well for me. The idea of a vampire clan having regular orientation sessions, complete with handy pamphlets, was hilarious to me and the joke didn't get old as the book went on. Nellie & Sunny were highlights for me and their complementary nature when it came to technology and trends was an endless source of joy.

In addition to the lighthearted moments, we also had some really tender and vulnerable moments that I thought were well-written (with one exception, which I noted in spoilers below). Our MCs struggle with anxiety, depression, and other issues and these were all treated as serious topics. Talking about your mental health with people close to you was treated as totally normal in this book and that's great!

Unfortunately, there were a few things I didn't like about this book.

At one point, HP is very clearly referenced. There's plenty of other relevant media & we really don't need to keep this franchise relevant in any way in 2025. Similarly, Twilight was really heavily referenced. In general, this book makes a LOT of pop culture references. While this makes the book feel more *real* and *grounded*, it also ends up taking me out of the story. For some folks, I think these types of references are draw, but for me it falls a little flat because I can't help but think that this book is best read immediately upon publication. Younger people reading this even 10 years from now will find it dated. Some references included: Timothee Chalamet (in general), Brokeback Mountain, Love Island, Thirteen Reasons Why, "that one poet tumblr is obsessed with" (Richard Siken).

This book also mentions Rupi Kaur more than once, and frames her writing as some kind of blight upon poetry. I'm sorry, but if you're essentially platforming Twilight (even if you acknowledge it is trashy), I think it's bad taste to turn around and say a particular poet is "terrible". We all have preferences, this just rubbed me the wrong way, personally. (I'm not even a Kaur fan, I just think this was weird).

I also did not appreciate the way Brennan focuses on how his suicide attempt hurt the people around him. I understand he feels guilt and shame but those feelings are never challenged, making it seem like he *should* feel bad about it? Idk I feel some kind of way about the emphasis put on the "harm" done to others during that incredibly vulnerable and painful time for him?

In general, the book reads very Millennial. I AM a millennial, and I don't mean it in a derogatory way, I'm just noting it because I know other people find it annoying.

One last thing - this is marketed as grumpy x sunshine. I do think Cole is 'sunshine', but I wouldn't really call Brennan 'grumpy'. He's more like angsty or emo? IDK, something about the word grumpy in particular doesn't seem to fit him.


Overall, I enjoyed this book. We saw our characters learn and grow, and I felt like the relationship was believable. The banter was fun, but the author knew when to take it down a notch for the vulnerable moments. Despite a few drawbacks, I would still recommend this book!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

I think that this book was a adorble early fall read. This book gave me early fall vibes and also buffy vibes. I loved the lgbtq+ romance and loved the characters. This book does tackle harder topics like past suciede talk int the past. I also really liked the audio of this book and this book made me laugh! hope we get more books set in this world!!

Looking for a lighthearted escape with a refreshing twist? The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends delivers a charming and relatable take on the vampire genre, sidestepping the usual tropes and stereotypes for something altogether more… human. It's the perfect palate cleanser between denser fantasy reads.

What resonated most with me was the protagonist, Brennan, and his authentic struggles with mental health. As someone who grapples with similar anxieties, I found his journey both compelling and inspiring. The book doesn't shy away from portraying the challenges of managing mental health, and offers positive examples of coping mechanisms like journaling and therapy. This made the story feel incredibly real and potentially impactful for readers who are navigating their own mental health journeys.

Beyond the personal struggles, The Good Vampire's Guide shines with its ensemble of supportive friends who brought levity and humor to the story. While the prose itself is accessible and easy to follow, the author's talent for creating vivid imagery truly elevated the reading experience. I felt like I could effortlessly step into Brennan's world and experience it alongside him.

Ultimately, The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends is an enjoyable and feel-good read that offers a gentle bite of paranormal romance. While it doesn't break new ground, its charm and relatable characters make it a worthwhile escape. I'd be open to reading more from this author, making it a promising discovery in the realm of light fantasy.

The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends by Jamie D’Amato, 336 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2025. $21.
Language: R (207 swears, 105 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Last semester at college was rough for Brennan, and he wasn’t sure if he was even going to make it to age 19, and now, after being hit with a car and coming back to life, he might be a 19-year-old vampire forever—though not a very good one. Going from being vegetarian to drinking animal blood was unpleasant, and then Brennan gets caught on his first attempt to steal donated human blood by none other than Cute Library Blanket Guy. Somehow, college just got a whole worse.
This fun take on modern vampirism includes social media and a hundred Twilight references, making the story light and entertaining amidst the very real challenges of mental health, family drama, and your boyfriend’s friends not approving his relationship with you. The love story was adorable, and the determination of humans and young, weak vampires to team up to thwart the big bad was just epic enough to fit the vibe.
Brennan is White and bi, Cole is described as having “light” skin and is gay, Marisela is Latina, Sunny is Korean and part of the LGBT community, and Nellie is Black and part of the LGBT community. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, drug use, illegal activity, innuendo, kissing, partial nudity, and mentions of condoms, orgasm, and sex. The violence rating is for blood and gore, mentions of suicide, assault, and murder.
Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Brennan, 19 year old college sophomore, almost dies after being hit by a car and is instead turned info a vampire. As if he doesn't have enough to worry about, the adorable boy who works at the library, Cole, discovers his secret but also seems to want to be friends with him?!

Brennan, the sweetest and most depressed cinnamon roll, recovering from a recent suicide attempt has a hard time making friends. Yet he becomes fast friends with Cole, who seems to get along with everyone and know just want to say and do all the time.

The two slowly learn more about each other and develop a closer friendship and eventually more. All while Brennan is dealing with being a new vampire, meeting his local clan, trying to figure out who turned him and why people are going missing on campus.

I really enjoyed Brennan's honesty dealing with his emotions and his depression. Trying to reconcile with feeling inadequate but that maybe, just maybe Cole does actually like him and he does deserve love. He slowly is able to crack Cole's constant positivity and helping Cole deal with his own demons. The two are absolutely adorable together!

Overall the pacing of the story was a little slow and then it suddenly ramped up right around the end of the book with things seeming to resolve rather quickly. I really enjoyed Brennan opening his circle and letting people in and letting people help him. The story had a great bunch of characters. I especially love Brennan's new coven.

I feel like I could read many more books in this universe!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is definitely a book for readers who enjoy a relatively light, fluffy romance with a good dose of the supernatural. I say relatively because there IS some heavier content in the story, most particularly Brennan's suicide attempt which leads to him turning into a vampire. His struggles as he comes to terms with his new (un)life are both realistic and at times heartbreaking, but thanks to the support of his friends, he begins to figure out how accept and maybe even start to embrace his vampiric side. The ending took an unexpected turn, with him and his friends facing an incredibly dangerous threat, and although I feel like that part of the plot really wasn't necessary, it played out in a realistic way. All in all, I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars, which I'll round up to 4 for the purpose of this review. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy a lighthearted vampire love story, with the caveat that there are some serious topics that might not be appropriate for everyone.

The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends shines brightest through its characters. Brennan is awkward, vulnerable, and relatable, while Cole is charming in that “too good to be true” way that makes you root for their romance from the start. The supporting cast of “good” vampires also adds fun energy and warmth to the story, making it easy to fall for the people on the page. But while the characters are lovable, the plot itself never fully delivers on the potential promised in the premise. The mystery and vampire lore felt underdeveloped, leaving the book feeling more like a collection of sweet moments than a fully fleshed-out story. A fun read for the characters alone, but not quite strong enough overall to sink its teeth in.