This is my first book from this author. I wasn’t sure what to expect but the blurb got me! Who doesn’t love queer vampire rom-com? For a debut novel it was tremendously done.

Very fun paranormal rom-com! It was so charming and sweet to read, I loved every moment of it. The characters were so well written!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Jamie D’Amato’s “The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends” is a delightful paranormal rom-com with a dash of mystery. This debut novel follows Brennan, a newly turned vampire who, alongside struggling with his newfound immortality, must also navigate anxiety, depression, and an unexpected crush on Cole, the charming library worker who unknowingly stumbles into his supernatural world.
One of the book’s standout elements is its humor, packed with clever pop culture references—especially the playful nods to Twilight and other vampire lore. Brennan’s journal entries, vampire pamphlets, and social media snippets add a unique, immersive touch, making the narrative feel lively and contemporary. The world-building of the “modern vampire” is intriguing, and while I would have loved a deeper dive into the vampire society, the book’s focus remains on Brennan’s personal journey rather than an overarching supernatural conspiracy.
Mental health representation is another strength of the novel. Brennan’s anxiety, depression, and panic attacks are depicted with realism and sensitivity, never feeling forced or overly dramatized. His struggle to accept his new life, while still dealing with emotions that existed long before his transformation, adds depth to his character. This theme extends to the found-family aspect of the book, as Brennan finds support among a wonderfully distinct and endearing cast of vampires, particularly the vibrant and unique Nellie.
The romance between Brennan and Cole is a slow burn, built on mutual understanding and patience. Their dynamic is both sweet and genuine, as they learn to navigate each other’s struggles and vulnerabilities. It’s refreshing to see a romance where both characters embrace their flaws rather than trying to “fix” each other.
While the plot takes its time to fully develop, the last portion of the book kicks into high gear, turning into something reminiscent of a vampire heist at a high-society ball. It’s a fun, unexpected twist that adds excitement to the otherwise character-driven narrative. The ending is particularly satisfying—Brennan not only accepts his vampire nature but also finds solace in a supportive community of both humans and vampires.
With its charming humor, heartfelt exploration of mental health, and engaging characters, “The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends” is a fantastic read for fans of contemporary paranormal fiction. While set in college, the book’s themes and tone make it accessible for younger YA readers as well. If you love vampires, romance, and a touch of mystery, this book is well worth sinking your teeth into.

This was cute! Definitely a book I would have devoured in high school.

Brennan is a college student struggling with depression. So when he wakes up after an accident with the immortal lifespan of a vampire, he's a little freaked out. His research sends him to the campus library, where he runs into Cole -- a hero amongst students known for his warm blankets and his listening ear.

Brennan is down bad for Cole pretty much instantly, but doesn't want to drag him into his vampire-drama. Cole, however, is not afraid but is actually intrigued by this (and every) aspect of Brennan. As the two forge a friendship and relationship, Brennan starts to figure out what being a vampire means, and how to do so responsibly.

Charming and sweet! Again definitely more for a YA audience but enjoyed it nonetheless.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I saw someone say this was heartstopper meets Buffy the vampire slayer and they would be so right. This is the kind of vampire romcom I didn’t know I needed in my life. I had put it down one night and couldn’t stop thinking of the story that I finished it in one night lol. It was so cute. TW this story is about Brennan a newly turned vampire navigating life after an unalive attempt. That is a touchy subject for me as well as others but they handled it very well. I love the way they discuss anxiety and depression throughout the story. Brenann and Cole 🥹💕 UGH. Highly recommend. Thank you publishers and netgalley.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for giving mme access to this ARC.

This YA debut novel hit all the marks for me. Funny, new romance, many library scenes, wonderful characters and vampires! Throw in references to Twilight and some beautiful poetry...What's not to love?
I predict that Jamie D'Amato will have a very successful writing future!

Thank you Jamie D'Amato, Wednesday Books, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 ⭐️!

As a Heartstopper & Twilight stan, this book was 100% written with me as its target audience. It was fun and heartfelt and I loved the silly tone it’s written in - it worked well with the subject matter.

As a psych major, I have known to be critical about how mental health is represented in a book and I loved the way this handled the darker themes.

I think my only critique is that the mystery element wasn’t really a mystery, with the ‘big reveal’ falling kind of flat for me. Since the book didn’t really centre around the mystery and more the characters, it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, but I do think we could have fleshed out the fantasy vampire elements a little more.

I will definitely look out for more from this author in the future (and from Wednesday because they’re quickly becoming one of my favourite imprints).

I thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal romcom! The story flowed very well. Thank so very much for the ARC

Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie D’Amato, and St. Martin's Press for allowing me access to the e-arc.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The story was well written. I thought the characters were well-developed and interesting. I liked the discussions of mental illness, suicide, and sexual orientation. I related to Brennan in some ways. It was even more impactful seeing him try to overcome the overwhelming sensations he felt. I adored the found family that was created. I did find some of the characters' choices to be selfish and a little ridiculous. But it is a college paranormal romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie D’Amato, and St. Martin's Press for allowing me access to the e-arc.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The story was well written. I thought the characters were well-developed and interesting. I liked the discussions of mental illness, suicide, and sexual orientation. I related to Brennan in some ways. It was even more impactful seeing him try to overcome the overwhelming sensations he felt. I adored the found family that was created. I did find some of the characters' choices to be selfish and a little ridiculous. But it is a college paranormal romance.

I highly recommend it!

TW: blood, animal death, death, suicidal thoughts, and attempt.

Read this in one sitting.
I will read anything from this author now.
“Make sure someone takes care of Rosie.”
If you are looking for a queer romance but minimal spice, with vampires and call backs to our original vampire loves (ie twilight)…you found your book!

This author uses the story of a young man freshly turned into a vampire, to examine what it is to be human. What it is to find a purpose to living.
And frankly, how terrifying it can be to starting *wanting* to live.

This book had me laughing, racing to read more and in the last few pages crying.

I need to know what happened with Rosie!!

Go read this book

SOOO CUTE i swear i didn't think a vampire romance could be this cute but here we are! i loved the chars, all of them (mostly). the romance was awesome, and the plot was cool. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

i was hooked onto this debut (which i didn’t know was a debut at first) from the moment i read the first page. this book had me laughing, kicking my feet and it was equal parts charming, hilarious and deeply important.

Brennan and Cole’s relationship was the perfect slow burn, filled with tension and the cutest moments. Brennan, newly turned and navigating life after a suicide attempt, is struggling with his existence when he unexpectedly finds a connection with Cole, the popular guy who somehow makes everything feel lighter. their dynamic had me clapping my hands and squealing like it’s the twilight era once again. and the way mental health was represented? incredible—it made me love the book even more. vampire lore and history blended seamlessly with Brennan and Cole’s journey, making it all the more compelling.

Jamie D’Amato has now been added to my immediate-read authors list, no question. this book was everything I wanted, and I just know it’s going to stick with me. in fact, I loved it so much that I immediately turned a friend onto NetGalley with it—because if I was going to be obsessed, I wasn’t going to be alone. If you’re looking for a book filled with emotion, self-discovery, humor, and vampires, this is absolutely the one to pick up!

I think a lot of teens will really enjoy this vampire book! It felt pretty standard to me as someone who has read a lot of YA vampire books, but that's not a bad thing!

The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends by Jamie D'Amato is a fun and quirky paranormal romance that blends humor, adventure, and a dash of mystery. The story follows a relatable vampire protagonist navigating the complexities of love, relationships, and her supernatural life. D'Amato’s witty writing style keeps the tone light while delivering a unique take on vampire lore. While the plot is entertaining, some parts may feel predictable, but it’s a charming, easy read for fans of lighthearted fantasy and romance.

This novel was absolutely adorable. Cole as a character was definitely my favorite but the cast overall was very fun. Sunny and Nellie were very cute and I like the idea of have “urban” or more modern covens or packs. I wish there was more development of the “vampire world” and Brennan’s interactions with them however I understand that this book would be much longer. I would definitely be interested in a sequel of this (maybe featuring Dom’s persepctive👀) but I also enjoy the idea of this being a standalone that doesn’t answer everything. It’s cute, it’s fun and pretty well written overall. I definitely recommend picking this one up when it releases!

I was hooked to this book from the title and the very first page. I could not put it down and I was giggling through many of the parts. It's a sweet, relatable and awesome book to say the least. The movies and shows referencing were fun.

I loved the slow-burn and tension between Cole and Brennan and their overall relationship is so cute. I enjoyed reading about them as individual people too, where Brennan is usually the grumpy and restricted while Cole is aloof and enjoys life as it passes. I enjoyed reading about all the side characters --- who were well developed and have distinct personalities and traits that made the narrative more fun.

The way mental health was represented in this book was amazing. I think this prospect made me like the book even more.

The vampires in this book were fun. The lore and histories were intriguing to read and amazing that it coincided perfectly with Cole and Brennan's relationship.

Overall, this was a really fun read, filled with emotional, cute, adorable moments, self-discovery and mental health representation and vampires.

I love when historically "Evil" creatures, such as Vampires are given the romcom treatment. Poor Brennan has been KO'd by life so many times I'm amazed he's still standing, and so is he when he discovers that he's now a vampire. Enter Cole the popular Liberian who finds out Brennan's true nature and becomes his friend. Of course, they grow to be more and their love story is so sweet and pure. Everything is not all sugar and rainbows, students on their campus are suddenly dying in vicious attacks and together Cole and Brennan try and get to the bottom of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves vampires or romcoms, you'll have a great time reading this.

A queer debut novel about vampires yes please!

Each character was likeable and had their own distinct personalities and development which was great to read

The plot is full of mystery romance and some hilariously funny moments too
If you loved buffy this is for you

i hadn’t realized this was a debut novel until i was about half way through, and all i can say is wow, this was brilliant!

vampires, romance and an unsolved mystery, what else can you ask for? this book was equal parts endearing, charming and hilarious. i remember having read only one chapter and thinking of all of them made me giggle as much as the first one had done, i was in for a treat, and i was right.

i decided at the beginning of 2025, this was going to be the year i enjoyed reading without pressure again. what i wasn’t expecting was the fact that i would actually enjoy them more than before, which means i’m just here for the vibes

brennan is navigating being a newly turned vampire and life after a suicide attempt. he knows he wants to live, but he’s also wondering where his existence means more harm than not. he’s also stuck up a friendship with popular guy, cole, with whom sparks fly.

and as of being a teenage vampire it’s not enough, he’s found out there’s a bigger force lingering in the premise of his university, which means he now has to somehow save the day.

the character were the perfect amount of real and cheeky, which means i found myself enjoying even reading about side characters. however, and even knowing they are the main ones, no one could hold a candle to my cuties brennan and cole. being growing teenagers is hard, but the way the author made them navigate the changes was beautifully written.

something i didn’t think i would like as much as i did were those diary passages, which were absolutely hilarious and i just simply couldn’t stop laughing

i just know jamie d’amato has just been added to my immediately read authors, and for a debut novel that is monumentally impressive

thanks to the author, NG, and Wednesday books for giving me the chance to read this book for an honest review!

This is exactly what I want out of a queer vampire romcom book. Even though I feel like this was a very character driven book, the plot did not suffer at all. I loved the characters and how they each had a distinct personality. I love the found family. The romance was adorable and I could not get enough of the Twilight references. The balance between the deep, existential subjects that were brought up and the silly light hearted moments made this feel cozy. I would definitely recommend The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood and Boyfriends to anyone looking for a fun vampire book!