I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine Narrator: Gilli Messer
Published by Berkley Publishing Group, Penguin Random House Audio on August 29, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Paranormal / Vampires
Length: 8 hours 59 minutes
Pages: 352
Format: ARC, Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo | Libro.fm
A September Indie Next Pick!
True love is at stake in this charming, debut romantic comedy.
Cassie Greenberg loves being an artist, but it’s a tough way to make a living. On the brink of eviction, she’s desperate when she finds a too-good-to-be-true apartment in a beautiful Chicago neighborhood. Cassie knows there has to be a catch—only someone with a secret to hide would rent out a room for that price.
Of course, her new roommate Frederick J. Fitzwilliam is far from normal. He sleeps all day, is out at night on business, and talks like he walked out of a regency romance novel. He also leaves Cassie heart-melting notes around the apartment, cares about her art, and asks about her day. And he doesn’t look half bad shirtless, on the rare occasions they’re both home and awake. But when Cassie finds bags of blood in the fridge that definitely weren’t there earlier, Frederick has to come clean...
Cassie’s sexy new roommate is a vampire. And he has a proposition for her.
This was okay. I didn’t fall in love with the story but I also didn’t hate it. The premise was promising and there is a lot to like about the book but I didn’t feel any kind of chemistry between Cassie and Frederick. I really need to feel that chemistry when I pick up a romance or it just isn’t as enjoyable. This was an enjoyable enough read but it was missing that extra spark that would have taken it to the next level.
Frederick is a vampire who hopes to find a roommate. He has been out of commission for the past 100 years after a friend’s joke and hopes that a new roommate can help him acclimate to the modern world. Cassie is in need of a new place to live and can’t resist checking out the ad that seems too good to be true. Frederick turns out to be a very polite and kind roommate, although he is rather old-fashioned. Of course, he does eventually have to share his secret with Cassie.
I listened to the audiobook and thought Gilli Messer did an excellent job with the narration. I believe that this was the first time that I have listened to her work but I must say that I was quite impressed. I liked the voices that she used for the various characters and thought that she had a very pleasant voice. I am certain that her performance only added to my overall enjoyment.
I think that a lot of readers will like this book even more than I did. This is a rather low-angst story with a really interesting premise. I wouldn’t hesitate to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.
Something about this didn’t click for me either. That being said, I am hoping for a companion novel about Reginald. For some reason, even though he was of questionable character, I liked him the most!
I agree! I think that he had more personality than any of the other characters.
Nice! I was eyeing this one just for the vampire/romcom feels! Which is odd for me, lol! Definitely want to pick this one up sometime soon! Glad you enjoyed it to some extent. Nice review!
Yes, it definitely has good bones with that premise, but too bad you just couldn’t connect.
This sounds cute, but I’ve only read luke-warm reviews for it so far. Still, a low-angst book can be a nice change! Thanks for the review. 🙂
This one definitely has a fun premise but it really is hard to be invested when you don’t feel the chemistry between the main couple.
Bummer! I’ve just started this (I’m supposed to review it on Friday!). I’ll lower my expectations.
I agree with you. I rarely feel the chemistry in these type of books but glad it had other redeeming qualities for it!
Lovely review!
Awww, sorry this wasn’t a hit for you. I did like it more than you. My least favorite part was the “nefarious” part of the story. I loved just watching these two interact. I thought they were adorable, and the whole learning to be modern was fun. That action portion was rushed, and it felt like it was stuck in there. Overall, I had a good time.
It does have kind of a fun premise! I’ve bee seeing it around quite a bit and was curious!
This sounds like it could be really cute so too bad it was a bit meh.
I’ve got this one on hold at my library, so I’m glad to hear you didn’t hate it. I’ll try to keep my expectations for it low, and then maybe I’ll be happily surprised. If not, at least I won’t be disappointed. ;D
It’s great to hear your honest thoughts about the book. Chemistry is indeed a crucial factor in a romance, and your review reflects that.
Low angst does sound good, but…