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Vampire Sorority Sisters #1
Better Off Red
Every sorority has its secrets...
And college freshman Ginger Carmichael couldn't care less. She has more important things on her mind, like maintaining her perfect GPA. No matter how much she can't stand the idea of the cliques and the matching colors, there's something about the girls of Alpha Beta Omega—their beauty, confidence, and unapologetic sexuality—that draws Ginger in. But once initiation begins, Ginger finds that her pledge is more than a bond of sisterhood, it’s a lifelong pact to serve six bloodthirsty demons with a lot more than nutritional needs.
Despite her fears, Ginger falls hard for the immortal queen of this nest, and as the semester draws to a close, she sees that protecting her family from the secret of her forbidden love is much harder than studying for finals.
And college freshman Ginger Carmichael couldn't care less. She has more important things on her mind, like maintaining her perfect GPA. No matter how much she can't stand the idea of the cliques and the matching colors, there's something about the girls of Alpha Beta Omega—their beauty, confidence, and unapologetic sexuality—that draws Ginger in. But once initiation begins, Ginger finds that her pledge is more than a bond of sisterhood, it’s a lifelong pact to serve six bloodthirsty demons with a lot more than nutritional needs.
Despite her fears, Ginger falls hard for the immortal queen of this nest, and as the semester draws to a close, she sees that protecting her family from the secret of her forbidden love is much harder than studying for finals.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
125 people are currently reading
3682 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Weatherspoon
33 books2,933 followersAfter years of meddling in her friends’ love lives, Rebekah Weatherspoon turned to writing romance to get her fix. Raised in Southern New Hampshire, Rebekah Weatherspoon now lives in Southern California where she will remain forever because she hates moving.
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
June 3, 2025
4.5 stars. I didn't expect that books about vampires would be some of the most enjoyable of my recent reads. Terrible Praise was excellent but really morbid and violent. Better Off Red takes a different road. There is some darkness for sure but this tale takes the other directions where vamps and humans coexist. The system itself was really novel to me so I enjoyed this read a lot.
I passed over this book many times in the past due to its silly name. So I must say my thanks to lov2 and her review that revealed this book having far more substance than I expected. It is truly a good read, both the plot and erotica are well executed.
Recommend to all, especially paranormal fans.
I passed over this book many times in the past due to its silly name. So I must say my thanks to lov2 and her review that revealed this book having far more substance than I expected. It is truly a good read, both the plot and erotica are well executed.
Recommend to all, especially paranormal fans.
June 7, 2018
Ok I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. I've had a few "meh" reads lately but now two back to back books have left me literally happy book drunk. Better Off Red was just a great, great read. I can't fathom how some people gave this one star. And for someone to say the writing was "lazy" is just incomprehensible to me. The writing was sexy, exciting and so humorous. Plus this was the author's debut!!! Color me very impressed.
Ok maybe the book could have been a bit shorter, but how can I complain when there were so many sexy times(like every chapter people!). So yea forget I said that...the book should have been much longer.
Ok maybe the book could have been a bit shorter, but how can I complain when there were so many sexy times(like every chapter people!). So yea forget I said that...the book should have been much longer.
November 28, 2019
“Better Off Red - (Vampire Sorority Sisters #1)” is a fantastic audiobook with great characters, an interesting story, lots and lots of humor, and lots and lots of erotic sex!
I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed this book until glancing through my bookmarks to write a belated review! There are two more books in the series, but neither are yet available as audiobooks.
MC Ginger is 77% sure she’s a lesbian, and plans her masturbation time around her roommate Amy’s schedule. MC Camila is queen of the local vampire nest, and Camila is surprised that Ginger had been able to see her when she should have been invisible to humans.
Ginger learns some secrets about herself and her family, but spends most of her time lusting after Camila, having orgy sex with other sorority pledges, finding that Camila also lusts for her, and taking care of that lust…frequently and creatively!
The narrator did a fantastic job, and I highly recommend this entertaining, erotic, story with 5*
I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed this book until glancing through my bookmarks to write a belated review! There are two more books in the series, but neither are yet available as audiobooks.
MC Ginger is 77% sure she’s a lesbian, and plans her masturbation time around her roommate Amy’s schedule. MC Camila is queen of the local vampire nest, and Camila is surprised that Ginger had been able to see her when she should have been invisible to humans.
Ginger learns some secrets about herself and her family, but spends most of her time lusting after Camila, having orgy sex with other sorority pledges, finding that Camila also lusts for her, and taking care of that lust…frequently and creatively!
The narrator did a fantastic job, and I highly recommend this entertaining, erotic, story with 5*
July 19, 2012
This was a fun book to read. There wasn't a big plot of any sort, but it is more like a sitcom or soap, where the interest is in the characters and their day to day lives and interactions. (although, rather rated xxx)
The writing style flows easily and requires little work on the reader's part. And the story wont require to look much up or think too hard. It's a great book for when you just want to kick back and enjoy something lighthearted and not too deep.
Towards the beginning, there were a few scenes that had me rolling my eyes and thinking that i had just wasted 9.99 on some really tacky porn. like the vampire sorority orgy with all the girls of the house. ...could have totally done without that. But thankfully, as i kept reading, i got to witness the great character development that the author did. Before long, each of the girls had personalities and became interesting and interacted with each other very realistically.
Overall, i highly recommend this book. It exceeds the expectations one would assign to anything about vampire sorority girls, and is surprisingly very interesting. I'll be reading it again, and i'll be checking into more from this author.
The writing style flows easily and requires little work on the reader's part. And the story wont require to look much up or think too hard. It's a great book for when you just want to kick back and enjoy something lighthearted and not too deep.
Towards the beginning, there were a few scenes that had me rolling my eyes and thinking that i had just wasted 9.99 on some really tacky porn. like the vampire sorority orgy with all the girls of the house. ...could have totally done without that. But thankfully, as i kept reading, i got to witness the great character development that the author did. Before long, each of the girls had personalities and became interesting and interacted with each other very realistically.
Overall, i highly recommend this book. It exceeds the expectations one would assign to anything about vampire sorority girls, and is surprisingly very interesting. I'll be reading it again, and i'll be checking into more from this author.
February 14, 2022
Lesbian. Sorority. Vampires. Just so many yes’s, I’ll do a more in depth review on my booksta/booktok
September 25, 2020
Perfection!! Just flawless! I legit loved EVERYTHING about this book!! So so so so good! Ginger and Camila are my new otp and I’m obsessed with them omg just amazing! The whole story is so good! I know I keep saying this but it’s just so good! I’m pretty sure I felt all the emotions known to the world while reading this book. And I gotta say that all the side characters are a very welcome addition, except Greg. And this hidden demon world was so much fun to read about. I love vampire books and I gotta say this is now my favorite of them all. In fact, this book is def on my top 5 of best books I’ve ever read. I don’t even know what else to say besides PERFECTION!! This book was so beautiful. The chemistry between Ginger and Camila is breathtaking and so intense and it made me feel all tingly and warm. Not to mention the sex scenes... HOT DAMN!! And that ending was just spectacular! The cherry on top of the cake. It made me so happy. I can’t stop smiling right now. Can’t wait to re-read this story in a few months. Lowkey want to read it again right now 😩😂 SO GOOD! 100% recommend!!
September 27, 2020
5 Stars - do not judge a book by its cover or title - this was GREAT
After reading Barbara's rave review, I just had to give this book a try. You guys! This book is great! The cover and the subtitle might lead you to believe this is just a bit of bad pulp lesfic. It's not. It's a wonderful romance with some interesting takes on the vampire mythology and a bit of group sex. ;) But seriously, it's really good and our two mains are monogamous once they find each other, if that's important to you (I know it added to my enjoyment). Also, if you feel your lesfic doesn't have enough scissoring in it, this book will make up for any deficits in you reading.
This book was hot and hella fun and I am looking forward to the next book.
After reading Barbara's rave review, I just had to give this book a try. You guys! This book is great! The cover and the subtitle might lead you to believe this is just a bit of bad pulp lesfic. It's not. It's a wonderful romance with some interesting takes on the vampire mythology and a bit of group sex. ;) But seriously, it's really good and our two mains are monogamous once they find each other, if that's important to you (I know it added to my enjoyment). Also, if you feel your lesfic doesn't have enough scissoring in it, this book will make up for any deficits in you reading.
This book was hot and hella fun and I am looking forward to the next book.
October 2, 2014
Rebekah is a new to me author and I was pleasantly surprised by her writing style.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the entire vampire, sister sorority thing, but the author pulled it off wonderfully.
I enjoy the characters, the plot was interesting. The sex scenes were smoking hot, and beautifully written. Sensual.
I would definitely recommend this story to others, and look forward to reading more books by this author.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the entire vampire, sister sorority thing, but the author pulled it off wonderfully.
I enjoy the characters, the plot was interesting. The sex scenes were smoking hot, and beautifully written. Sensual.
I would definitely recommend this story to others, and look forward to reading more books by this author.
October 21, 2014
disappointing f/f. review to come.
****
So, Better Off Red follows college freshman Ginger as she rushes a sorority full of beautiful women, discovers they are a vampire cult, and falls in love with their leader.
Insta-love PWP just about sums it up. Other reviews state that the story picks up towards the end, but if I didn't catch it at 65%, then no.
I'm giving it one star for the setting and characters. College is a great time, especially surrounded by these hot sorority sisters who fuck all day long. Even though they don't do much else, the sex is hot.
Another star because I will admit to re-reading that first lesbian orgy scene. ;)
Unfortunately, Ginger is a pillow princess and the sex gets repetitive, which is why I stopped.
Not worth the $5 I paid for this.
****
So, Better Off Red follows college freshman Ginger as she rushes a sorority full of beautiful women, discovers they are a vampire cult, and falls in love with their leader.
Insta-love PWP just about sums it up. Other reviews state that the story picks up towards the end, but if I didn't catch it at 65%, then no.
I'm giving it one star for the setting and characters. College is a great time, especially surrounded by these hot sorority sisters who fuck all day long. Even though they don't do much else, the sex is hot.
Another star because I will admit to re-reading that first lesbian orgy scene. ;)
Unfortunately, Ginger is a pillow princess and the sex gets repetitive, which is why I stopped.
Not worth the $5 I paid for this.
March 6, 2025
To start off with I thought this book was nothing but sexy times between wlw (women loving women) with vampires, which is totally my jam and I was here for it. And there are a lot of sexy times (all f/f) in the book. But now it feels like that is just to suck you in, and then before I knew it I had fallen in love with the characters, gotten to know them, was crying my eyes out and worried about them, and it was making me think. Yes, i'd call this erotica, which is all good with me, but then it ends up being so much more than that!
There is a romance (pretty big part of the plot) and while it is often sweet (and very sexy) conflicts and misunderstandings did come about, and there were talked through and figured out.
There is stuff going on between the girls that I initially rolled my eyes at, but it all comes together in the end in such a powerful way! This definitely ends on a note of girls supporting girls, please trust it knows what it's doing!
The vampires in here can also co-exist with humans. Yes it does get dark sometimes but over-all is a fun sexy time, with vampires that can co-exist with human, characters making mistakes and learning from them, and a sorority full of girls who are different from each other and definitely make a great bunch!
I often was able to put myself in the MC's shoes, as in i'd be like "yup, i'd do that". She isn't perfect, but she is willing to think and learn over the course of the book. I loved her character arc!
Also she starts off questioning her sexuality. Is she bi, is she a lesbian? She figures it out (lesbian) and it felt very real and I remember questioning my sexuality the same way when I was a teen for awhile. I'm bi so the end result was a little different, but I didn't get any biphobia from the book and I loved seeing her figure herself out.
If this sounds at all good to you, I highly recommend checking it out! Obviously I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea but if it sounds up your alley, I recommend it :)
CW: Self-harm, Fire, Car accident, Death, Sexual Assault, Rape (mentioned that it happened, no graphics), Sex (f/f)
Edit: I read and wrote this when I still thought I was a bi cis woman. I'm a straight trans man and too lazy to fix the review. Long story. Still need to reread it so I can continue the series.
There is a romance (pretty big part of the plot) and while it is often sweet (and very sexy) conflicts and misunderstandings did come about, and there were talked through and figured out.
There is stuff going on between the girls that I initially rolled my eyes at, but it all comes together in the end in such a powerful way! This definitely ends on a note of girls supporting girls, please trust it knows what it's doing!
The vampires in here can also co-exist with humans. Yes it does get dark sometimes but over-all is a fun sexy time, with vampires that can co-exist with human, characters making mistakes and learning from them, and a sorority full of girls who are different from each other and definitely make a great bunch!
I often was able to put myself in the MC's shoes, as in i'd be like "yup, i'd do that". She isn't perfect, but she is willing to think and learn over the course of the book. I loved her character arc!
Also she starts off questioning her sexuality. Is she bi, is she a lesbian? She figures it out (lesbian) and it felt very real and I remember questioning my sexuality the same way when I was a teen for awhile. I'm bi so the end result was a little different, but I didn't get any biphobia from the book and I loved seeing her figure herself out.
If this sounds at all good to you, I highly recommend checking it out! Obviously I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea but if it sounds up your alley, I recommend it :)
CW: Self-harm, Fire, Car accident, Death, Sexual Assault, Rape (mentioned that it happened, no graphics), Sex (f/f)
Edit: I read and wrote this when I still thought I was a bi cis woman. I'm a straight trans man and too lazy to fix the review. Long story. Still need to reread it so I can continue the series.
January 20, 2015
This was a (mostly) light, fanciful, often silly, rather cute read.
Written well enough to fall into the 4.5 to 5 star category for me, I found myself enjoying this book very much. The characters were interesting and likable (except the ones that we were not meant to like, obviously), the dialog in keeping with the characters, ages, and situations. The premise was fun, the execution of it pretty near perfect (for me) even though it was somewhat predictably predictable.
Though the book began with a tad too much silliness and sexy shenanigans (and silly sexy shenanigans), the further I got with the book the more the story evolved, the emotions became more prominent, and the depth grew. The latter parts of the book jarred a bit with the beginning, as it threw in some fairly heavy complications and emotional situations that aren't normally found in what basically starts out as an erotic novel. It took a while to adjust to the change of pace, but in the end I found it only added to the overall enjoyment of the book.
Of course, I couldn't possibly comment on an 'erotic novel' without mentioning the romance and the sexy parts. The romance - though hastily embarked upon - was sweet, sexy, and believable. It was very, very cute in fact, but not in a bad way. The intimate scenes certainly achieved what they were probably written to achieve - titillating in parts, sensual in others, emotional in some, gratuitous here and there, but overall very well written. The growing affection and romance between the two main characters played out perfectly.
And have I mentioned how much I really liked Ginger and Camila?
I was completely surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I thought it was going to be a quick, silly, somewhat entertaining jaunt into fantasy territory, but I definitely got more than that out of it.
Written well enough to fall into the 4.5 to 5 star category for me, I found myself enjoying this book very much. The characters were interesting and likable (except the ones that we were not meant to like, obviously), the dialog in keeping with the characters, ages, and situations. The premise was fun, the execution of it pretty near perfect (for me) even though it was somewhat predictably predictable.
Though the book began with a tad too much silliness and sexy shenanigans (and silly sexy shenanigans), the further I got with the book the more the story evolved, the emotions became more prominent, and the depth grew. The latter parts of the book jarred a bit with the beginning, as it threw in some fairly heavy complications and emotional situations that aren't normally found in what basically starts out as an erotic novel. It took a while to adjust to the change of pace, but in the end I found it only added to the overall enjoyment of the book.
Of course, I couldn't possibly comment on an 'erotic novel' without mentioning the romance and the sexy parts. The romance - though hastily embarked upon - was sweet, sexy, and believable. It was very, very cute in fact, but not in a bad way. The intimate scenes certainly achieved what they were probably written to achieve - titillating in parts, sensual in others, emotional in some, gratuitous here and there, but overall very well written. The growing affection and romance between the two main characters played out perfectly.
And have I mentioned how much I really liked Ginger and Camila?
I was completely surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I thought it was going to be a quick, silly, somewhat entertaining jaunt into fantasy territory, but I definitely got more than that out of it.
September 7, 2015
Great start, but the end needed tightening up as too many major changes occurred too quickly.
Wish I could have liked this more.
Wish I could have liked this more.
October 18, 2017
This book started off as a delightfully fluffy, light, campy read and developed into an intense supernatural story with great characters and in-depth mythology. As the story progressed, the two tones matched perfectly to create one of the best lesbian paranormal romances I've ever read!
With a sorority setting, a lesbian romance has to get its camp on a little bit. I knew I loved Ginger right away as our main character because her biggest worry about sharing space with her bubbly roommate Amy was when she was going to get her regular masturbation time scheduled. We're slowly introduced to the gorgeous girls of the Alpha Beta Omega sorority in a way that makes us second-guess who they really are--is this a trip of a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Are these girls vampires or something a little different? And what really goes on in the sorority mansion?
By the time we meet Camila, the powerful vampire sister-queen who Ginger falls in love with, we're already wonderfully involved in the sorority's lives. Each character, be it supporting or minor or even just mentioned, feels real enough for us to remember them when we turn the page. Without giving too much away, I'll definitely say that Camila and Ginger's love story is one I won't forget anytime soon. I became absolutely obsessed with their romance.
(And let's just say Weatherspoon never fades to black. Wow, was this some scorching erotica).
Writing campy lesbian fiction that is actually for lesbian women is challenging, but I felt totally safe in Rebekah Weatherspoon's capable hands. We might get discussions of pubic hair patterns and arrays of colorful dildos, but it always feels like we're in on the joke--these ladies know their new lives as vampire "feeders" are ridiculous just as much as we do. Nobody takes themselves too seriously or falls into an overly-romantic Twilight trap. The vampire social structure and hierarchy is actually well-planned and helps to create a story we get lost in. There's blood and fighting and secrecy, but there are also bake sales and chem finals and annoying older brothers.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this five stars was the ending. It felt way too contrived from previous popular vampire stories and it threw off the delicate balance I liked so much about the characters. It was also a little rushed in the last 50 pages.
I read this one in paperback but bought the next two books in e-book format. I can't wait to continue with the ladies of ABO!
With a sorority setting, a lesbian romance has to get its camp on a little bit. I knew I loved Ginger right away as our main character because her biggest worry about sharing space with her bubbly roommate Amy was when she was going to get her regular masturbation time scheduled. We're slowly introduced to the gorgeous girls of the Alpha Beta Omega sorority in a way that makes us second-guess who they really are--is this a trip of a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Are these girls vampires or something a little different? And what really goes on in the sorority mansion?
By the time we meet Camila, the powerful vampire sister-queen who Ginger falls in love with, we're already wonderfully involved in the sorority's lives. Each character, be it supporting or minor or even just mentioned, feels real enough for us to remember them when we turn the page. Without giving too much away, I'll definitely say that Camila and Ginger's love story is one I won't forget anytime soon. I became absolutely obsessed with their romance.
(And let's just say Weatherspoon never fades to black. Wow, was this some scorching erotica).
Writing campy lesbian fiction that is actually for lesbian women is challenging, but I felt totally safe in Rebekah Weatherspoon's capable hands. We might get discussions of pubic hair patterns and arrays of colorful dildos, but it always feels like we're in on the joke--these ladies know their new lives as vampire "feeders" are ridiculous just as much as we do. Nobody takes themselves too seriously or falls into an overly-romantic Twilight trap. The vampire social structure and hierarchy is actually well-planned and helps to create a story we get lost in. There's blood and fighting and secrecy, but there are also bake sales and chem finals and annoying older brothers.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this five stars was the ending. It felt way too contrived from previous popular vampire stories and it threw off the delicate balance I liked so much about the characters. It was also a little rushed in the last 50 pages.
I read this one in paperback but bought the next two books in e-book format. I can't wait to continue with the ladies of ABO!
August 29, 2016
I was expecting this one to be a lot of things, but mindblowingly boring was not one of them.
Poor writing, lazy romance, paper thin characters, repetitive and boring sex scenes, no plot, plain bad world building.
I was prepared to love every cliche, disregard every mistake, move past every rapey and problematic aspect, if only it had some good porn to get off to.
How can you go wrong with vampire sorority girl on girl smut? Well, apparently like so.
I really thought it was impossible to mess up any erotica with vampires and bisexual/lesbian couples.
Silly me.
Poor writing, lazy romance, paper thin characters, repetitive and boring sex scenes, no plot, plain bad world building.
I was prepared to love every cliche, disregard every mistake, move past every rapey and problematic aspect, if only it had some good porn to get off to.
How can you go wrong with vampire sorority girl on girl smut? Well, apparently like so.
I really thought it was impossible to mess up any erotica with vampires and bisexual/lesbian couples.
Silly me.
July 22, 2025
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars, with the .5 being included solely for the sex scenes
Back in my younger years, this is the sort of book I would’ve shamefully read but never actually posted on Goodreads for others to see. I’m glad to have grown in my enjoyment and acceptance of my chaotic reading preferences, and to have deepened my commitment to reviewing each book I read so I can actually remember what it was about years later. Case in point: I actually read another book by Rebekah Weatherspoon a few years back, and never reviewed it. Let’s just say from what I do remember, she has a gift for lesbian romance writing that very few authors can match.
Better Off Red is just such a fun premise, particularly as someone who has a *thing* around one of these topics. I think Weatherspoon’s execution kinda wavers depending on when and where you’re looking in the book, but one thing she sells from the first to the last page is WHY someone would be drawn into this group. I feel like if Sinners made being a vampire look this convincing, I would’ve gotten it immediately!!! I also think my buy-in was partially due to Weatherspoon’s honesty about just how ANNOYING vampire-demons would surely be with all their exaggerated rituals:
For such a long book, we are dropped into the central relationship rather quickly. I think this is a common thing in paranormal stories, though I’m still getting more acquainted with them to say for sure. If you can suspend your disbelief over the pace of romantic progression (or just accept the u-hauling), then you’ll actually find that the moments of connection and conflict mostly make perfect sense. Whether it’s Ginger’s frustration over the imbalance in her early interactions with Camila (“I had plenty of choices in terms of if and how. She had all the control over the when and where.”) or Camila’s reorientation to general relationship norms (“It’s been years since anyone cared what I did with my time, if I took care of myself.”), I bought every piece of their journey.
While there are other somewhat fleshed-out characters here, I just feel like the amount of time that Ginger spends wrapped up in Camila’s armpit doesn’t really allow us to fully understand anyone else outside of basic descriptions. I was glad that her and Amy could maintain a friendship, but there was never even enough time for us to fully understand how they made up after what seemed like a break in trust. In a story that wasn’t just steamrolling past all of the friend dynamics to get back to the sex scenes, you’d want a few pages to really hash out what Amy and Ginger needed from each other. But once again, I can’t ask for everything!!!!
The last quarter of this book is super rushed, with multiple transformations that readers knew were coming, but still could’ve been spread out a bit better. I really enjoyed Cleo’s anger towards her situation, and just wanted more time to see it on the page. Reflections on hermeneutical injustice and what choices you might’ve made with different sorts of information are some of my favorite things to read about, and paranormal stories could CERTAINLY use more discussions about consent. After all, NOT EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE BFFS AFTER BEING TURNED INTO A VAMPIRE-DEMON. Thankfully, it looks like Cleo is the star of Book 2, so we’ll get more time to discuss her feelings there.
In closing, would recommend as long as you’re okay with the spooky/gory nature of the story. I don’t think there are major CWs, though there is one instance of harassment that later leads to the revelation of past domestic abuse (but none of this is described in detail.) I guess there is kind of a CW for age-gap relationship stuff, but I don’t know how you’d even translate that into a story with undead people who are technically “forever 18”?! The ethics of vampirism are above my paygrade for now—I’m sure more devoted and long-term fans of the genre have thought about this already, and I look forward to learning from them as I dip my toe into these new waters.
Finally, I’ll close with some relevant recommendations for sapphic romance books about MORTAL HUMAN BEINGS, as that is my sweet spot. For any of my fellow ace readers who want their romance to more actively resist amatonormativity (the prioritization of romantic love above all other sorts of relationships), I’d recommend A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia Higgins, Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni, or Mechanics of Love by Meka James. Each of these recommendations are written by Black American or Armenian-American authors, and I’d say they offer more cultural specificity than Better Off Red. And then if you just want really strong sapphic asexual romance novels, my favorites are Just Like Her by Fiona Zedde and Eight Kinky Nights by Xan West. Finally, if you are a more experienced paranormal lesbian romance reader, and have other suggestions for me, I’m all ears!! Until then, I’ll see y’all in a few weeks for the Book 2 review!!
Back in my younger years, this is the sort of book I would’ve shamefully read but never actually posted on Goodreads for others to see. I’m glad to have grown in my enjoyment and acceptance of my chaotic reading preferences, and to have deepened my commitment to reviewing each book I read so I can actually remember what it was about years later. Case in point: I actually read another book by Rebekah Weatherspoon a few years back, and never reviewed it. Let’s just say from what I do remember, she has a gift for lesbian romance writing that very few authors can match.
Better Off Red is just such a fun premise, particularly as someone who has a *thing* around one of these topics. I think Weatherspoon’s execution kinda wavers depending on when and where you’re looking in the book, but one thing she sells from the first to the last page is WHY someone would be drawn into this group. I feel like if Sinners made being a vampire look this convincing, I would’ve gotten it immediately!!! I also think my buy-in was partially due to Weatherspoon’s honesty about just how ANNOYING vampire-demons would surely be with all their exaggerated rituals:
“I knew what she was saying, but all I could hear was blood, blood, blood. We need you for your blood. We were the prize calves who must be protected from the wolves.” (332)
For such a long book, we are dropped into the central relationship rather quickly. I think this is a common thing in paranormal stories, though I’m still getting more acquainted with them to say for sure. If you can suspend your disbelief over the pace of romantic progression (or just accept the u-hauling), then you’ll actually find that the moments of connection and conflict mostly make perfect sense. Whether it’s Ginger’s frustration over the imbalance in her early interactions with Camila (“I had plenty of choices in terms of if and how. She had all the control over the when and where.”) or Camila’s reorientation to general relationship norms (“It’s been years since anyone cared what I did with my time, if I took care of myself.”), I bought every piece of their journey.
While there are other somewhat fleshed-out characters here, I just feel like the amount of time that Ginger spends wrapped up in Camila’s armpit doesn’t really allow us to fully understand anyone else outside of basic descriptions. I was glad that her and Amy could maintain a friendship, but there was never even enough time for us to fully understand how they made up after what seemed like a break in trust. In a story that wasn’t just steamrolling past all of the friend dynamics to get back to the sex scenes, you’d want a few pages to really hash out what Amy and Ginger needed from each other. But once again, I can’t ask for everything!!!!
The last quarter of this book is super rushed, with multiple transformations that readers knew were coming, but still could’ve been spread out a bit better. I really enjoyed Cleo’s anger towards her situation, and just wanted more time to see it on the page. Reflections on hermeneutical injustice and what choices you might’ve made with different sorts of information are some of my favorite things to read about, and paranormal stories could CERTAINLY use more discussions about consent. After all, NOT EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE BFFS AFTER BEING TURNED INTO A VAMPIRE-DEMON. Thankfully, it looks like Cleo is the star of Book 2, so we’ll get more time to discuss her feelings there.
In closing, would recommend as long as you’re okay with the spooky/gory nature of the story. I don’t think there are major CWs, though there is one instance of harassment that later leads to the revelation of past domestic abuse (but none of this is described in detail.) I guess there is kind of a CW for age-gap relationship stuff, but I don’t know how you’d even translate that into a story with undead people who are technically “forever 18”?! The ethics of vampirism are above my paygrade for now—I’m sure more devoted and long-term fans of the genre have thought about this already, and I look forward to learning from them as I dip my toe into these new waters.
Finally, I’ll close with some relevant recommendations for sapphic romance books about MORTAL HUMAN BEINGS, as that is my sweet spot. For any of my fellow ace readers who want their romance to more actively resist amatonormativity (the prioritization of romantic love above all other sorts of relationships), I’d recommend A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia Higgins, Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni, or Mechanics of Love by Meka James. Each of these recommendations are written by Black American or Armenian-American authors, and I’d say they offer more cultural specificity than Better Off Red. And then if you just want really strong sapphic asexual romance novels, my favorites are Just Like Her by Fiona Zedde and Eight Kinky Nights by Xan West. Finally, if you are a more experienced paranormal lesbian romance reader, and have other suggestions for me, I’m all ears!! Until then, I’ll see y’all in a few weeks for the Book 2 review!!
on-hold
May 22, 2023I'll definitely get back to this one, the set up is fun, but you can tell it was written a while ago and it's a bit long. Not sure if I want to embark on this journey right now, if you will 😹 though I hold Ms. Weatherspoon in high regard.
March 16, 2015
Love it! Though the lust are too strong for my taste, but it dropped a tad bit later on in the story and concentrated more on emotional conflicts. I really like the conclusion about dominance, submissive relationship at the end, in which they "should take turn". (bravo to the main protagonist for reaching that conclusion).
There is no big plot in this story, its main central focus on two major characters and how they explored their feelings to each other. No force, no awkwardness, it just come and go with the flow. Most of all, it deserved its erotica title.
The main characters are very likable too. She might be a pillow princess most of the time, but her personality definitely strong, confident, smart, and know how to restrain herself from saying stupid thing before she regret it, basically, she is in touch with her feelings and know how to control it. she also had a sense of humor in which the author did a great job to stretch that out.
It took me only two days to finish this book, and wow, I gotta say, the author did a great job of making me looking for more to the main characters' future.
There is no big plot in this story, its main central focus on two major characters and how they explored their feelings to each other. No force, no awkwardness, it just come and go with the flow. Most of all, it deserved its erotica title.
The main characters are very likable too. She might be a pillow princess most of the time, but her personality definitely strong, confident, smart, and know how to restrain herself from saying stupid thing before she regret it, basically, she is in touch with her feelings and know how to control it. she also had a sense of humor in which the author did a great job to stretch that out.
It took me only two days to finish this book, and wow, I gotta say, the author did a great job of making me looking for more to the main characters' future.
April 17, 2020
5 stars (a fantastic audiobook)
I really loved this story. The plot was interesting, great characters, lots of humor and the sex scenes OMG too hot.
The narrator did a fantastic job, and I highly recommend this story..
I really hope Rebekah Weatherspoon continues translating the rest of the series books into audiobook format.
I'm a big fan of paranormal genre and I want to listen more of this.
I really loved this story. The plot was interesting, great characters, lots of humor and the sex scenes OMG too hot.
The narrator did a fantastic job, and I highly recommend this story..
I really hope Rebekah Weatherspoon continues translating the rest of the series books into audiobook format.
I'm a big fan of paranormal genre and I want to listen more of this.
March 10, 2023
2.5 stars. Well, this is a bit of a bummer. I was expecting this to be a racy, sexy, good time with vampires and sorority sisters and perhaps a bit of silly fun and lots of tropes. It ended up letting me down in a bunch of material ways. It's nowhere as fun as I expected it to be, the pacing was just way too fast, even for a book that borders on erotica, and the plot, when it did pick up, went in ways that I didn't really like?
Or perhaps I shouldn't say I didn't like it. I just wasn't as interested in it as I might have expected. This isn't that short of a book; the audiobook is just over 11 hours long. But I still feel like we barely got enough of the two main characters. I loved the found family vibe of the sorority, and I understand needing to introduce other members who are going to get their own books further down the line. But Ginger and Camila fell in love after like two seconds, and while they were hot together, I felt zero chemistry between them. Lots of telling, but I felt nothing other than physical attraction. To be honest, I think this would have hit way better for me if it had been a slow burn enemies to lovers romance between Ginger and Samantha. By the end, that was a relationship and friendship that I was actually really interested in. Not that I disliked Camila; not at all. But again the fact that they were exchanging vows after the blink of an eye really turned off my slow burn loving soul.
I'm also not sure how much I liked the paranormal world building. I won't give too much away, but the way that vampires worked in this world, the mild harem aspect and all that, might have contributed to the fact that I barely felt any romance between the two main characters; just lust. I know this is just me being picky, but the fact that vampires have sex with almost everyone who feeds them... eh. Now, if there was actual polyamory, that would have been a different story. Like, I would have really enjoyed that. But instead, it just engenders this weird jealousy between them that I feel like never really got fully resolved. As for the larger plot elements, I never really got that interested in it. Things moved from 0 to 60 so quickly. I flat-out disliked the way that things turned out with Ginger, and the very end was just way too abrupt. This was Weatherspoon's first book, I think, and unfortunately it really shows. There's a lot of stuff about the writing and the style that make it easily identifiable as something that was written in the early 2010s. Most of it is benign and forgivable, but I did find myself wincing and cringing a couple times though.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Kiera Grace, and I liked it. Not all of her voices really fit the characters as I imagined them, but overall, I really liked her narration. I'm not sure if I'll continue with this series. I've been wanting to read more of Weatherspoon's backlist, but this is probably the weakest thing I've read from her. Definitely wasn't all bad, and if you want a smutty paranormal good time, you might find it here. It just didn't tick the boxes that I wanted.
Content warnings:
Or perhaps I shouldn't say I didn't like it. I just wasn't as interested in it as I might have expected. This isn't that short of a book; the audiobook is just over 11 hours long. But I still feel like we barely got enough of the two main characters. I loved the found family vibe of the sorority, and I understand needing to introduce other members who are going to get their own books further down the line. But Ginger and Camila fell in love after like two seconds, and while they were hot together, I felt zero chemistry between them. Lots of telling, but I felt nothing other than physical attraction. To be honest, I think this would have hit way better for me if it had been a slow burn enemies to lovers romance between Ginger and Samantha. By the end, that was a relationship and friendship that I was actually really interested in. Not that I disliked Camila; not at all. But again the fact that they were exchanging vows after the blink of an eye really turned off my slow burn loving soul.
I'm also not sure how much I liked the paranormal world building. I won't give too much away, but the way that vampires worked in this world, the mild harem aspect and all that, might have contributed to the fact that I barely felt any romance between the two main characters; just lust. I know this is just me being picky, but the fact that vampires have sex with almost everyone who feeds them... eh. Now, if there was actual polyamory, that would have been a different story. Like, I would have really enjoyed that. But instead, it just engenders this weird jealousy between them that I feel like never really got fully resolved. As for the larger plot elements, I never really got that interested in it. Things moved from 0 to 60 so quickly. I flat-out disliked the way that things turned out with Ginger, and the very end was just way too abrupt. This was Weatherspoon's first book, I think, and unfortunately it really shows. There's a lot of stuff about the writing and the style that make it easily identifiable as something that was written in the early 2010s. Most of it is benign and forgivable, but I did find myself wincing and cringing a couple times though.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Kiera Grace, and I liked it. Not all of her voices really fit the characters as I imagined them, but overall, I really liked her narration. I'm not sure if I'll continue with this series. I've been wanting to read more of Weatherspoon's backlist, but this is probably the weakest thing I've read from her. Definitely wasn't all bad, and if you want a smutty paranormal good time, you might find it here. It just didn't tick the boxes that I wanted.
Content warnings:
April 22, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the book from the very start to the end. Recently, I've developed a fear of books with around 300 pages because of terrible commitment issues that apparently involve my love for reading. Fortunately for this one, I didn't feel the need to rush to the end.
Ginger is the new student on campus not really looking to join a sorority, only wanting to focus on her studies. And Camila is somewhat the owner of one of those sororities where the sisters make Ginger feel welcomed and interested. Unbeknownst to Ginger that the sorority is actually the home of a lot of safe, sexy, cult-ish stuff and Camila is the queen.
The relationship progress between Ginger and Camila is quite quick to develop. Somewhat insta-love. And usually, I would prefer slow-burn romances because I love the anticipation, and as bad as it sounds, I am not really interested in reading about a couple's domesticity (also the reason I'm not fond of reading sequels). But with this book, my interest in the characters and what's gonna happen next continued on even after I finished reading. There's also a lot of sex scenes, and I think they're really good and they don't feel repetitive.
The one thing I'm uncomfortable with is when there's sexual acts and feelings where there are more than 2 people in the room. Not because of what they're doing, but because of personal reasons where I really hate sharing, even though everyone knows that their heart and soul are only to each other. I'm not sure why I'm the one getting jealous.
Awesome plot, great writing, and wonderfully written characters. Overall, a really great read.
4.75 stars.
Ginger is the new student on campus not really looking to join a sorority, only wanting to focus on her studies. And Camila is somewhat the owner of one of those sororities where the sisters make Ginger feel welcomed and interested. Unbeknownst to Ginger that the sorority is actually the home of a lot of safe, sexy, cult-ish stuff and Camila is the queen.
The relationship progress between Ginger and Camila is quite quick to develop. Somewhat insta-love. And usually, I would prefer slow-burn romances because I love the anticipation, and as bad as it sounds, I am not really interested in reading about a couple's domesticity (also the reason I'm not fond of reading sequels). But with this book, my interest in the characters and what's gonna happen next continued on even after I finished reading. There's also a lot of sex scenes, and I think they're really good and they don't feel repetitive.
The one thing I'm uncomfortable with is when there's sexual acts and feelings where there are more than 2 people in the room. Not because of what they're doing, but because of personal reasons where I really hate sharing, even though everyone knows that their heart and soul are only to each other. I'm not sure why I'm the one getting jealous.
Awesome plot, great writing, and wonderfully written characters. Overall, a really great read.
4.75 stars.
March 20, 2020
This book was so good, I'm still amazed by all the details and information we got.
Both Camila and Ginger were given background and we were able to understand their decisions, feelings. With so much people in the house there was still almost no one left behind in term of exploring the background characters.
I particularly loved the way Ginger and Camila's relationship was developed and explored. Even through the hard times they stood together.
We can see that it's only through efforts and communication that a relationship can work.
Definitely recommend
Both Camila and Ginger were given background and we were able to understand their decisions, feelings. With so much people in the house there was still almost no one left behind in term of exploring the background characters.
I particularly loved the way Ginger and Camila's relationship was developed and explored. Even through the hard times they stood together.
We can see that it's only through efforts and communication that a relationship can work.
Definitely recommend
June 21, 2019
I'm not usually one for vampire stories, but I also didn't think I'd be into the male nanny trope and Rebekah Weatherspoon convinced me otherwise (see Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny), so I decided, what the heck, I'll give vampire sorority sisters a chance. And credit where credit is due: the plot surprised me a couple of times, and the politics and power dynamics between all the undead ladies were more layered and complex than I expected. It's also smoking hot, and the physical connection between Camila and Ginger is central to the story. I will say, having read some of Weatherspoon's other books, this one is her first novel and she's definitely honed her craft since it was published.
June 27, 2025
Confirmed I am unfortunately still straight
January 7, 2016
I rolled my eyes a LOT in the first 20 pages or so of Better Off Red, just because hey, look, another vampire book. But I have to say, I was really surprised to enjoy the book a whole hell of a lot (no pun intended, of course). In fact, once I was done with it (and its sister, Blacker Than Blue) I went back and read them both all over again.
Better Off Red may have been one of the campiest, sexiest books I've tackled in a while, actually. Without spoiling, the book focuses on a sorority with a secret - it functions to feed the vampiric 'sister-queens' (that phrase was a cause of most of my eye-rolls, I won't lie). The sorority itself functions somewhat normally (bake sales, philanthropic events, etc) but the sisters also serve to feed the sister-queens.
Here's the fun part: feedings turn orgasmic. The very act of puncturing the neck makes the girls...well, come. There are a ton of very fun scenes with this basis and, I must say, some funny ones where they gather to watch movies (Mean Girls) and orgies ensue.
The protagonist of this particular story is Ginger, and her love interest / Queen of the North American vampires, Camila. Ginger is gay and a virgin (well, not for long) and Camila is sex and power personified. Their relationship is sexy and fraught with angst and lovely - and one of the main reasons I loved this book.
More than that, though, the world that Weatherspoon created is actually really well-rounded. There's a vampiric hierarchy and the rules for transfer of power within it make sense. Even the orgies are organized, to an extent - with each sister-queen in charge of two 'feeder' sisters that they care after. The bond created when a sister-queen feeds from one of the sisters is profound and loving, but the darkness within each of the vampires is always bubbling a bit under the surface. There are rules, and when broken, there are punishments.
Without spoiling anything else, I'll say that the book was much better than I thought it would be at first glance, and in fact, it was quite good.
Better Off Red may have been one of the campiest, sexiest books I've tackled in a while, actually. Without spoiling, the book focuses on a sorority with a secret - it functions to feed the vampiric 'sister-queens' (that phrase was a cause of most of my eye-rolls, I won't lie). The sorority itself functions somewhat normally (bake sales, philanthropic events, etc) but the sisters also serve to feed the sister-queens.
Here's the fun part: feedings turn orgasmic. The very act of puncturing the neck makes the girls...well, come. There are a ton of very fun scenes with this basis and, I must say, some funny ones where they gather to watch movies (Mean Girls) and orgies ensue.
The protagonist of this particular story is Ginger, and her love interest / Queen of the North American vampires, Camila. Ginger is gay and a virgin (well, not for long) and Camila is sex and power personified. Their relationship is sexy and fraught with angst and lovely - and one of the main reasons I loved this book.
More than that, though, the world that Weatherspoon created is actually really well-rounded. There's a vampiric hierarchy and the rules for transfer of power within it make sense. Even the orgies are organized, to an extent - with each sister-queen in charge of two 'feeder' sisters that they care after. The bond created when a sister-queen feeds from one of the sisters is profound and loving, but the darkness within each of the vampires is always bubbling a bit under the surface. There are rules, and when broken, there are punishments.
Without spoiling anything else, I'll say that the book was much better than I thought it would be at first glance, and in fact, it was quite good.
January 1, 2021
First off I’ll admit I didn’t actually finish this one.... I just couldn’t. I made it through 62% of the way and tapped out. There’s no real story, and it’s all rather one sided and it shoots to be erotic or semi pwp and it just falls flat. The chemistry isn’t all that great. Camila had potential to be something interesting but the writing definitely didn’t deliver. I can’t even remember the name of the main character now because I waited a few days to really sit down and write this review. Honestly the whole premises is pwp and wasn’t even initially set up to be something that could be long term or multiple books worthy.... but it could have and very easily I think of a dozen scenarios that could have been part of over all conflict.... instead we have the main character picking to throw hissy fits or start fights with Camilla over petty things. I hate the premise of conflict because two character won’t just talk to each other and express their feelings/thoughts/ or worries... instead we have the main character push to be a dominate bed partner and claims she wants to satisfy Camilla.... but then just fizzles out. That just doesn’t do it for me. I can understand inexperience or hell even wanting to be a pillow princess..... but this wasn’t it. So the sex becomes very boring and monotonous so very early. This was a dud for me. Even skimming through a few dozen pages more towards the ending doesn’t even make it more interesting.
August 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Lesbian vampires? Please give me more. It was spicy- like a lot. Camila? Babes, yes please. 🥵
My issues?
•It was way too long. I started to get a bit bored through parts, mostly the middle of the book.
• the sex scenes started to get a bit repetitive. They all seemed to be the same after the first few.
• Ginger was annoying. She would get mad or annoyed at the slightest thing and poor Camila had to deal with her anger.
Safety:
- no cheats
- no OW/OM drama
- Sexual Assault
- on page deaths
My issues?
•It was way too long. I started to get a bit bored through parts, mostly the middle of the book.
• the sex scenes started to get a bit repetitive. They all seemed to be the same after the first few.
• Ginger was annoying. She would get mad or annoyed at the slightest thing and poor Camila had to deal with her anger.
Safety:
- no cheats
- no OW/OM drama
- Sexual Assault
- on page deaths
February 26, 2019
Just no. Sorry but I can't with Ginger.
January 22, 2021
I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
There aren't that many F/F vampire romances with a good averages. This was sexy and sweet.
This is the story of two university students joining a sorority filled with awesome women.
Once they get in, they discover they have just entered into a sorority lead and controlled by vampires.
It was just really fun. I really enjoyed it
There aren't that many F/F vampire romances with a good averages. This was sexy and sweet.
This is the story of two university students joining a sorority filled with awesome women.
Once they get in, they discover they have just entered into a sorority lead and controlled by vampires.
It was just really fun. I really enjoyed it
Read
November 3, 2022Check out our full book club review on Youtube If you prefer to listen you can check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Read
October 7, 2023DNF @ 20%. This was very close to good - juuuuuuust on the wrong side of boring. At 485 Libby pages though, I can’t do it.
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