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How To Villain On RomCom #1
How to Dump a Vampire
She's a reclusive witch with a dark secret. He's a charming vampire prince. Together, they're a disaster waiting to happen.
Thorn, a powerful witch, has perfected the art of isolation in her warded forest cottage. But when a blizzard dumps an injured vampire on her doorstep, her carefully constructed solitude crumbles faster than day-old bread. Suddenly trapped with a chatty royal, Thorn finds herself aggressively kneading dough to avoid confronting the unwanted guest—and the fated mate bond she'd rather forget.
Prince Draven is charming, infuriating, and impossible to ignore. Torn between duty to his realm and the undeniable pull he feels toward Thorn, he finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew. As he recovers under her reluctant care, Draven becomes determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding the prickly witch who saved his life—and why she's so intent on punishing innocent loaves of bread.
As the snow piles up outside, so does the tension within. Can these two opposites rise to the occasion, or will their secrets leave them in a jam? One thing's for this storm is baking up more than just bread.
This is book 1 in a series of standalone fantasy romcoms. These books are set in the same world and are only connected in the epilogue so they can be read individually in any order.
Thorn, a powerful witch, has perfected the art of isolation in her warded forest cottage. But when a blizzard dumps an injured vampire on her doorstep, her carefully constructed solitude crumbles faster than day-old bread. Suddenly trapped with a chatty royal, Thorn finds herself aggressively kneading dough to avoid confronting the unwanted guest—and the fated mate bond she'd rather forget.
Prince Draven is charming, infuriating, and impossible to ignore. Torn between duty to his realm and the undeniable pull he feels toward Thorn, he finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew. As he recovers under her reluctant care, Draven becomes determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding the prickly witch who saved his life—and why she's so intent on punishing innocent loaves of bread.
As the snow piles up outside, so does the tension within. Can these two opposites rise to the occasion, or will their secrets leave them in a jam? One thing's for this storm is baking up more than just bread.
This is book 1 in a series of standalone fantasy romcoms. These books are set in the same world and are only connected in the epilogue so they can be read individually in any order.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2024
325 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
August 3, 2024
This is a cozy read, that somehow managed to miss the spot. Though I liked the premise, the storytelling fell short, repetitive at places, the FMC is portrayed as strong, self assured at the beginning (the part that takes place at the cottage) and the polar opposite at the castle, and inconsistency in the details. The book has a strong beginning but then loses focus, there is not enough build up to the final confrontation, and weak finish.
If you are looking for a simple, fast, cozy read you might enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you are looking for a simple, fast, cozy read you might enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2024
What a lovely fantasy romance! Fated mates, snowed in, fantastic banter between characters and we cannot forget Luna.
This is perfect to read if, like me, you are still on a come down from a very heavy fantasy and need something soothing and calm.
Thats not to say there isn't action in this story and some great world building for a relatively short book. There is plenty to keep any reader entertained.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is perfect to read if, like me, you are still on a come down from a very heavy fantasy and need something soothing and calm.
Thats not to say there isn't action in this story and some great world building for a relatively short book. There is plenty to keep any reader entertained.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2024
This is not the Rom-Com Halloween read I was hoping for. It was going to be DNF at 50% but I skimmed the second half to find out how the rest of the story unfolded. The tone of voice kept changing from 18th century to modern day. There was also definitely no “com” in this romcom.
|Steam 🔥 Rated PG, 1-3 scenes.
|Steam 🔥 Rated PG, 1-3 scenes.
September 17, 2024
Slow-building cosy witch epic, low on comedy, very different from How To Be A Good Villain
3.5🌟
A wayward cabin. A witch with a murky heritage in hiding. A wayward vamp prince face down on the snow.
A promising start but overall it was low on comedy and the length unfavourably impacted the pace (a shorter book would have been better). From the title and from the 1st book in a series (which was hilarious), I totally expected a chuckleworthy read but it wasn’t - what this book is is it’s slow-building angsty cosy-witch epic.
What I loved:
1. Absolutely adored the snarky nicknames Thorn gave Draven. Mister Royal Undeadness, tee-hee. Having said that - that & the title was about the extent of comedy in the book.
2. An untipical ending.
3. In terms of genre, it’s a mashup between epic, cosy witch and romantasy - a feat in itself.
4. Loved the bloodthirst-quenching tea, though I must admit, my eyes kept reading ars, not asr at the start of that unpronounceable name.
5. Loved Thorn lunging for Draven and telling herself it’s just her losing her concentration for a sec.
6. Her mental slaps reminded me of Mrs Smith trying to shake it off in the car after she found out she’s been married to the killer competition who tried to shoot her.
7. Loved the spell gone awry - what sure way to reunite reluctant fated mates.
8. And the irony of the most powerful witch of our time turning into an oopsie-daisy with her spells after encountering her true mate.
9. Loved the dynamic - the witch kicking the prince to the curb and not running like a scared bird.
What I didn’t like so much:
1. If you expect the same hilarity as with How to be a Good Villain - don’t. In style, it was closer to Worldwalker than to the other book in the series and the title positions the book as a romcom, which it isn’t, not really. This one is more angsty, low on comedy but with cosy witch-feels and slow-building romance.
2. Two spicy scenes (with named body parts) were peppered in at the right intervals - this bit I liked - but otherwise the plot dragged a bit. There was action, there were secrets & intrigue, there were memory flashbacks and the prince was a cinnamon roll, but concatenating and cutting bits would have helped the pace of the book & my mind not to wander.
Recommended for lovers of NA slow-building spicy vamp-witch romantasy with good banter.
3.5🌟
A wayward cabin. A witch with a murky heritage in hiding. A wayward vamp prince face down on the snow.
A promising start but overall it was low on comedy and the length unfavourably impacted the pace (a shorter book would have been better). From the title and from the 1st book in a series (which was hilarious), I totally expected a chuckleworthy read but it wasn’t - what this book is is it’s slow-building angsty cosy-witch epic.
What I loved:
1. Absolutely adored the snarky nicknames Thorn gave Draven. Mister Royal Undeadness, tee-hee. Having said that - that & the title was about the extent of comedy in the book.
2. An untipical ending.
3. In terms of genre, it’s a mashup between epic, cosy witch and romantasy - a feat in itself.
4. Loved the bloodthirst-quenching tea, though I must admit, my eyes kept reading ars, not asr at the start of that unpronounceable name.
5. Loved Thorn lunging for Draven and telling herself it’s just her losing her concentration for a sec.
6. Her mental slaps reminded me of Mrs Smith trying to shake it off in the car after she found out she’s been married to the killer competition who tried to shoot her.
7. Loved the spell gone awry - what sure way to reunite reluctant fated mates.
8. And the irony of the most powerful witch of our time turning into an oopsie-daisy with her spells after encountering her true mate.
9. Loved the dynamic - the witch kicking the prince to the curb and not running like a scared bird.
What I didn’t like so much:
1. If you expect the same hilarity as with How to be a Good Villain - don’t. In style, it was closer to Worldwalker than to the other book in the series and the title positions the book as a romcom, which it isn’t, not really. This one is more angsty, low on comedy but with cosy witch-feels and slow-building romance.
2. Two spicy scenes (with named body parts) were peppered in at the right intervals - this bit I liked - but otherwise the plot dragged a bit. There was action, there were secrets & intrigue, there were memory flashbacks and the prince was a cinnamon roll, but concatenating and cutting bits would have helped the pace of the book & my mind not to wander.
Recommended for lovers of NA slow-building spicy vamp-witch romantasy with good banter.
July 31, 2024
This book is the perfect comfort read. A really fun take on the “Snowed in” sub genre.
Things I liked 🧛❄️🍞
This was absolutely adorable, from the art at the beginning to the bread recipe at the end. A perfect winter read that makes you want to curl up by the fire with a cup of tea.
The characters really grew on me, especially Draven. I liked all of their personal growth. Looking forward to Audrey and Anthony’s story.
I thought the ending was perfect
Things I didn’t like as much 🥀🔥👑
Had enough Rom, wanted more Com. I feel like the tone of the book was very different in the middle opposed to the beginning and the end and I wanted more comedy throughout.
I thought the first sex scene came out of nowhere and was unnecessary. It also seemed like everyone forgot about it right after it happened. It could have just been a makeout scene for all that it added. Obviously if you’re reading the fade to black version this won’t matter.
At times repetitive. Some words were way overused. Passion for instance was used twice on page 196, albeit “passion” vs “passionately”, and “connection” was used 3 times on the same page.
Final thoughts 🧙🏻
This was a very cozy read and I would recommend it if you’re looking for a light fantasy.
I received a free ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Things I liked 🧛❄️🍞
This was absolutely adorable, from the art at the beginning to the bread recipe at the end. A perfect winter read that makes you want to curl up by the fire with a cup of tea.
The characters really grew on me, especially Draven. I liked all of their personal growth. Looking forward to Audrey and Anthony’s story.
I thought the ending was perfect
Things I didn’t like as much 🥀🔥👑
Had enough Rom, wanted more Com. I feel like the tone of the book was very different in the middle opposed to the beginning and the end and I wanted more comedy throughout.
I thought the first sex scene came out of nowhere and was unnecessary. It also seemed like everyone forgot about it right after it happened. It could have just been a makeout scene for all that it added. Obviously if you’re reading the fade to black version this won’t matter.
At times repetitive. Some words were way overused. Passion for instance was used twice on page 196, albeit “passion” vs “passionately”, and “connection” was used 3 times on the same page.
Final thoughts 🧙🏻
This was a very cozy read and I would recommend it if you’re looking for a light fantasy.
I received a free ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
July 6, 2024
I enjoyed this one a lot. After reading a bunch of heavy fantasy romances this one was the perfect break. It was so cute! Honestly everything about it remained fairly light hearted. Even the more serious parts were just that, serious. Never dark or heavy. Good break for heart, and soul.
This is a cute Fantasy Romance. The romance in this book is a reluctant mate bond. The book does have a few detailed spicy scenes. The book moves at a steady pace following Thorn as she battles her mating bond with Draven. She is also trying to keep her identity, and past hidden. After an incident she follows Draven back to his castle where he uncovers a secret his family has been hiding. Thorn, and Draven work to foil his father, and brothers corrupt plans. Thorn is secretive, and unsure about letting anyone in. Draven is patient, and gentle hearted. The book is light hearted, and fun. A great read for anyone who loves romcoms, and fantasy romances.
This is a cute Fantasy Romance. The romance in this book is a reluctant mate bond. The book does have a few detailed spicy scenes. The book moves at a steady pace following Thorn as she battles her mating bond with Draven. She is also trying to keep her identity, and past hidden. After an incident she follows Draven back to his castle where he uncovers a secret his family has been hiding. Thorn, and Draven work to foil his father, and brothers corrupt plans. Thorn is secretive, and unsure about letting anyone in. Draven is patient, and gentle hearted. The book is light hearted, and fun. A great read for anyone who loves romcoms, and fantasy romances.
July 29, 2024
Thanks to Booksirens for the ARC 💕
I liked the plot, the court intrigue, the big bads and the characters to a certain extent. It took me a little bit to get into the flow of the story, I had hoped for a few more giggles and banter with the two MCs but that’s probably just more me and my sense of humour!
It was a quick, cute read with fated mates, close proximity, not sure who fell first but Draven definitely fell harder. So check it out if you want a nice easy story with some great plot points and a whole bunch of love.
I liked the plot, the court intrigue, the big bads and the characters to a certain extent. It took me a little bit to get into the flow of the story, I had hoped for a few more giggles and banter with the two MCs but that’s probably just more me and my sense of humour!
It was a quick, cute read with fated mates, close proximity, not sure who fell first but Draven definitely fell harder. So check it out if you want a nice easy story with some great plot points and a whole bunch of love.
September 30, 2024
It was a fun read. Nice and short, so it was perfect between longer books that I had on my list. I really enjoyed Thorn, she was a nice lead. I liked that she was kinda relatable and definitely just wanted to be left alone. I felt that on a spiritual level. The romance was there, but I do wish there was more of it.
July 19, 2024
“The only secrets worth keeping are those that harm no one.”
What an amazing romantic fantasy. It’s been a while since I read a paranormal novel like this one and I so much enjoyed every bit of it. This was so lighthearted, fun, and refreshing. I struggled to put it down.
Who would have thought that helping an unconscious vampire would lead to a snap? How to dump a Vampire is a story about a witch and a vampire fated to be together, however, the witch is reluctant to give in to fate because of past hurt and I don’t blame her. What she had to go through was horrible but I’m happy she found her way on her own terms. The book moves at a steady pace following Thorn as she battles her mating bond with Draven. I love the connection and the banter between them. Draven is such a sweet, gentle vampire prince, this is actually my first time reading about a vampire this gentle. He made me swoon positively all through.
Defeating the king and the pompous crown prince was the highlight for me, I so much enjoyed reading that particular scene.
If you are looking for a good vampire story, I recommend this one. It will grip you from the very beginning till the end!
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What an amazing romantic fantasy. It’s been a while since I read a paranormal novel like this one and I so much enjoyed every bit of it. This was so lighthearted, fun, and refreshing. I struggled to put it down.
Who would have thought that helping an unconscious vampire would lead to a snap? How to dump a Vampire is a story about a witch and a vampire fated to be together, however, the witch is reluctant to give in to fate because of past hurt and I don’t blame her. What she had to go through was horrible but I’m happy she found her way on her own terms. The book moves at a steady pace following Thorn as she battles her mating bond with Draven. I love the connection and the banter between them. Draven is such a sweet, gentle vampire prince, this is actually my first time reading about a vampire this gentle. He made me swoon positively all through.
Defeating the king and the pompous crown prince was the highlight for me, I so much enjoyed reading that particular scene.
If you are looking for a good vampire story, I recommend this one. It will grip you from the very beginning till the end!
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2024
ARC provided by Booksirens 😙
⭐️⭐️,5
I didn't want to rate it less than 3 stars at first, but the more I wrote my review, the more I realised I actually didn't like more than half of the book, so 🥴
The first 20/25% were crazy, I loved it. It was original, fun, and the art at the beginning is gorgeous. Then it went south real fast.
It seems like the author wanted to pile up as many romantasy elements and events in one book and it just felt forced and way too much. Even the spicy scenes felt out of place.
There're also many mistakes, inconsistencies, illogical stuff. I'll just give a few examples without spoiling the plot: someone appearing twice in a row, leaves then comes back greeting everyone as if he wasn't just in the room seconds ago ; Draven, A LITERAL VAMPIRE, taking ages to recover from a short trip in the cold, and saying "life's too short", while other vamps get hurt in battle or fights or whatever and heal instantly. Like WTF?
Honestly, I thought I'd love this book from the first few pages. The banter was so nice, the language used in the dialogues is awesome, the nicknames Thorn gives Draven, how pissed off but attracted he makes her feel, the snowed-in atmosphere… The bread recipe at the end also, really cool. Then I thought "how could it decline so fast?"
The characters were still cool, but the plot was a big non-sense. It'd have been way better if it was a novella, or just a short story, maybe a hundred-something pages ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️,5
I didn't want to rate it less than 3 stars at first, but the more I wrote my review, the more I realised I actually didn't like more than half of the book, so 🥴
The first 20/25% were crazy, I loved it. It was original, fun, and the art at the beginning is gorgeous. Then it went south real fast.
It seems like the author wanted to pile up as many romantasy elements and events in one book and it just felt forced and way too much. Even the spicy scenes felt out of place.
There're also many mistakes, inconsistencies, illogical stuff. I'll just give a few examples without spoiling the plot: someone appearing twice in a row, leaves then comes back greeting everyone as if he wasn't just in the room seconds ago ; Draven, A LITERAL VAMPIRE, taking ages to recover from a short trip in the cold, and saying "life's too short", while other vamps get hurt in battle or fights or whatever and heal instantly. Like WTF?
Honestly, I thought I'd love this book from the first few pages. The banter was so nice, the language used in the dialogues is awesome, the nicknames Thorn gives Draven, how pissed off but attracted he makes her feel, the snowed-in atmosphere… The bread recipe at the end also, really cool. Then I thought "how could it decline so fast?"
The characters were still cool, but the plot was a big non-sense. It'd have been way better if it was a novella, or just a short story, maybe a hundred-something pages ❤️🔥
August 1, 2024
This is the very definition of a cozy read! I mean, come on, if you start a book off with a snowstorm and the two main characters stuck together in a cabin far away from civilization and don't get cozy vibes, there's something wrong! The vibes between Thorn and Draven were serving. The banter, the tension, even the quiet moments were perfect.
As the story progresses, there is some nice character development. The court intrigue definitely grabbed me. While this is a romance, the political backdrop that fuels the secondary plot line was well done.
Overall, this story is heartwarming, and I will gladly recommend this one to any who think they may be interested! I received a free ARC from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and BookSirens for this one!!
As the story progresses, there is some nice character development. The court intrigue definitely grabbed me. While this is a romance, the political backdrop that fuels the secondary plot line was well done.
Overall, this story is heartwarming, and I will gladly recommend this one to any who think they may be interested! I received a free ARC from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and BookSirens for this one!!
July 16, 2024
Future happiness possibilities get walled up by traumatic pasts
Regardless of how others view the life-changing event or how many other people experience similar situations, our trauma is ours and ours alone. Add to it the aftermath of distrust, falsehoods, and loneliness…and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. I think the author’s line of ‘the ghosts […] will always haunt me, but they need not rule me’ strikes a healthy balance of acknowledging the negative yet maintaining some sense of controlling the consequences.
Fave line:
‘The only secrets worth keeping are those that harm no one.’
Some sage advice from the author:
Find a bestie who loves trouble, er, I mean fun, as much as you do.
Now I’m off to ‘How to be a Good Villain’.
Regardless of how others view the life-changing event or how many other people experience similar situations, our trauma is ours and ours alone. Add to it the aftermath of distrust, falsehoods, and loneliness…and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. I think the author’s line of ‘the ghosts […] will always haunt me, but they need not rule me’ strikes a healthy balance of acknowledging the negative yet maintaining some sense of controlling the consequences.
Fave line:
‘The only secrets worth keeping are those that harm no one.’
Some sage advice from the author:
Find a bestie who loves trouble, er, I mean fun, as much as you do.
Now I’m off to ‘How to be a Good Villain’.
July 30, 2024
ARC Review
How to Dump A Vampire
Author Jamie Dalton
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I have to say I have really enjoyed Jamie’s books. This one is by far I wanna say my favorite. I loved the writing style, the characters the story in general. This story was well written and nothing boring bout this book. It tells a story about a half witch/half vampire Thorn who has always wanted revenge because what happened to her family/her village. She finds Draven and nursing him back to health, they realize they are fated mates.. Read about Draven and Thorn and their journey and how Draven helpes Thorn. Definitely a book you will want to read over and over.
How to Dump A Vampire
Author Jamie Dalton
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I have to say I have really enjoyed Jamie’s books. This one is by far I wanna say my favorite. I loved the writing style, the characters the story in general. This story was well written and nothing boring bout this book. It tells a story about a half witch/half vampire Thorn who has always wanted revenge because what happened to her family/her village. She finds Draven and nursing him back to health, they realize they are fated mates.. Read about Draven and Thorn and their journey and how Draven helpes Thorn. Definitely a book you will want to read over and over.
July 25, 2024
I love how it’s written in two person pov so you can understand how both are feeling. It was so very detailed and I could tell it was a labor of love. I enjoyed the story as it was not your stereotypical narrative with vampires and witches. I loved the backstory that it gave to explain why the characters were how they were and why they had apprehensions when it came to one another.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2024
Thorn had me at hate baking! I love the interaction between Thorn and Draven. The way Thorn tries to resist Draven and Draven being so confused, but intrigued. Sometimes it almost felt like I was stuck in that house with them waiting to see if they would unalive each other or fall madly on love. I love that while Thorn is a strong and independent woman, she is also vulnerable.
July 30, 2024
This book took me longer than I wanted for me to get into it. It was definitely towards the last 75% of the book that I was finally in for the story. I do really enjoy fated mates books, and the banter in this one was really well written. I wish there would’ve been more on other characters as well. Maybe more on the background of the familiar and what all she was capable of? There was too much hard to get with Thorn for me towards Draven.
Now on to - How to be a Good Villain
Now on to - How to be a Good Villain
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2024
Draven and Thorn
Such a sweet easy read. Draven and Thorn were so understanding of each other and their protectiveness of each other made my heart smile! I'm excited to see more of them in the future short stories!
Such a sweet easy read. Draven and Thorn were so understanding of each other and their protectiveness of each other made my heart smile! I'm excited to see more of them in the future short stories!
November 5, 2024
A cozy winter read with vampires, witches, fated mates and tea.
A sloe-paced story, a ligthly fantasy world building, a little spice and lot's of banter!
All in all, a cozy, funny and easy romantasy :)
A thanks to Booksirens for the ARC!
Happy reading.
A sloe-paced story, a ligthly fantasy world building, a little spice and lot's of banter!
All in all, a cozy, funny and easy romantasy :)
A thanks to Booksirens for the ARC!
Happy reading.
June 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. I have been getting into vampire books more and I loved every detail and the history .I love thorn
July 1, 2024
I enjoyed this read! I love anything that involved witches and vampires and forced proximity! If you love those vibes you will love this wonderful fantasy read!
July 14, 2024
This is an awesome fantasy romance. Irresistible and addictive! Fated mates and hidden past.. Absolutely loved it!
July 26, 2024
Such a fun take on the "snowed in together" trope. And again, Jamie Dalton does such a great job with fantasy.
July 7, 2024
When book 2 in the series is better than book 1. Or maybe it was just that the story was so heart warming. I love fated mates and this book did that trope so well! Jamie writes worlds, characters and scenes that pull me fully into the story and I loved Thorn and Draven!
July 31, 2024
This book sounded good in the beginning and only at 30% it started to slow down and by 60% I was getting a bit bored and skipped ahead. This story could have been shorter. Too many side characters were added, there are some issues with editing and I think someone’s hair color changed within a few chapters.
Good premise, but the execution is not great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Good premise, but the execution is not great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2024
A really great story! Characters are believable and well described. The more I read the more excited I got about the story and kept reading to find out what happens next. This is, I think one of her best books yet!! Witty, funny, great plot and a page turner.
August 26, 2024
The idea is very interesting, but the execution is incredibly boring, the conversations are unnatural, and the attitude of the heroine to the hero is laughable.
October 9, 2024
legit could not make it through the first chapter. my first ever did not finish?
March 15, 2025
3.5 stars 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
Cute story & ending, just handled a bit strangely with some off pacing and disjointed details
Genres, settings, categories, themes: fantasy, rom com, romantasy, vampires, witches/magic, drama, court intrigue, cozy, tea
💗 Tropes: 💗
> Fated Mates
> He Falls First
> Hidden Identity
> Stranded / Snowstorm (sub-trope of Forced Proximity)
all about tropes here
POV: 1st person, alternating/dual
Series/Sequencing Style: 1st in an anthology series, can be read as standalone, no cliffhanger
understanding series types: dynamic, static, anthology - source 1, source 2
Format: ebook
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
Heat level: 🌶 3/5 spicy seduction 🌶
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)
~ Heroine (Thorn) ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Hero (Draven) ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Other characters ~ 5/5 especially Luna 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Plot ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
~ Pacing ~ 2.5/5 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑 pretty varied, from a lot of focus on some slower elements in the beginning to quick action scenes near the end, but still keeps you mostly enthralled
~ Romantic connection ~ 3.75/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Writing ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 I warmed up to it as I kept reading, but the tone was kind of jarring in the beginning. It felt overly descriptive in word choice that was kind of awkward using fancy words for the sake of it? Too formal, especially in dialogue. But it seemed to relax some as it went on and drew me in as we went.
~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 1
~ Angst level: med high 3.5/5
~ Sadness level: low
🔽🔽🔽
❗CW/Triggers:❗death of loved ones (off page), hunting, slaughter of an entire village (off page), violence
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
A bit cozy/corny at times, some things felt a little unexplained or overly convenient. Pretty light & fluffy for a book with vampires slaughtering villages. Felt some disconnect with the depth. But overall, entertaining with a cute ending and some nice characters. A lot focused on her resisting the bond and then things moved very quickly in the actual action part.
I think some of the odd disconnect is in the fluffiness inherent to the “cozy vibes” thing - like her entire village was slaughtered and there’s a dramatic scene at the end that is supposed to be a fight scene, but I wasn’t even sure they were killing vampires. It was worded kind of off-hand, and then it jumps to, like...
Details were thrown out casually like - okay, of course she’s Vivian, but the whole search for her was kind of forgotten? Confusing elements not totally explained.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: for someone who wants cozy and easy romantasy with magic and doesn’t mind disjointed details
Cute story & ending, just handled a bit strangely with some off pacing and disjointed details
Genres, settings, categories, themes: fantasy, rom com, romantasy, vampires, witches/magic, drama, court intrigue, cozy, tea
💗 Tropes: 💗
> Fated Mates
> He Falls First
> Hidden Identity
> Stranded / Snowstorm (sub-trope of Forced Proximity)
all about tropes here
POV: 1st person, alternating/dual
Series/Sequencing Style: 1st in an anthology series, can be read as standalone, no cliffhanger
understanding series types: dynamic, static, anthology - source 1, source 2
Format: ebook
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Overall ratings
Heat level: 🌶 3/5 spicy seduction 🌶
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)
~ Heroine (Thorn) ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Hero (Draven) ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Other characters ~ 5/5 especially Luna 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Plot ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
~ Pacing ~ 2.5/5 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑 pretty varied, from a lot of focus on some slower elements in the beginning to quick action scenes near the end, but still keeps you mostly enthralled
~ Romantic connection ~ 3.75/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Writing ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 I warmed up to it as I kept reading, but the tone was kind of jarring in the beginning. It felt overly descriptive in word choice that was kind of awkward using fancy words for the sake of it? Too formal, especially in dialogue. But it seemed to relax some as it went on and drew me in as we went.
~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 1
~ Angst level: med high 3.5/5
~ Sadness level: low
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❗CW/Triggers:❗death of loved ones (off page), hunting, slaughter of an entire village (off page), violence
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📝 Review/Notes 📝
A bit cozy/corny at times, some things felt a little unexplained or overly convenient. Pretty light & fluffy for a book with vampires slaughtering villages. Felt some disconnect with the depth. But overall, entertaining with a cute ending and some nice characters. A lot focused on her resisting the bond and then things moved very quickly in the actual action part.
I think some of the odd disconnect is in the fluffiness inherent to the “cozy vibes” thing - like her entire village was slaughtered and there’s a dramatic scene at the end that is supposed to be a fight scene, but I wasn’t even sure they were killing vampires. It was worded kind of off-hand, and then it jumps to, like...
Details were thrown out casually like - okay, of course she’s Vivian, but the whole search for her was kind of forgotten? Confusing elements not totally explained.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: for someone who wants cozy and easy romantasy with magic and doesn’t mind disjointed details
November 12, 2024
It's my first book written by this author, and I think, Jamie Dalton was able to create a new amazing fantasy world and a very special scenery. I am looking forward to read the following books in this new series.
„How To Dump A Vampire“ is a fantasy romance, which checks out several boxes regarding tropes: forced proximity, snowed in, vampire/witch romance with well written slow building suspense and also a bit of spice.
The banter between the MCs is hilarious and witty. I also enjoyed the language during their dialogues, which often seemed to be a bit of an allusion of ancient language patterns. But I am not sure, if the author did completely go through with that pattern. I am not a native English speaker, but how will fit the modern use of „sandwiches“ ( which at first came up in England during the 18th century and were then fashionable only with the members of high society) in this more modest scenario at the cottage in the forest? The great thing about writing fantasy is, that the author is allowed to play around freely with their fictional world and I am totally ok with using „sandwiches“, but must admit, thinking about little facts like that were a bit distracting for my tired brain after a long work day.
The storyline is told from a dual POV, which is great because the readers think they know more and earlier than the main characters what could/would happen within the plot. Fact is, that this is not always applicable. A lot of surprising things happen, and the reasons behind that remain (at first) unclear.
A witch who is not sure about what she does and what would/could happen, usually has to stay away from working magic. But Thorn doesn’t do that and she takes some risks, what shall not remain without consequences. But exactly that makes her personality real, because we all act sometimes irrational and don’t know or don’t care about the future outcome. That’s simply human and on another level also a good writing technique, because that not-perfect behavior helps the reader building a good connection with the character.
So I also really enjoyed learning about the details of this new fantasy world. That turned out to be a bit of a challenge for me, because besides the main plot of the story, where all the time something new and often unexpected or incomprehensible happens, there was this very complex new world with all its different aspects of life and hierarchy of power to discover. I often had to turn back to earlier read pages, because there was a first innuendo or clue of something what would happen later and could be influential or even dangerous for the future. A bit difficult for me was also to learn during a very short time span more about the lot of complex personalities of the characters at the court of Everdusk, with all their hidden intensions behind a more or less friendly facade.
The reader always knows, there will be obstacles and dramatic events in the future, that will develop into a complicated knot which makes the hope for a solution almost impossible. And exactly that is what keeps the suspense alive and also the reader’s interest on reading till the end.
PS. The pictures in the online-edition are intriguing and are a perfect fit for the story.
This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy a complex and well written fantasy romance.
I received a free ARC of this book and voluntarily wrote this review.
„How To Dump A Vampire“ is a fantasy romance, which checks out several boxes regarding tropes: forced proximity, snowed in, vampire/witch romance with well written slow building suspense and also a bit of spice.
The banter between the MCs is hilarious and witty. I also enjoyed the language during their dialogues, which often seemed to be a bit of an allusion of ancient language patterns. But I am not sure, if the author did completely go through with that pattern. I am not a native English speaker, but how will fit the modern use of „sandwiches“ ( which at first came up in England during the 18th century and were then fashionable only with the members of high society) in this more modest scenario at the cottage in the forest? The great thing about writing fantasy is, that the author is allowed to play around freely with their fictional world and I am totally ok with using „sandwiches“, but must admit, thinking about little facts like that were a bit distracting for my tired brain after a long work day.
The storyline is told from a dual POV, which is great because the readers think they know more and earlier than the main characters what could/would happen within the plot. Fact is, that this is not always applicable. A lot of surprising things happen, and the reasons behind that remain (at first) unclear.
A witch who is not sure about what she does and what would/could happen, usually has to stay away from working magic. But Thorn doesn’t do that and she takes some risks, what shall not remain without consequences. But exactly that makes her personality real, because we all act sometimes irrational and don’t know or don’t care about the future outcome. That’s simply human and on another level also a good writing technique, because that not-perfect behavior helps the reader building a good connection with the character.
So I also really enjoyed learning about the details of this new fantasy world. That turned out to be a bit of a challenge for me, because besides the main plot of the story, where all the time something new and often unexpected or incomprehensible happens, there was this very complex new world with all its different aspects of life and hierarchy of power to discover. I often had to turn back to earlier read pages, because there was a first innuendo or clue of something what would happen later and could be influential or even dangerous for the future. A bit difficult for me was also to learn during a very short time span more about the lot of complex personalities of the characters at the court of Everdusk, with all their hidden intensions behind a more or less friendly facade.
The reader always knows, there will be obstacles and dramatic events in the future, that will develop into a complicated knot which makes the hope for a solution almost impossible. And exactly that is what keeps the suspense alive and also the reader’s interest on reading till the end.
PS. The pictures in the online-edition are intriguing and are a perfect fit for the story.
This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy a complex and well written fantasy romance.
I received a free ARC of this book and voluntarily wrote this review.
July 17, 2024
I love opening up a book to gorgeous artwork! Geez, who would have thought that helping a half de*d person would lead to a zap and a snap! That's exactly what happened to Thorn, and she is horrified, a stranger who's now her fated, throws her into a tizzy. She's so clever though, she has concocted a tea to curb the blood thirsty cravings of vampires, oh, yes ... stranger IS a vampire! Oh how I giggled at the lengths Thorn took to sever the link! But there's reason to her mad ploy, she has secrets she holds onto tightly, she cannot and will not allow her attempts to fail but her inner turmoil is failing...grimly! With a blizzard pounding down, Thorn has no choice other than making the best of her "guest" until the storm dies down. Oh lordie did I LOVE the tension in the cottage! She pulling away, he majorly confused. And then things get a whole lot more complicated! Thorn, half witch/half vampire, has such a deep seeded fear of being controlled, she will do anything to sever the bond, and she does resort to everything she can, just so she's not tied, not bound to anyone. Only thing is, her magic is.... volatile!
If I could classify a vampire as a gentleman, I'd definitely put Draven firmly in that category! He is grateful to Thorn for saving him and is enjoying her company a little too much.... I love his character so much, a Prince, a VAMPIRE Prince with morals, a vampire Prince who values all life, a vampire Prince who would never attack and feed at will, a vampire Prince who has one s*itload of restraint. He's sooooo complex and soooooo humane. Yeah yeah yeah, he's a vamp but you know what I mean, I really enjoyed the different aspects to him, the way he works through his "problems", he's one very persistent vamp, wanting to get to the bottom of it all. I loved how he discovers so much, though not all was easy to process, he didn't let up for a sec.
Oh goodness was I surprised at the appearance of Luna! Which only goes to show how well this author plots her, well, plot, introducing us to new, fresh characters timeously, unexpectedly and brilliantly! Another comical read, and if you're thinking it's merely another love story of fated mates, you'd be SO wrong! There are way more layers to this story, with real dimensions, than just the "needs of the flesh" there's real intrigue, there's real court politics, there's real anguish, there's real mystery, there are real secrets. This author really has a knack for sucking me into her world, until I'm part of it, living and breathing it. And she always leaves me smiling and feeling oh so warm and content! "Enjoyed it" simply doesn't cut it, "starry eyed" might be better to describe HOW much I loved this book!
If I could classify a vampire as a gentleman, I'd definitely put Draven firmly in that category! He is grateful to Thorn for saving him and is enjoying her company a little too much.... I love his character so much, a Prince, a VAMPIRE Prince with morals, a vampire Prince who values all life, a vampire Prince who would never attack and feed at will, a vampire Prince who has one s*itload of restraint. He's sooooo complex and soooooo humane. Yeah yeah yeah, he's a vamp but you know what I mean, I really enjoyed the different aspects to him, the way he works through his "problems", he's one very persistent vamp, wanting to get to the bottom of it all. I loved how he discovers so much, though not all was easy to process, he didn't let up for a sec.
Oh goodness was I surprised at the appearance of Luna! Which only goes to show how well this author plots her, well, plot, introducing us to new, fresh characters timeously, unexpectedly and brilliantly! Another comical read, and if you're thinking it's merely another love story of fated mates, you'd be SO wrong! There are way more layers to this story, with real dimensions, than just the "needs of the flesh" there's real intrigue, there's real court politics, there's real anguish, there's real mystery, there are real secrets. This author really has a knack for sucking me into her world, until I'm part of it, living and breathing it. And she always leaves me smiling and feeling oh so warm and content! "Enjoyed it" simply doesn't cut it, "starry eyed" might be better to describe HOW much I loved this book!
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