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Ms. Renfield and the Inheritance Trap: A Vampire Mystery Romance
Not yet published
Expected 21 Oct 25I'm stunned to learn my family's “inheritance” is servitude to an ancient, arrogant vampire. No thanks! Except now my friend might be his next meal, so I cut a deal: I’ll work for him—if he only drains the serial killers we catch.
I met my father exactly once—at a café in Transylvania. He went by the name "Renfield," scribbled in strange ledgers and muttered weirdly about “the master.”
Years later, I’m summoned to a remote castle in the Carpathian Mountains. Supposedly my father has left an inheritance.
What could go wrong? Try everything.
My “inheritance” turns out to be a new career—or should I say forced servitude: I'm to take over for my father as the next in a long line of servants to an arrogant, centuries-old vampire named Alexandru.
Hard pass.
Except Alexandru doesn’t take no for an answer. He follows me home to Ohio, where people I love are looking like dinner to him. To save them, I cut a deal: I’ll manage his vampire affairs—if he only feeds on people who deserve it.
Serial killers, to be exact.
Now my spreadsheets and his hunting skills have one goal: catch murderers before Alexandru loses control.
But surviving the killer might be the easy part, because even though Alexandru is a monster who sees humans as livestock, nothing in my life has prepared me for his dark magnetism.
I met my father exactly once—at a café in Transylvania. He went by the name "Renfield," scribbled in strange ledgers and muttered weirdly about “the master.”
Years later, I’m summoned to a remote castle in the Carpathian Mountains. Supposedly my father has left an inheritance.
What could go wrong? Try everything.
My “inheritance” turns out to be a new career—or should I say forced servitude: I'm to take over for my father as the next in a long line of servants to an arrogant, centuries-old vampire named Alexandru.
Hard pass.
Except Alexandru doesn’t take no for an answer. He follows me home to Ohio, where people I love are looking like dinner to him. To save them, I cut a deal: I’ll manage his vampire affairs—if he only feeds on people who deserve it.
Serial killers, to be exact.
Now my spreadsheets and his hunting skills have one goal: catch murderers before Alexandru loses control.
But surviving the killer might be the easy part, because even though Alexandru is a monster who sees humans as livestock, nothing in my life has prepared me for his dark magnetism.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 21, 2025
9 people want to read
About the author
Annika Martin
46 books3,479 followersAnnika Martin is a NYT bestselling author who loves reading, taking pictures of her cats, consuming boatloads of chocolate suckers, and helping animals. She lives in the Twin Cities with her awesome husband and adorable cats.
Website: http://annikamartinbooks.com
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Annika on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annik...
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Google Play http://bit.ly/2UKJ45O
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Website: http://annikamartinbooks.com
Amazon books: https://amzn.to/2UIYzeA
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2PkneA7
Annika on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annik...
Instagram: instagram.com/annikamartinauthor
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2UH02SC
Google Play http://bit.ly/2UKJ45O
Nook: http://bit.ly/2Gt304m
Newsletter: https://geni.us/nwslettr
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 16, 2025
"They're not in danger as long as I find a killer for Alexandru to eat. Drain. Hoover up like a slurpee."
This book had me was giggling! 🤭 Really enjoyed the dynamic and banter between Harriet and Alexandru. I know this was a super slow burn romance, and I enjoyed the little peeks of attraction they were starting to feel for one another, but I was getting a little frustrated and yelling, "JUST KISS ALREADY!" 😝 But it didn't take any enjoyment away. I was still very entertained.
The mystery kept me very invested, and the small town vibes really added to it with one local, putting blame on the next. The ending really escalated SO QUICK with a little twist i did not expect. 😲
🧛🏻♂️ Alexandru was my favourite part of this book. His whole character, energy, and unknowing. He was like a confused old man stuck in his past ways. Bless him! 🥹 Seeing him and his world opened up by to his surprise a Renfield was fantastic. Harriet was just the person he needed to step into his life and add some excitement, a new perspective even though sometimes it was to his distaste. 😅
Overall a super easy and quick read that gives off some gothic vibes, filled with lots of comedy, and a little mystery. 🙌🏻
Massive Thank you to The Author Agency for this ARC opportunity! 💕
This book had me was giggling! 🤭 Really enjoyed the dynamic and banter between Harriet and Alexandru. I know this was a super slow burn romance, and I enjoyed the little peeks of attraction they were starting to feel for one another, but I was getting a little frustrated and yelling, "JUST KISS ALREADY!" 😝 But it didn't take any enjoyment away. I was still very entertained.
The mystery kept me very invested, and the small town vibes really added to it with one local, putting blame on the next. The ending really escalated SO QUICK with a little twist i did not expect. 😲
🧛🏻♂️ Alexandru was my favourite part of this book. His whole character, energy, and unknowing. He was like a confused old man stuck in his past ways. Bless him! 🥹 Seeing him and his world opened up by to his surprise a Renfield was fantastic. Harriet was just the person he needed to step into his life and add some excitement, a new perspective even though sometimes it was to his distaste. 😅
Overall a super easy and quick read that gives off some gothic vibes, filled with lots of comedy, and a little mystery. 🙌🏻
Massive Thank you to The Author Agency for this ARC opportunity! 💕
October 11, 2025
When Harriet Morgan finds out she is summoned to Karsivia for her father’s estate reading she never thought she would become the servant of vampire Alexandru Miramonte. Apparently, her father who she only met once was named Renfield and he left this important task to her. Gee thanks!! Now at Castelul Dracul she is stuck in a whole new situation. Will she find a way to free herself or will her new role with Mr. Vampire end up actually working out? Omg, this is such a fun read and fans of Dracula will really enjoy this comical version of this tale. Who knew Dracula had a sense of humor and their interactions together were just so good! Told in first person and dual POV.
October 15, 2025
Overall Rating: 2⭐️
Publication Date: 21st October 2025
Favourite Quote: “You were mine before you took your first breath, and you’ll be mine as you take your last.“
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Touch Her and Die, Slow Burn, Vampire MMC, Small Town Romantasy
To start off this review I want to thank the author for contacting me about this ARC! I have loved their previous books and I hope they continue to do well and I look forward to their future works. - this book was just not for me.
Firstly I found the blurb to be quite repetitive it probably only needed to be half the size. It I didn’t really entice me to want to pick up the book, if I hadn’t known the authors previous work I don’t think I would have said yes to this ARC based on the blurb.
The tropes that where to be expected:
Low-Spice Cozy Mystery Vibes, Age Gap, Vampire, Fish Out of Water, Caretaking, Soft(ish) only for Her, Vengeance, Touch Her & Die, Paranormal, Small Town, Boss/Employee, Contract, Angsty, Extreme Slow Burn, LOL Banter, Enemies to "We're Not Into Each Other, Shut Up" Partners
For me I am a romance reader but I like a slow burn low spice book. However I would say this was a no spice book there was one kiss of the palm in the last few pages and nothing else. One caretaking scene again near the end. There needed to be more angst (there was non for me) more yearning or spark moments for enemies to lovers, more feelings in general between them it was a really passive relationship.
I found the FMC full of funny comments but there was no “LOL Banter” he was still calling her his underling at the last page. I wouldn’t even say his feeling changed about her yet and for me the pace was just too slow. The process and character development was so slow if non existent and to leave the book on a cliff hanger with no real depth or development from the characters doesn’t entice me to pick up the next book like I presume it should.
I liked the friendships and granabelle she was a strong character! And the concept of mystery was interesting! Love the cover so bright and Intriguing too!
I think the pace could have been quicker and the whole book was too crammed with extra details and extra wording that wasn’t needed. If stripped back and the timeline or characters development progressed then I think this would help readers connect with the characters more.
I really liked the concept of this book and think that it has potential especially with this authors previous works but the pace was too slow and an unbalance between descriptions and development of the story. I found myself wishing for faster development of the storyline.
Publication Date: 21st October 2025
Favourite Quote: “You were mine before you took your first breath, and you’ll be mine as you take your last.“
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Touch Her and Die, Slow Burn, Vampire MMC, Small Town Romantasy
To start off this review I want to thank the author for contacting me about this ARC! I have loved their previous books and I hope they continue to do well and I look forward to their future works. - this book was just not for me.
Firstly I found the blurb to be quite repetitive it probably only needed to be half the size. It I didn’t really entice me to want to pick up the book, if I hadn’t known the authors previous work I don’t think I would have said yes to this ARC based on the blurb.
The tropes that where to be expected:
Low-Spice Cozy Mystery Vibes, Age Gap, Vampire, Fish Out of Water, Caretaking, Soft(ish) only for Her, Vengeance, Touch Her & Die, Paranormal, Small Town, Boss/Employee, Contract, Angsty, Extreme Slow Burn, LOL Banter, Enemies to "We're Not Into Each Other, Shut Up" Partners
For me I am a romance reader but I like a slow burn low spice book. However I would say this was a no spice book there was one kiss of the palm in the last few pages and nothing else. One caretaking scene again near the end. There needed to be more angst (there was non for me) more yearning or spark moments for enemies to lovers, more feelings in general between them it was a really passive relationship.
I found the FMC full of funny comments but there was no “LOL Banter” he was still calling her his underling at the last page. I wouldn’t even say his feeling changed about her yet and for me the pace was just too slow. The process and character development was so slow if non existent and to leave the book on a cliff hanger with no real depth or development from the characters doesn’t entice me to pick up the next book like I presume it should.
I liked the friendships and granabelle she was a strong character! And the concept of mystery was interesting! Love the cover so bright and Intriguing too!
I think the pace could have been quicker and the whole book was too crammed with extra details and extra wording that wasn’t needed. If stripped back and the timeline or characters development progressed then I think this would help readers connect with the characters more.
I really liked the concept of this book and think that it has potential especially with this authors previous works but the pace was too slow and an unbalance between descriptions and development of the story. I found myself wishing for faster development of the storyline.
October 16, 2025
Set in a contemporary timeline, a delicious horror rom com… with high stakes, shall we say? MMC Alexandru is tall, dark, handsome and brooding, and FMC Harriet is a smart, no-nonsense gal. You wouldn't wish her problem on your worst enemy. I love that it references the classic vampire story, Dracula, and the callbacks to the original story just make the reading experience richer. The convo in chapter 11 between Josie Galindo and Harriet had me laughing out loud so much I had to take breaks and the book's subtext is deeper than an iceberg. It ends with a lot of unanswered questions but the characters are strong enough they can carry a series. AM's best yet and the funniest, and I shall read more. Not steamy, but the romance is there — hot enough to melt the iceberg under the water. I received an ARC of this book and I leave this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2025
Annika always has interesting premises for all of her books, and this one was so unexpected — a vampire romance + a murder mystery.
As always, it’s written so well. I was laughing out loud in places. I love Annika’s heroines, who are always so into their jobs.
However, as a big fan of Annika Martin, this book falls short in comparison to her other works. I went into it expecting a romance, but the romance part is almost non-existent. The leads are only just starting to grow a friendship toward the end of the book. So it works as the start of a series, but as a standalone, there isn’t much development.
I think the investigation dragged on for too long, and I found myself skimming through some pages. Still, I’m eager to read the next parts in the series and see how their romance unfolds.
(I received an ARC of this book — thank you to the author and publisher for that.)
As always, it’s written so well. I was laughing out loud in places. I love Annika’s heroines, who are always so into their jobs.
However, as a big fan of Annika Martin, this book falls short in comparison to her other works. I went into it expecting a romance, but the romance part is almost non-existent. The leads are only just starting to grow a friendship toward the end of the book. So it works as the start of a series, but as a standalone, there isn’t much development.
I think the investigation dragged on for too long, and I found myself skimming through some pages. Still, I’m eager to read the next parts in the series and see how their romance unfolds.
(I received an ARC of this book — thank you to the author and publisher for that.)
October 11, 2025
A new genre by Annika that is a must read❣️
Harriet never grew up with her father, it’s one of life’s mysteries according to her mother. Harriet though is gifted when she looks at numbers and is able to see patterns emerging when they are connected. She receives a letter from Europe saying she needs to attend the reading of her father’s will but it needs to be done in person. Thinking she might finally learn more about her father she goes…only to discover the inheritance trap will be longer lasting than just the days she took off to attend the reading of the will😳
A great start to this new series and I can’t wait to read more about Harriet and Alexandru. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review😍
Harriet never grew up with her father, it’s one of life’s mysteries according to her mother. Harriet though is gifted when she looks at numbers and is able to see patterns emerging when they are connected. She receives a letter from Europe saying she needs to attend the reading of her father’s will but it needs to be done in person. Thinking she might finally learn more about her father she goes…only to discover the inheritance trap will be longer lasting than just the days she took off to attend the reading of the will😳
A great start to this new series and I can’t wait to read more about Harriet and Alexandru. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review😍
October 16, 2025
If you're looking for a different kind of paranormal, small town, age gap, vampire story then this book is for you. I found it to be an interesting story. It's a fun read with some mystery to it. I also liked the overall concept of the storyline.And you will find some humor in this along with some great banter between the characters. It definitely is slow burn but it's done well for this. And it's angsty with low spice. Overall I enjoyed reading.
Thank you to the publisher and The Author Agency for an advance copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Thank you to the publisher and The Author Agency for an advance copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
October 16, 2025
Book 1 in a new series by AM, Immortal Bosses. What's it about? The clue is in the name 'Renfield'. You might remember the bug-eating, mad and craven assistant of the vampire with the biggest ego of all time, Dracula. She's Renfield's daughter. It's a novel concept. He's deliciously dark and mysterious and she's a smart modern girl who's all about business. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I'll read more in the series. I received an ARC of this book and I leave this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2025
So I wasn’t expecting to love this, it’s not my usual book but I think it’s my favourite AM book yet.
It’s a sloooooow burn (so slow it’s still kindling) and I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. Their personalities were developing throughout the book and I cannot wait to read the next one.
It’s a sloooooow burn (so slow it’s still kindling) and I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. Their personalities were developing throughout the book and I cannot wait to read the next one.
October 16, 2025
Loved loved loved this book! Did not know it wasn’t a standalone going in though, so I was pleasantly surprised to see there would be more. The characters were perfection— not wishywashy or weak, but constant and dependable from start to finish! I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews