Catching a Vampire

Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs #1

by Laura Greenwood

Studying at Grimalkin has been Daphne's dream since she was a little girl.

With her best friend unable to do the simplest spells, her brother determined to find an old family spell to turn them into cats, and hot dates with a vampire, her hands are full enough. Add to that two other guys trying to get her attention, and a teacher that seems to hate her, and Daphne's school year isn't quite going to plan…

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Catching A Vampire is a slow burn paranormal academy with a reverse harem theme. It is book one of the Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs.

Genres: Reverse Harem, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2019

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy romance. When she's not writing, she drinks a lot of tea, tries to resist French macarons, and works towards a diploma in Egyptology. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set. Laura specialises in quick reads, with healthy relationships and consent-positive moments regardless of if she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-heavy urban fantasy, or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:

- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired urban fantasy)

- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)

- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)

- House of Blood and Roses (vampire fantasy romance)

- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)

- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired urban fantasy)

- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)

- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can check out Laura's Website here:
www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk

Join her mailing list here:
www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/mail...

Or join her Facebook Reader Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/theparanormal...

For a full book list, please see here:
https://www.authorlauragreenwood.co.u...


Happy Reading!

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daphne and her twin brother Ryan devise a plan to find their family spell by using a vampire student. Not knowing any, Daphne enrols into a night class where she meets Heath and the attraction is instant.

She feels guilty about using him, so the plan is put on hold while she's enjoying dating him. But Heath isn't the only one who's got his eye on her. Her brother's best friend Cade, and her own childhood friend Bradley will not be deterred easily. But maybe Daphne won't have to choose after all?

I really liked this. The academy is cool and I'd love to go to classes there. Even though not a lot of magic happened on-page.

The characters felt a lot younger than assumed. At one point Daphne mentions her 13-year-old-self's crush and it doesn't seem like much has changed since then, maturity wise.

This may be a reverse harem in a technical sense but everyone strikes me as 14, 15 years old...the romance is equally immature. Short, jealous, almost jumping from person to person.

Something unrealistic (even for a fantasy setting) is that Daphne didn't date at all since coming to the academy and then within a week of dating Heath she's already thinking of having a poly relationship. Slow down girl.

If we ignore that, the rest is good.

I liked Daphne's friendship with Mona. She's a real person and not just there because Daphne needs a friend. I don't ship her with Ryan, but who knows, he might grow on me. Mona is my favourite for now.

Also I'm disappointed that Cade isn't a werewolf with that growling? Missed opportunity to have one of each.

3.5 rounded up.

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne is a bright student and desperate to become a powerful witch. When her twin brother wants to test out a theory which needs the help of a vampire she takes on a new class. Daphne soon realises she doesn’t know everything. In fact she enjoys the new class and her new partner.

This is a sweet paranormal romance which will leave you wanting more.

I won the audiobook in a Christmas giveaway and have really enjoyed this. In fact I’m quickly becoming a fan of this author.

I wasn’t too sure about the narrator for this story at first but she grew on me. Her voice fits the characters well.

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought the classes at Hogwarts sounded amazing, then the classes at Grimalkin will blow your mind. Grimalkin is one academy, I personal would have loved to attended.

Daphne Chambers has a mission to find out how herself and her brother can find the family spell to turn themselves into cats. But this is not a simple task. With cute vampires in the mix, a best friend who’s a bit of a dud at magic and so much more, this story will capture your attention.

Catching A Vampire the first book in Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs, which is a slow burn reverse harem, paranormal academy story.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/17/2020)! 🎁

[Laura Greenwood]

Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs Series:
1. Catching a Vampire: books2read.com/catchingavampire
2. Catching a Wizard: books2read.com/catchingawizard
3. Catching a Warlock: books2read.com/catchingawarlock
4. Courting a Witch: books2read.com/courtingawitch

Boxed Set: Grimalkin Acadmey: Catacombs: The Complete Trilogy: books2read.com/grimalkinacademycatacombs

[Laura Greenwood]

Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs Series (Complete):
1. Catching A Vampire: books2read.com/catchingavampire
2. Catching A Wizard: books2read.com/catchingawizard
3. Catching a Warlock: books2read.com/catchingawarlock
Prequel: Witch Friends Are Forever: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ya4mv0g55e

You can also join my Goodreads Reader Group for new release alerts, spoiler threads, and more!
==> https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

Catching A Vampire was part of the Paranormal Academy: A Limited Edition Paranormal Romance and Reverse Harem Collection

[Brianna Belbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great start to Daphne’s story in Grimalkin Academy! Daphne Chambers and her twin, Ryan, have recently started at Grimalkin Academy and are joined by friends from the past along with a new one, Mona. There’s supposedly an old family spell that allows a Chambers member to turn into a cat. Ryan convinces her to get close to a vampire so she can go to their library in the catacombs to find the spell. Along the way, she falls for her vampire, Heath, while two guys from her past seem to be crushing hard on her and her life starts to become stressful and turns upside down. I really enjoyed being able to see through Daphne’s POV and her journey before Mona’s first story, First Time’s A Charm, which fills in some blanks. I loved Daphne’s personality- she always says the first thing on her mind before she thinks and has a need to be the top student in her classes. I really enjoyed Heath and Daphne’s time together and her short exchanges with Cade and Bradley.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Daphne's story in the Grimalkin Academy series and let me say I really enjoyed getting to read her side of things. While we watch Daphne and her twin Ryan trying to find a old family spell that allows allows a Chambers member to turn into a cat, we see that while she tries to get close to a vampire so she can get into the Vampire Library she falls for the vampire and everything just goes haywire for her. I can not wait to see what is in store for the rest of this series.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching A Vampire by Laura Greenwood Is such a wonderful story that I loved reading. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series and I can not wait to read book number two. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about magic, fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Spell Caster and Spell Tamer by this author I was determined to try out one of her other series. As I was in the mood for an academy book, I decided to pick this one up. Catching a Vampire is a great start to this series. There's a lot going on. Daphne wants to help her brother find a hidden spell to turn them into cats, she starts dating a vampire, one of her teachers doesn't like her, then there are two others guys that start showing interest in her as well.

This was a fast paced read, but it was a bit on the short side. The ending was quite abrupt, but it did make me curious about what will happen next. This book does a good job of introducing the plot line about searching for the spell, as well as introducing Daphne and her friend Mona (who has her own series). The reverse harem romance is also set up with Daphne interacting with three different guys that I assume will all end up in her harem. I am also quite curious what's up with that teacher that seems to have taken a dislike for Daphne.

I liked Daphne from the start. She has a clear personality and I liked that she knew what she wanted or in the case of her studies knew that she wasn't sure yet. I liked how she liked learning new things and her competitive streak really shows in multiple scenes. There is some of the usual teenage drama and worries, but I felt like it was handled realistically. I also liked the dialogue and how natural it felt.

I liked the romance set up and meeting Daphne's love interests, at least I assume these three will be her love interests. We get to know the most about Heath and he seems like a good guy. I thought they were cute together and I liked they both were nervous on their first date. It's hard to say much about the other two, as we haven't seem many interactions with them yet. There is one guy who isn't very likable yet as her acts out in jealously, but I am curious to see how the romance will develop.

It was fun to read this book and I liked the setting at the Grimalkin Academy, although I had some troubles visualizing what the school looked like. It changed multiple times in my head from sort of Hogwarts to a school with campus and then back to a Hogwarts like school. I would've liked some more details about the school and what it looked like. I liked the concept with humans knowing about the paranormal, although it doesn't really feel relevant for this book as it all takes place in this academy for witches and vampires. I liked reading about some of Daphne's magical classes and hope to learn more about witches and vampires in the next book.

To summarize: This was a fun start to this paranormal academy themed series. I liked Daphne and how we get a good feel for her personality. Her behavior felt realistic and I liked how she acted, the dialogue felt pretty natural too. The story is fast paced and on the shorter side, but it did a good job introducing the characters and the plot. The ending is a bit abrupt, but did make me curious about the next book. I liked the romance set up and Heath seems like a good guy, I don't have as good of an image of the other two guys yet. I look forward to seeing how this series continues!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daphne’s brother is determined to find the family spell that can turn them into cats. But to find it, he enlists Daphne to get to know a vampire. So, in pursuit of academics, she enrolls in a night class and catches the eye of a handsome young vampire. She also finds that both her former crush and her brother’s best friend also both seem to be falling in love with her. Can she date them all?

Honestly, I’m not certain why the author even bothered to call Daphne a witch or even set this at a supernatural high school since none of the fantasy elements were even used here. The classes were just basic lecture classes, nothing special there. Daphne only used an entirety of one spell during this whole book. The vampires didn’t do anything remotely vampire-ish. What the book was, was a teen drama as she met and dated teen boys, and did girl talk with her best friend, and quibbled over the various guys. If you’re into teen dramas, this book should be right up your alley. If you’re looking for fantasy books, this probably won’t be to your taste. There were things that made absolutely no sense. Like her brother hunting for a spell to turn them into cats (mentioned in the blurb of the book). Seriously, if he did turn them into cats, what then? They’d be stuck as cats. And why would their family spell be hidden at the school? Wouldn’t it make more sense for a family spell to be hidden, I don’t know… at their house, maybe? And why did they need a vampire to help them find it? It was never really explained other than her brother ordering her to get one. By the time I hit halfway I was skimming it. Teen dramas aren’t my thing and I really need my fantasy to be more saturated throughout a book. Also, reverse harems really aren’t my thing either. Every so often, I do find a decent one (which is why I keep giving them a chance) where the group feels natural. But this one just feels cheap and lazy and non-committal, like she just couldn’t be bothered to make a decision, and like her heart wasn’t that into it. And it just sort of cuts off, without really coming to any sort of ending.

[Ketty · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Academia/Magic University
- Witches, Warlocks and Vampires (Oh my!)
- Setting up a Why Choose/Reverse Harem
- All the Harry Potter references make me happy
- Miscommunication
- Cliffhanger

Daphne is one of those girls who love to learn, so getting into Grimalkin Academy for university is the absolute best. Best part? She has a best friend for the first time to share in her experiences. Worst part? Her twin brother is convinced that the family spell (which she isn't even sure actually exists) that will let them turn themselves into cats is somewhere in the catacombs under the school. All they need is a vampire to help them out. Cue the sexy Heath...

As I have gotten into my reading of this author's backlog I am starting to really understand how her books work. The cliffhangers are annoying, but I get to jump right into the next one so it's not as bad for me. But it seems it's almost guaranteed with her books, at least these earlier ones.

It's a good start to a series/story. Daphne and Mona are awesome characters, and there are little breadcrumbs left all over the book that makes me super excited to see where each goes. I love guessing games, and I already have some thoughts. Even though they are short, I love Laura because they are fun to read. As simple as they are, I am sure some people thing, I always have a visceral reaction where I should. I gasp and laugh at all the right places.

Since this book is part of the Obscure World universe we get a little more world building and some references to the Ashryn Barker Series (Shattered Illusions). It actually answered a couple of questions that left me confuzzled at the end of that trilogy so yay for that. I highly suggest to read these books in the order the author gives on her site, it's been fun so far!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this series ever since I read the Grimalkin Academy Kittens series. I really liked the setting, I liked the characters and I was quite curious to read Daphne's story and adventure. I was therefore very happy when Greenwood offered arcs for the complete series on BookSprout. This morning I could finally dive into the first installment.

What I really loved about this series is that Greenwood doesn't waste words and time on lengthy descriptions and info-dumps. And even though that means we don't have all the information, it's easy enough to follow what is going on and what Daphne and her brother Ryan are actually trying to achieve.

I also quite enjoyed the blossoming relationship between Daphne and Heath. Their date was incredibly cute and I loved how it was not this perfect date where they both said exactly the right thing all the time. They were sometimes being a little insecure and awkward and yet they kept on liking each other anyway.

It's also quite clear that we have some amazing things waiting for us in the next books. I can't wait to learn more about the teacher, who's quite clearly not who she says she is, and I also can't wait to see how the cliffhanger is gonna be resolved and if Daphne will find a way to really turn into a cat eventually!

I hope to have time to dive into the second book tomorrow!

[Clare]

Well...... I have no idea what this was or where exactly it was headed. I lowkey feel like I was dropped in the middle of a series or like a spinoff of something where no one offered some background info. I'm so confused

This was just....weird. Also the MC is very childish, she says she's 19 but...yeah....no

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels more like installment #1 than a full story, but it meet the requirements for at least two different reading challenges, so that's good enough for me. Done and done!

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

One and a half stars. Very disappointing. Not what I expected from Laura Greenwood. I've read some of her other books and enjoyed them.

I quit reading when the number of grammatical and word usage mistakes got to be more distracting than the completely predictable plot. The characters didn't stand out as anything special and I decided to end the annoyance.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne Chambers and her twin brother, Ryan, started attending Grimalkin Academy which gives them the opportunity of finding an old family spell that, according to legend, will allow a Chambers’ member to turn into a cat. Her brother thinks the spell will be found somewhere in the vampire library down in the catacombs. Ryan figures that if she gets cozy with a vampire, she’ll be able to access their library and convinces her to give it a try. However, she doesn’t expect to actually fall for the vampire she chooses from class. Heath is a genuinely nice guy! And two other guys from her past also would like her attention. Things keep getting more complicated and stressful. And why does Miss Feathertop keep giving her a hard time?

This is a very enjoyable book, the humorous antics keeping it intriguing and fun as the characters interact. The reader can see already that this will be a fun-filled adventure if Daphne can make it through the first semester! Grab your copy and enjoy the craziness!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Studying at Grimalkin has been Daphne's dream since she was a little girl.
With her best friend unable to do the simplest spells, her brother determined to find an old family spell to turn them into cats, and hot dates with a vampire, her hands are full enough. Add to that two other guys trying to get her attention, and a teacher that seems to hate her, and Daphne's school year isn't quite going to plan…
Catching A Vampire is a slow burn paranormal academy with a reverse harem theme. It is book one of the Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs.

This is a great start to this new series from the author.
Well written plot and story line that keeps you engaged throughout.
Wonderful well fleshed out characters that are wonderful to follow and can't wait to read more of their adventures.
Great world building and love all the interactions with the characters.
Can't wait to read more of these.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daphne has always wanted to study at Grimalkin. She has her best friend Mona, who has lost her magic. Ryan her twin brother that wants to find a spell book to turn them into cats. Heath who she befriends to use him, but starts to like him. Cade who is her brothers best friend that she finds out likes her. Bradley her long time friend and boyfriend in grade school. A teacher who is out to get her. So much going on what is she going to do? What is it with these guys? What will Emma do to break her and Heath up?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catacombs is a side story to Kittens and I just loved seeing what Daphne and Ryan and Daph's men got up to at the same time as what Mona and her guys. I was reading both series at the same time alternating between them.
Daphne and Ryan come to Grimalkin to find an old family spell to turn them in to cats. Ryan thinks that it will be in a Vampire library down in the Catacombs so persuades Daphne to get close to a vampire so they can get into it. but things don't go as planned and Daphne starts to fall for Heath the Vampire she chose. Along the way she also has two other men after her Ryan's best friend Cade and her childhood sweetheart Bradley. how will this semester turn out read and see.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne (FMC) is a witch at Grimalkin Academy. If youve read Grimalkin Academy Kittens series you'll have already met her, Mona (her friend and roommate) and Ryan her twin brother. Daphne gets her own set of books in this series. When Ryan gets involved in a hair-brained idea she meets Heath. A vampire who she needs to help her do that but things dont work out the way she thinks and she starts to like Heath. Which brings its own complications. Loved Daphne and Mona in the Kittens series and this one is just as good. A damn good read

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of 3 in the new Catacombs mini series of the Grimalkin Academy books. These books feature Daphne's story, and I loved reading from her viewpoint. I won't tell you what happens (I hate spoilers!) but it's a great book, and I highly recommend it to all Grimalkin Academy fans, or lovers of supernatural stories, and its young adult target audience means it's suitable for all ages. Can't wait to see what happens next!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book irritated me. Not because the story was bad. No, it was actually decent. However, some authors seem to have forgotten that books are supposed to have a beginning, a climax and a resolutions. This book has the beginning and then just as the action is starting it just ends. There is nothing to this book. She goes to school and goes on a few dates. It seemed like the conflict was just starting when it ended. This is NOT a complete book. This is what turns me off of some authors. If you want someone to buy your books, write a complete one.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating is a reflection of my expectation ( a book with a complete story) versus the reality - what appears to be the first part of a serial. At only 8 chapters long nothing of note happens except she goes on a couple of dates with a vampire, has two wizards get into a fight cause they both like her, then the vampire breaks up with her. That is it. There is no mystery to solve and no substance to the story. It is simply a few chapters about a witch that goes to an academy and goes on a date.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grimalkin school has been a dream of Daphne's to attend and her brother Ryan will do anything to obtain his family's spell of transforming into a cat.I enjoyed all the twists and turns throughout the book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane Ehlers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm all for short stories and cliffhangers however there was no story and where the book ended irritated me. Like, what? I was completely dumbfounded with how this story went, the cover and blurb gave me high hopes but once I started reading, those hopes went down the drain.

This book is the first time I'm reading from this author and probably last. It took me a while to get used to the writing style and actually want to continue reading because the main character annoyed me at first with how cocky she was with having to be the smartest person in the room. That was the start of the constant eye rolling I was doing throughout this book.

Now for the plot there wasn't any build up. Everything happened so fast and plots were forgotten and changed to a different storyline then the original plot comes back up at the end that it was all so disorienting to follow along. The main plot and sub-plots didn't flow and blend well together. There was no balance, it felt like it was just thrown in in hopes of being an entertaining story but it ends up being flat. I see potential in the plot but sadly it wasn't given a chance to be anything.

This story lacked details that could have helped me connect to the characters and actually care for them. Like I said, I wasn't a fan of the main character at first and then she started "dating" a vampire in one chapter after meeting him and then the next it's been a week apparently and she's thinking she's falling for him. Like, what? Then on the side there are two other boys that like her and get into fights about her when she hasn't shown a lick of interest in them and they know she has a "boyfriend". I didn't understand why this had to become the main plot, shoving the original plot of her trying to find a vampire to help her and her brother to find this secret spell. All honesty it's a spell that turns ones self into a cat and I'm like "And that's not part of magic 101?" That's a secret spell, completely anticlimactic. Even more anticlimactic, this whole story. So much is happening while at the same time, nothing is happening. I felt like I wasted my time but thankfully not my money because it's free.

Overall if you're looking for a fun adventurous fantasy book this is far from one. The story is lackluster and the only thing that makes this a fantasy read is the fact that vampires, witches, and warlocks all go to an academy. Actual magic is on the side lines.

[Marcia - itsabookthing2021 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Catching A Vampire. I really liked how we learnt more about Daphne and her relationships. The Twin cat thing is intriguing and I can't wait to see that develop.
I read this after reading First Time's A Charm, so I'm reading in Chronological order rather than release order, and I'm finding it great, I like how I'm getting Daphne's point of view rather than Mona's, I think the combination of the two is great and I'm getting to see the other characters develop from Daphne's side.
I really love how the storyline progressed and how Daphne tackles the problem she finds herself in. I'm loving the back drop of a magical school, I know it's been done before but this seems fresh and new and not like previous novels set in schools.
I love Laura Greenwood's writing, her world building along with her characters makes for a wonderful read, I love that they're quick reads as it means I can move onto the next one without waiting. I can't wait to read more from this series.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twins Daphne and Ryan are students at Grimalkin Academy. Daphne’s not sure of her future plans so she’s taking a general bunch of courses to get an idea. One day in a rather boring class her twin brings up the idea that there’s a family spell hidden in the catacombs of the academy. He tasks her with finding a vampire who would help them search for it. Daphne decides to take a night course which are almost entirely vampire students and meets one she likes instantly. Heath and she hit it off well and start dating. Problems arise when two others her brother’s best friend Cade and a warlock from her past seem to also have feelings for her. Complicating things further are a suspicious teacher and trying to help her bff who can no longer do magic.
Good beginning. Big cliffhanger at the end I’m guessing each book will focus in on one guy as this is a RH series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not know how Laura Greenwood does it, but she has made being back at Grimalkin Academy seem fresh in Catching A Vampire. Mind you this series came before the Kitten series which I have already reviewed, but she managed to keep Daphne’s life pretty much a secret in the Kitten series. So here I am back at the Academy and looking at it through the fresh eyes of Heath and Daphne.

I have to say that it is pretty cool. The mystery ahead has been hinted at, but Greenwood is concentrating on the romance between Daphne and Heath in Vampire. Greenwood has given us a couple of villains already and there has to be another that we just cannot see yet. (hehehehe)

I am getting excited. Lucky for me I already have the next book.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching a Vampire by Laura Greenwood is a slow burn paranormal academy with a reverse harem theme that I listened to on audio narrated by Kate Richardson. This is book one in the Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs.

I just love Laura’s books. They always leave me begging for more. The Story does end on a cliffhanger, but that was no surprise since it was the first book in the series. I can’t wait for the second book Catching a Wizard to be released on audible.

Kate did a great job on the narration. I loved that she used different voice/tones for each character. She really knows how to bring a story to life. I can’t wait to listen to more of her work in the future.

Audiobook Obsession
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