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Vampire Reality Show #1
Forever After
On the Vampire Reality Show, Forever After, unexpected love isn’t the only plot twist.
Autumn Reid is in a rut. At nearly thirty years old, she hasn’t ventured outside her sleepy Georgia town of Covey Crossing. When her father sees an ad for a new dating show, Forever After, she jumps on the chance. It’s a dating show with a twist, featuring a vampire bachelor. Sure, the winner gets the choice of cash or immortality, but Autumn doesn’t expect to make it that far. She just needs a shakeup in her dull life. What she doesn’t expect is the infuriatingly handsome vampire duke.
Impoverished duke Oliver Gray desperately needs money to save his estate. When he’s offered the chance to become the bachelor on Forever After, he has no choice but to accept. There’s a catch—he has to wear Victorian clothing from the era during which he turned and pretend to have been hibernating for the last one hundred years. Fine. He can pretend to be clueless and don a top hat once more. What he truly struggles to figure out is the alluring human with a smart mouth. But he can’t seem to send her home, not when something deep down inside insists she may be his one true mate.
But figuring out whether they might love or hate one another is the least of Autumn and Oliver’s problems. Contestants are being murdered one by one, and a vampire appears to be to blame. But the show must go on, and the director is convinced a relocation to their finale destination in England will solve all their problems. But Oliver and Autumn’s dreams of forever after may be cut short when the killer follows them across the pond and decides Autumn is next.
Autumn Reid is in a rut. At nearly thirty years old, she hasn’t ventured outside her sleepy Georgia town of Covey Crossing. When her father sees an ad for a new dating show, Forever After, she jumps on the chance. It’s a dating show with a twist, featuring a vampire bachelor. Sure, the winner gets the choice of cash or immortality, but Autumn doesn’t expect to make it that far. She just needs a shakeup in her dull life. What she doesn’t expect is the infuriatingly handsome vampire duke.
Impoverished duke Oliver Gray desperately needs money to save his estate. When he’s offered the chance to become the bachelor on Forever After, he has no choice but to accept. There’s a catch—he has to wear Victorian clothing from the era during which he turned and pretend to have been hibernating for the last one hundred years. Fine. He can pretend to be clueless and don a top hat once more. What he truly struggles to figure out is the alluring human with a smart mouth. But he can’t seem to send her home, not when something deep down inside insists she may be his one true mate.
But figuring out whether they might love or hate one another is the least of Autumn and Oliver’s problems. Contestants are being murdered one by one, and a vampire appears to be to blame. But the show must go on, and the director is convinced a relocation to their finale destination in England will solve all their problems. But Oliver and Autumn’s dreams of forever after may be cut short when the killer follows them across the pond and decides Autumn is next.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2021
11 people are currently reading
1785 people want to read
About the author
Ashley R. King
8 books143 followersAshley R. King is a middle school English teacher whose love of the written word began when her mom took her to the public library, letting her check out stacks of books taller than she was. She’s the least athletic person you’ll ever meet, but that doesn’t decrease her love for her favorite sport, tennis.
She loves swoony romances and is addicted to sweet tea. When she’s not teaching or writing happily ever afters, she can be found snuggled up with a book, travelling, or quoting obscure lines from her favorite movies and tv shows. She lives in a small town in Georgia with her favorite person in the world—her husband, and their sweet and chatty spoiled cat, Cleo.
Find her on
Instagram: @ashleyrkingwrites
Facebook: facebook.com/ashleyrkingwrites
She loves swoony romances and is addicted to sweet tea. When she’s not teaching or writing happily ever afters, she can be found snuggled up with a book, travelling, or quoting obscure lines from her favorite movies and tv shows. She lives in a small town in Georgia with her favorite person in the world—her husband, and their sweet and chatty spoiled cat, Cleo.
Find her on
Instagram: @ashleyrkingwrites
Facebook: facebook.com/ashleyrkingwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 27, 2021
"He'd thought this opportunity was perfect for her - his exact words had been, "it says here he's a duke, there are moors, and he's romantic and broody. You love romantic and broody!"
I have received an ARC through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy.
Genre: contemporary fantasy with vampires, romance, mystery
Tropes: vampire and mortal romance, competing for love, hate to love, reality show, mates
Series: Vampire Reality Show #1 (can be read as a stand-alone)
Cliffhanger: No
Spice: 2.5/5
Rating: 3.75
This book was a breath of fresh air. I've been reading exclusively romance and fantasy this year and, while this is still what I enjoy, I needed something a bit different, and Forever After delivered. It's the first book of the Vampire Reality Show series, but it doesn’t end with a cliffhanger and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
》》The Plot《《
In a modern day world where vampires and werewolves have come to light and, even though not extremely common, they are known and accepted by society, Autumn Reid has decided to escape her boring, monotonous life and sign up for Forever After, a new version of the Bachelor, where the male lead is an old Vampire Duke. The prize for the winner? Immortality by the Vampire's side or a large amount of cash.
Oliver Gray, a bankrupted English duke, finds the solution for saving his estate in an unexpected manner: by agreeing to be the Vampire bachelor of a new reality show. And while he's sure he can't find his mate there, at least he's willing to try and play his part, even with the frustratingly attractive and stubborn girl, whose name sounds like a season.
But when people start dying and all the clues point to a vampire inside the house, Autumn and Oliver have more to solve than the feelings that may or may not exist between them.
"Autumn," her name was a rumbled escape, moonlight over the moors, heaven and hell, all things combined.
The story was fast-paced and dynamic, keeping you entertained exactly in the same way a real life reality show would. The bonus part? The touch of urban fantasy. There was no hocus pocus and no magic or funny business going around, but the sheer fact that vampires, werewolves and zombies were present has set the story apart from a normal romance. It's interesting and indeed different. It's easy to read and even easier to get fond of. And you get a bit of everything and a balanced mixture of sugar, spice (literally) and everything nice.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
👩🏽 Autumn Reid
"Everyone had a weakness. Superman and his kryptonite, Elizabeth Bennett and her ability to jump to conclusions, and Autumn? Well, hers was an English accent on a handsome man."
I find it hard to label her, because she is something between what you would expect and what takes you aback. Sarcastic at times, totally rational and definitely indecisive about who she wants to be. I think she's still discovering herself, so maybe our purpose was to discover her along the way too.
🧛🏻 Oliver Gray
"He's cute, yeah?" Teagan grinned.
Cute? He was built of otherworldly beauty, everything about him beginning to be sketched or painted. No, Mr. Masterpiece Classic wasn't handsome. He was freaking gorgeous. Stunning. Get my engine revved up, make me think dirty thoughts, handsome.
Dark, brooding, several years old and blue-eyed? The perfect recipe for the male MC. Throw in the word MATE in there, and any SJM fan will be interested.
🧛🏻👩🏽 Oliver and Autumn
"He wouldn't just ...eat her the night before the show? Right? Right. Ha.She'd like to see him try; she'd kick him in the balls."
Strangers to hate-love, to lust, to mates - not unexpected, but fun to follow and the banter is totally on point. Feels a bit like a hot and cold game, but you can see the way it is supposed to end, but let's be honest, we can only be glad for happy endings, right?
👩🏽👩🏻Autumn and Teagan
"I've had enough bats to last me a lifetime. It's like we're living The Vampire Diaries right now and not the fun, steamy parts either. Where's my Damon with his sexy, little smirk?" Teagen lifted the parchment, shooting Autumn a smile. "I already know where your Damon is."
Autumn sat up. "You know what? I was going to argue, but you're right."
Yes, yes, yes - some proper female supporting females here. And a very nice friendship, though it was a bit of an insta love between these two girls. But, well, maybe sometimes you just know from the first glance when you find a good friend.
》》Conclusion《《
I enjoyed it and it definitely was different from what I've been reading this year. It reminded me a bit of The Selection in the beginning, but the resemblance was to scarce to actually keep that comparison in mind along the way. The writing was fast paced and didn't give you the chance to get bored and I definitely think it would make an entertaining TV show. There's a bit of everything: vampires, mean girls, reality show vibes, murder mysteries, romance and mates.
And the ending, while not exactly shocking, managed to surprise me with the killer - not who I was expecting, good think I'm not a PI, I guess.
"Look at how you two were lookingat each other." Teagan smiled, nudging Autumn's side.
"Like I knew she was it for me," Oliver added.
All in all, I encourage you to give it a try. It's the perfect way to find new obsessions, while also enjoying tropes that are already well known and loved.
I have received an ARC through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy.
Genre: contemporary fantasy with vampires, romance, mystery
Tropes: vampire and mortal romance, competing for love, hate to love, reality show, mates
Series: Vampire Reality Show #1 (can be read as a stand-alone)
Cliffhanger: No
Spice: 2.5/5
Rating: 3.75
This book was a breath of fresh air. I've been reading exclusively romance and fantasy this year and, while this is still what I enjoy, I needed something a bit different, and Forever After delivered. It's the first book of the Vampire Reality Show series, but it doesn’t end with a cliffhanger and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
》》The Plot《《
In a modern day world where vampires and werewolves have come to light and, even though not extremely common, they are known and accepted by society, Autumn Reid has decided to escape her boring, monotonous life and sign up for Forever After, a new version of the Bachelor, where the male lead is an old Vampire Duke. The prize for the winner? Immortality by the Vampire's side or a large amount of cash.
Oliver Gray, a bankrupted English duke, finds the solution for saving his estate in an unexpected manner: by agreeing to be the Vampire bachelor of a new reality show. And while he's sure he can't find his mate there, at least he's willing to try and play his part, even with the frustratingly attractive and stubborn girl, whose name sounds like a season.
But when people start dying and all the clues point to a vampire inside the house, Autumn and Oliver have more to solve than the feelings that may or may not exist between them.
"Autumn," her name was a rumbled escape, moonlight over the moors, heaven and hell, all things combined.
The story was fast-paced and dynamic, keeping you entertained exactly in the same way a real life reality show would. The bonus part? The touch of urban fantasy. There was no hocus pocus and no magic or funny business going around, but the sheer fact that vampires, werewolves and zombies were present has set the story apart from a normal romance. It's interesting and indeed different. It's easy to read and even easier to get fond of. And you get a bit of everything and a balanced mixture of sugar, spice (literally) and everything nice.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
👩🏽 Autumn Reid
"Everyone had a weakness. Superman and his kryptonite, Elizabeth Bennett and her ability to jump to conclusions, and Autumn? Well, hers was an English accent on a handsome man."
I find it hard to label her, because she is something between what you would expect and what takes you aback. Sarcastic at times, totally rational and definitely indecisive about who she wants to be. I think she's still discovering herself, so maybe our purpose was to discover her along the way too.
🧛🏻 Oliver Gray
"He's cute, yeah?" Teagan grinned.
Cute? He was built of otherworldly beauty, everything about him beginning to be sketched or painted. No, Mr. Masterpiece Classic wasn't handsome. He was freaking gorgeous. Stunning. Get my engine revved up, make me think dirty thoughts, handsome.
Dark, brooding, several years old and blue-eyed? The perfect recipe for the male MC. Throw in the word MATE in there, and any SJM fan will be interested.
🧛🏻👩🏽 Oliver and Autumn
"He wouldn't just ...eat her the night before the show? Right? Right. Ha.She'd like to see him try; she'd kick him in the balls."
Strangers to hate-love, to lust, to mates - not unexpected, but fun to follow and the banter is totally on point. Feels a bit like a hot and cold game, but you can see the way it is supposed to end, but let's be honest, we can only be glad for happy endings, right?
👩🏽👩🏻Autumn and Teagan
"I've had enough bats to last me a lifetime. It's like we're living The Vampire Diaries right now and not the fun, steamy parts either. Where's my Damon with his sexy, little smirk?" Teagen lifted the parchment, shooting Autumn a smile. "I already know where your Damon is."
Autumn sat up. "You know what? I was going to argue, but you're right."
Yes, yes, yes - some proper female supporting females here. And a very nice friendship, though it was a bit of an insta love between these two girls. But, well, maybe sometimes you just know from the first glance when you find a good friend.
》》Conclusion《《
I enjoyed it and it definitely was different from what I've been reading this year. It reminded me a bit of The Selection in the beginning, but the resemblance was to scarce to actually keep that comparison in mind along the way. The writing was fast paced and didn't give you the chance to get bored and I definitely think it would make an entertaining TV show. There's a bit of everything: vampires, mean girls, reality show vibes, murder mysteries, romance and mates.
And the ending, while not exactly shocking, managed to surprise me with the killer - not who I was expecting, good think I'm not a PI, I guess.
"Look at how you two were lookingat each other." Teagan smiled, nudging Autumn's side.
"Like I knew she was it for me," Oliver added.
All in all, I encourage you to give it a try. It's the perfect way to find new obsessions, while also enjoying tropes that are already well known and loved.
November 14, 2021
Amazing! Bite me already!
Where can I get my vampire bachelor?
The slow burn 🔥.
It made me laugh and was so sweet and cute.
Loved Autumns feistiness from the get go. A girl that can give attitude is the best.
Oliver 😍.
Teagan was so amazing and I want her love story.
Where can I get my vampire bachelor?
The slow burn 🔥.
It made me laugh and was so sweet and cute.
Loved Autumns feistiness from the get go. A girl that can give attitude is the best.
Oliver 😍.
Teagan was so amazing and I want her love story.
December 9, 2021
Autumn feels like her life is going nowhere so she chooses to go on a vampire dating show to change things up a bit, never intending to win. But then she meets Oliver, the vampire and her mind slowly changes about him and about winning.
Oliver doesn't want to do the dating show but he needs the money to keep from losing his home so he agrees to go along with the producers on how they want him to act and the show to progress. But the show is thrown for a loop when people start being murdered.
So when vampires came out of the shadows and humans know they and some other paranormals exist, Oliver lost a lot of money because his stocks went down so now he needs to make money to keep his family home. A vampire dating show sounds like a great idea because there are some humans that want immortality or money and those are the choices for the winner of the show.
The attraction between Autumn and Oliver wasn't instantaneous and I really liked that. It took some time for them to get to know each other and find that they liked one another. But I did think it was weird for the show to keep going forward when people kept turning up dead.
The setting though was way too cute. There were bat messengers, hearse transport cars and bed coffins but it wasn't creepy at all. Finding out who the killer was and why was fun because I never saw it coming. This was such a fun vampire romance.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oliver doesn't want to do the dating show but he needs the money to keep from losing his home so he agrees to go along with the producers on how they want him to act and the show to progress. But the show is thrown for a loop when people start being murdered.
So when vampires came out of the shadows and humans know they and some other paranormals exist, Oliver lost a lot of money because his stocks went down so now he needs to make money to keep his family home. A vampire dating show sounds like a great idea because there are some humans that want immortality or money and those are the choices for the winner of the show.
The attraction between Autumn and Oliver wasn't instantaneous and I really liked that. It took some time for them to get to know each other and find that they liked one another. But I did think it was weird for the show to keep going forward when people kept turning up dead.
The setting though was way too cute. There were bat messengers, hearse transport cars and bed coffins but it wasn't creepy at all. Finding out who the killer was and why was fun because I never saw it coming. This was such a fun vampire romance.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 17, 2021
“Ruin me, then. Ruin me every day for the rest of our lives.”
First I would like to thank City Owl Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give an honest review.
Forever After is a story following a young woman named Autumn Reid who lives in the small town known as Covey Crossing. She often spends her life between the pages of books, living with the heroes and heroines of her beloved stories and hardly going outside of her comfort zone. When she sees an ad for a new dating reality show known as Forever After, she decides to jump at the chance for an adventure, daring to step outside of her comfort zone for once in her life. The eligible bachelor of this soon to be hit-television show is not only a duke but also a vampire. The winner has the choice of choosing cash or immortality, though Autumn does not expect to get that far. She is merely seeking a change from her dull life, she had not expected to fall in love.
Oliver Gray, the duke and eligible bachelor in question, is in desperate need of money to save his estate. So, when he’s offered the bachelor spot on Forever After he is quick to accept. But like with most contracts there is a catch--he must wear Victorian clothes and pretend to have been hibernating for the last one hundred years. Upon accepting the contact, he had not expected to meet a feisty smart mouthed human, especially when something inside him insists that she is his fated mate.
Oliver and Autumn’s dreams of love and romance may be cut short when a killer takes out the contestants one-by-one. As the show's finale nears, will they get their forever happily-ever-after?
This book was an absolute delight to read, I could hardly put it down! Not only were the characters fun and reliable but the pacing of the story was fantastic and each end of a chapter left me wanting more. This book gave me a The Bachelor and Pride and Prejudice vibes, with a touch of vampires, of course! I absolutely loved the chemistry between Autumn and Oliver and the slow burn of their budding romance despite the horrible first impression they made of one another. They were both filled with such wonderful banter that had me laughing as I made my way through the book, the few Pride and Prejudice references throughout the book really got me!
Autumn was a character that I especially liked, she was someone I found myself relating to very much. It’s not very often I’m able to see myself in a character from a book, so it was very nice to have that sense of familiarity with the character. I also really enjoyed the sense of mystery to this story, I never knew quite where the story and characters would lead me and it left me guessing, which I loved! At one point I felt I had it all figured out, until the author surprised me with a very well executed plot twist!
If you’re a fan of vampire romances, witty banter and slow burn romances, then this is a book I would highly recommend! You will be extremely satisfied with the entire wonderful experience! I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series, I already know I’m going to love it!
First I would like to thank City Owl Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give an honest review.
Forever After is a story following a young woman named Autumn Reid who lives in the small town known as Covey Crossing. She often spends her life between the pages of books, living with the heroes and heroines of her beloved stories and hardly going outside of her comfort zone. When she sees an ad for a new dating reality show known as Forever After, she decides to jump at the chance for an adventure, daring to step outside of her comfort zone for once in her life. The eligible bachelor of this soon to be hit-television show is not only a duke but also a vampire. The winner has the choice of choosing cash or immortality, though Autumn does not expect to get that far. She is merely seeking a change from her dull life, she had not expected to fall in love.
Oliver Gray, the duke and eligible bachelor in question, is in desperate need of money to save his estate. So, when he’s offered the bachelor spot on Forever After he is quick to accept. But like with most contracts there is a catch--he must wear Victorian clothes and pretend to have been hibernating for the last one hundred years. Upon accepting the contact, he had not expected to meet a feisty smart mouthed human, especially when something inside him insists that she is his fated mate.
Oliver and Autumn’s dreams of love and romance may be cut short when a killer takes out the contestants one-by-one. As the show's finale nears, will they get their forever happily-ever-after?
This book was an absolute delight to read, I could hardly put it down! Not only were the characters fun and reliable but the pacing of the story was fantastic and each end of a chapter left me wanting more. This book gave me a The Bachelor and Pride and Prejudice vibes, with a touch of vampires, of course! I absolutely loved the chemistry between Autumn and Oliver and the slow burn of their budding romance despite the horrible first impression they made of one another. They were both filled with such wonderful banter that had me laughing as I made my way through the book, the few Pride and Prejudice references throughout the book really got me!
Autumn was a character that I especially liked, she was someone I found myself relating to very much. It’s not very often I’m able to see myself in a character from a book, so it was very nice to have that sense of familiarity with the character. I also really enjoyed the sense of mystery to this story, I never knew quite where the story and characters would lead me and it left me guessing, which I loved! At one point I felt I had it all figured out, until the author surprised me with a very well executed plot twist!
If you’re a fan of vampire romances, witty banter and slow burn romances, then this is a book I would highly recommend! You will be extremely satisfied with the entire wonderful experience! I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series, I already know I’m going to love it!
December 3, 2021
This was one fun take on vampires and I ate it up!
With prompting from her father, Autumn signs up for Forever After, a bachelor remake with vampire Oliver as the dashing single man looking for love (or a way to save his home and keep paying his employees). Neither is all that excited to be part of this show and with their brief and brusque first meeting, it makes the tension even more torturous for them and delicious for the reader.
Toss in a murderer, attraction between mains that everyone notices, and sneaking around to have important "conversations" i.e. stolen kissy times, and you have one entertaining read.
If you're a contemporary romance or romcom reader who's not sure about diving into a paranormal romance, this is your gateway book.
It's sweet, spicy, funny, and dramatic in all the right ways.
With prompting from her father, Autumn signs up for Forever After, a bachelor remake with vampire Oliver as the dashing single man looking for love (or a way to save his home and keep paying his employees). Neither is all that excited to be part of this show and with their brief and brusque first meeting, it makes the tension even more torturous for them and delicious for the reader.
Toss in a murderer, attraction between mains that everyone notices, and sneaking around to have important "conversations" i.e. stolen kissy times, and you have one entertaining read.
If you're a contemporary romance or romcom reader who's not sure about diving into a paranormal romance, this is your gateway book.
It's sweet, spicy, funny, and dramatic in all the right ways.
December 12, 2021
This was so unbelievably good and highly entertaining! It’s a vampire reality show!
Oliver Gray needs money, when he’s offered to be the bachelor for a vampire dating show, how could he turn it down? Unfortunately, he has to pretend he’s been hibernating and doesn’t understand modern things—he even has to wear Victorian clothing.
“I can assure you there’s no foreplay here, just two people who share a mutual disdain for each other.”
When he meets Autumn, it’s not a meet cute; quite the opposite. They can’t stand each other, but Autumn is already set to be a contestant. She shows up knowing Oliver will send her home, but when he doesn’t, and they truly start to get to know each other, well, you know what they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate.
”Ruin me every day for the rest of our lives.”
I just loved this book! Ashley’s writing made the story feel like I was watching it all play out in a real tv show. I loved the confessionals, the delivery bats, the dates, and best of all, the suspense! I did not see that coming! I was on the edge of my bed, eagerly and desperately wanting to know what was going on! I was all here for it, extremely invested.
I loved that, despite it being a show to fight for the bachelor, Autumn found a true friend in Teagan. I loved their friendship and how these two were thick as thieves and always there for each other.
The romance was so sweet, but when it came to the good stuff, hot damn. 🥵 Our hero with an accent can really smooth talk and dirty talk. *fans face*
“You slay me, love,” he whispered, his tone reverent.
Overall, Forever After is a fantastic start to a brand new series that is full of entertainment! I cannot wait for more!
Oliver Gray needs money, when he’s offered to be the bachelor for a vampire dating show, how could he turn it down? Unfortunately, he has to pretend he’s been hibernating and doesn’t understand modern things—he even has to wear Victorian clothing.
“I can assure you there’s no foreplay here, just two people who share a mutual disdain for each other.”
When he meets Autumn, it’s not a meet cute; quite the opposite. They can’t stand each other, but Autumn is already set to be a contestant. She shows up knowing Oliver will send her home, but when he doesn’t, and they truly start to get to know each other, well, you know what they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate.
”Ruin me every day for the rest of our lives.”
I just loved this book! Ashley’s writing made the story feel like I was watching it all play out in a real tv show. I loved the confessionals, the delivery bats, the dates, and best of all, the suspense! I did not see that coming! I was on the edge of my bed, eagerly and desperately wanting to know what was going on! I was all here for it, extremely invested.
I loved that, despite it being a show to fight for the bachelor, Autumn found a true friend in Teagan. I loved their friendship and how these two were thick as thieves and always there for each other.
The romance was so sweet, but when it came to the good stuff, hot damn. 🥵 Our hero with an accent can really smooth talk and dirty talk. *fans face*
“You slay me, love,” he whispered, his tone reverent.
Overall, Forever After is a fantastic start to a brand new series that is full of entertainment! I cannot wait for more!
November 13, 2021
“Ruin me, then. Ruin me every day for the rest of our lives…”
The Bachelor with Vampires; isn’t that the best tag line a book could ever have? It’s safe to say I knew I’d love this before I even started and I was absolutely right.
Autumn Reid is bored. She’s bored of the mundane and wants adventure… cue: taking advice from her dad and entering to be a contestant on Forever After, The Bachelor with vampires. Oliver Gray is bored too. He’s bored of living forever without nothing to show for it. So when these two people from completely different worlds meet… it’s a bit of a disaster, to be honest. There’s bickering and snappiness and so much sarcasm that it made me laugh out loud. But what is it they say? Hatred makes the heart grow fonder?
This book has slain me. A stake to the heart, bury me 6ft under because I am DECEASED. It was incredible and I loved every page. It has been quite a while since I properly laughed at a book, but Forever After had me chuckling almost every page. It was sweet and cute and lighthearted, but with vampires! VAMPIRES. A romcom… with vampires. Y’all don’t understand how amazing that it.
We also need to appreciate Autumn and Oliver’s relationship. Both are very strong willed people with similar (and yet contradictory) personalities and we get to see that develop, turning into something more meaningful and really beautiful.
Oh and the spice? Loved it. There’s this one scene that absolutely killed me and I’ll forever be wishing for it lol. Just got to find me a vampire now.
Ashley, thank you for bringing this into the world. People don’t know how much they NEED this book.
5 stars (but I’d give it all the stars in the world if I could).
The Bachelor with Vampires; isn’t that the best tag line a book could ever have? It’s safe to say I knew I’d love this before I even started and I was absolutely right.
Autumn Reid is bored. She’s bored of the mundane and wants adventure… cue: taking advice from her dad and entering to be a contestant on Forever After, The Bachelor with vampires. Oliver Gray is bored too. He’s bored of living forever without nothing to show for it. So when these two people from completely different worlds meet… it’s a bit of a disaster, to be honest. There’s bickering and snappiness and so much sarcasm that it made me laugh out loud. But what is it they say? Hatred makes the heart grow fonder?
This book has slain me. A stake to the heart, bury me 6ft under because I am DECEASED. It was incredible and I loved every page. It has been quite a while since I properly laughed at a book, but Forever After had me chuckling almost every page. It was sweet and cute and lighthearted, but with vampires! VAMPIRES. A romcom… with vampires. Y’all don’t understand how amazing that it.
We also need to appreciate Autumn and Oliver’s relationship. Both are very strong willed people with similar (and yet contradictory) personalities and we get to see that develop, turning into something more meaningful and really beautiful.
Oh and the spice? Loved it. There’s this one scene that absolutely killed me and I’ll forever be wishing for it lol. Just got to find me a vampire now.
Ashley, thank you for bringing this into the world. People don’t know how much they NEED this book.
5 stars (but I’d give it all the stars in the world if I could).
November 15, 2021
What a fun, completely quirky paranormal romance!
Going into Forever After, I had no idea what to expect. I'd almost say this book has a rom-com feel, mixed with vampires and other things that go bump in the night. The dating television show was a unique plot setting for the story and I enjoyed seeing how it all played out. Autumn and Oliver were fantastic together, great enemies to lovers/fated mates trope.
I will say though, I felt like the romance aspect was the best part of the book, which is most likely what you're reading this book for anyway. The murder/mystery aspect just felt unnecessarily thrown in and it seemed like a lot of details were glazed over or characters reactions seemed dulled down for one reason or another. The dialogue was a bit clunky in places and I couldn't connect to Oliver's character until a good way through the book which was a bummer since I loved Autumn so much from the get go.
Overall, I did enjoy this book! It was a quickly-paced, sometimes silly story and if you're looking for something to enjoy for an evening or two, I recommend giving this book a try :)
Thank you City Owl Press via NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and honestly review.
Going into Forever After, I had no idea what to expect. I'd almost say this book has a rom-com feel, mixed with vampires and other things that go bump in the night. The dating television show was a unique plot setting for the story and I enjoyed seeing how it all played out. Autumn and Oliver were fantastic together, great enemies to lovers/fated mates trope.
I will say though, I felt like the romance aspect was the best part of the book, which is most likely what you're reading this book for anyway. The murder/mystery aspect just felt unnecessarily thrown in and it seemed like a lot of details were glazed over or characters reactions seemed dulled down for one reason or another. The dialogue was a bit clunky in places and I couldn't connect to Oliver's character until a good way through the book which was a bummer since I loved Autumn so much from the get go.
Overall, I did enjoy this book! It was a quickly-paced, sometimes silly story and if you're looking for something to enjoy for an evening or two, I recommend giving this book a try :)
Thank you City Owl Press via NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and honestly review.
November 18, 2021
Forever After is SUCH a fun read-the perfect blend of paranormal and contemporary romance with a side of mystery. The unique premise of a vampire reality show hooked me instantly, and the descriptions and details from the confessional booth to the coffin beds kept me absorbed in the fantastical world that Ms. King created. Autumn and Oliver have sparkling chemistry from the beginning that they battle while navigating a host of reality television dramas, so there's never a dull moment! I love paranormal stories like this where there's a light touch to the world building and plenty of modern day touches to create that crossover sweet spot. Don't miss this!
Read
December 5, 2021The Bachelor...but with vampires! 🦇🥀🖤
November 7, 2021
Like creepy cute? This book is for you! It’s such a unique and amazing book that I couldn’t put down. I’m not even a vampire story reader and adored every second, from start to finish.
The tension between main characters Autumn and Oliver hooked me and left me needing to know more ASAP. Lines like this captured my senses, as this author tends to do constantly; “Lust licked from her veins as she recalled a face cut from the finest marble.” Doesn’t that make all of us want to know Oliver? Come on!
And the setting and word choice drew me into the world I wished I could be in, from the orange lit street lamps to the coffins as beds and hearses as transportation. Not scary one bit, but cute as anything yet with a tinge of spooky. Plus that murder mystery weaved in, omg!
The humor throughout also got me giggling. Lines like “Evil minds think alike.” Too funny, and I ate it up.
Last, it was the most satisfying ending to a perfectly written story. Throughout, it even made me want to BE a vampire. I was already a fan of this author from her first book, Painting the Lines, and this special storyline sealed the deal. You want to read this book right now! I’ll be reading it again.
*This book will be released on 11-18-21 and was gifted to me as an advanced reader copy for an honest review.
The tension between main characters Autumn and Oliver hooked me and left me needing to know more ASAP. Lines like this captured my senses, as this author tends to do constantly; “Lust licked from her veins as she recalled a face cut from the finest marble.” Doesn’t that make all of us want to know Oliver? Come on!
And the setting and word choice drew me into the world I wished I could be in, from the orange lit street lamps to the coffins as beds and hearses as transportation. Not scary one bit, but cute as anything yet with a tinge of spooky. Plus that murder mystery weaved in, omg!
The humor throughout also got me giggling. Lines like “Evil minds think alike.” Too funny, and I ate it up.
Last, it was the most satisfying ending to a perfectly written story. Throughout, it even made me want to BE a vampire. I was already a fan of this author from her first book, Painting the Lines, and this special storyline sealed the deal. You want to read this book right now! I’ll be reading it again.
*This book will be released on 11-18-21 and was gifted to me as an advanced reader copy for an honest review.
November 23, 2021
THIS BOOK.
So I got to read an earlier version of FOREVER AFTER, and y'all, I loved it. I. Absolutely. Loved. It! I stayed up until like 2 am reading it before I made myself set it down and go to bed. Then the next day when I was at IKEA for a million hours, all I could think about was going home to finish it. I *loved* Painting the Lines, so I went into this knowing I’d love it too, especially because HELLO it's The Bachelor with VAMPIRES!
I love Autumn. I love Oliver. I love the whole concept of this book. I loved it all so much I got a paperback so I can read it all over again.
If you want to read a paranormal romance with memorable characters, a clever premise, and a compelling mystery, you *need* to read FOREVER AFTER!
So I got to read an earlier version of FOREVER AFTER, and y'all, I loved it. I. Absolutely. Loved. It! I stayed up until like 2 am reading it before I made myself set it down and go to bed. Then the next day when I was at IKEA for a million hours, all I could think about was going home to finish it. I *loved* Painting the Lines, so I went into this knowing I’d love it too, especially because HELLO it's The Bachelor with VAMPIRES!
I love Autumn. I love Oliver. I love the whole concept of this book. I loved it all so much I got a paperback so I can read it all over again.
If you want to read a paranormal romance with memorable characters, a clever premise, and a compelling mystery, you *need* to read FOREVER AFTER!
November 15, 2021
My rating for this book is 5.
This book does have spicy scenes that do not fade to black that I rate at a 4. The scenes were tastefully done and there wasn’t one every chapter bogging down the story line.
Without giving spoilers, lets see if I can state some of the things that stood out to me the most in this book. First, Autumn, specifically the similarities between her character and me. I’m a librarian, I love graphic tees and a cardigan, I would rather curl up in a corner and read than socialize, I live in a small southern town, and I’m short and curvy. Getting to connect or find similarities between the main character and yourself is something I always feel makes a book so much more enjoyable, because I get to imagine myself actually doing these things. I laughed a lot at this book, the bantering and faux dislike the main characters have for each other made for some good laughing moments. I enjoyed how the author slowly revealed what myths were true or not for vampires in her world, and also which ones were the most important/dangerous to her vampires. I loved the Gothic aesthetic the author filtered into the story's background.
‘Mr. Masterpiece Classic’
“you seem nosy enough-” “thanks, Duke.”
“Kiss me then, Duke,” Autumn demanded
“Can I touch you?” he whispered
What I wasn’t prepared for was the curve ball towards the end of this book, at the end of the ‘show’. I was pleasantly surprised by the curve ball, just was not expecting the story to turn like that!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book does have spicy scenes that do not fade to black that I rate at a 4. The scenes were tastefully done and there wasn’t one every chapter bogging down the story line.
Without giving spoilers, lets see if I can state some of the things that stood out to me the most in this book. First, Autumn, specifically the similarities between her character and me. I’m a librarian, I love graphic tees and a cardigan, I would rather curl up in a corner and read than socialize, I live in a small southern town, and I’m short and curvy. Getting to connect or find similarities between the main character and yourself is something I always feel makes a book so much more enjoyable, because I get to imagine myself actually doing these things. I laughed a lot at this book, the bantering and faux dislike the main characters have for each other made for some good laughing moments. I enjoyed how the author slowly revealed what myths were true or not for vampires in her world, and also which ones were the most important/dangerous to her vampires. I loved the Gothic aesthetic the author filtered into the story's background.
‘Mr. Masterpiece Classic’
“you seem nosy enough-” “thanks, Duke.”
“Kiss me then, Duke,” Autumn demanded
“Can I touch you?” he whispered
What I wasn’t prepared for was the curve ball towards the end of this book, at the end of the ‘show’. I was pleasantly surprised by the curve ball, just was not expecting the story to turn like that!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2021
This is a deliciously unique story that is so warm, sweet, yet dark and beautiful, you can't help but smile a little bigger with every chapter.
I loved Autumn and Oliver. They were a perfect match From day 1, even if they couldn't see that for themselves. Their banter was so intimate and sweet, and Autumn is just hilarious. Seriously, she is exactly how I would react if I had experienced some of things she did.
I really just fell in love with the whole vampire reality show, because who wouldn't want to win a dreamy vampire husband? Especially one as dark and sultry as Oliver Grey.
Forever After is a lovely read that I binged in a single sitting because it was too much fun to put down. Can't wait for more from this awesome author and uniquely crafted series♥️♥️
I loved Autumn and Oliver. They were a perfect match From day 1, even if they couldn't see that for themselves. Their banter was so intimate and sweet, and Autumn is just hilarious. Seriously, she is exactly how I would react if I had experienced some of things she did.
I really just fell in love with the whole vampire reality show, because who wouldn't want to win a dreamy vampire husband? Especially one as dark and sultry as Oliver Grey.
Forever After is a lovely read that I binged in a single sitting because it was too much fun to put down. Can't wait for more from this awesome author and uniquely crafted series♥️♥️
December 5, 2021
Autumn Reid lives a simple life in a small town and decides that she is ready experience new things. I’m hopes for spicing things up she signs up for a reality dating show where the bachelor is a vampire.
Oliver Gray, is the vampire and eligible bachelor. After years of upkeep on his manor he is running low on funds and jumps at the opportunity for the prize money.
The reality dating shows starts of relatively normal until a series of murders happen on set.
This standalone paranormal romance was such a fun and fast paced read. It was a fun play on “the bachelor” and a murder mystery.
If you looking for a lighthearted read with some spice then I highly recommend picking up this book!!
Oliver Gray, is the vampire and eligible bachelor. After years of upkeep on his manor he is running low on funds and jumps at the opportunity for the prize money.
The reality dating shows starts of relatively normal until a series of murders happen on set.
This standalone paranormal romance was such a fun and fast paced read. It was a fun play on “the bachelor” and a murder mystery.
If you looking for a lighthearted read with some spice then I highly recommend picking up this book!!
March 6, 2022
This adorable, charming story adds a twist to vampire romance that is sure to leave readers thirsting for more.
Read full review in the 2022 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 8, 2021
"Autumn Reid, I hope you'll stay with me."
The Bachelor, with more fangs (lol). If you like vampire story but didn't like too much horror, this is your book. I love Autumn and Oliver's banter and how their story progressed, most of all how Autumn handled situations coming her way and how Oliver never forced her into anything. For me the little thing missing is the plot could be explored further so we get to understand more of other contestant's POV but overall I really enjoyed this sweet modern vampire romance :))
Can't wait for book 2! I wonder who will be lead character...
< ARC received from the author (thank you!!) in exchange of an honest review >
The Bachelor, with more fangs (lol). If you like vampire story but didn't like too much horror, this is your book. I love Autumn and Oliver's banter and how their story progressed, most of all how Autumn handled situations coming her way and how Oliver never forced her into anything. For me the little thing missing is the plot could be explored further so we get to understand more of other contestant's POV but overall I really enjoyed this sweet modern vampire romance :))
Can't wait for book 2! I wonder who will be lead character...
< ARC received from the author (thank you!!) in exchange of an honest review >
November 22, 2021
The Bachelor + vampires + enemies-to-lovers = Forever After and it is absolutely delightful
Forever After has a sneaky and clever level of banter and hilarity that only Ashley can really pull off, while also playing up the cheese and slight ridiculousness of traditional vampire lore, and the characters are just so freaking funny when you’re in their heads. Autumn and Oliver are intrigued by each other, horrified by each other, and also very ~into~ each other, and watching them grapple with that, all while within the confines of a Bachelor-esque dating show in a creepy old castle was *chef’s kiss* and I loved it. Add in some missing contestants, a potential murderer on the loose, and just bad vibes all around, and you have one heck of a romantic suspense comedy combo that was just so much fun to read.
I do wish we had gotten a bit more when it came to a few of the plot threads (a little more closure, I guess? or clarity?) but overall this was an absolute treat.
And while Oliver doesn’t sparkle, he certainly does smolder and he’s definitely become one of my favorite book boyfriends in a long while.
Read it.
[Many thanks to the author for my review copy in exchange for an honest review]
Forever After has a sneaky and clever level of banter and hilarity that only Ashley can really pull off, while also playing up the cheese and slight ridiculousness of traditional vampire lore, and the characters are just so freaking funny when you’re in their heads. Autumn and Oliver are intrigued by each other, horrified by each other, and also very ~into~ each other, and watching them grapple with that, all while within the confines of a Bachelor-esque dating show in a creepy old castle was *chef’s kiss* and I loved it. Add in some missing contestants, a potential murderer on the loose, and just bad vibes all around, and you have one heck of a romantic suspense comedy combo that was just so much fun to read.
I do wish we had gotten a bit more when it came to a few of the plot threads (a little more closure, I guess? or clarity?) but overall this was an absolute treat.
And while Oliver doesn’t sparkle, he certainly does smolder and he’s definitely become one of my favorite book boyfriends in a long while.
Read it.
[Many thanks to the author for my review copy in exchange for an honest review]
November 17, 2021
Three and a half
What can I possibly say about this unusual paranormal romance ? Oliver is a somewhat impoverished Vampire ( a Duke no less ! ) living in a time where Vampires and Werewolves have finally been outed. His friends have convinced him to go on television and star in a dating show in order to earn enough cash to save his estate. What he hadn't expected was Autumn ! Autumn is very much human, clearly antagonistic and unfortunately also Oliver's Mate ! Well you know the show must go on so Oliver is struggling to keep that particular fact quiet but as contestants start dying it's only a matter of time before Autumn becomes the next target !
So yes a mixture of a paranormal Bachelor type show, full of murder and suspense and all wrapped around a romance. I actually found this easy to read but to be blunt was somewhat nonplussed that the show just kept going as the contestants kept getting killed. I would happily read something else by this author because this was a fun, entertaining not to forget steamy read.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
What can I possibly say about this unusual paranormal romance ? Oliver is a somewhat impoverished Vampire ( a Duke no less ! ) living in a time where Vampires and Werewolves have finally been outed. His friends have convinced him to go on television and star in a dating show in order to earn enough cash to save his estate. What he hadn't expected was Autumn ! Autumn is very much human, clearly antagonistic and unfortunately also Oliver's Mate ! Well you know the show must go on so Oliver is struggling to keep that particular fact quiet but as contestants start dying it's only a matter of time before Autumn becomes the next target !
So yes a mixture of a paranormal Bachelor type show, full of murder and suspense and all wrapped around a romance. I actually found this easy to read but to be blunt was somewhat nonplussed that the show just kept going as the contestants kept getting killed. I would happily read something else by this author because this was a fun, entertaining not to forget steamy read.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
November 21, 2021
I'd like to thank Netgalley for the eArc of this book and I'm leaving the review voluntarily.
Damn that was good. A cheesy (not the bad kind) romance with a dash of spice. I really enjoyed the book, at some moments I was making high pitched noises lol. Yeah so it was very entertaining and this comes from a person who does not watch any reality shows but apparently can read them, haha. And Olivier, hot damn, I mean yes please, sorry, I mean yes daddy. It's just, yeah just give me a vampire husband already. I feel like I'm not asking for much, am I? To live in a world with vampires ahhh *dreamy eyes* Okay yeah sorry I'm back, I was just fantasizing, but still I stand by what I said lol.
Anyway, the writing was good, smooth and very engaging. Characters loveable and relatable. I mean our MC Autumn signs up for a reality show because of her quarter-life crisis. I can totally relate to that and would totally do the same thing. Olivier yeah I think I already covered that, mmm and be covered by him. Okay sorry I'm done. Oh and the fact that there were bats as messengers was adorable.
Damn that was good. A cheesy (not the bad kind) romance with a dash of spice. I really enjoyed the book, at some moments I was making high pitched noises lol. Yeah so it was very entertaining and this comes from a person who does not watch any reality shows but apparently can read them, haha. And Olivier, hot damn, I mean yes please, sorry, I mean yes daddy. It's just, yeah just give me a vampire husband already. I feel like I'm not asking for much, am I? To live in a world with vampires ahhh *dreamy eyes* Okay yeah sorry I'm back, I was just fantasizing, but still I stand by what I said lol.
Anyway, the writing was good, smooth and very engaging. Characters loveable and relatable. I mean our MC Autumn signs up for a reality show because of her quarter-life crisis. I can totally relate to that and would totally do the same thing. Olivier yeah I think I already covered that, mmm and be covered by him. Okay sorry I'm done. Oh and the fact that there were bats as messengers was adorable.
November 20, 2021
Forever After is a truly unique romance about a human woman and a vampire who meet on a reality dating show. Oliver needs to participate in the show to get money to save his family estate and Autumn is looking to find adventure and step out of her comfort zone. Neither is convinced that they will truly find love.
I really enjoyed this book. It has been a long time since I've read a vampire or paranormal romance. I had gotten tired of them. I'll say again that I was pleasantly surprised with how unique and different this story was. The writing was good and full of witty humor and even some tense suspenseful moments. I was never bored reading it and the characters were very believable.
My sincere thanks to Ashley R. King for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion of it.
I really enjoyed this book. It has been a long time since I've read a vampire or paranormal romance. I had gotten tired of them. I'll say again that I was pleasantly surprised with how unique and different this story was. The writing was good and full of witty humor and even some tense suspenseful moments. I was never bored reading it and the characters were very believable.
My sincere thanks to Ashley R. King for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion of it.
November 18, 2021
A match made in heaven: vampires and reality TV! This book is an absolute gem. It’s full of engaging characters, mystery, danger, and steamy love scenes. Oliver and Autumn have fantastic chemistry right from the start, and Ashley R. King takes us on a ride from the very first page. I adored the premise of a vampire version of The Bachelor, and King does a wonderful job immersing the reader into the set of a reality television show, just like we’re right there with the contestants. The who-done-it element is the icing on the cake as we try to figure out the murders right along with our main characters. I love that there are going to be more of these vampire reality TV novels. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 29, 2021
This book made me giggle and I think Oliver is just a grumpy, sarcastic, hilarious dude. Autumn is hilarious 😆. The whole idea is just funny. Gorgeous looking dude, who is really an old vampire, made to dress like way back in the day, even though he doesn’t dress like that, is the bachelor, Vampchelor?😆 dating reality show. The contestants are quite unique and he is just so intrigued by Autumn. Cute cute cute! I hope Teagan gets her story!!!!!!!!
December 6, 2021
Ashley R. King’s FOREVER AFTER, first in the Vampire Reality Show series is highly addicting. Her riff on reality dating shows with a vampire in the mix is a delectable premise. I love the way she leans into the camp factor of reality shows while spinning a heart thumping romance with a bite of crime drama. Oliver, the yummy vampire bachelor, both human and supernatural women vying for his affection, and a behind-the-scenes crew make up a super fun cast of characters. An added bonus to this sexy novel is that you don’t have to wait a week between each episode to see who Oliver will boot or keep. I can’t wait for the next vampire reality show creation from the talented Ashley King.
November 18, 2021
I was sucked in from the first page (every pun intended). This fresh take on the vampire romance genre satiated my craving for some of my old favorites like True Blood and The Vampire Diaries. This was a perfect blend of romance, humor, and suspense while introducing something different. Who wouldn’t want to go on a dating show when the heart you’re trying to win is of a vampire??!! This book got me out of my reading slump and I can’t wait for more from this author!
November 19, 2021
This was such a fun book! Oliver and Autumn are a sweet and steamy couple and this is a story you can't help but sink your teeth into. Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. It was an absolute pleasure reading this book!
November 22, 2021
I only have one word that describes the whole book, WOW. The plot, the story, the characters, everything is just so incredibly well written and captivating. The book ended far too soon, will read much more about the main characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2021
Ohhhhhhh yes!!! This was a really interesting take on the vampire world and I was completely consumed by this book. A couldn’t go to sleep because I didn’t want to put it down, kind of read :)
I’ll be back with my full review
I’ll be back with my full review
November 6, 2021
Fortunate to get an arc of this book from the author. I loved her debut novel Painting The Lines and her sophomore effort does not disappoint. Forever After is a captivating read with plenty of banter, romance, and humor. Ashley R. King knows how to write strong heroines who you cant help but root for. Autumn keeps the handsome Duke/ Vampire/Bachelor Oliver Gray on his toes the entire novel. Anytime they are in the same room prepare for fireworks. I mean this book has it all mystery, romance, and reality tv! What's not to love? Can't wait for more from this Author!
November 7, 2021
Really enjoyed this unique vampire romance! It was such a fun read and once I was in the story, I couldn’t put it down.
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