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Château Merlot
Stephen was unaware of how valuable his blood was until Angelica Asta offered him a small fortune. In exchange, he must allow her to feed on him and live in the luxurious apartment complex, the Chateau Merlot. There, he discovers that there are some things that money can’t buy.
When he attracts the attention of a brutal and conniving vampire, Stephen is forced to decide what his blood and life is worth. And time is running out.
Because they are thirsty.
When he attracts the attention of a brutal and conniving vampire, Stephen is forced to decide what his blood and life is worth. And time is running out.
Because they are thirsty.
- GenresVampires
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2022
12 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 23, 2023
Ever wondered what would happen if the cinnamon roll golden retriever ended up entangled in the seethe underworld of vampires? Then look no further than chateau Merlot.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to punch Pat in the face. I was hooked from page one when we meet the lovable and down on his luck Stephen who decides to use a vampire donor app to make some quick cash. However his rare blood type makes him a prize for any vampire and Angelica is happy to make him her prized “pet.” Please not this is NOT a romance but a unique and interesting take on vampire horror.
I totally connected with Stephen as he entered the compound made friends and enemies all while trying to figure out his new life. However the rosy chateau is not what it seems and our golden hearted Stephen finds himself in a series of predicaments.
My favorite aspect of this were the friendships between Roger, Brody & Stephen. The three musketeers 😭
Overall this story was one of the most unique books I’ve read this year.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to punch Pat in the face. I was hooked from page one when we meet the lovable and down on his luck Stephen who decides to use a vampire donor app to make some quick cash. However his rare blood type makes him a prize for any vampire and Angelica is happy to make him her prized “pet.” Please not this is NOT a romance but a unique and interesting take on vampire horror.
I totally connected with Stephen as he entered the compound made friends and enemies all while trying to figure out his new life. However the rosy chateau is not what it seems and our golden hearted Stephen finds himself in a series of predicaments.
My favorite aspect of this were the friendships between Roger, Brody & Stephen. The three musketeers 😭
Overall this story was one of the most unique books I’ve read this year.
July 10, 2022
How refreshing to read a vampire novel that wasn’t a Twilight-wannabe-trying-to-be-edgy.
I enjoyed the non-toxic relationships between the characters. It was easy and enjoyable to get caught up in the personalities of all the players. It was one of those stories that I had fun with and didn’t take seriously. Until it got all serious. Then I realized how invested I was.
I look forward to seeing what’s next in this world.
I enjoyed the non-toxic relationships between the characters. It was easy and enjoyable to get caught up in the personalities of all the players. It was one of those stories that I had fun with and didn’t take seriously. Until it got all serious. Then I realized how invested I was.
I look forward to seeing what’s next in this world.
June 16, 2022
Awesome! The ending will leave you 😳😢😤🤔😯😄 I can’t wait to see what Kari has for us the next time! You will like this and wish that it was even longer and got info the backgrounds of the characters. I was left wanting more and in a good way!
June 12, 2022
A great read-an unexpected
I love a vampire story and this was a unique take on most of what I read. Usually I read mainly female protagonists, and Stephen was a breath of fresh air.
While this book did not happen in a way that I predicted, nor did it have the ending I was hoping for - it was a great read and a pretty fun.
I love a vampire story and this was a unique take on most of what I read. Usually I read mainly female protagonists, and Stephen was a breath of fresh air.
While this book did not happen in a way that I predicted, nor did it have the ending I was hoping for - it was a great read and a pretty fun.
November 3, 2024
I was scrolling on TikTok a while back like the potato pancake that I am, and I pass this person talking about a bunny-rescue exploit she’d experienced that day. I commented, scrolled on, but she responded, which directed me back to her page.
For the first time, I read her screen name: Kari Pohar-Author.
That word is like a little catnip for me. I can’t resist authors on social media, especially that independently publish. It’s just my jam. So I friend her, grab her book on Kindle, and settle in for a new adventure at “Chateau Merlot”.
It was marketed as “vampire fiction” so I was prepared for a rather formulaic, maybe predictable but satisfying in its own way Vampire Romance. Ice cold body and “I waited a thousand years for you” kind of schtick.
If that is what you are looking for here, you’re in the wrong place. Pohar subverted all of my expectations.
There was more of a “only murderers in the building” vibe, with a cheeky humor and complex cast of characters. The world is established where main character Stephen is in dire financial straits, makes a deal with a vampire (a species no longer hiding from public eye), and must grapple with the contract he’s signed.
There is romance, but there is more than that. There is love and beauty and kinship and what motivates a person. The ending was so poignant and satisfying, nothing like what you expect but exactly what you need.
There were a few minor technical issues, which happens, especially because I think this is a book early in the author’s career. None of them detract from the story; I just highlighted them orange and moved on. I would love to get an audiobook copy of it. As it was, I moved more slowly than I would have otherwise because it was a digital copy instead of a physical or audiobook.
As it is, I need to go hop back on TikTok and see if I can convince Pohar to sell me a signed copy. I have a feeling it’s going to be prized part of my home library for years to come.
For the first time, I read her screen name: Kari Pohar-Author.
That word is like a little catnip for me. I can’t resist authors on social media, especially that independently publish. It’s just my jam. So I friend her, grab her book on Kindle, and settle in for a new adventure at “Chateau Merlot”.
It was marketed as “vampire fiction” so I was prepared for a rather formulaic, maybe predictable but satisfying in its own way Vampire Romance. Ice cold body and “I waited a thousand years for you” kind of schtick.
If that is what you are looking for here, you’re in the wrong place. Pohar subverted all of my expectations.
There was more of a “only murderers in the building” vibe, with a cheeky humor and complex cast of characters. The world is established where main character Stephen is in dire financial straits, makes a deal with a vampire (a species no longer hiding from public eye), and must grapple with the contract he’s signed.
There is romance, but there is more than that. There is love and beauty and kinship and what motivates a person. The ending was so poignant and satisfying, nothing like what you expect but exactly what you need.
There were a few minor technical issues, which happens, especially because I think this is a book early in the author’s career. None of them detract from the story; I just highlighted them orange and moved on. I would love to get an audiobook copy of it. As it was, I moved more slowly than I would have otherwise because it was a digital copy instead of a physical or audiobook.
As it is, I need to go hop back on TikTok and see if I can convince Pohar to sell me a signed copy. I have a feeling it’s going to be prized part of my home library for years to come.
November 27, 2023
I am so disappointed with this book. I went to a book fair over the summer where I found this book and I couldn’t stop thinking about it all day so I finally bought it. The concept is so cool and creative there was so much potential but it fell so short. The only good thing about this is how short it is and even then it was too long of a read.
The characters and basic and annoying. Stephan is your stereotypical annoying guy. Nothing special but thinks the world of himself. He thinks he deserves everything and everyone. Angelica bought his blood and he immediately thought that she wanted to sleep with him and tried to sleep with her, which she thankfully shut down. He did this multiple times to her and Harlow. Then the nicknames. He is just so stupid it hurts. Don’t give stupid nicknames to vampires that want to and will kill you if you don’t have a death wish.
There is a strange murder side plot that gets resolved but not really and you can’t connect the beginning and end because it’s so jarring.
Pat and his whole being is annoying but in a good for the plot way unlike Stephen. Brody was random but sweet, same with the driver (I don’t remember his name). All their friendships just moved too fast. I feel like the whole book took place over the course of three days which made all the relationships seem superficial.
The whole book seems to be centered around this blood type ranking but nothin happens with it. The only thing is does is try to make Stephen look good for not having a complex when everyone thinks he should.
The best part of this was the ending. It was surprisingly sweet and not too rushed. I am glad it is over.
The characters and basic and annoying. Stephan is your stereotypical annoying guy. Nothing special but thinks the world of himself. He thinks he deserves everything and everyone. Angelica bought his blood and he immediately thought that she wanted to sleep with him and tried to sleep with her, which she thankfully shut down. He did this multiple times to her and Harlow. Then the nicknames. He is just so stupid it hurts. Don’t give stupid nicknames to vampires that want to and will kill you if you don’t have a death wish.
There is a strange murder side plot that gets resolved but not really and you can’t connect the beginning and end because it’s so jarring.
Pat and his whole being is annoying but in a good for the plot way unlike Stephen. Brody was random but sweet, same with the driver (I don’t remember his name). All their friendships just moved too fast. I feel like the whole book took place over the course of three days which made all the relationships seem superficial.
The whole book seems to be centered around this blood type ranking but nothin happens with it. The only thing is does is try to make Stephen look good for not having a complex when everyone thinks he should.
The best part of this was the ending. It was surprisingly sweet and not too rushed. I am glad it is over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2022
What a ride!
First I want to say that I'm so happy I found this one and gave it a go despite not being my typical kind of story. Reading a vampire novel written for an adult audience is a nice change from all the teenage ones you usually find. The author's writing style is wonderful and easy to read and it sucked me in from page one.
I really enjoyed the different characters and at most times Stephen was the kind of person that you could easily believe to be real, though at some parts he seemed to trust people a bit too easily considering the life he was currently living. It didn't bother me too much, though and I still liked his character a lot.
My only real "complaint" is that when shit went down, everything happened at once. In the beginning different kind of things happened which made me curious and excited to learn more about what was going on in the building, but then it took a turn and it felt a bit like the author just wanted the story to be over. It doesn't have to be a bad thing, most people like a fast paced story, but for me it got a bit too much in the end.
Still, it was a very enjoyable read and despite the fast paced ending the final scene was absolutely perfect and tied the story together in stunning, and kind of poetic, way.
First I want to say that I'm so happy I found this one and gave it a go despite not being my typical kind of story. Reading a vampire novel written for an adult audience is a nice change from all the teenage ones you usually find. The author's writing style is wonderful and easy to read and it sucked me in from page one.
I really enjoyed the different characters and at most times Stephen was the kind of person that you could easily believe to be real, though at some parts he seemed to trust people a bit too easily considering the life he was currently living. It didn't bother me too much, though and I still liked his character a lot.
My only real "complaint" is that when shit went down, everything happened at once. In the beginning different kind of things happened which made me curious and excited to learn more about what was going on in the building, but then it took a turn and it felt a bit like the author just wanted the story to be over. It doesn't have to be a bad thing, most people like a fast paced story, but for me it got a bit too much in the end.
Still, it was a very enjoyable read and despite the fast paced ending the final scene was absolutely perfect and tied the story together in stunning, and kind of poetic, way.
November 25, 2024
“No self respecting person would consider selling themselves. ”
Here are reasons to read the Horror book:
Desperation - Stephen is desperate for work so he sets up a profile on an app
Vampire - but this is no dating app. This is to get thousands of dollars to be fed on by a Vampire
Housing - Stephen is swept up into being contracted into service, but this includes perks like housing and pay. But is this really a good deal?
I found the author, Kari, through a call I put out to read their books. And I have to apologize because I completely fell off my plan. However, I finally got around to reading this one and you can get it on Kindle Unlimited. It’s a fast read, and you really empathize with Stephen. He is a nice guy, and genuinely values people, but he is surrounded by nasty selfish ones at every turn. I really liked his point of view and how he worked through the situation he found himself in. And despite being a novel about the world of Vampires, there is a certain humanity to it all.
Here are reasons to read the Horror book:
Desperation - Stephen is desperate for work so he sets up a profile on an app
Vampire - but this is no dating app. This is to get thousands of dollars to be fed on by a Vampire
Housing - Stephen is swept up into being contracted into service, but this includes perks like housing and pay. But is this really a good deal?
I found the author, Kari, through a call I put out to read their books. And I have to apologize because I completely fell off my plan. However, I finally got around to reading this one and you can get it on Kindle Unlimited. It’s a fast read, and you really empathize with Stephen. He is a nice guy, and genuinely values people, but he is surrounded by nasty selfish ones at every turn. I really liked his point of view and how he worked through the situation he found himself in. And despite being a novel about the world of Vampires, there is a certain humanity to it all.
November 10, 2024
Sorry but this book had a lot of potential. The beginning certainly got me hooked in. But you did not spend enough time on character and relationship building. It was not believable that these guys were ride or die friends and that he would get killed for a lady he had three interactions with. I felt no connection with the main character at his death. I think this book could have been great if it was twice as long with these additions. I suggest more earlier readers of your work in the future that are willing to give you honest feedback. To me this book is not complete. Not ready for readers. I respectfully suggest you pull it so you can rework it and then re release with a complete product. I have no doubts it could be dynamite then! I know that being an indie author is hard and a lot of work and I congratulate you on getting it to this point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2023
3.5/5
This book wasn’t what I thought it would be and I’m ok with that. It took me a while to get into at first, but Stephen, the MMC, is cute, quirky, and likable. He’s just trying to get by in a difficult situation while staying true to himself.
This book started out as a short story and was rewritten as a novel, but honestly I think its sweet spot would’ve been a novella. The plot and characters seem rushed and a bit under developed, in my opinion.
But I love the how the male friendships are portrayed and there was a decent plot twist!
I really like the premise and ending, and would still recommend the book to others!
This book wasn’t what I thought it would be and I’m ok with that. It took me a while to get into at first, but Stephen, the MMC, is cute, quirky, and likable. He’s just trying to get by in a difficult situation while staying true to himself.
This book started out as a short story and was rewritten as a novel, but honestly I think its sweet spot would’ve been a novella. The plot and characters seem rushed and a bit under developed, in my opinion.
But I love the how the male friendships are portrayed and there was a decent plot twist!
I really like the premise and ending, and would still recommend the book to others!
August 3, 2025
Seeing the author tease us on TikTok about this book sent me in search of it. I was not disappointed! I loved the concept of blood type hierarchy. This was an original spin to the classic vampire we all know.
This was not a fluffy piece of writing. There are solid characters some of whom I’d like to know.
Stephen may have come upon bad times but he never lost his strength. He should be the mold that all men are made from!
His kindness, cleanliness and even his wit make people drawn to him, some to his determinate.
It was a very pleasant way to spend my afternoon and I can only hope for more from this author.
This was not a fluffy piece of writing. There are solid characters some of whom I’d like to know.
Stephen may have come upon bad times but he never lost his strength. He should be the mold that all men are made from!
His kindness, cleanliness and even his wit make people drawn to him, some to his determinate.
It was a very pleasant way to spend my afternoon and I can only hope for more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2022
Such a hard book to put down!!
I am a vampire book fan, and this was a refreshing and mesmerizing change from the vampires in the universes of True Blood, Vampire Diaries, even my beloved All Souls Trilogy.
Stephen is the most human and relatable character throughout the entire book. I had to set alarms to keep myself from being late to work or staying up too late with Château Merlot.
Congrats, Kari Pohar! Looking forward to the next book after such a thrilling debut.
I am a vampire book fan, and this was a refreshing and mesmerizing change from the vampires in the universes of True Blood, Vampire Diaries, even my beloved All Souls Trilogy.
Stephen is the most human and relatable character throughout the entire book. I had to set alarms to keep myself from being late to work or staying up too late with Château Merlot.
Congrats, Kari Pohar! Looking forward to the next book after such a thrilling debut.
November 29, 2025
First, the concept had me immediately interested. This book had the makings of a 5-star read, but it fell flat for me at about 75% through. It started to feel rushed, and perhaps the plot suffered due to the length. I enjoyed the friendship between Stephen & Roger, but the addition of Brody felt random. The love interest plot was also just...there. This book read to me like a first draft with an enormous amount of potential. This author's writing has me interested in her future projects.
July 7, 2022
Interesting read
So I really liked the beginning of the book but then it started feeling rushed towards the end. I feel like the characters could have been described better, but I did really like Stephen.
So I really liked the beginning of the book but then it started feeling rushed towards the end. I feel like the characters could have been described better, but I did really like Stephen.
July 11, 2022
This is not a genre I usually read, so was somewhat skeptical. The book had me from the beginning. The characters are engaging and interesting. The story moves at a nice pace. Once I started reading the book, it was hard to put down. I would definitely recommend.
February 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel and the twist Kari Pohar put on vampires. I thought the idea of a hotel categorized by blood type was a very unique idea and I like how she put it into action. The characters had good characterization and the ending surprised me. It was a good read.
September 1, 2024
Very well written book!
I found chateau Merlot to be very very well written. I liked the characters, the world building and the fact that it doesn't follow the same plot is 99% of books in the genre. Probably the best book I've read so far this year and I've read 400 books+
I found chateau Merlot to be very very well written. I liked the characters, the world building and the fact that it doesn't follow the same plot is 99% of books in the genre. Probably the best book I've read so far this year and I've read 400 books+
September 22, 2022
3.5 stars - interesting original take on vampires
December 31, 2022
A+++++
Happy to know I wouldn't be a coveted supper according to my blood, on this world. This story was fantastic and I loved the trio. The humor and friendship was fantastic!
Happy to know I wouldn't be a coveted supper according to my blood, on this world. This story was fantastic and I loved the trio. The humor and friendship was fantastic!
March 18, 2023
Good story, although the writing and editing errors threw me off. Other than that, it was definitely an interesting read.
June 11, 2025
Great story vampire story with a twist. Story about a group of friends, who only find each other once they are brought into the world of vampires.
December 21, 2023
There are songs which can sometimes, inexplicably, form a perfect synchronicity with a story. We’ve all heard them before, it’s not just me. Because when Snow Patrol was Chasing Cars it truly was all about Meredith, Christina, Izzy, Alex and George.
And then there were moments when an oldie could become new again as we watched Christian and Sean on a cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers as Art Garfunkel lamented, All I know.
Music and stories can bond in way which can entangled them to form or heighten a memory.
Kari Pohar’s Château Merlot may not have intended to evocatively blend with the Eagles’ Hotel California. But seriously how could I not go there? Even the road to the Château was this dark highway, the desert would have made the perfect trifecta.
In Kari’s world vampires are a known entity, luring the desperate into their world with false promises. Starving for something other than ramen and on the verge of homelessness, Stephan downloads an app and makes a deal with an alluringly beautiful monster.
Even Stephen’s futility to make a home for himself in his sinister gilded cage, is something we can all hold our breath for as a song plays in the back recess of my mind.
So come with me, let’s visit the Château Merlot, just remember you really can check out any time you want, but ... you just can’t ever leave.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8HGwHUB/
And then there were moments when an oldie could become new again as we watched Christian and Sean on a cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers as Art Garfunkel lamented, All I know.
Music and stories can bond in way which can entangled them to form or heighten a memory.
Kari Pohar’s Château Merlot may not have intended to evocatively blend with the Eagles’ Hotel California. But seriously how could I not go there? Even the road to the Château was this dark highway, the desert would have made the perfect trifecta.
In Kari’s world vampires are a known entity, luring the desperate into their world with false promises. Starving for something other than ramen and on the verge of homelessness, Stephan downloads an app and makes a deal with an alluringly beautiful monster.
Even Stephen’s futility to make a home for himself in his sinister gilded cage, is something we can all hold our breath for as a song plays in the back recess of my mind.
So come with me, let’s visit the Château Merlot, just remember you really can check out any time you want, but ... you just can’t ever leave.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8HGwHUB/
June 13, 2025
It was wonderful to read a vampire book that wasn't like many of the others. First a male protagonist was a great change and I loved it. Such a unique story. Definitely a great read that was easy to get hooked. I cannot wait to see what's in store next!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews