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My Boyfriend Is a Monster #3
My Boyfriend Bites
Vanessa Shingle has a knack for choosing boyfriends who need fixing—the juvenile delinquent, the school cheat, the slacker….Then she meets Jean-Paul McClellan—the perfect project!
Vanessa is determined to find out Jean-Paul's story. Why would such a smart hunk waste his life as a janitor? She drags her best friend Stork on a nighttime mission to learn more. What she sees makes her blood run cold.
Suddenly, Vanessa's little New Mexico town is overrun by vampires—obnoxious ones at that. And Vanessa seems to be their target. Is Jean-Paul one of them? If so, why is he being so nice to her? When he talks about prophecies and legacies and Romania, what's he really up to?
Vanessa finds herself with a real situation to fix—and she stakes her life on being able to rise to the challenge.
Vanessa is determined to find out Jean-Paul's story. Why would such a smart hunk waste his life as a janitor? She drags her best friend Stork on a nighttime mission to learn more. What she sees makes her blood run cold.
Suddenly, Vanessa's little New Mexico town is overrun by vampires—obnoxious ones at that. And Vanessa seems to be their target. Is Jean-Paul one of them? If so, why is he being so nice to her? When he talks about prophecies and legacies and Romania, what's he really up to?
Vanessa finds herself with a real situation to fix—and she stakes her life on being able to rise to the challenge.
126 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
36 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 21, 2021
I tried to enjoy this.. but I couldn't... the artwork was good I just can't remember the girls name or the dude vampire lol
I think that drew me to this was the cover... but that was it. Im sad because look at that cover.. its niceeeee
I think that drew me to this was the cover... but that was it. Im sad because look at that cover.. its niceeeee
December 23, 2011
Sigh. The first book in this series was really promising. The second was just mediocre. This one, well... It's basically every sub-par YA paranormal romance focused on vampires ever written. At least the art isn't horrible.
The plot is just a mess. Our MC, who is so bland I can't even remember her name, likes to date projects. Oh, she made me cringe. Her sheer delight when she realizes that the cute guy she just met is a janitor is pitiful. There's so much she could do with him! (Question: Why does nobody seem to care that this guy must be much older than her? Even her parents don't seem to mind that she's 17 and dating a guy old enough to take a job as janitorial staff. But hey, he's a step above the unemployed dropout they let her date when she was 16!) There is a ray of hope at the end:
The rest of the plot seems to be vaguely Buffy inspired, but Buffy was never so poorly written, so ineptly plotted, or so dull. Nobody has any discernible personalities, just one or two identifying characteristics. Oh, and that hot vampire boyfriend?
There's literally no reason to read this except for the few people who are so enamored of vampire love stories that they'll read and enjoy literally everything in that sub-genre.
The plot is just a mess. Our MC, who is so bland I can't even remember her name, likes to date projects. Oh, she made me cringe. Her sheer delight when she realizes that the cute guy she just met is a janitor is pitiful. There's so much she could do with him! (Question: Why does nobody seem to care that this guy must be much older than her? Even her parents don't seem to mind that she's 17 and dating a guy old enough to take a job as janitorial staff. But hey, he's a step above the unemployed dropout they let her date when she was 16!) There is a ray of hope at the end:
The rest of the plot seems to be vaguely Buffy inspired, but Buffy was never so poorly written, so ineptly plotted, or so dull. Nobody has any discernible personalities, just one or two identifying characteristics. Oh, and that hot vampire boyfriend?
There's literally no reason to read this except for the few people who are so enamored of vampire love stories that they'll read and enjoy literally everything in that sub-genre.
June 10, 2011
When I first picked up this series via Made for Each Other (book 2 in the series), I was a little underwhelmed. I'd been told that there were better entries out there, so I picked this one up to see if that was the case & I'm happy to say that it is.
While the content was definitely inspired by various vampire hunting heroes (Buffy anyone?), this comic takes that inspiration & manages to turn it into something new & fun. You won't care that you've seen it before in a different incarnation. You'll be too busy tearing through the pages & rooting for Vanessa.
I absolutely loved that Jolley managed to give Vanessa just enough depth to keep her from being a cardboard cutout as well as avoiding the temptation to keep from giving her any flaws. (It's quite easy to fall into that when your story only has so many pages for both plot & character development.) The illustrator also deserves a hand of applause for doing such a great job on the characters- I loved the way this looked.
My only complaint is that while Vanessa & Jean Paul are developed as characters, the secondary ones sort of fell to the wayside & other aspects of the book (the bad vamps, JP's bosses) weren't as well explored as I'd like. Since that would probably require at least 20-30 more pages, I can't really fault the team for focusing more on our two lead characters.
This really felt like the setup for a series, so I can only hope that Graphic Universe will allow us another look back into Vanessa's world. This has far too much promise & potential for just one entry.
4/5
(ARC provided by Netgalley)
While the content was definitely inspired by various vampire hunting heroes (Buffy anyone?), this comic takes that inspiration & manages to turn it into something new & fun. You won't care that you've seen it before in a different incarnation. You'll be too busy tearing through the pages & rooting for Vanessa.
I absolutely loved that Jolley managed to give Vanessa just enough depth to keep her from being a cardboard cutout as well as avoiding the temptation to keep from giving her any flaws. (It's quite easy to fall into that when your story only has so many pages for both plot & character development.) The illustrator also deserves a hand of applause for doing such a great job on the characters- I loved the way this looked.
My only complaint is that while Vanessa & Jean Paul are developed as characters, the secondary ones sort of fell to the wayside & other aspects of the book (the bad vamps, JP's bosses) weren't as well explored as I'd like. Since that would probably require at least 20-30 more pages, I can't really fault the team for focusing more on our two lead characters.
This really felt like the setup for a series, so I can only hope that Graphic Universe will allow us another look back into Vanessa's world. This has far too much promise & potential for just one entry.
4/5
(ARC provided by Netgalley)
August 19, 2015
This was a little weird story. I felt something missing, but I really liked the artwork and it was fast and fun.
May 20, 2012
Vanessa Shingle has been looking for love in all the wrong places – her last few relationships have been disastrous. But then she meets Jean-Paul – a janitor – who works on her sister’s college campus. He’s way too beautiful to pass up, so she asks him out. And he ends up saving her from falling to her death down an elevator shaft. Vanessa learns that Jean-Paul is a supernatural being (but NOT a vampire) who has been sent to protect her – she’s actually one of Van Helsing’s ancestors and she’s about to come into her power. Unfortunately, there’s a large group of vampires who want to take that power and they’re willing to do anything to eliminate the threat.
I still like the first one best in the "My Boyfriend's a Monster" series. But the others are entertaining in a light and fluffy way - romance novels without too much hot and heavy, and plenty of danger and suspense to off-set the lurve.
I still like the first one best in the "My Boyfriend's a Monster" series. But the others are entertaining in a light and fluffy way - romance novels without too much hot and heavy, and plenty of danger and suspense to off-set the lurve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2022
The puns are terrible and the story even worse 😂
July 11, 2018
I love vampire stories and this one was awesome! I loved the characters and the suspense, and I loved that there were some unexpected turns of event that really added to the story and made it more interesting. The illustrations were awesome and I love how spooky it made the story!
June 21, 2021
A good story with some good advice without being a drag about it.
August 18, 2024
This gave me nostalgia for 2000's vampire romance in a way I wasn't expecting.
September 27, 2011
My Overall Favorite of the Series!
Vanessa Shingle has a problem. When it comes to guys she has a habit of dating the fixer-uppers. Meeting up with the hottie janitor who should be doing something far less mundane seems like nice start to her latest fix-a-boyfriend adventure. But in this little New Mexico town there's something far more problematic going on. Vampires are running amock and they seem to want a taste of Vanessa. When her new project starts seeming like maybe his biggest problem has nothing to do with his custodial profession the stakes will be high. Jean-Paul might not be the only one who needs to rise to their potential and it's up to Vanessa to live up to the family name.
While I definitely enjoyed I Love Him to Pieces and would recommend it first My Boyfriend Bites edged it out by just a little bit. Honestly, I wasn't expecting any originality in this one and Jolley managed to really surprise me with the twists and turns of this one's plot. Unlike Dicey and Bethany, Vanessa wasn't an athlete. She's very smart save for her taste in guys and I found her to be the most relatable of the four girls in the series.
The art here is decidedly more traditional, less manga-esque. If you like Marvel's Runaways Martinez's style would suit that series very well in my opinion. I really liked the renderings of both Vanessa and Jean-Paul. What can I say? They're just pretty and if that doesn't appeal to the targeted audience I'll be surprised.
My Boyfriend Bites is a quick and entertaining read with some interesting ideas. If you liked I Love Him to Pieces but hated Made For Each Other you should give this one a try. If you're new to the series you can start with this one if you're into vampires since each stands alone. Enjoy!
**ARC received via NetGalley.
Vanessa Shingle has a problem. When it comes to guys she has a habit of dating the fixer-uppers. Meeting up with the hottie janitor who should be doing something far less mundane seems like nice start to her latest fix-a-boyfriend adventure. But in this little New Mexico town there's something far more problematic going on. Vampires are running amock and they seem to want a taste of Vanessa. When her new project starts seeming like maybe his biggest problem has nothing to do with his custodial profession the stakes will be high. Jean-Paul might not be the only one who needs to rise to their potential and it's up to Vanessa to live up to the family name.
While I definitely enjoyed I Love Him to Pieces and would recommend it first My Boyfriend Bites edged it out by just a little bit. Honestly, I wasn't expecting any originality in this one and Jolley managed to really surprise me with the twists and turns of this one's plot. Unlike Dicey and Bethany, Vanessa wasn't an athlete. She's very smart save for her taste in guys and I found her to be the most relatable of the four girls in the series.
The art here is decidedly more traditional, less manga-esque. If you like Marvel's Runaways Martinez's style would suit that series very well in my opinion. I really liked the renderings of both Vanessa and Jean-Paul. What can I say? They're just pretty and if that doesn't appeal to the targeted audience I'll be surprised.
My Boyfriend Bites is a quick and entertaining read with some interesting ideas. If you liked I Love Him to Pieces but hated Made For Each Other you should give this one a try. If you're new to the series you can start with this one if you're into vampires since each stands alone. Enjoy!
**ARC received via NetGalley.
May 14, 2015
Its in this book that you realize that many of the books share two consistent characters - Mr James, a teacher who generally teaches English at whatever school the action is happening in, he seems to be 'in the know' and on the run from Boyfriend Bites onward. Although he also tends to help out every so often. The other recurring character is Gary Barry the slightly creepy guidance counselor. I could never tell if he was supposed to be creepy or if I just found him creepy.... I think he was supposed to be helpful but came off as ooky. Anyway.
My Boyfriend Bites is a take off on Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a chosen one and a horde of vampires trying to kill her. The story centers around a girl named Vanessa who thinks she knows how to make everyone elses life better and so she consistently dates losers in the hope of fixing them. Honestly that part of her character is kind of annoying. She meets this hot young dude working at her sisters college as a janitor and suddenly falls in love. Her boyfriend turns out to not be a vampire but some weird were-bat. Her family is descended from VanHelsing and later they save her teacher from being a sacrifice. Then boyfriend leaves and she decides to live up to her destiny.
I thought this was trope trope trope to the max and much too close to Buffy for comfort. Sure there were some differences but this felt recycled and old. The main character spends most of her time either lamenting that she doesn't know what to do with her life or telling others what to do with theirs. I suppose in the end she gets what she wants since she's basically told "Dude you are going to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer". Yawn. Go watch that instead, its wittier, better, and has Spike.
My Boyfriend Bites is a take off on Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a chosen one and a horde of vampires trying to kill her. The story centers around a girl named Vanessa who thinks she knows how to make everyone elses life better and so she consistently dates losers in the hope of fixing them. Honestly that part of her character is kind of annoying. She meets this hot young dude working at her sisters college as a janitor and suddenly falls in love. Her boyfriend turns out to not be a vampire but some weird were-bat. Her family is descended from VanHelsing and later they save her teacher from being a sacrifice. Then boyfriend leaves and she decides to live up to her destiny.
I thought this was trope trope trope to the max and much too close to Buffy for comfort. Sure there were some differences but this felt recycled and old. The main character spends most of her time either lamenting that she doesn't know what to do with her life or telling others what to do with theirs. I suppose in the end she gets what she wants since she's basically told "Dude you are going to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer". Yawn. Go watch that instead, its wittier, better, and has Spike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2012
This is the third book in the My Boyfriend is a Monster series. Each is a standalone book that depicts a different monster: Frankenstein, zombie, ghosts, etc. Ari read the first one I Love Him to Pieces and enjoyed it. I found this to be really intolerable.
I'm going to guess that Vanessa is supposed to have somewhat of a victim mentality at the beginning of the book and then grows into this warrior woman. I thought that she was just lame. As in needs to work on herself before she works on anyone else because she has MAJOR issues, I mean who really goes out of their way to date losers? What happens if the loser boys had improved themselves? Does she then continue to date them or then dump them so that she can go 'help' someone else? Also Jean-Paul really needs to work on keeping his were-bat-hood secret a secret. And his pseudo-relationship with Vanessa completely weirded me out. It developed strangely fast and yet they didn't really spend all that much time together.
It didn't help that the artwork was not my favorite. Jean-Paul kind of reminds me of the lead singer from Metalocalypse and Vanessa's lips are distractingly puffy. They are bigger than Angelina Jolie's. Weird. But what really sank this for me was the it was a strange amalgamation of Buffy tropes and Twilight characters. Except not as well done, which is pretty sad because let's be honest Twilight is not Stoker's Dracula.
So two very different reactions to this series. I will not be reading anymore of this series, because I thought it was awful.
I'm going to guess that Vanessa is supposed to have somewhat of a victim mentality at the beginning of the book and then grows into this warrior woman. I thought that she was just lame. As in needs to work on herself before she works on anyone else because she has MAJOR issues, I mean who really goes out of their way to date losers? What happens if the loser boys had improved themselves? Does she then continue to date them or then dump them so that she can go 'help' someone else? Also Jean-Paul really needs to work on keeping his were-bat-hood secret a secret. And his pseudo-relationship with Vanessa completely weirded me out. It developed strangely fast and yet they didn't really spend all that much time together.
It didn't help that the artwork was not my favorite. Jean-Paul kind of reminds me of the lead singer from Metalocalypse and Vanessa's lips are distractingly puffy. They are bigger than Angelina Jolie's. Weird. But what really sank this for me was the it was a strange amalgamation of Buffy tropes and Twilight characters. Except not as well done, which is pretty sad because let's be honest Twilight is not Stoker's Dracula.
So two very different reactions to this series. I will not be reading anymore of this series, because I thought it was awful.
August 2, 2019
2.75 Stars Really.
Honestly, I wanted to read another book in this series so I decided to read all the books in this series in order.
After a completely lackluster first book in this series, this second book was a literary masterpiece in comparison, lol. We go from Zombies (booooo) to Frankenstein to Twilight meets Buffy. The story’s plot was scattered, but decent, I found the main character Maria to be engaging, but not the male. However, I must admit, I did like the animation style.
I do like changing up the authors and artists for each new book.
I must admit I’m loving the “monster of the week” vibes of this series. It’s very early season 1-2 of Supernatural and I’m living for it!
Honestly, I wanted to read another book in this series so I decided to read all the books in this series in order.
After a completely lackluster first book in this series, this second book was a literary masterpiece in comparison, lol. We go from Zombies (booooo) to Frankenstein to Twilight meets Buffy. The story’s plot was scattered, but decent, I found the main character Maria to be engaging, but not the male. However, I must admit, I did like the animation style.
I do like changing up the authors and artists for each new book.
I must admit I’m loving the “monster of the week” vibes of this series. It’s very early season 1-2 of Supernatural and I’m living for it!
December 4, 2018
I'm addicted to this teen angst meeta supernatural romance filled graphic novels. Jolley delivered with her relatable teens with their flaws and quirks. Vanessa has a habit of tryinf to "fix" others, Ana ahwa on her latest mission when she finds college janitor , Jean Paul isn't the underachiever full of potential she assumed he was, but a being not quite human. Full of growing pains, mystery, and ample cheese factor this is a fun fast read.
April 12, 2022
3/5 stars
I really enjoy that this is a light romance meets monster series, but this one didn't have it. The artwork, monsters, and backstory was decent, however the romance was lacking. One date does not make a boyfriend and that's really all you got with their relationship being up in the air at the end. Meh. Hopefully the next is better!
I really enjoy that this is a light romance meets monster series, but this one didn't have it. The artwork, monsters, and backstory was decent, however the romance was lacking. One date does not make a boyfriend and that's really all you got with their relationship being up in the air at the end. Meh. Hopefully the next is better!
January 23, 2018
Yes, I read a teenage graphic novel about vampires. Yes, I like it. Cheesy storyline, but I didn't come in expecting much, so I wasn't disappointed. Artwork was great! Sue me for having fun with this one.
July 10, 2017
My favorite yet! I'm normally a sucker *insert corny laugh* for vampires, but this is just epic. Really well written and the artistry is beautiful. I'm hooked on the series.
April 15, 2022
Review coming so soon...
September 4, 2017
EXCUSE ME, FIRST OFF, NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE, I BELIEVE ON THAT SAME PAGE 2 BEAUTIFUL LADIES WERE WALKING THEIR GROUP OF DOGS AND THEIR ALLIGATOR AND ARMADILLO.
Secondly, I hate his last name, I hate it, it just sounds bad, ad it does not fit his first 2 names.
THIRDLY, THERE WAS A CLOWN VAMPIRE. I AIN'T GOT NOTHING AGAINST CLOWNS BUT BUDDY YOU ARE A VAMPIRE. YOU ARE OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, IN THAT RIDICULOUS GEDDUP [AND THIS IS BEFORE THE WHOLE KILLER CLOWN INCIDENT OF 2K16], JUST WHO IN THE HELL ARE YOU REELING IN WITH THAT LOOK??! WHAT IS THIS?!!
It reads like a stupid joke rom-com and I'm kinda digging it. The plot is good, exposition good, I prefer the show DON'T TELL, method of comic exposition but having the characters talk shit over works best in this case. The art overall is very well done, my only issue is Vanessa has very full lips, and wears lipstick, and sometimes her lips are drawn a little funky.
I feel like book 3 was a huge jump in production. Mostly in that the story was more fun and engaging but also THE CHAPTERS HAD CHAPTER PAGES. Good god I can't even remember seeing the chapters labeled in the other 2 but I know they're there [I went looking], they were so small an hard to see at times. Look, if you're gunna do chapters you need a chapter page, simple illustration, chapter and title - preferably - at the top, or just don't do chapters, just skip that mess all together and do simple time transitions. Just make this easier. I also found the little questions posed at the characters in the back of the book really fun to read through, wish we had a few more of them.
I do not like when a female character in anything, comic, horror movie, novel, I don't care what, goes through a costume change and all of a sudden looks like a hot badass. In this case Vanessa did have some additions to her wardrobe that can be considered something cliche that a hot badass might wear, but in her case it is practical [they came from the sporting goods section]. Long black boots are in her case riding boots for horses, they're tough leather and protect your shin and ankle, there's black leather gloves for better grip and to protect her skin, a fencing torso pad to protect her vital organs [the reason this is under the list is because the design across the torso pad is one that accentuates the curves of her chest], and finally a studded dog collar - which in Vanessa's case is less a fashion statement and more to protect her neck from bites.
While I know that this story is focused on Vanessa and what she goes through, I do feel like it just rushes to the parts that only deal with her. Yes in a way this keeps the entire audience in the dark about whats happening elsewhere, which is good, but we get no input from her best friend, from her sister, we don't see her deal with her parents after the first date or the consequent after curfew adventures. It's just we see the important things she does on this day and move on, and yes I understand that we don't have to show all of the boring parts of the day, but we can at least show some of the process from A-B; a good example being her picking stuff out and dressing up for the vampire attack. That could have easily been sped up but we broke the moment down, and I wish we did more of that in the rest of the book.
Secondly, I hate his last name, I hate it, it just sounds bad, ad it does not fit his first 2 names.
THIRDLY, THERE WAS A CLOWN VAMPIRE. I AIN'T GOT NOTHING AGAINST CLOWNS BUT BUDDY YOU ARE A VAMPIRE. YOU ARE OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, IN THAT RIDICULOUS GEDDUP [AND THIS IS BEFORE THE WHOLE KILLER CLOWN INCIDENT OF 2K16], JUST WHO IN THE HELL ARE YOU REELING IN WITH THAT LOOK??! WHAT IS THIS?!!
It reads like a stupid joke rom-com and I'm kinda digging it. The plot is good, exposition good, I prefer the show DON'T TELL, method of comic exposition but having the characters talk shit over works best in this case. The art overall is very well done, my only issue is Vanessa has very full lips, and wears lipstick, and sometimes her lips are drawn a little funky.
I feel like book 3 was a huge jump in production. Mostly in that the story was more fun and engaging but also THE CHAPTERS HAD CHAPTER PAGES. Good god I can't even remember seeing the chapters labeled in the other 2 but I know they're there [I went looking], they were so small an hard to see at times. Look, if you're gunna do chapters you need a chapter page, simple illustration, chapter and title - preferably - at the top, or just don't do chapters, just skip that mess all together and do simple time transitions. Just make this easier. I also found the little questions posed at the characters in the back of the book really fun to read through, wish we had a few more of them.
I do not like when a female character in anything, comic, horror movie, novel, I don't care what, goes through a costume change and all of a sudden looks like a hot badass. In this case Vanessa did have some additions to her wardrobe that can be considered something cliche that a hot badass might wear, but in her case it is practical [they came from the sporting goods section]. Long black boots are in her case riding boots for horses, they're tough leather and protect your shin and ankle, there's black leather gloves for better grip and to protect her skin, a fencing torso pad to protect her vital organs [the reason this is under the list is because the design across the torso pad is one that accentuates the curves of her chest], and finally a studded dog collar - which in Vanessa's case is less a fashion statement and more to protect her neck from bites.
While I know that this story is focused on Vanessa and what she goes through, I do feel like it just rushes to the parts that only deal with her. Yes in a way this keeps the entire audience in the dark about whats happening elsewhere, which is good, but we get no input from her best friend, from her sister, we don't see her deal with her parents after the first date or the consequent after curfew adventures. It's just we see the important things she does on this day and move on, and yes I understand that we don't have to show all of the boring parts of the day, but we can at least show some of the process from A-B; a good example being her picking stuff out and dressing up for the vampire attack. That could have easily been sped up but we broke the moment down, and I wish we did more of that in the rest of the book.
June 15, 2022
SUMMER READING EXISTS!!!!
This beginning paragraph is gonna be the start of pretty much every review I write, so bear with me.
So yeah I’m trying to get back into reading a ton this summer so here begins my journey through the “TEEN SCENE ROOM” at the library down the street from me—and possibly the one near my grandma’s house since I have cards for both and that one has a larger manga selection.
Anyhow,
Library Book Haul of June 13th consisted of *drumroll pleaaaaaseeee* ELEVEN BOOKS—that’s not even including what my little brother checked out on my card, we got fifteen books in total and managed to accidentally check one out twice.
But here’s my current list (the one the review is about will be bolded and italicizedbecause I’m feeling nice):
Oh yeah, disclaimer: I got like one thing that wasn’t manga or a graphic novel, and it’s the light novel to one of my favorite animes, so….sorry?
~ My Boyfriend is a Monster (#1): I Love Him to Pieces by Evonne Tsang
~ My Boyfriend is a Monster (#2): Made for Each Other by Paul D. Storrie
~ My Boyfriend is a Monster (#3): My Boyfriend Bites by Dan Jolley
~ Demon Slayer (Volume 1) by Koyoharu Gotouge
~ Demon Slayer (Volume 2) by Koyoharu Gotouge
~ That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Volume 1) by Fuse
~ Amulet (Book One): The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
~ Amulet (Book Two): The Stonekeeper’s Curse by Kazu Kibuishi
~ Amulet (Book Three): The Cloud Searchers by Kazu Kibuishi
~ Amulet (Book Four): The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi
~ Re:Zero -Starting Life In Another World- (Volume 1)(Light Novel) by Tappei Nagatsuki
------------------------
SO TO THE ACTUAL REVIEW
My Boyfriend is a Monster (#3): My Boyfriend Bites by Dan Jolley
This graphic novel is exactly what I was hoping I’d find in this series, as I adore everything that has vampires in it, and yes, I mean everything. It’s everything I wanted except the whole main character's “thing” is a red flag and I just don’t like her. It has a hot love interest and lots of hot side character vampires that need killing. Also, did I mention I love vampires?
Please just read it, it’s so wonderful. Overall, the art was really pretty in this and I liked the storyline. The main character’s best friend, Stork, was a fun side character too. I was not disappointed by this installation and my faith in this series has been restored. Here’s to hoping the fourth one is returned soon so I can check it out!
------------------------
TL;DR
I really like graphic novels and manga, not actual books, and got a lot of them at the library.
This one is gorgeous and go get it now, it deserves to be read.I will purchase a copy of this one and this one only, just because it has vampires, and because it’s good, but also vampires.
So yeah I’m trying to get back into reading a ton this summer so here begins my journey through the “TEEN SCENE ROOM” at the library down the street from me—and possibly the one near my grandma’s house since I have cards for both and that one has a larger manga selection.
Anyhow,
Library Book Haul of June 13th consisted of *drumroll pleaaaaaseeee* ELEVEN BOOKS—
But here’s my current list (the one the review is about will be bolded and italicized
~ My Boyfriend is a Monster (#1): I Love Him to Pieces by Evonne Tsang
~ My Boyfriend is a Monster (#2): Made for Each Other by Paul D. Storrie
~ My Boyfriend is a Monster (#3): My Boyfriend Bites by Dan Jolley
~ Demon Slayer (Volume 1) by Koyoharu Gotouge
~ Demon Slayer (Volume 2) by Koyoharu Gotouge
~ That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Volume 1) by Fuse
~ Amulet (Book One): The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
~ Amulet (Book Two): The Stonekeeper’s Curse by Kazu Kibuishi
~ Amulet (Book Three): The Cloud Searchers by Kazu Kibuishi
~ Amulet (Book Four): The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi
~ Re:Zero -Starting Life In Another World- (Volume 1)(Light Novel) by Tappei Nagatsuki
------------------------
SO TO THE ACTUAL REVIEW
My Boyfriend is a Monster (#3): My Boyfriend Bites by Dan Jolley
This graphic novel is exactly what I was hoping I’d find in this series, as I adore everything that has vampires in it
------------------------
TL;DR
I really like graphic novels and manga
This one is gorgeous and go get it now, it deserves to be read.
December 31, 2025
I had mixed feelings after finishing My Boyfriend Bites and I struggled for quite a while trying to figure out how to write this review. One of my issues that is kind of basic and a little ridiculous is that this book doesn’t really feel like it should be a part of this series about Monster Boyfriends when Jean-Paul doesn’t feel much like Vanessa’s boyfriend in the story itself or in the bonus features afterwards either. They went on one date that didn’t end that great and yeah, they kiss, but they’ve barely spent any time together and at the end, it honestly doesn’t feel like they’re dating and it’ll will be a while if they do. I know complaining about it is silly, but it’s just how I feel.
Anyway, my main issue is that I don’t particularly care for how Vanessa’s character was written. She wants to fix everybody else’s problems and doesn’t really focus that much on herself. We get a rundown of her past relationships and they felt problematic and just icky. I don’t know why she needed to have this “fixer” trait when it’s a plot point that she’s not sure what she wants to do and be when that’s relatable for so many people and is a valid complication to have in a story. I know that’s part of her draw to Jean-Paul, but the guy is hot enough that that’s reason enough to ask him out without it also being because you want to fix him and want better for him. I get that Dan Jolley has a great line/point in the end about the fixer attitude, but I just didn’t like that it was a big part of Vanessa’s narrative. It rubbed me the wrong way and so I didn’t really enjoy My Boyfriend Bites that much. It wasn’t all bad though, I did really love the art style, there were parts that made me laugh, and I did actually enjoy parts of the plot as well, so if you’ve been enjoying the series, I won’t say you should skip it and it’s very possible that what bothered me, might not even bother you.
~ Sonja, 3 Stars
Anyway, my main issue is that I don’t particularly care for how Vanessa’s character was written. She wants to fix everybody else’s problems and doesn’t really focus that much on herself. We get a rundown of her past relationships and they felt problematic and just icky. I don’t know why she needed to have this “fixer” trait when it’s a plot point that she’s not sure what she wants to do and be when that’s relatable for so many people and is a valid complication to have in a story. I know that’s part of her draw to Jean-Paul, but the guy is hot enough that that’s reason enough to ask him out without it also being because you want to fix him and want better for him. I get that Dan Jolley has a great line/point in the end about the fixer attitude, but I just didn’t like that it was a big part of Vanessa’s narrative. It rubbed me the wrong way and so I didn’t really enjoy My Boyfriend Bites that much. It wasn’t all bad though, I did really love the art style, there were parts that made me laugh, and I did actually enjoy parts of the plot as well, so if you’ve been enjoying the series, I won’t say you should skip it and it’s very possible that what bothered me, might not even bother you.
~ Sonja, 3 Stars
December 23, 2019
Guys... please... you don't have to retell Buffy every time you write a vampire romance. It's not necessary. But these are silly, and I don't mind the puns and the overly muscley dudes. What am I looking for here, anyway? High art?
Anyway, yes, sadly disappointed that the vampire comic was the one I liked the least. Fairly bland high school senior MC who likes ~fixing dudes (which wasn't addressed enough, IMO), particularly by getting into unhealthy relationships, who gets with a guy who... I hope was a student at the college, but it seemed like he was just working there as a regular 25+ y/o adult. Which, yikes. And then there's an unnecessary quest that detracts from the sappy romance (?!) and some ex machinas and the book is done.
Anyway, yes, sadly disappointed that the vampire comic was the one I liked the least. Fairly bland high school senior MC who likes ~fixing dudes (which wasn't addressed enough, IMO), particularly by getting into unhealthy relationships, who gets with a guy who... I hope was a student at the college, but it seemed like he was just working there as a regular 25+ y/o adult. Which, yikes. And then there's an unnecessary quest that detracts from the sappy romance (?!) and some ex machinas and the book is done.
July 5, 2025
So, we get kind of a Twilight moment here. Vanessa falls down an elevator shaft and gets saved by a devilishly handsome stranger. And he even catches the elevator before it falls on her. Wow!
Illustrations were good, but some of the text was a little too much to read.
One night, Vanessa follows the guy home and discovers his secret: he’s a vampire.
Can Vanessa turn into Buffy when a horde of vampires start chasing her? Or will her sweet Angel save her again? Will Vanessa continue her destiny?
Cool fight scenes! A good story with monster hunters!
Illustrations were good, but some of the text was a little too much to read.
One night, Vanessa follows the guy home and discovers his secret: he’s a vampire.
Can Vanessa turn into Buffy when a horde of vampires start chasing her? Or will her sweet Angel save her again? Will Vanessa continue her destiny?
Cool fight scenes! A good story with monster hunters!
February 14, 2025
This is book 3 in the "My Boyfriend's A Monster" series. This was meh, it's a decent one time read. I didn't like the ending - was very anticlimactic.
On the other hand, him turning into an actual bat vs just a human with fangs is a nice change of pace for the vampiric genre + the whole vampire vs were-bat thing too as well as adding in a vampire x vampire hunter forbidden relationship.
On the other hand, him turning into an actual bat vs just a human with fangs is a nice change of pace for the vampiric genre + the whole vampire vs were-bat thing too as well as adding in a vampire x vampire hunter forbidden relationship.
November 1, 2021
Yay for the return of this series being enjoyable! Seriously, this was the pick me up I needed after that second book. Perhaps it's just cause I've been in a supernatural phase recently in reading though.
March 25, 2024
It’s never easy falling for a monster and even less when you find out that you’re descended from the Van Helsing line and are next to take up the fight against monsters. But is that even the worst part or is the starlet of college the worst part?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2018
Cheesy as hell but it's fast paced, fun, and enjoyable. Lot's of inspiration from typical vampire lore. If you're bored and want some quick entertainment this is for you.
April 2, 2018
Bad cross between Twilight and Buffy in graphic form.
November 27, 2018
Awesome!
Loved the story and the art was super nice. Actually loved the ending too. It was uplifting and like very culture aware. :)
Loved the story and the art was super nice. Actually loved the ending too. It was uplifting and like very culture aware. :)
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