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A Vampire's Lament
Vampire Ishmael Valen does not wish to find love again. He is content with the comforting memories of the one he lost centuries ago, while leading a carefully balanced life as the head of a council of benevolent monsters, and raising his adopted, mortal nine-year-old son, Alaric.
But when the vague shapes his son sees begin to manifest as spiritual mediumship powers, and Alaric is expelled for accidentally channeling a spirit in his classroom, Ishmael hires a home tutor, Edric O’Moore, who feels far more familiar than he should.
Living together in the manor, late-night talks, and pondside walks begin to blossom into a romance that battles with Ishmael’s guilt about loving another, a second heart beating in Edric’s chest, and the growing curiosity of his council regarding both their relationship and Alaric’s abilities.
In a world that has been dark for ages, Ishmael can finally feel the sun again—and he will not lose a love for a second time.
But when the vague shapes his son sees begin to manifest as spiritual mediumship powers, and Alaric is expelled for accidentally channeling a spirit in his classroom, Ishmael hires a home tutor, Edric O’Moore, who feels far more familiar than he should.
Living together in the manor, late-night talks, and pondside walks begin to blossom into a romance that battles with Ishmael’s guilt about loving another, a second heart beating in Edric’s chest, and the growing curiosity of his council regarding both their relationship and Alaric’s abilities.
In a world that has been dark for ages, Ishmael can finally feel the sun again—and he will not lose a love for a second time.
- GenresM M Romance
199 pages, ebook
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
R.J. Webb
2 books9 followersR.J. Webb is a queer writer crafting her tales in the hollers of Appalachia. She writes paranormal romance and gothic fantasy filled with soft monsters and love that lingers. When not writing, she can be found with her girlfriend and their cats, and helping her community.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 5, 2026
ARC Review | Spoiler Alert!
This book was an enjoyable read, though I found myself wanting a bit more from it by the end.
The strongest aspect of the novel is undoubtedly the romance. From the beginning, the relationship develops in a genuinely sweet and endearing way, making it easy to become invested in the characters. Ishmael, in particular, is a standout. He has the elegant, refined mannerisms that make vampire characters so appealing, and his dialogue feels distinct from everyone else’s. The fact that he wants to court the love interest rather than immediately jump into a relationship adds an old-fashioned charm that fits perfectly with the story’s tone.
The gothic atmosphere was another major highlight for me. Gothic romance is one of my favorite subgenres, and this book embraces many of the elements that make it so enjoyable. Combined with Ishmael’s classic vampire presence, the setting creates a cozy, atmospheric reading experience.
I also appreciated the mystery woven throughout the story. The repeated references to déjà vu kept me curious, and I was constantly trying to piece together what was really happening. The mystery is introduced early enough to maintain interest while still allowing the romance to remain the central focus.
That said, the pacing is almost too fast. The story moves at a rapid pace from beginning to end, which keeps things engaging but sometimes prevents important moments from fully settling. I occasionally found myself wishing the author had slowed down and spent more time developing certain scenes or ideas.
I also noticed some inconsistencies in the formatting. While this does not affect the story itself, it was distracting enough that I became aware of it while reading.
My biggest criticism, however, is that the conflict feels surprisingly minor compared to the amount of time spent building the romance. The relationship is incredibly cute—at times almost overwhelmingly so—but eventually I found myself wanting more tension, higher stakes, or a stronger central obstacle. There is absolutely a place for comfort reads, and this book clearly aims to provide that experience, but at times it felt as though the story relied almost entirely on the charm of the romance without offering much else. Because of this, I occasionally caught myself skimming sections.
Overall, this is a sweet, gothic romance with a lovable vampire MMC, an adorable relationship, and an intriguing mystery. While the pacing is very fast and the conflict feels somewhat underdeveloped, the book succeeds as a comforting, low-angst romance. The cliffhanger ending was particularly effective and definitely left me curious about what happens next.
3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was an enjoyable read, though I found myself wanting a bit more from it by the end.
The strongest aspect of the novel is undoubtedly the romance. From the beginning, the relationship develops in a genuinely sweet and endearing way, making it easy to become invested in the characters. Ishmael, in particular, is a standout. He has the elegant, refined mannerisms that make vampire characters so appealing, and his dialogue feels distinct from everyone else’s. The fact that he wants to court the love interest rather than immediately jump into a relationship adds an old-fashioned charm that fits perfectly with the story’s tone.
The gothic atmosphere was another major highlight for me. Gothic romance is one of my favorite subgenres, and this book embraces many of the elements that make it so enjoyable. Combined with Ishmael’s classic vampire presence, the setting creates a cozy, atmospheric reading experience.
I also appreciated the mystery woven throughout the story. The repeated references to déjà vu kept me curious, and I was constantly trying to piece together what was really happening. The mystery is introduced early enough to maintain interest while still allowing the romance to remain the central focus.
That said, the pacing is almost too fast. The story moves at a rapid pace from beginning to end, which keeps things engaging but sometimes prevents important moments from fully settling. I occasionally found myself wishing the author had slowed down and spent more time developing certain scenes or ideas.
I also noticed some inconsistencies in the formatting. While this does not affect the story itself, it was distracting enough that I became aware of it while reading.
My biggest criticism, however, is that the conflict feels surprisingly minor compared to the amount of time spent building the romance. The relationship is incredibly cute—at times almost overwhelmingly so—but eventually I found myself wanting more tension, higher stakes, or a stronger central obstacle. There is absolutely a place for comfort reads, and this book clearly aims to provide that experience, but at times it felt as though the story relied almost entirely on the charm of the romance without offering much else. Because of this, I occasionally caught myself skimming sections.
Overall, this is a sweet, gothic romance with a lovable vampire MMC, an adorable relationship, and an intriguing mystery. While the pacing is very fast and the conflict feels somewhat underdeveloped, the book succeeds as a comforting, low-angst romance. The cliffhanger ending was particularly effective and definitely left me curious about what happens next.
3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
There’s something undeniably captivating about a vampire story that leans into both the darkness and the heartbreak, and A Vampire's Lament by R.J. Webb delivered exactly that.
From the very beginning, I found myself drawn into a world filled with longing, loss, and the heavy weight of immortality. This isn't just a story about vampires—it's a story about grief, redemption, and what it means to keep moving forward when the past refuses to let go.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Their struggles felt genuine, their pain tangible, and their victories hard-earned. I found myself becoming deeply invested in their journey, celebrating the small moments of hope while feeling every setback right alongside them.
R.J. Webb creates an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful. The darker elements of the story are balanced perfectly with moments of tenderness, creating a reading experience that felt immersive and emotionally rich. The gothic undertones, lingering mysteries, and emotional tension kept me eagerly turning pages long into the night.
I especially appreciated how the story explored the emotional cost of immortality. The themes of loneliness, regret, and enduring love added layers to the narrative that made it feel far more meaningful than a typical vampire romance. Every chapter revealed something new about the characters, making their journey feel authentic and rewarding.
The writing itself flowed beautifully, allowing me to become completely lost in the story. There were moments that broke my heart, moments that made me smile, and plenty of twists that kept me wondering what would happen next.
As an ARC reader, I was grateful for the opportunity to experience this story before release. A Vampire's Lament is an atmospheric, emotional read that blends gothic romance, supernatural intrigue, and heartfelt character development into a story that lingers long after the final page.
There’s something undeniably captivating about a vampire story that leans into both the darkness and the heartbreak, and A Vampire's Lament by R.J. Webb delivered exactly that.
From the very beginning, I found myself drawn into a world filled with longing, loss, and the heavy weight of immortality. This isn't just a story about vampires—it's a story about grief, redemption, and what it means to keep moving forward when the past refuses to let go.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Their struggles felt genuine, their pain tangible, and their victories hard-earned. I found myself becoming deeply invested in their journey, celebrating the small moments of hope while feeling every setback right alongside them.
R.J. Webb creates an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful. The darker elements of the story are balanced perfectly with moments of tenderness, creating a reading experience that felt immersive and emotionally rich. The gothic undertones, lingering mysteries, and emotional tension kept me eagerly turning pages long into the night.
I especially appreciated how the story explored the emotional cost of immortality. The themes of loneliness, regret, and enduring love added layers to the narrative that made it feel far more meaningful than a typical vampire romance. Every chapter revealed something new about the characters, making their journey feel authentic and rewarding.
The writing itself flowed beautifully, allowing me to become completely lost in the story. There were moments that broke my heart, moments that made me smile, and plenty of twists that kept me wondering what would happen next.
As an ARC reader, I was grateful for the opportunity to experience this story before release. A Vampire's Lament is an atmospheric, emotional read that blends gothic romance, supernatural intrigue, and heartfelt character development into a story that lingers long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know where to begin with how good this book was to read. Since it has a June 1 go live date, I thought I would just read a bit to get a feel and read more later in the month. I. READ. THE. WHOLE. THING. This never happens to me, I just could not stop reading. It is a mood set by beautiful writing, and the opening scene hooked me because just as I have in my life gone to school to talk about my children's problems, this was a Vampire doing so FOR HIS CHILD. And the problem, the child was talking to a dead woman.
The beauty of Wynterhyll House, the way temperature was used to fill the mood, Ishmael and the painting, the relationship he had with his child, and with Edric, the clothes, the tea cart, the wolves, the Ravens, all beautifully written. " You are the song of the stars," Ishmael said quietly, " and the whisper among the trees"
The tension is present in the Council and their disapproval of several things in Ishmael's existence. This is the perfect way to have the cliffhanger for the first book.
I also love the inclusion of Samantha, Edric's friend, a female Mortician of all things and a valued voice in his life.
Might I also add, this is my first fade to black spice scene and it was quite 🔥, much to my joy.
This is an ARC read for me, all in my own words except for the quote and I thank R. J. Webb for allowing me the privilege of it.
The beauty of Wynterhyll House, the way temperature was used to fill the mood, Ishmael and the painting, the relationship he had with his child, and with Edric, the clothes, the tea cart, the wolves, the Ravens, all beautifully written. " You are the song of the stars," Ishmael said quietly, " and the whisper among the trees"
The tension is present in the Council and their disapproval of several things in Ishmael's existence. This is the perfect way to have the cliffhanger for the first book.
I also love the inclusion of Samantha, Edric's friend, a female Mortician of all things and a valued voice in his life.
Might I also add, this is my first fade to black spice scene and it was quite 🔥, much to my joy.
This is an ARC read for me, all in my own words except for the quote and I thank R. J. Webb for allowing me the privilege of it.
Read
May 29, 2026Ishmael was the one who didn’t fear gods because he is a vampire.
Alaric is a child who can see and talk to the dead, & Edric O’Moore is the traveling teacher who became Alaric’s private tutor. It started out innocently, a slow burn for an immortal vampire who fell in love with the mortal Tudor for his son the moment they met. But to have a vampire, sorry not just a vampire, a highly respected by both mortals and immortals for bringing peace among them. Did I mention the vampire’s extreme good looks and wealth beyond compare? To love a mortal who knew he was a vampire and his son Alaric, who also had powers to speak to the dead moved in with them knowing & not caring because he had the same feelings for Ishmael. Oh, and Edric also has abilities. He can communicate with Ishmael almost like telepathically, communicating mentally without speaking verbally. Yeah, I know, so cool right? Everyone can probably say they could guess what a very close friend was thinking before they even said a word, but this is hearing thoughts in your mind without hearing them speak to you. Totally different.
This is their story—how they fell in love, guarded it, and protected everything they loved.
Oh, and book 2 is coming out soon.
An epic, historic love story of the ages.
So excited for book 2.
Trace Dial
Alaric is a child who can see and talk to the dead, & Edric O’Moore is the traveling teacher who became Alaric’s private tutor. It started out innocently, a slow burn for an immortal vampire who fell in love with the mortal Tudor for his son the moment they met. But to have a vampire, sorry not just a vampire, a highly respected by both mortals and immortals for bringing peace among them. Did I mention the vampire’s extreme good looks and wealth beyond compare? To love a mortal who knew he was a vampire and his son Alaric, who also had powers to speak to the dead moved in with them knowing & not caring because he had the same feelings for Ishmael. Oh, and Edric also has abilities. He can communicate with Ishmael almost like telepathically, communicating mentally without speaking verbally. Yeah, I know, so cool right? Everyone can probably say they could guess what a very close friend was thinking before they even said a word, but this is hearing thoughts in your mind without hearing them speak to you. Totally different.
This is their story—how they fell in love, guarded it, and protected everything they loved.
Oh, and book 2 is coming out soon.
An epic, historic love story of the ages.
So excited for book 2.
Trace Dial
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy from the author. I signed up for this book through a dark romance group, because I usually read that genre, but I wanted to try something different to see if it would appeal to me as well.
The story unfolds slowly, which took some getting used to, since I usually prefer faster-paced, darker books. Yet that’s exactly what I liked about this book. R.J. Webb’s writing style draws you right into the story. I feel like she could even make an IKEA manual interesting.
Even though I usually prefer darker stories, I really enjoyed this one. The bond between father and son, in particular, grabbed me right from the first chapter. It felt very genuine and was beautifully portrayed.
I found the romance that slowly develops to be a bit slow at times, but that was mainly because I wanted so badly for things to work out between them. Now I’m really curious about Part 2, because I’m completely immersed in the story. I always find a character with powers that no one really understands to be interesting. It always gives me this feeling that this character could either destroy the world or save it! Who knows which way it’ll go! So on to Part 2
For anyone who loves slow-burn romance, this book is highly recommended. If you prefer dark romance with a faster pace, then this probably isn’t your kind of book.
The story unfolds slowly, which took some getting used to, since I usually prefer faster-paced, darker books. Yet that’s exactly what I liked about this book. R.J. Webb’s writing style draws you right into the story. I feel like she could even make an IKEA manual interesting.
Even though I usually prefer darker stories, I really enjoyed this one. The bond between father and son, in particular, grabbed me right from the first chapter. It felt very genuine and was beautifully portrayed.
I found the romance that slowly develops to be a bit slow at times, but that was mainly because I wanted so badly for things to work out between them. Now I’m really curious about Part 2, because I’m completely immersed in the story. I always find a character with powers that no one really understands to be interesting. It always gives me this feeling that this character could either destroy the world or save it! Who knows which way it’ll go! So on to Part 2
For anyone who loves slow-burn romance, this book is highly recommended. If you prefer dark romance with a faster pace, then this probably isn’t your kind of book.
June 1, 2026
A a heartfelt, well written character-driven story filled with found family, emotional healing, and a tender romance. Ishmael immediately captured my heart as a vampire who has spent centuries carrying grief while building a life around protecting others and raising his son. His relationship with Alaric was one of my favorite parts of the book and gave the story so much warmth and emotional depth.
The romance between Ishmael and Edric develops gradually, but it never felt forced. Their connection grows through quiet moments, conversations, and shared experiences, making it easy to become invested in them as a couple. I found myself rooting for them from the start, especially as Ishmael struggled with the guilt of opening his heart again after such a devastating loss.
Alaric’s emerging abilities added an intriguing layer to the story as well. The mystery surrounding his powers kept me curious throughout, and I’m excited to see where that storyline goes next. There’s a sense that something much bigger is unfolding beneath the surface, which made it hard to put the book down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The romance between Ishmael and Edric develops gradually, but it never felt forced. Their connection grows through quiet moments, conversations, and shared experiences, making it easy to become invested in them as a couple. I found myself rooting for them from the start, especially as Ishmael struggled with the guilt of opening his heart again after such a devastating loss.
Alaric’s emerging abilities added an intriguing layer to the story as well. The mystery surrounding his powers kept me curious throughout, and I’m excited to see where that storyline goes next. There’s a sense that something much bigger is unfolding beneath the surface, which made it hard to put the book down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got an arc copy of this book and was interested in the soft vampire trope, and it worked really good. I don't like gory paranormal romance and was very happy this book had a wellpaced and thoughtful love story. Its hard to find mm romances that aren't overly sexualized or trauma as the main storyline, it was refreshing to read a romance with two people getting to know each other and falling in love. Between Edric and Ishmael, I found Ishmael to be very interesting. Not that Edric wasn't, I'm excited to learn more about his past, but Ishmael being a vampire who doesn't eat, almost obsessed with peace, and raising a child is not something I've read before.
Alaric was adorable. I loved his little rants and his tea trolley. Samantha, the female mortician, was also a nice character.
I enjoyed the book and will read the second one. If you like tender romances in a gloomy setting, you will like it.
Alaric was adorable. I loved his little rants and his tea trolley. Samantha, the female mortician, was also a nice character.
I enjoyed the book and will read the second one. If you like tender romances in a gloomy setting, you will like it.
June 2, 2026
A few chapters in, and I was already hoping that this was the start of a series."A Vampire's Lament" was THAT good. Enjoyable, engrossing, it was a quick fun read.
An ancient vampire who lost his "one love", Ishmael is not looking to become entangled in another relationship. Angst alert, scenery gnawing ahead. His mortal son, Alaric, can interact with the dead, which gets him expelled from school. Along comes Edric O’Moore,hired to teach Alaric.
This tutor/CEO story follows the "I fell for the boss" trope. Resist the attraction, guilt over falling for another. Red light angst alert.
Tension in the form of the Council's interest in this trio. This is a world where vampires and humans interact.
Samantha, a mortician (irony ?) is an excellent secondary.
RJ Webb is a new author for me. Looking forward to book two.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An ancient vampire who lost his "one love", Ishmael is not looking to become entangled in another relationship. Angst alert, scenery gnawing ahead. His mortal son, Alaric, can interact with the dead, which gets him expelled from school. Along comes Edric O’Moore,hired to teach Alaric.
This tutor/CEO story follows the "I fell for the boss" trope. Resist the attraction, guilt over falling for another. Red light angst alert.
Tension in the form of the Council's interest in this trio. This is a world where vampires and humans interact.
Samantha, a mortician (irony ?) is an excellent secondary.
RJ Webb is a new author for me. Looking forward to book two.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate enough to receive an eARC from the author, for which I am grateful.
A Vampire's Lament is pure gentleness in a gloomy setting and an interesting twist on vampiric paranormal romance. There is nothing particularly dark or toxic or upsetting about the story or romance, and it is simply about a slow and sweet love blossoming between two unlikely individuals.
The story was by far character driven, and the plot outside of the romance was only developed just enough to properly establish the setting and to create substance for the sequel. A few concepts were introduced, and certain aspects were left entirely unexplored (which I'm sure was intentional).
I assume the plot will take more of a priority in the sequel, and I'm eager to explore the characters in a deeper sense, as well as see how everything will be resolved.
A Vampire's Lament is pure gentleness in a gloomy setting and an interesting twist on vampiric paranormal romance. There is nothing particularly dark or toxic or upsetting about the story or romance, and it is simply about a slow and sweet love blossoming between two unlikely individuals.
The story was by far character driven, and the plot outside of the romance was only developed just enough to properly establish the setting and to create substance for the sequel. A few concepts were introduced, and certain aspects were left entirely unexplored (which I'm sure was intentional).
I assume the plot will take more of a priority in the sequel, and I'm eager to explore the characters in a deeper sense, as well as see how everything will be resolved.
June 15, 2026
This is my first book by RJ Webb and it will not be my last. This was such a fresh storyline for a topic, vampires, that has been done many times over. The way she writes is beautiful to read and made me feel like I was there in this amazing world she built.
The love story between Alaric and Ishmael is beautiful. It builds at such a good pace and I loved the regular steps of the relationship. It built like normal relationships do: late night talks, walks, shared interests, and both caring for his son!
The book definitely has dark and gloomy aspects but not in a bad way just in a more gothic way. The book made me laugh, cry, and root for this couple and the family unit.
I cannot wait for more books in this series. The book does not end on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The love story between Alaric and Ishmael is beautiful. It builds at such a good pace and I loved the regular steps of the relationship. It built like normal relationships do: late night talks, walks, shared interests, and both caring for his son!
The book definitely has dark and gloomy aspects but not in a bad way just in a more gothic way. The book made me laugh, cry, and root for this couple and the family unit.
I cannot wait for more books in this series. The book does not end on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Vampire’s Lament is the kind of book that linger’s in your mind long after you finish it. It’s dark, emotional and carries that quiet sadness that makes gothic stories so captivating.
It’s not just a vampire story… it’s really about loneliness, grief, longing and the weight of carrying pain for what feels like a lifetime.
The relationship between male characters gave the story so much heart. Their connection felt raw, tender and believable… never forced or overly dramatic.
RJ Webb’s writing has a poetic, melancholic feels that suits the story beautifully with lines that make you stop and reflect.
If you enjoy dark queer romance, gothic atmosphere and emotionally driven story. This is definitely a book worth picking.
I cant wait for the sequel!!! ☺️ ❤️
It’s not just a vampire story… it’s really about loneliness, grief, longing and the weight of carrying pain for what feels like a lifetime.
The relationship between male characters gave the story so much heart. Their connection felt raw, tender and believable… never forced or overly dramatic.
RJ Webb’s writing has a poetic, melancholic feels that suits the story beautifully with lines that make you stop and reflect.
If you enjoy dark queer romance, gothic atmosphere and emotionally driven story. This is definitely a book worth picking.
I cant wait for the sequel!!! ☺️ ❤️
June 2, 2026
Book 1 of Wynterhyll Chronicles. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'Living together in the manor, late-night talks, and pondside walks begin to blossom into a romance that battles with Ishmael’s guilt about loving another, a second heart beating in Edric’s chest, and the growing curiosity of his council regarding both their relationship and Alaric’s abilities. '
The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and compelling and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Living together in the manor, late-night talks, and pondside walks begin to blossom into a romance that battles with Ishmael’s guilt about loving another, a second heart beating in Edric’s chest, and the growing curiosity of his council regarding both their relationship and Alaric’s abilities. '
The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and compelling and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review:
The way I was crushing on the two main characters needs to be studied by science. Also, I usually hate slow burns... truly. I avoid fantasy with slow-burn plots because they either feel dragged out unnaturally, or I find the resolution unsatisfying. But R.J. Webb completely changed my mind with this debut. Absolutely well done.
If you’re a reader who enjoys yearning and a slow burn where the MMC is an emotionally available vampire DILF, this is the book for you 🦇❤️
You can also find:
👨🏫 A traveling hot teacher
🖤 Reincarnated love
🥀 Soft m/m romance
🌈 LGBTQI+ rep
🛏️ There is only one bed
Super excited for book 2!
The way I was crushing on the two main characters needs to be studied by science. Also, I usually hate slow burns... truly. I avoid fantasy with slow-burn plots because they either feel dragged out unnaturally, or I find the resolution unsatisfying. But R.J. Webb completely changed my mind with this debut. Absolutely well done.
If you’re a reader who enjoys yearning and a slow burn where the MMC is an emotionally available vampire DILF, this is the book for you 🦇❤️
You can also find:
👨🏫 A traveling hot teacher
🖤 Reincarnated love
🥀 Soft m/m romance
🌈 LGBTQI+ rep
🛏️ There is only one bed
Super excited for book 2!
June 1, 2026
I received an arc and was really exited to start reading. Unfortunately this book is not it for me. Though I am curious about who Edric is (I think a reïncarnation of Ishmaels former lover, or maybe Edric was supernatural all along), I won't be reading the next book(s). I thought this book was a big set up for whats to come, but for me there was to much set up. To many plotlines, but to little told to catch my attention. I didn't got to know the characters enough and there was nothing happening to feel the need to keep reading, to see whats next. Therefore it took me a long time to read, eventhough it's a thin book. But 2 stars, because i think the plot-set-up is really promising.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Vampire’s Lament is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it. Dark, emotional, and beautifully melancholic, it’s more than just a vampire story—it’s about loneliness, grief, and longing.
The relationship between the male characters felt raw, tender, and believable, adding so much heart to the story. RJ Webb’s poetic writing perfectly captures the gothic atmosphere and emotional depth.
If you enjoy dark queer romance and emotionally driven gothic stories, this is definitely worth reading. I can’t wait for the sequel!
The relationship between the male characters felt raw, tender, and believable, adding so much heart to the story. RJ Webb’s poetic writing perfectly captures the gothic atmosphere and emotional depth.
If you enjoy dark queer romance and emotionally driven gothic stories, this is definitely worth reading. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy from the author
I found this book ok. I tend to lean to the darker books, and thought this would interest me.
I found it very light and not really much of a story if I'm honest. It wasn't a page turner for me and normally I wouldn't have carried on if it wasn't for leaving a review.
Having said this, it may just be my personal preferences, but if you like darker themes I don't think this will be for you.
I found this book ok. I tend to lean to the darker books, and thought this would interest me.
I found it very light and not really much of a story if I'm honest. It wasn't a page turner for me and normally I wouldn't have carried on if it wasn't for leaving a review.
Having said this, it may just be my personal preferences, but if you like darker themes I don't think this will be for you.
May 18, 2026
I received an ARC copy from the author.
The story is well written and the characters are intriguing. Our mmc vampire and his lover give off a Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt vibe. Before their relationship went sour. Their relationship is cautious and gentle. The story is easy to read. However; while I did enjoy certain aspects, I found it to be extremely slow. If you enjoy an easy read this may be for you. Unfortunately it wasn’t for me.
The story is well written and the characters are intriguing. Our mmc vampire and his lover give off a Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt vibe. Before their relationship went sour. Their relationship is cautious and gentle. The story is easy to read. However; while I did enjoy certain aspects, I found it to be extremely slow. If you enjoy an easy read this may be for you. Unfortunately it wasn’t for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Vampire's Lament was a very enjoyable read! I'm a sucker for the sappy and sweet, which this book had in spades. The world itself was very fascinating, the court setup, the politics of monsters and humanity, the child with powers even that dark world finds unnerving. And the romance was impeccable, a great dynamic between the mysterious vampire and out of his depth tutor. I eagerly await to learn what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was such a fun read. It had everything I love in a vampire story: danger, tension, romance, and characters that actually made me care about what happened to them (especially the magic trolley!!!). The romance felt natural and heartfelt, and the chemistry between the characters (spoiler free!) kept me invested the whole time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a great read! I received this as an arc, and I am so glad I read it! The storyline was beautifully written, the romance was great (even as a man, I loved it!), and the perception on parenthood was so real! Will be reading the sequel as soon as it comes out!
June 2, 2026
ARC reader here and my goodness this story is so captivating! I haven't been sucked into a story like this in so long. It was nice to escape into Wynterhyll for a while. I can't wait to see what's next!!!
June 3, 2026
This is a sweet, tender slow burn romance. Also a lovely father son relationship. I think a lot was implied and was setting up for the next book and I look forward to finding out how the story unfolds in the next book.
I received an ARC from the author and have chosen to leave my review.
I received an ARC from the author and have chosen to leave my review.
June 5, 2026
This was a sweet story and a bit emotional. The plot was a bit on the slower side but the storytelling was gripping and left me looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can’t wait for book two to come out. It has a slow begining but the end leaves you wanting more. Had a hard time staring it but once in couldn’t stop. Recomande it but must read all of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
To say I am obsessed with the characters of The Vampire’s Lament would be a HUGE understatement! 🧛As a parent myself, I connect so much with the protective nature of Ishmael towards Alaric! The yearning, the world building, the magic, the STORY! AHHHH! It’s dark, it’s gloomy, it’s adorable. I cried. I kicked my feet giggling. I laughed! It’s so hard to please me with a book, but this one had me reading from the start to finish so fast! RJ Webbs writing is so beautiful. The prose she focuses on is immersive and lyrical. You can truly tell she knows and understands how to bring the reader INTO the story! I cannot wait to read the sequels to this story, and I need the author to bring those to life IMMEDIATELY for me, because I love them so much! Maybe she will let me beta for her so I can get them sooner! 🫣❤️✨
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