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Filthy Rich Vampires #1
Filthy Rich Vampire
Newly edited, and for the first time in print, discover the smash-hit series.
Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest eligible Rousseaux, he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends―whether he likes it or not.
When cellist Thea literally stumbles into his life at a gala, he knows she's the last person he could ever fall in love with. She's too innocent, too kind, and way too human. But now that she knows about his world, she's also a walking target. She needs protection. He needs a fake girlfriend to discourage overzealous vampire matchmaking.
So, Julian makes Thea an irresistible offer: pretend to be his lover and he’ll change her life. For one year, they’ll attend the season’s social events together in exchange for his protection and a way out of her mother’s crippling medical debt.
She can’t say no. But the vampire world is impossibly decadent and darker than Thea ever imagined, and Julian’s filthy rich vampire family wants her out of the way. But with each moment they share, new dangers emerge: a desire as forbidden as their stolen touches, an awakening of a long-dead heart, and secrets that could tear them both apart.
Sensual, dangerous, provocative ― step into a daring new world of dark magic, primal attraction, and breathtaking romance.
Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest eligible Rousseaux, he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends―whether he likes it or not.
When cellist Thea literally stumbles into his life at a gala, he knows she's the last person he could ever fall in love with. She's too innocent, too kind, and way too human. But now that she knows about his world, she's also a walking target. She needs protection. He needs a fake girlfriend to discourage overzealous vampire matchmaking.
So, Julian makes Thea an irresistible offer: pretend to be his lover and he’ll change her life. For one year, they’ll attend the season’s social events together in exchange for his protection and a way out of her mother’s crippling medical debt.
She can’t say no. But the vampire world is impossibly decadent and darker than Thea ever imagined, and Julian’s filthy rich vampire family wants her out of the way. But with each moment they share, new dangers emerge: a desire as forbidden as their stolen touches, an awakening of a long-dead heart, and secrets that could tear them both apart.
Sensual, dangerous, provocative ― step into a daring new world of dark magic, primal attraction, and breathtaking romance.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2022
7278 people are currently reading
55235 people want to read
About the author
Geneva Lee
86 books4,868 followersGeneva Lee is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of over thirty novels. Her bestselling Royals Saga has sold nearly four million copies worldwide. She's shamelessly addicted to recovering alpha males, headstrong heroines, and drop-your-jaw plot twists. People Magazine calls Geneva's books "convincing with fluid writing that's full of drama." When she isn't writing or reading, you might find her on another adventure with her real-life hero and their three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,277 reviews
June 2, 2025
I enjoy the book for its simplicity and that the romance is pretty cute to help quench my romance deprived self, but somewhere along the book, I find it tedious. The plot feels like it wasn't connected to one another and is everywhere.
The writing is a bit amateur-ish too so it's not really my fav thing. I still wanna continue the series (since it ends in cliffhanger) but it's also one that I'd easily dropped if it still doesn't make sense in the next book.
Update: The second book is absolutely trash, I almost questioned what I have read to enjoy when I pick this one up.
The writing is a bit amateur-ish too so it's not really my fav thing. I still wanna continue the series (since it ends in cliffhanger) but it's also one that I'd easily dropped if it still doesn't make sense in the next book.
Update: The second book is absolutely trash, I almost questioned what I have read to enjoy when I pick this one up.
November 21, 2022
*3.5* One thousand-year-old vampire meets twenty-two-year old classical musician and is drawn to her immediately. Thus begins the constant push/pull throughout the entire story.
I can understand why so many people have enjoyed the story. It was like a watching a K-Drama or Telenovela, completely unrealistic but you can’t stop from watching! Bummed there was no actual sex between the couple here, but hinting at greater intimacy in the next book. Although he does
What I kept wondering, as I do with every vampire book, is why her period is never brought up. Wouldn’t that cause a bit of an issue? Not sure if I’ll read book two or not, can I resit the ott pull of sexy vampires??
I can understand why so many people have enjoyed the story. It was like a watching a K-Drama or Telenovela, completely unrealistic but you can’t stop from watching! Bummed there was no actual sex between the couple here, but hinting at greater intimacy in the next book. Although he does
What I kept wondering, as I do with every vampire book, is why her period is never brought up. Wouldn’t that cause a bit of an issue? Not sure if I’ll read book two or not, can I resit the ott pull of sexy vampires??
February 8, 2023
2 - ⭐️⭐️
"I am yours. All of me. My body. My blood. You can have both. You can have everything.”
I'm gutted that I did not enjoy this much.
This is another case of a book with a fantastic premise but didn't meet my expectations.
Social season for vampires?
Fake dating trope?
Drama and sexy times?
I would've said yes a million times!
The characters were either mad at each other or horny. That's all I got out of them—oh let's not forget the hero's mother who invited her son and his fake "girlfriend" to a blood orgy because why not.
And I had to skim a few pages just to get to a point where I'll get hooked, and I didn't. The plot kept going in circles and the characters came off as one-dimensional.
Trigger Warnings: dubious consent and vampire venom leaves a druglike-effect.
"I am yours. All of me. My body. My blood. You can have both. You can have everything.”
I'm gutted that I did not enjoy this much.
This is another case of a book with a fantastic premise but didn't meet my expectations.
Social season for vampires?
Fake dating trope?
Drama and sexy times?
I would've said yes a million times!
The characters were either mad at each other or horny. That's all I got out of them—oh let's not forget the hero's mother who invited her son and his fake "girlfriend" to a blood orgy because why not.
And I had to skim a few pages just to get to a point where I'll get hooked, and I didn't. The plot kept going in circles and the characters came off as one-dimensional.
Trigger Warnings: dubious consent and vampire venom leaves a druglike-effect.
June 2, 2025
✩ 4 stars ✩
“It was as if my life had been marked by her absence as much as this moment was marked by her presence.”
What to Expect:
➼ Touch Her & Die
➼ Mates
➼ Forbidden Love
➼ Paranormal Romance
➼ Urban Fantasy
➼ Mutually Beneficial Relationship
➼ Witches & Vampires
➼ Vampire Politics
➼ Dual POV
➼ Cliffhanger
This scratched the Twilight size itch that’s been knocking around in my brain since 2006. Our heroine was severely lacking in survival skills and there were plenty of cringe worthy details that I could pick apart, but at the end of the day, this was just so much fun. I know we pretend not to like the Neanderthal type in real life but the “touch her and die” trope will forever be one of my faves and who doesn’t love a good forbidden love/mate romance?
The rebel Vampires are clearly the bad guys, but the Vampire Council isn’t so great either. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out as the series continues. There are a lot of interesting elements in play and with the mention of werewolves and the recently released “Filthy Rich Fae,” I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more of this world. I for one am so here for it!
*Immediately downloads book 2*
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Guess I’m in the mood for vampires. 🧛
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
“It was as if my life had been marked by her absence as much as this moment was marked by her presence.”
What to Expect:
➼ Touch Her & Die
➼ Mates
➼ Forbidden Love
➼ Paranormal Romance
➼ Urban Fantasy
➼ Mutually Beneficial Relationship
➼ Witches & Vampires
➼ Vampire Politics
➼ Dual POV
➼ Cliffhanger
This scratched the Twilight size itch that’s been knocking around in my brain since 2006. Our heroine was severely lacking in survival skills and there were plenty of cringe worthy details that I could pick apart, but at the end of the day, this was just so much fun. I know we pretend not to like the Neanderthal type in real life but the “touch her and die” trope will forever be one of my faves and who doesn’t love a good forbidden love/mate romance?
The rebel Vampires are clearly the bad guys, but the Vampire Council isn’t so great either. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out as the series continues. There are a lot of interesting elements in play and with the mention of werewolves and the recently released “Filthy Rich Fae,” I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more of this world. I for one am so here for it!
*Immediately downloads book 2*
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Guess I’m in the mood for vampires. 🧛
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
November 23, 2023
2.5 ⭐️ Started out strong but by the end, I just didn’t like it.
"Every male in there will want to fuck you, and every woman will want to be you."
"Because I'm with you?"
"Because they know you're mine."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ urban paranormal romance
✨ san francisco setting
✨ vampires, humans, witches/familiars
✨ Julian: billionaire vampire who's being forced to marry
✨ Thea: struggling artist (cellist) and human
✨ forbidden romance
✨ insta-lust
✨ fake dating/engagement
✨ age gap (22 and 400+)
✨ virgin FMC
✨ 2.5/5 🌶️ (slow burn spice, open door, explicit with public sex, praise, spanking, biting)
✨ fated mates
✨ found family
✨ family drama
✨ dual pov
✨ third act breakup with cliffhanger ending
My Thoughts:
This is NOT a bad book. In fact, I think there will be a lot of people who enjoy this story. It's got an interesting combination of old vampire lore mixed with some fresh takes, so if you like paranormal stories, you'll probably find this interesting. The storytelling was pretty good, I enjoyed the bits and pieces of world-building, and the slow-burn spice was hot. I honestly didn't have any big issues with the book until halfway . . .
My issue lies mostly with one thing: miscommunication. I would say, 90% of all the conflict in this story derives from a lack of communication/honesty between the two MCs - and it drove me nuts. At first, I sort of understood because of the entire dynamic between vampires and humans in this world, but once they started fake dating, I expected the Julian to give a complete rundown of what to expect, some basic information about vampires and their ways, how to act, etc. But he does none of that. And whenever questions come up, it's always right as they are thrust into high-stress, chaotic situations where he's unable to explain anything in the moment, so Thea is just forced to 'go with it' and of most of the times, get's into trouble or uncovers a hurtful or disappointing truth Julian should have shared with her. This happens repeatedly over the course of the book. Too much for me to believe in this romance or think a couple like them would have a real shot in hell to work things out.
Here are examples of these moments:
Example 1:
"Did you poison me?"
"No. Venom doesn't work like that. I'll explain it later, but right now I need to help you get this out of your system."
Example 2:
"Your gloves?"
Her eyes questioned me. That was too complicated to explain that the moment. All I managed was a grunted, "I can't."
Example 3:
"Julian, will you take off your gloves?"
"I can't, pet. I'll explain later, but first . . . "
*So 60 pages later and he still hasn't explained what's up with him wearing gloves.
Example 4:
"It looks like a ballet studio."
"It was original to the property. I decided to keep it."
There was more to this story. I could sense it, but Julian didn't seem to want to share it.
*And it's never elaborated on.
Example 5:
"You look nervous. Has Julian told you what to expect?
"No."*shocker*
Example 6:
"Julian has always had a soft spot for virgins, but there are rules."
"Rules?"
"He must have forgotten to mention them."
Example 7:
'I needed to know more about this whole mating thing, but how could I ask him?'
*Legit, just ask him you idiot!
Example 8:
'I should ask him about what Jacqueline had said. For some reason, despite the offer, I wasn't ready to ask about it.' 🙄
Bottom line, Julian doesn't tell her anything and Thea is too stupid to demand answers. There's also a few times when something bad happens and then the next day (after Thea has recovered from whatever it was), he's like "oh, let me take you on a date" instead of actually discussing what the fuck happened the night before. It just . . . didn't make sense and was so unrealistic! His avoidance to be honest and her inability to demand answers lead to all their problems. And I grew tired of it after a while.
About halfway, I started skimming. I lost interest because nothing was being explained to the FMC and, also there were just way too many unnecessary descriptions and details added. So, I skimmed a lot of non-dialogue.
Thea says the phrase, "crap on a cracker" one too many times, and I hate it. Such a weird, childish thing to say. And I've legit never heard any adult using this phrase in real life.
There were quite a few moments that gave me Twilight and Zodiac Academy vibes, so nothing really surprised me plot-wise. Specifically, the cliffhanger gave me New Moon flashbacks. More miscommunication and denying truths.
Overall, this story had promise, but because it relies heavily on miscommunication to move the plot forward, I don't have any desire to continue the series.
Thank you, Entangled Publishing and Amara, for a physical copy in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
It was as if my life had been marked by her absence as much as this moment was marked by her presence.
_______
It wasn't that I wanted to kill her. It was that I knew one taste of her would never satisfy me.
_______
Maybe he was a good kind of nutty, more like eccentric, like tossing millions of dollars out of a plane eccentric.
_______
Every moment I spent with Thea suggested she had the survival instincts of a gnat.
_______
I wanted to experience his lifetimes, one lingering kiss at a time.
_______
She bloomed in my arms as I wrapped her in my darkness.
_______
Julian Rousseaux wasn't just a grouch in the morning; he was a total asshole.
_______
While I might not have had her blood or her body, I'd tasted enough of her to be ruined for anyone else.
_______
The families we find are the families we keep.
_______
"That's a good pet. Keep your eyes on the state and try not to let anyone know what I'm going down here."
"Wouldn't want a Rousseaux to be caught on his knees?"
"I wouldn't want to make every male her jealous. You smell delicious."
_______
I had none to offer. I only had one thing to give him: myself. Every bit of me. My heart, my soul, my body, and with it, my future.
_______
"Every male in there will want to fuck you, and every woman will want to be you."
"Because I'm with you?"
"Because they know you're mine."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ urban paranormal romance
✨ san francisco setting
✨ vampires, humans, witches/familiars
✨ Julian: billionaire vampire who's being forced to marry
✨ Thea: struggling artist (cellist) and human
✨ forbidden romance
✨ insta-lust
✨ fake dating/engagement
✨ age gap (22 and 400+)
✨ virgin FMC
✨ 2.5/5 🌶️ (slow burn spice, open door, explicit with public sex, praise, spanking, biting)
✨ fated mates
✨ found family
✨ family drama
✨ dual pov
✨ third act breakup with cliffhanger ending
My Thoughts:
This is NOT a bad book. In fact, I think there will be a lot of people who enjoy this story. It's got an interesting combination of old vampire lore mixed with some fresh takes, so if you like paranormal stories, you'll probably find this interesting. The storytelling was pretty good, I enjoyed the bits and pieces of world-building, and the slow-burn spice was hot. I honestly didn't have any big issues with the book until halfway . . .
My issue lies mostly with one thing: miscommunication. I would say, 90% of all the conflict in this story derives from a lack of communication/honesty between the two MCs - and it drove me nuts. At first, I sort of understood because of the entire dynamic between vampires and humans in this world, but once they started fake dating, I expected the Julian to give a complete rundown of what to expect, some basic information about vampires and their ways, how to act, etc. But he does none of that. And whenever questions come up, it's always right as they are thrust into high-stress, chaotic situations where he's unable to explain anything in the moment, so Thea is just forced to 'go with it' and of most of the times, get's into trouble or uncovers a hurtful or disappointing truth Julian should have shared with her. This happens repeatedly over the course of the book. Too much for me to believe in this romance or think a couple like them would have a real shot in hell to work things out.
Here are examples of these moments:
Example 1:
"Did you poison me?"
"No. Venom doesn't work like that. I'll explain it later, but right now I need to help you get this out of your system."
Example 2:
"Your gloves?"
Her eyes questioned me. That was too complicated to explain that the moment. All I managed was a grunted, "I can't."
Example 3:
"Julian, will you take off your gloves?"
"I can't, pet. I'll explain later, but first . . . "
*So 60 pages later and he still hasn't explained what's up with him wearing gloves.
Example 4:
"It looks like a ballet studio."
"It was original to the property. I decided to keep it."
There was more to this story. I could sense it, but Julian didn't seem to want to share it.
*And it's never elaborated on.
Example 5:
"You look nervous. Has Julian told you what to expect?
"No."*shocker*
Example 6:
"Julian has always had a soft spot for virgins, but there are rules."
"Rules?"
"He must have forgotten to mention them."
Example 7:
'I needed to know more about this whole mating thing, but how could I ask him?'
*Legit, just ask him you idiot!
Example 8:
'I should ask him about what Jacqueline had said. For some reason, despite the offer, I wasn't ready to ask about it.' 🙄
Bottom line, Julian doesn't tell her anything and Thea is too stupid to demand answers. There's also a few times when something bad happens and then the next day (after Thea has recovered from whatever it was), he's like "oh, let me take you on a date" instead of actually discussing what the fuck happened the night before. It just . . . didn't make sense and was so unrealistic! His avoidance to be honest and her inability to demand answers lead to all their problems. And I grew tired of it after a while.
About halfway, I started skimming. I lost interest because nothing was being explained to the FMC and, also there were just way too many unnecessary descriptions and details added. So, I skimmed a lot of non-dialogue.
Thea says the phrase, "crap on a cracker" one too many times, and I hate it. Such a weird, childish thing to say. And I've legit never heard any adult using this phrase in real life.
There were quite a few moments that gave me Twilight and Zodiac Academy vibes, so nothing really surprised me plot-wise. Specifically, the cliffhanger gave me New Moon flashbacks. More miscommunication and denying truths.
Overall, this story had promise, but because it relies heavily on miscommunication to move the plot forward, I don't have any desire to continue the series.
Thank you, Entangled Publishing and Amara, for a physical copy in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
It was as if my life had been marked by her absence as much as this moment was marked by her presence.
_______
It wasn't that I wanted to kill her. It was that I knew one taste of her would never satisfy me.
_______
Maybe he was a good kind of nutty, more like eccentric, like tossing millions of dollars out of a plane eccentric.
_______
Every moment I spent with Thea suggested she had the survival instincts of a gnat.
_______
I wanted to experience his lifetimes, one lingering kiss at a time.
_______
She bloomed in my arms as I wrapped her in my darkness.
_______
Julian Rousseaux wasn't just a grouch in the morning; he was a total asshole.
_______
While I might not have had her blood or her body, I'd tasted enough of her to be ruined for anyone else.
_______
The families we find are the families we keep.
_______
"That's a good pet. Keep your eyes on the state and try not to let anyone know what I'm going down here."
"Wouldn't want a Rousseaux to be caught on his knees?"
"I wouldn't want to make every male her jealous. You smell delicious."
_______
I had none to offer. I only had one thing to give him: myself. Every bit of me. My heart, my soul, my body, and with it, my future.
_______
October 4, 2025
the title does not lie.. he is FILTHY🌶️🌶️🌶️ and not just in the “wow, he’s rich” way, this man’s bank account has bank accounts. our broke heroine walks into the vampire country club of nightmares and somehow ends up fake dating the scariest billionaire of them all. he’s like “stay away, i’m dangerous” while simultaneously following her around like a bloodsucking golden retriever. the family drama was MESSY, the banter had me cackling and the romance?? forbidden in the best way. touch her and you die + fake dating? yeah, i was eating this up like it was my last meal.
July 2, 2024
DID I KIND OF GET AN ICK??!
yes.
Am I still going to read the rest of the series?
also, yes.
The FMC just fell too fast and seemed too immature. But otherwise, I loved it! I'm hoping that, as the series goes on, the FMC will have some character development.
Also a lot spicier than I thought 🥵👏
yes.
Am I still going to read the rest of the series?
also, yes.
The FMC just fell too fast and seemed too immature. But otherwise, I loved it! I'm hoping that, as the series goes on, the FMC will have some character development.
Also a lot spicier than I thought 🥵👏
January 21, 2024
"Her blood sang to me across the space, its intoxicating lullaby luring me closer."
This is objectively the worst book I will read all year.
This is objectively the worst book I will read all year.
December 16, 2024
I felt like this story dreged on. The constant miscommunication was not it. Just tell her what's up. Why are we delaying the inevitable. 🤦♀️ The fact that Julain is 900 years old and still lacks communication skills sums up the male population in one go. He's a billionaire, so there's that. 🤷♀️ I don't know if I can stomach book two to figure out what happens. Lol 😅
May 22, 2025
rating: 3.5★
was this amazing? no, but it scratched the pnr / twilight / anita blake / vampire romance itch i get once in a while and that cliffhanger has me intrigued to continue the series.
was this amazing? no, but it scratched the pnr / twilight / anita blake / vampire romance itch i get once in a while and that cliffhanger has me intrigued to continue the series.
July 17, 2022
4✨
This was a solid billionaire forbidden love paranormal romance with fake dating.
Filthy Rich Vampire follows struggling student cellist Thea as she gets swept up in vampire Julian’s world. Julian is opposed to getting married during this social season (actually, ever) and propositions Thea to act as his girlfriend for next year, and he’ll help her financially with her mom’s medical bills.
Well, things go very much sideways. Once the season begins and Thea is thrust into this dangerous world, shit basically hits the fan.
There isn’t really a lot of world building because it is paranormal, but the vampires have a long history. Towards the last quarter of the book, vampire politics get involved there’s violence and danger, in addition to Julian’s mother attempting to remove Thea from his life. It took a little while to get there but we have the beginnings of a bigger conflict.
The romance was pretty insta-lust. So if this isn’t your thing, I would steer clear. There aren’t any love confessions until… well, things happen and it happens later on that but I’m not going to spoil.
I love fake dating, and I like forbidden love. This book felt like a good series opener and I can see that it has a potential.
Would recommend if you like the tropes and want a quick read. There is a cliffhanger (it’s not awful) and the next book isn’t coming out until Fall 2022.
This was a solid billionaire forbidden love paranormal romance with fake dating.
Filthy Rich Vampire follows struggling student cellist Thea as she gets swept up in vampire Julian’s world. Julian is opposed to getting married during this social season (actually, ever) and propositions Thea to act as his girlfriend for next year, and he’ll help her financially with her mom’s medical bills.
Well, things go very much sideways. Once the season begins and Thea is thrust into this dangerous world, shit basically hits the fan.
There isn’t really a lot of world building because it is paranormal, but the vampires have a long history. Towards the last quarter of the book, vampire politics get involved there’s violence and danger, in addition to Julian’s mother attempting to remove Thea from his life. It took a little while to get there but we have the beginnings of a bigger conflict.
The romance was pretty insta-lust. So if this isn’t your thing, I would steer clear. There aren’t any love confessions until… well, things happen and it happens later on that but I’m not going to spoil.
I love fake dating, and I like forbidden love. This book felt like a good series opener and I can see that it has a potential.
Would recommend if you like the tropes and want a quick read. There is a cliffhanger (it’s not awful) and the next book isn’t coming out until Fall 2022.
Read
March 8, 2024Dnf @ 70%
I wanted so badly to love this book. I really wanted to enjoy this book but i had trouble staying invested. I think this might be my sign that the “virgin trope” ain’t it for me.
I wanted so badly to love this book. I really wanted to enjoy this book but i had trouble staying invested. I think this might be my sign that the “virgin trope” ain’t it for me.
January 14, 2024
I hate everything about this. This stole my time.
August 28, 2024
Just a normal girl in a paranormal world!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 🙂🥰😎🤩😁
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The Hero: Julian Rousseaux - he is a pure born vampire and one of the wealthiest in the world from the elite Rousseaux vampire clan one of the most powerful in existence. He is the oldest eligible vampire in his clan, and it is his turn to prove his loyalty to his family by getting married since the first social season in a long time has begun with rites which are a call for all eldest pureblood vampires to marry familiars (witches). He has just awakened after a long nap, and is still becoming accustomed to all the changes to the world since he went to sleep in the 1980’s.
The heroine: Thea Melbourne - she is cellist at the Herbst Theatre where she is currently performing in a quartet. She loves playing the cello, but doesn’t make much money doing it, and she is also taking care of her sick mother, who has cancer, which is in remission, but her treatment has cost a lot of money. She also is still paying off student loans. So, she works a regular job and picks up odd gigs whenever she can.
The Story: For the start of the social season, the vampires attend a gala event at the Herbst theatre. Vampires like Julian mix with familiars with whom they can mate via the rites to create more pure blood vampire children. Though as soon as Julian smells Thea, he is immediately called to her. She is only a human, not a familiar, so he tries to ignore her, but when other vampires catch interest in the beautiful female, he finds he can’t allow them to compel her and take her. He ends up taking Thea home that night and is determined to find out why he can’t compel her, but others can.
I have always loved the normal girl in a paranormal world trope, so this book was just the ticket for me. I also loved how wealthy, strong, and powerful that Julian was in this story. Though he was bound to follow certain vampire rules and laws which ended up keeping Julian and Thea apart in many ways. The story was exceptionally good, and I can’t wait to listen or read the next book. I loved the family drama, the start of a political feud and all the spicy scenes and explosive chemistry between the two main characters, even though Thea remain a virgin throughout the book.
This audiobook was in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter. These are two of my favorite narrators and do a wonderful job. Teddy has a deep, but soft and gravelly voice which is very sexy. Stella always sounds very natural, and you can’t tell that either of them are reading.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 🙂🥰😎🤩😁
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The Hero: Julian Rousseaux - he is a pure born vampire and one of the wealthiest in the world from the elite Rousseaux vampire clan one of the most powerful in existence. He is the oldest eligible vampire in his clan, and it is his turn to prove his loyalty to his family by getting married since the first social season in a long time has begun with rites which are a call for all eldest pureblood vampires to marry familiars (witches). He has just awakened after a long nap, and is still becoming accustomed to all the changes to the world since he went to sleep in the 1980’s.
The heroine: Thea Melbourne - she is cellist at the Herbst Theatre where she is currently performing in a quartet. She loves playing the cello, but doesn’t make much money doing it, and she is also taking care of her sick mother, who has cancer, which is in remission, but her treatment has cost a lot of money. She also is still paying off student loans. So, she works a regular job and picks up odd gigs whenever she can.
The Story: For the start of the social season, the vampires attend a gala event at the Herbst theatre. Vampires like Julian mix with familiars with whom they can mate via the rites to create more pure blood vampire children. Though as soon as Julian smells Thea, he is immediately called to her. She is only a human, not a familiar, so he tries to ignore her, but when other vampires catch interest in the beautiful female, he finds he can’t allow them to compel her and take her. He ends up taking Thea home that night and is determined to find out why he can’t compel her, but others can.
I have always loved the normal girl in a paranormal world trope, so this book was just the ticket for me. I also loved how wealthy, strong, and powerful that Julian was in this story. Though he was bound to follow certain vampire rules and laws which ended up keeping Julian and Thea apart in many ways. The story was exceptionally good, and I can’t wait to listen or read the next book. I loved the family drama, the start of a political feud and all the spicy scenes and explosive chemistry between the two main characters, even though Thea remain a virgin throughout the book.
This audiobook was in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter. These are two of my favorite narrators and do a wonderful job. Teddy has a deep, but soft and gravelly voice which is very sexy. Stella always sounds very natural, and you can’t tell that either of them are reading.
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January 16, 2024
Nope Nada Hell Nooooooooo
Was gut an Sexy Rich Vampires war:
- Es hat sehr viele Lachtränen gebracht, als es beim Essen zum Thema wurde und wenn es vorgelesen wird, kann man sich wenigstens zusammen amüsieren
Was nicht so gut war:
- absolut cringe Sexszenen
- vernünftige Dialoge gibt es nicht
- "Kleines" (I swear sollte mich jemals jemand so nennen, dann scheppert es)
- ziemlich Frauenverachtende Ansichten
- Frauen, die allgemein nicht so gut wegkommen
- ein Protagonist, dessen Gedanke und Ausdrücke mich manchmal ungelogen zum würgen gebracht haben (Beweisstück A: mein TikTok)
- noch mehr Spice Szenen mit Wörtern wie: "hecheln" (bist du ein Pferd oder was?), "Ich reite sooo gerne" (das war Seite 11 ), "Kalbslederhandschuhe"
- kein Plot
- eine Leidenschaft für Musik, die so wichtig ist, aber gefühlt nur dreimal erwähnt bzw. ausgeübt wird
- Mommy Issues (nicht in dem Sinne, aber wenn meine Mutter versucht mich zu verheiraten und dann mich umzubringen, weil ich eine Freundin habe, diese Freundin dann immer wieder vorführt und verhöhnt, dann ja, hätte ich welche)
- Miscommunication, die sehr fragwürdig immer gelöst wird (u know exactly how)
- virgin trope (an sich ja überhaupt nichts schlimmes, aber ich hab die Krise bekommen...)
- Protagonistin verschiebt ihr Studium um ein Jahr, wegen einem Mann, den sie seit DREI TAGEN kennt (how? why?)
Was gut an Sexy Rich Vampires war:
- Es hat sehr viele Lachtränen gebracht, als es beim Essen zum Thema wurde und wenn es vorgelesen wird, kann man sich wenigstens zusammen amüsieren
Was nicht so gut war:
- absolut cringe Sexszenen
- vernünftige Dialoge gibt es nicht
- "Kleines" (I swear sollte mich jemals jemand so nennen, dann scheppert es)
- ziemlich Frauenverachtende Ansichten
- Frauen, die allgemein nicht so gut wegkommen
- ein Protagonist, dessen Gedanke und Ausdrücke mich manchmal ungelogen zum würgen gebracht haben (Beweisstück A: mein TikTok)
- noch mehr Spice Szenen mit Wörtern wie: "hecheln" (bist du ein Pferd oder was?), "Ich reite sooo gerne" (das war Seite 11 ), "Kalbslederhandschuhe"
- kein Plot
- eine Leidenschaft für Musik, die so wichtig ist, aber gefühlt nur dreimal erwähnt bzw. ausgeübt wird
- Mommy Issues (nicht in dem Sinne, aber wenn meine Mutter versucht mich zu verheiraten und dann mich umzubringen, weil ich eine Freundin habe, diese Freundin dann immer wieder vorführt und verhöhnt, dann ja, hätte ich welche)
- Miscommunication, die sehr fragwürdig immer gelöst wird (u know exactly how)
- virgin trope (an sich ja überhaupt nichts schlimmes, aber ich hab die Krise bekommen...)
- Protagonistin verschiebt ihr Studium um ein Jahr, wegen einem Mann, den sie seit DREI TAGEN kennt (how? why?)
October 11, 2023
The blurb describes this book as a Bridgerton meets twilight, and this transported me immediately to an historical with vampires, which for some reason I discovered I absolutely needed.
It was my mistake, and in reality, the story happens in a contemporary setting and feels more like a cross between twilight and fifty shades of grey.
The characters and world are not too developed, but still it was a fun and fast read.
Read this if you like:
- overprotective, alfa and rich MMC
- Needing virgin FMC
- Dual POV
- Spice
- Vampires
- Fated mates
The book ends up in a light cliffhanger and I’ll probably read the second book.
I would like to thank Dialogue Books, Renegade Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was my mistake, and in reality, the story happens in a contemporary setting and feels more like a cross between twilight and fifty shades of grey.
The characters and world are not too developed, but still it was a fun and fast read.
Read this if you like:
- overprotective, alfa and rich MMC
- Needing virgin FMC
- Dual POV
- Spice
- Vampires
- Fated mates
The book ends up in a light cliffhanger and I’ll probably read the second book.
I would like to thank Dialogue Books, Renegade Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2022
Well, I just devoured this book. I'm so sucked into Julian and Thea's story right now. These two are seriously so perfect for each other. And I'm super mad at that ending because well cliff-hanger. I don't want this to end. I don't want to have to wait.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2023
The most unrealistic part of this book was not the vampires; it was the fact that Thea postponed her senior year of college and her future for a man she knew for approximately 3 days.
Also, I don’t think the author understands what “matriarchal” means. Primarily, because she says that vampires are a matriarchal society and then says,
Like what was Sabine’s whole serpent speech 🐍?
Also, I hated the portrayal of Julian. He was not a good guy. Like, he won against Leroux once and used the money to “purchase a woman’s freedom on the walk home. A virgin being sold on the streets. Leroux would have drunk the money away. [Julian did] something useful. [He gave] the virgin to a covenant.” Like, WOW, you did one nice thing in the 900+ years you were alive. And it wasn’t even that nice. You didn’t ask the girl if she wanted to be sent to a covenant. You didn’t use your enormous wealth to help people all the time. You just did it this one time as an offhanded ‘kind’ thing that the author could throw in to ‘romanticize’ you.
To put it simply, Julian is a disgustinghuman being, made worse by his constant use of the nickname ‘pet’ and the one time he feeds on Thea. That feeding was scarring and will haunt me for years to come. I can’t believe the author tries to romanticize this abusive relationship. I would even argue this abusive relationship is worse than Edward and Bella’s, the crowning jewel of abusive relationships 👑
And don’t get me started on the virgin plot point, Thea’s stupidity (their first fight is over her desire for Julian to drink her blood), or the author’s constant backtracking.
This book was just the worst . More painful than a stake to the heart
Also, I don’t think the author understands what “matriarchal” means. Primarily, because she says that vampires are a matriarchal society and then says,
“When war was called for, we were well-trained to protect our mothers, sisters, and wives… A male vampire always stood ready to protect the females…”I could argue that this is a defining feature of patriarchal societies and that this ideology – that men should protect women – has often been used to oppress women. Heck, this idea was used to justify why women should not get the right to vote. Why did they need to vote when their fathers, brothers, and husbands had their best interests at heart and could vote for them and protect them? Honestly, I hated how this author tried to be feminist at some points when all her ideas were the complete opposite.
Like what was Sabine’s whole serpent speech 🐍?
“Men have made the serpent your enemy with their lies. You have been taught to fear it, but it only seeks to give pleasure. All of you here know the exquisite pleasure of the flesh. Damia teaches us to embrace that pleasure. Pleasure is power. Pleasure is feminine. Pleasure is the seed that will bear beautiful fruit. The snake is her servant and it will not harm you. It seeks only to deliver its offering… Our fruit prospers. Damia embraces us and blesses us. She ripens our wombs and prepares them to receive our protector’s seed.”Wait to try and question gender stereotypes while reinforcing them simultaneously. Great job! (SARCASM)
Also, I hated the portrayal of Julian. He was not a good guy. Like, he won against Leroux once and used the money to “purchase a woman’s freedom on the walk home. A virgin being sold on the streets. Leroux would have drunk the money away. [Julian did] something useful. [He gave] the virgin to a covenant.” Like, WOW, you did one nice thing in the 900+ years you were alive. And it wasn’t even that nice. You didn’t ask the girl if she wanted to be sent to a covenant. You didn’t use your enormous wealth to help people all the time. You just did it this one time as an offhanded ‘kind’ thing that the author could throw in to ‘romanticize’ you.
To put it simply, Julian is a disgusting
And don’t get me started on the virgin plot point, Thea’s stupidity (their first fight is over her desire for Julian to drink her blood), or the author’s constant backtracking.
This book was just the worst . More painful than a stake to the heart
October 13, 2023
Smexy, a bit heavy and dark, plus ends on a cliffy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the things that is interesting about many vampire stories is that the people are beautiful. In this story, we have a gorgeous, strikingly handsome man who is under fire as he must marry and fast.
But inconveniently enough, he has also recognized the tantalizing beautiful cellist calling to his soul. Unfortunately, she is human and absolutely will not be accepted into his family or culture.
The author takes us on a journey from galas and balls to Paris and other fabulous destinations. With sweeping descriptions of beautiful places and events, it’s easy to get caught up in the story.
Lee’s characters are intense and fierce in many ways. But her two main characters of the story are definitely destined for eternity if Julian can keep her alive. With plenty of heat and passion between the two, it remains to be seen where the story will take us because it actually ends on a cliffhanger.
Filthy Rich Vampire is an imaginative and exciting story that brings us smexy heat and passion but includes somewhat dark themes as well. Lee interlaces humor and grumpiness, age gap romance, and the ever-loving billionaire spoiling Cinderella into this enticing story. Just be prepared that you will not get your HEA!
~~~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/filthy-rich-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the things that is interesting about many vampire stories is that the people are beautiful. In this story, we have a gorgeous, strikingly handsome man who is under fire as he must marry and fast.
But inconveniently enough, he has also recognized the tantalizing beautiful cellist calling to his soul. Unfortunately, she is human and absolutely will not be accepted into his family or culture.
The author takes us on a journey from galas and balls to Paris and other fabulous destinations. With sweeping descriptions of beautiful places and events, it’s easy to get caught up in the story.
Lee’s characters are intense and fierce in many ways. But her two main characters of the story are definitely destined for eternity if Julian can keep her alive. With plenty of heat and passion between the two, it remains to be seen where the story will take us because it actually ends on a cliffhanger.
Filthy Rich Vampire is an imaginative and exciting story that brings us smexy heat and passion but includes somewhat dark themes as well. Lee interlaces humor and grumpiness, age gap romance, and the ever-loving billionaire spoiling Cinderella into this enticing story. Just be prepared that you will not get your HEA!
~~~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/filthy-rich-...
December 11, 2023
This is pretty long for a book that not much happened in . The pacing in this isn’t the best. We have a billionaire, sexy, irresistible vampire and a virgin ( shes not like other girls) Fmc
They pretty much just hang out the entire book while he rejects her sexual advances because apparently in this lore vampires cannot have sex with virgins or theyll be tethered forever . That’s the main conflict of the book.
My main issue with the book is that every single side character is more interesting than the main fmc. Did i mention shes a virgin?
Still, the Audiobook is good and worth a listen if you like vampires and romance
Very low spice
They pretty much just hang out the entire book while he rejects her sexual advances because apparently in this lore vampires cannot have sex with virgins or theyll be tethered forever . That’s the main conflict of the book.
My main issue with the book is that every single side character is more interesting than the main fmc. Did i mention shes a virgin?
Still, the Audiobook is good and worth a listen if you like vampires and romance
Very low spice
February 3, 2023
I forgot how much I loved Thea and Julian 😭- Re-reading this was so much fun. I didn't love it as much as I did the first time, but still, 5 stars for the nostalgia 😭. Onto the next one again 🫡.
----
I don't know what to say other than the fact that I absolutely loved this 😭🙏💞.
I'm obsessed with the storyline and characters and literally could not put this down.
Well, I'm off to read the next one- just know that a little part of me will crumble away if the next book doesn't live up to this one 💀.
----
I don't know what to say other than the fact that I absolutely loved this 😭🙏💞.
I'm obsessed with the storyline and characters and literally could not put this down.
Well, I'm off to read the next one- just know that a little part of me will crumble away if the next book doesn't live up to this one 💀.
August 31, 2025
I hate cliffhangers 😭😭
I should have known this was going to end in a cliffhanger 😭😭
Ugh I want to read the second book but I’m lowkey annoyed at this ending!
I should have known this was going to end in a cliffhanger 😭😭
Ugh I want to read the second book but I’m lowkey annoyed at this ending!
February 23, 2025
Re-read because I never finished book 3 & 4! Compulsion should be a huge red flag, but here I’m ok with it lol. ……. Oooooo compulsion not working on Thea 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The way this book ended reminded me of why I try to not read series until they’re all out lol
The love feels so pure that it breaks my heart for these fictional characters….. I feel tethered to them myself. “I believe this is our swan song” 😭
Also, changing from 4 stars to 5 because I’m re reading & that’s my rating system. If I like/love enough to re read over & over — 5 stars for ME!
The way this book ended reminded me of why I try to not read series until they’re all out lol
The love feels so pure that it breaks my heart for these fictional characters….. I feel tethered to them myself. “I believe this is our swan song” 😭
Also, changing from 4 stars to 5 because I’m re reading & that’s my rating system. If I like/love enough to re read over & over — 5 stars for ME!
June 8, 2024
When I requested this book from the library I expected a paranormal romance. What surprised me was that I got an amusing screwball comedy as well. Mix a financially challenged young woman with a filthy rich vampire and what do you get? A lot of ridiculous shenanigans, that's what.
Thea is a music student. She has student debt and her mother's medical bills to worry about. She is a talented cellist and plays in a quartet as one of her jobs. Her group is hired to perform at a vampire event, although they don't realize the nature of the crowd. Julian is a vampire from an old, established family. He has been recalled from hibernation because he is the eldest son and vampire society has reinstated the Rites. It is his turn to choose a wife and produce children. He wants none of it! But there is a beguiling cellist performing at the opening party….
Julian is out of touch with contemporary society due to his hibernation. Thea has no idea that vampires exist. He finds that he's unable to enthrall her. She can't understand why he's being such a dick. They manage to break her cello and he swears he will replace it. Thea receives a priceless instrument that she's scared to touch. Ancient vampire has no idea how to deal with a 21st century woman. Modern woman has no idea how to drag the truth out of old vampire.
These two fool themselves into believing that they can spend a year together: Thea agrees to be Julian's “girlfriend” for a year to exclude him from the marriage market. In return he will pay off her debts and they will part, both getting what they want. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler alert: Lots.)
If this had just been a straight up PNR, I don't think it would have been nearly as much fun. But watching this pair try to find their equilibrium as they learn more about each other was highly entertaining. Thea may be an innocent and a mere mortal, but Julian finds himself discombobulated dealing with her. How can a young woman in her 20s shake his control so easily? Fast and fun. Perfect for us vampire fans.
Thea is a music student. She has student debt and her mother's medical bills to worry about. She is a talented cellist and plays in a quartet as one of her jobs. Her group is hired to perform at a vampire event, although they don't realize the nature of the crowd. Julian is a vampire from an old, established family. He has been recalled from hibernation because he is the eldest son and vampire society has reinstated the Rites. It is his turn to choose a wife and produce children. He wants none of it! But there is a beguiling cellist performing at the opening party….
Julian is out of touch with contemporary society due to his hibernation. Thea has no idea that vampires exist. He finds that he's unable to enthrall her. She can't understand why he's being such a dick. They manage to break her cello and he swears he will replace it. Thea receives a priceless instrument that she's scared to touch. Ancient vampire has no idea how to deal with a 21st century woman. Modern woman has no idea how to drag the truth out of old vampire.
These two fool themselves into believing that they can spend a year together: Thea agrees to be Julian's “girlfriend” for a year to exclude him from the marriage market. In return he will pay off her debts and they will part, both getting what they want. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler alert: Lots.)
If this had just been a straight up PNR, I don't think it would have been nearly as much fun. But watching this pair try to find their equilibrium as they learn more about each other was highly entertaining. Thea may be an innocent and a mere mortal, but Julian finds himself discombobulated dealing with her. How can a young woman in her 20s shake his control so easily? Fast and fun. Perfect for us vampire fans.
Read
July 11, 2024DNF ✥ Couldn't do it. This is one ridiculous misunderstanding after another. And by misunderstanding I mean the vampire MMC doesn't tell the very human FMC, who just found out right now vampires are real AND convinces her to fake relationship with him... and basically doesn't tell her ANYTHING HELPFUL
BEFORE
she heads into a situation and bad things happen... over and over again... that's the plot. Naive human girl goes to things like vampire blood orgies and doesn't know jack diddly about vampires or SEX (see below). AND no super strong old vampires kill her. 🙄
THOUGHTS
Ok. So. He is 900 years old....and a vampire. She is early 20's... and a human. He's riiiiiich. She's broke. He doesn't want to get married... so he picks up a marriage shield human woman who doesn't know jack diddly about pretty much anything.
To make matters worse for this poor FMC. This author chose to also never quite let the MMC tell the FMC the things she needed to know *before* she needed to know them. So FMC is always off kilter, confused, doing dumb-ish stuff because she doesn't know any better. You'd think he would be able to prep her a bit better. Even a few words to clear things up now and then.
FMC is talk-backy, which apparently constitutes as snarky and feisty? 🙄 And even though she finds out he's a vampire, in a world where they are secret, when she finds out, she wants him to lose control... again, because she's sooooo??? Brave? Dumb? 🙄
ANNNNND, she's a virgin who somehow has no idea about anything about sex. In this day and age? Is that EVEN possible? It's not like she grew up on a deserted island ffs. And I really mean she doesn't know ANYTHING about sex stuff... Like NOTHING. She can't even say the word sex. So like, when the hottie MMC 900 year old vampire suggests she use her mouth on him, she thinks sure, ya, why not, she can figure it out... she's got a lifetime of licking ice-cream cones after all, so she should be ok. 🙄 I meannnn really? 🙄🙄🙄 Ice cream licking experience? I wish the author would have let this poor woman have at least had a few conversations with friends about sex, or ya know watched a rated R movie. But don't worry friends, she's amazing at giving blow jobs from her first try... guess that ice cream licking experience did the trick. 👅🍦👅 🙄 🙄 🙄 *breaks eyes from excessive eye rolling*
👀 POV: 1st person, both MCs
🧨 Slow burn » 🕯️➳❥❤️🔥« Insta-lust/love: Insta-lust/mate scent starts this tale off.
THOUGHTS
Ok. So. He is 900 years old....and a vampire. She is early 20's... and a human. He's riiiiiich. She's broke. He doesn't want to get married... so he picks up a marriage shield human woman who doesn't know jack diddly about pretty much anything.
To make matters worse for this poor FMC. This author chose to also never quite let the MMC tell the FMC the things she needed to know *before* she needed to know them. So FMC is always off kilter, confused, doing dumb-ish stuff because she doesn't know any better. You'd think he would be able to prep her a bit better. Even a few words to clear things up now and then.
FMC is talk-backy, which apparently constitutes as snarky and feisty? 🙄 And even though she finds out he's a vampire, in a world where they are secret, when she finds out, she wants him to lose control... again, because she's sooooo??? Brave? Dumb? 🙄
ANNNNND, she's a virgin who somehow has no idea about anything about sex. In this day and age? Is that EVEN possible? It's not like she grew up on a deserted island ffs. And I really mean she doesn't know ANYTHING about sex stuff... Like NOTHING. She can't even say the word sex. So like, when the hottie MMC 900 year old vampire suggests she use her mouth on him, she thinks sure, ya, why not, she can figure it out... she's got a lifetime of licking ice-cream cones after all, so she should be ok. 🙄 I meannnn really? 🙄🙄🙄 Ice cream licking experience? I wish the author would have let this poor woman have at least had a few conversations with friends about sex, or ya know watched a rated R movie. But don't worry friends, she's amazing at giving blow jobs from her first try... guess that ice cream licking experience did the trick. 👅🍦👅 🙄 🙄 🙄 *breaks eyes from excessive eye rolling*
👀 POV: 1st person, both MCs
🧨 Slow burn » 🕯️➳❥❤️🔥« Insta-lust/love: Insta-lust/mate scent starts this tale off.
March 31, 2024
God I did not expect to breeze through this bloody quickly! I literally started it yesterday morning and I’m mad with myself that I just devoured the whole thing in just over 24hrs.
I have no words for this book, no words. Just like vampires, witches, fake dating, grumpy sunshine…it CALLED to me! Idk why I’m so invested in paranormal contemporary Romance atm but this was fun, it was spicy, it had a LOT of drama! Imma have to grab the second one sometime. Solid 4.5 though, there was a lot of tropes etc and it didn’t exactly offer much NEW to the vampire myths but I enjoyed it non the less
I have no words for this book, no words. Just like vampires, witches, fake dating, grumpy sunshine…it CALLED to me! Idk why I’m so invested in paranormal contemporary Romance atm but this was fun, it was spicy, it had a LOT of drama! Imma have to grab the second one sometime. Solid 4.5 though, there was a lot of tropes etc and it didn’t exactly offer much NEW to the vampire myths but I enjoyed it non the less
April 15, 2025
°. *࿐pre-read:
i don't really know what this is but the title makes me think this is some type of soap opera/reality tv but with vampires… and i am down for that vibe
i don't really know what this is but the title makes me think this is some type of soap opera/reality tv but with vampires… and i am down for that vibe
April 20, 2024
* I wrote a great review (heh, heh) for this book as soon as I finished it, but somehow Goodreads (or my tablet) dropped it and now it is no more. SO… I’m re-writing it with the caveat that I’ve now read the second in the series and most of the problems are ironed out quite soon in that second book*
The overall plot, world and characters in this book grab a reader almost immediately and keep them riveted throughout the story. But as one is reading, there are some things that make ya go Hmmm, as well. First, the whole Thea’s virginity and how and when to lose it aspect drove me NUTS! It is approached as if she is the last virgin on planet earth - a unicorn that no one knows what to do with. Seriously? Even in today’s society it isn’t that shocking. Plus, because of this, Thea is also portrayed as the most unbelievably naive woman in the history of women. C’mon! There is no way a 22 year old in today’s society with all the social media et al, would not know what a man is doing when he “arranges his junk”. Shaaeeesh!
Then, there is Julian’s reaction to it. It is never explained why he is so horrified and determined to work around it. This becomes a huge focus of the story throughout the rest of the book, and results in large chunks of graphically detailed scenes of sex/not sex (basically every single way one can have sex without the final “push”). Remember, however, that the reader has no idea why Julian adamantly refuses. Now I’m all for not going the final mile but I need to know WHY they are not. There is obviously a reason but we are never told! GAH that is annoying - especially when it is the focus of so much of the book!
My final opinion ended up being pretty schizophrenic. I was absolutely riveted with the overall story but ended up skipping so much of the graphic notsex scenes and rolling my eyes over the constant virginity arguing that I couldn’t decide if I wanted to continue or not.
SO there it is. People who love lots of steamy kinda sex scenes probably rate this book much higher. Others, like myself have to decide if it is worth it to trudge through the annoyances of this story or not.
The overall plot, world and characters in this book grab a reader almost immediately and keep them riveted throughout the story. But as one is reading, there are some things that make ya go Hmmm, as well. First, the whole Thea’s virginity and how and when to lose it aspect drove me NUTS! It is approached as if she is the last virgin on planet earth - a unicorn that no one knows what to do with. Seriously? Even in today’s society it isn’t that shocking. Plus, because of this, Thea is also portrayed as the most unbelievably naive woman in the history of women. C’mon! There is no way a 22 year old in today’s society with all the social media et al, would not know what a man is doing when he “arranges his junk”. Shaaeeesh!
Then, there is Julian’s reaction to it. It is never explained why he is so horrified and determined to work around it. This becomes a huge focus of the story throughout the rest of the book, and results in large chunks of graphically detailed scenes of sex/not sex (basically every single way one can have sex without the final “push”). Remember, however, that the reader has no idea why Julian adamantly refuses. Now I’m all for not going the final mile but I need to know WHY they are not. There is obviously a reason but we are never told! GAH that is annoying - especially when it is the focus of so much of the book!
My final opinion ended up being pretty schizophrenic. I was absolutely riveted with the overall story but ended up skipping so much of the graphic notsex scenes and rolling my eyes over the constant virginity arguing that I couldn’t decide if I wanted to continue or not.
SO there it is. People who love lots of steamy kinda sex scenes probably rate this book much higher. Others, like myself have to decide if it is worth it to trudge through the annoyances of this story or not.
June 30, 2024
If I had to sum up this book in one sentence, it would be "Ancient powerful vampire with untold resources turns into a puddle for his little mortal." There's more to it than that, but I stand by it.
Thea is a human working multiple jobs to scrape by, on the cusp of graduating as a stellar cellist. Julian is the eldest son of the Rousseaux vampire family, unhappy to be newly awake from a three-decade nap. The two don't belong in each other's worlds, but it seems nothing will stop fate from bringing them together anyway.
The spice delivers. The physicality is well written and believable. A certain snag comes up which I didn't love as a queer reader (how we as a society approach "virginity" and sex really needs an overhaul), but having read most of the series by now, I think it works. It certainly didn't stop the story from being compelling and entertaining, while it did ramp up the spicy stakes.
This book hits some fun tropes - the fun(ds) of dating a billionaire, the fake relationship we all know they secretly wish could be real, a touch of sunshine with a whole lotta grumpy, and of course the air of Cinderella's rags-to-riches. I did notice some surface similarities between this and Crazy Rich Asians, which I assumed going in was the inspiration for the story (not so sure after reading it).
Just be prepared for a multi-installment ride because holy cliffhanger, the HEA ain't in this one. I actually had to double check where this book ends before writing a review because when I was reading, I clicked straight from book one to book two faster than ever before. That's always what an author wants to hear, lol
If you're looking for your next spicy MF paranormal romance, I certainly recommend this one.
**Vampire romance 😍
**Billionaire vampire
**Age gap
**Cliffhanger
**He falls first
Libby listen 🎶 👌
Thea is a human working multiple jobs to scrape by, on the cusp of graduating as a stellar cellist. Julian is the eldest son of the Rousseaux vampire family, unhappy to be newly awake from a three-decade nap. The two don't belong in each other's worlds, but it seems nothing will stop fate from bringing them together anyway.
The spice delivers. The physicality is well written and believable. A certain snag comes up which I didn't love as a queer reader (how we as a society approach "virginity" and sex really needs an overhaul), but having read most of the series by now, I think it works. It certainly didn't stop the story from being compelling and entertaining, while it did ramp up the spicy stakes.
This book hits some fun tropes - the fun(ds) of dating a billionaire, the fake relationship we all know they secretly wish could be real, a touch of sunshine with a whole lotta grumpy, and of course the air of Cinderella's rags-to-riches. I did notice some surface similarities between this and Crazy Rich Asians, which I assumed going in was the inspiration for the story (not so sure after reading it).
Just be prepared for a multi-installment ride because holy cliffhanger, the HEA ain't in this one. I actually had to double check where this book ends before writing a review because when I was reading, I clicked straight from book one to book two faster than ever before. That's always what an author wants to hear, lol
If you're looking for your next spicy MF paranormal romance, I certainly recommend this one.
**Vampire romance 😍
**Billionaire vampire
**Age gap
**Cliffhanger
**He falls first
Libby listen 🎶 👌
January 4, 2023
The title should be "Filthy rich, super rich - the richest of them all Vampire (already mentioned that he's like super rich? If not, take a look at his infinite bank account)".
Also, I fully believed that this had great potential in being exactly what I was looking for: decent smut. What I got? A virgin. You don't get the problem? Me neither. So yeah, that was disappointing, to say the least.
If you would look up to find the definition of "cock block" you would definitely find a link to this book.
And to finish this of, I would love to introduce you to the worst pet name EVER. It's pet. Literally. To be honest, now I get why they couldn’t bang. I would be disgusted too.
The story itself is decent and the characters were well written. Unfortunately the rest still throws me off so it's more of a no for me.
Also, I fully believed that this had great potential in being exactly what I was looking for: decent smut. What I got? A virgin. You don't get the problem? Me neither. So yeah, that was disappointing, to say the least.
If you would look up to find the definition of "cock block" you would definitely find a link to this book.
And to finish this of, I would love to introduce you to the worst pet name EVER. It's pet. Literally. To be honest, now I get why they couldn’t bang. I would be disgusted too.
The story itself is decent and the characters were well written. Unfortunately the rest still throws me off so it's more of a no for me.
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