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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really liked Lalo's character, subversion of the trope - perpetually single, shy, hates being a vampire - I love vampires that hate being vampires it's so angsty. I also liked Carolina and their relationship and Lalo's relationship with his sister was great.
I think the ending was a bit anticlimactic, I was loving the bit that Carolina was turned and she was already becoming dark by the *reveals*
A really enjoyable read so would recommend and I enjoyed the setting, as I haven't seen many in early 19th century California!
A really enjoyable read so would recommend and I enjoyed the setting, as I haven't seen many in early 19th century California!
I had so much fun with this! I really enjoyed the refreshing take on vampirism in literature, because honestly it does get to the point where you're just reading the same thing over and over. Interwoven with Mexican mythology and folklore, and interesting and (mostly) original vampire lore, it was really nice to read something new in such a saturated subgenre.
I loved Lalo as a main character so much, like he was simply just adorable, funny, and charming all at once. He really stood out to me in the cast of characters. Like that man invented the word 'yearning'. I really appreciated the patient development of Lalo and Carolina's romantic relationship, as it definitely would not make sense to make them an insta-love couple when they're literally mortal enemies.
It was a very quick and easy read which I appreciated. I docked a star because there were a few plot holes here and there, and the ending, while emotional and heartfelt, was a little too messy for my liking. It read a bit as if the author was just ready to finish the book quickly. The villains who were hanging over our main characters' heads the entire book suddenly just apologise for their actions and then everything's okay? I wish that was handled better.
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience this book gave me. It was fun, charming, and swoon-worthy and I recommend a read!
I loved Lalo as a main character so much, like he was simply just adorable, funny, and charming all at once. He really stood out to me in the cast of characters. Like that man invented the word 'yearning'. I really appreciated the patient development of Lalo and Carolina's romantic relationship, as it definitely would not make sense to make them an insta-love couple when they're literally mortal enemies.
It was a very quick and easy read which I appreciated. I docked a star because there were a few plot holes here and there, and the ending, while emotional and heartfelt, was a little too messy for my liking. It read a bit as if the author was just ready to finish the book quickly. The villains who were hanging over our main characters' heads the entire book suddenly just apologise for their actions and then everything's okay? I wish that was handled better.
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience this book gave me. It was fun, charming, and swoon-worthy and I recommend a read!
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Solid vampire romance!
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Thank you Angela Montoya, Joy Revolution Books, and PRH Audio for the free audiobook!
I absolutely loved this story! The setting in the California territory was so immersive, and the blend of history, fantasy, and romance made for an incredible read.
Lalo’s struggle with his newfound nature as a sediento was so well done—his refusal to give in to his urges and his devotion to his sister made him such a compelling character. Carolina was fierce, determined, and so easy to root for. Their relationship was beautifully developed, full of tension and sweetness in equal measure.
Diana Bustelo and Gary Tiedemann brought this story to life with their fantastic narration. Their performances made Carolina and Lalo’s dynamic even more engaging, and I’d happily listen to anything else they narrate.
If you love vampire lore with a fresh, romantic twist and a duo that challenges fate together, this is definitely a must-read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood
Minor: Sexual content
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I really enjoyed this as a fun vampire YA. The banter between the characters actually had me laughing at places, between Lalo’s well spoken politeness and Carolina’s aggressive threats, their chemistry was so real.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was just a really fun and fast read. I was a little disappointed when I first started this book because I thought it was going to be a darker more sultry story, but it ended up being a lot more light-hearted and kind of juvenile (not necessarily in a bad way, just a younger vibe than I was expecting). However, this really grew on me as the book went on. I really liked the vampire lore, specifically how vampires see their victims memories as they're drinking their blood, and the family lore of the Fuentes was really interesting as well. The relationship between Carolina and Lalo was really sweet and developed very naturally, which I appreciated. Insta-love would have never made sense in this book, so their enemies to lovers romance was perfect.
There were a few lore-specific plot holes that I think should have been tied up/edited out. Like why did Lalo lose complete control over a little blood from a scrape, but was in complete control around a bloodbath? And then the whole "vampires need to be invited in", but they're able to go through open gates or doors, so what exactly is the restriction? It was a few little things here and there, but nothing major to really disrupt the story.
Honestly, it was really the ending that completely sold me on this book.It might have been all resolved a little too neatly, but I really loved that scene where Lalo speaks with the Fuentes ancestors and is able to chose whether he stays or goes. There was just something so touching about this scene and made for a really nice emotional conclusion. I just wish Carolina could have spoken to them too, especially Abuelo . Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a largely lighthearted romantic read about vampires, with some surprisingly touching moments.
There were a few lore-specific plot holes that I think should have been tied up/edited out. Like why did Lalo lose complete control over a little blood from a scrape, but was in complete control around a bloodbath? And then the whole "vampires need to be invited in", but they're able to go through open gates or doors, so what exactly is the restriction? It was a few little things here and there, but nothing major to really disrupt the story.
Honestly, it was really the ending that completely sold me on this book.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No