A review by just_one_more_paige
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 
This was an "impulse seasonal grab" book - it was returned at the library while I was handling checking books back in anddddddd, I turned around and checked it right back out to myself. As you know, I can't say no to a vampire-related story/show. But, I was expecting a super cheesy, kind of silly, but hopefully page-turningly [guilty] pleasure entertainment read. And while it was all of that (in all the good ways those things can be taken), I was surprised by how legitimately good this book was. 
 
Cassie Greenberg is cobbling together an income with a few part time positions as she searches for opportunities to make a full living with her art. As she is on the edge of eviction, she finds a "roommate needed" listing for a literally unbelievably affordable apartment in a gorgeous Chicago neighborhood. Like, the deal is so good that Cassie figures there has to be a catch, but she's running out of options. Her new roommate, Frederick J. Fitzwilliam, is definitely a little strange. He sleeps all day and stays out all night. He dresses and talks like he's living some sort of historical cosplay. And he leaves adorable notes for Cassie around the apartment, appreciates her art, and cares more about her interests and life than she's experienced from anyone in a long time. Plus, he's super attractive. The catch: he's a vampire. So now Cassie has to make some decisions: Can she trust him? Can she continue to live with him? Can she agree to the proposition he has? And how bad of an idea would it be, really, to give in to the attraction that is growing between them?   
 
Alright y'all. Like I said, this book was surprisingly objectively good. Like, the story development felt pretty real (yes, I know vampires are fictional, thank you very much). I was bought into the premise in a way that, while obviously a story, also felt like a very easy suspension of disbelief. The setup - Frederick's need for a roommate and Cassie's acceptance of his proposition on that front - felt natural to buy into. And I bought into it. Also, the writing was really solid. Nothing flashy or groundbreaking, but smooth and compelling, with realistic dialogue and relatable character interactions and decisions. So yea, that all really surprised me. 
 
As far as Cassie and Frederick's relationship goes, the first note I jotted down while reading was, and I quote, "OMG this is utterly and completely charming AF." And that remained true for the duration. They were flipping adorable together. And Frederick, specifically, was so dang earnest, unfailingly. (A specific note here: the whole little section after Frederick reveals his secret ability - which, no spoilers but LOL how silly adorbs - just melted me. I cannot.) And while that's not always a romance vibe I want, it worked so perfectly here. Because, I'd also like to ask how can a book with a lead this endearing can also have this level of steam coming out of the tension build? The slow-build sexual tension was devastatingly good. And then the actual steamy parts themselves (though limited) were worth the wait. Then, just speaking to the rest of the relationship, it was so sweet and supportive (on both sides) and vulnerable (when it needed to be) and also, at times, really cute-funny. I giggled a couple times while reading and that was also unexpected, but a nice touch. 
 
While this could be a little bit of a loose end, plot-wise, for some people, I have to say that I liked that the story didn’t cover the “telling people in my life about the vampire” thing. I get that it has to (will have to?) happen, but it’s a logistical piece that this story was fine without IMO, because it would likely not have had the space and time to be handled with appropriate "coming to terms" by Cassie's very (wonderfully) protective friends. Speaking of which, I felt like the final conflict was dealt with a bit too easily. However, I was so glad that it was an external complication and not an interpersonal communication cause for a "third act breakup," that overall I was good with it. 
 
I just have to end with a quick note or two on vampires, because I cannot help myself. Vampires are so versatile! They can bring any vibe, and this specific vampire brings the not-all-that-common unassuming sincere heartthrob. Loved it. And all the Buffy references?! It’s *blatant* vampire-lover fanservice and I was here for IT. Plus, I always enjoy an interpretation on vampire lore, seeing what an author chooses to use and discard and remold, and Levine did not disappoint on the creativity on that front.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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