Amelia Collins is by definition successful. She would even go so far as to say successfully single. But not according to her family, and she’s tired of the constant questions about her nonexistent dating life. When an invitation to yet another family wedding arrives, she decides to get everyone off her back once and for all by finding someone–anyone–to pose as her date.
After a chance encounter with Reginald Cleaves, Amelia decides he’s perfect for her purposes. He’s a bit strange, but that’s fine; it’ll discourage tough questions from her family. (And it certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s very handsome.) For centuries-old vampire Reggie, posing as her plus-one sounds like the ultimate fun. And if it helps his ruse of pretending to be human, so much the better.
As Amelia and Reggie practice their fauxmance, it becomes clear that Reggie is as loyal to her as the day is long, and that Amelia’s first impressions could not have been more wrong. Suddenly, being in a real relationship with Reggie sounds pretty fang-tastic.
Release Date: Sep 17, 2024
Series: My Vampires
Book: 2
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Price: $10.99
“His next words sounded almost pained, as though they were being pulled from him against his will. ‘The truth is, I quite like making you happy.’ He shook is head. ‘I’m frightened to think too much about what that means, because I honestly can’t remember the last time I wanted to do anything for another person, simply for its own sake. And without having an ulterior motive.’ His eyes, when they met mine, were so intense I had to look away. ‘But for you, I would brave a blizzard just to see you smile.’ With his words, something melted inside of me. Sophie’s advice from yesterday – to stop fighting it if something real happened between us – floated into my mind. I was terrible at spur-of-the-moment anything, and from the beginning nothing about my arrangement with Reggie had been planned. But would a short-term good time, as Sophie had put it, be such a terrible thing? Or even something more? I would brave a blizzard to see you smile. I might have been an accountant, but I wasn’t made of stone.
Amelia Collins’ life is normal, boring, and exactly as she likes it. She is averse to taking risks and just wants to live an uncomplicated existence. When she is almost run down by Reginald Cleaves, her whole life takes an unexpected turn. He is a whirlwind in every way, but when she needs a fake wedding date, he seems like the perfect partner in crime.
Spooky season is upon us, and this was such a fun beginning to some cozy fall reads. When I think of vampires, I tend to think dark and alpha with the manners of a historical romance hero, but Reggie was unique. He was silly, sweet, and a little bit over the top. At first, I wasn’t sold on his personality just because of what I was expecting and wanting, but he grew on me. I think he was a nice contrast to Amelia who was very sedate and quiet. He forced her to have fun which she was sorely lacking in her life, and cared enough to make sure she always had something she could eat with her dietary restrictions.
Frederick was a fun side character, and I’m curious enough to read his and Cassie’s story. There were some things that kept me from giving this a higher rating. As much as I loved Reggie’s goofiness, I wonder how he is able to survive in the world. He seems so oblivious and clueless sometimes. I didn’t mind The Collective, but I thought that plotline was overdone and maybe took away some of the relationship-building. This was not perfect, but it was a fun ride. I would highly recommend!
If you’re a fan of supernatural heroes like those of Kresley Cole or Ruby Dixon, then I think this would be a charming Halloween read!
~ Michelle
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