My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Love Bites in All the Right Places

Picture this: You’re a struggling artist, barely making rent, when you stumble upon the deal of a lifetime – a gorgeous apartment in a swanky Chicago neighborhood for pocket change. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, for Cassie Greenberg, our lovable and relatable heroine in Jenna Levine’s debut novel “My Roommate Is a Vampire,” it absolutely is. But not in the way you might expect.

A Bite-Sized Synopsis

Cassie’s new roommate, the impossibly handsome and charmingly old-fashioned Frederick J. Fitzwilliam, is hiding a secret bigger than his perfectly tailored three-piece suits. He’s a vampire. And not just any vampire – he’s a centuries-old bloodsucker who’s been in a coma for the last hundred years and now needs help navigating the modern world. Talk about a fixer-upper!

As Cassie helps Frederick learn the ins and outs of smartphones, social media, and skinny jeans (much to readers’ visual delight), she finds herself falling for the undead dreamboat. But with a vengeful vampire ex-fiancée in the wings and Cassie’s own mortality hanging in the balance, can these star-crossed lovers find their happily ever after?

Sink Your Teeth Into This…

Levine’s writing is as refreshing as a cool drink on a hot summer day (or a bag of O-negative after a century-long nap, if you’re Frederick). Her prose sparkles with wit and charm, making “My Roommate Is a Vampire” a page-turner that’ll keep you up way past your bedtime – vampire or not.

What’s to Love:

• Cassie’s voice: Our heroine is a delightful mix of snark and vulnerability. Her internal monologue had me cackling like a witch on Halloween.
• The romance: Sweet, steamy, and slow-burning – just how we like our vampires.
• The supporting cast: From Cassie’s well-meaning bestie Sam to Frederick’s chaotic vampire frenemy Reginald, the side characters add depth and humor to the story.
• The modern twist: Levine’s take on vampire lore is fresh and fun. No sparkling in sunlight here, folks!

Room for Improvement:

• Pacing: The middle section drags a bit, like a vampire trying to run a marathon.
• World-building: I wanted to sink my teeth into more juicy details about vampire society.

A Blood-Pumping Plot with Heart

Levine masterfully weaves together classic rom-com tropes with vampire lore, creating a story that’s both familiar and refreshingly original. The ‘fish out of water’ scenario of Frederick trying to navigate the 21st century provides ample opportunity for laugh-out-loud moments. (His first encounter with a smartphone had me in stitches!)

But it’s not all fun and games. The author doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes like self-worth, family expectations, and the fear of change. Cassie’s struggle with her artistic identity and Frederick’s internal conflict between his vampire nature and his desire to live peacefully among humans add depth to what could have been a fluffy romance.

Character Chemistry That’ll Make Your Blood Run Hot

The heart of this story (pun absolutely intended) is the relationship between Cassie and Frederick. Their chemistry is electric from the start, but Levine takes her time developing their connection. It’s a slow burn that’ll have you yelling “Just kiss already!” at the pages.

Frederick’s old-world charm and Cassie’s modern sass create a delightful friction that powers their banter and sexual tension. Their first kiss? Chef’s kiss. 💋

A Fresh Take on Vampire Lore

Levine puts her own spin on vampire mythology, striking a balance between classic tropes and modern sensibilities. Frederick’s ability to conjure fruit when nervous is a quirky and endearing touch that sets him apart from your average brooding bloodsucker.

The author also explores the ethical implications of vampirism in the modern world. Frederick’s refusal to feed directly from humans and his reliance on blood banks adds an interesting moral dimension to the story.

Style That’ll Leave You Thirsty for More

Levine’s writing style is as bubbly and effervescent as a glass of champagne (or a freshly opened bag of A-positive). Her prose flows smoothly, peppered with pop culture references and witty observations that’ll have you snorting with laughter.

The dialogue is snappy and natural, capturing the awkwardness of new roommates and the tentative dance of budding romance. Cassie’s inner monologue is particularly entertaining, full of self-deprecating humor and relatable anxieties.

A Setting You Can Sink Your Teeth Into

Chicago comes alive in Levine’s capable hands. From the bustling streets of Lincoln Park to the quirky art scene in Pilsen, the city serves as more than just a backdrop – it’s practically a character in its own right.

The contrast between Frederick’s old-world sensibilities and the modern cityscape provides ample opportunity for fish-out-of-water hijinks. His first trip on the El? Comedy gold.

Final Verdict: A Bloody Good Time

“My Roommate Is a Vampire” is a delightful romp that’ll leave you grinning from fang to fang. It’s the perfect book for readers who like their romance with a side of supernatural shenanigans and a healthy dose of humor.

Jenna Levine has crafted a story that’s equal parts sweet and spicy, with characters you’ll want to invite over for a movie night (just don’t forget the blood bags for Frederick). It’s a promising debut that marks her as an author to watch in the paranormal romance genre.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of paranormal romance with a modern twist
• Anyone who’s ever had a weird roommate (though probably not as weird as Frederick)
• Readers who enjoy their vampires with a side of humor
• Art lovers who’ll appreciate Cassie’s creative struggles
• Anyone looking for a feel-good read that’ll make them laugh out loud

Similar Books to Sink Your Teeth Into

If you enjoyed “My Roommate Is a Vampire,” you might also like:

• “Boyfriend Material” by Alexis Hall (for the quirky British humor)
• “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires” by Grady Hendrix (for a different take on modern vampires)
• “A Brush with Love” by Mazey Eddings (for another romance featuring an artist protagonist)

The Fang-tastic Bottom Line

“My Roommate Is a Vampire” is a charming, laugh-out-loud funny debut that proves love truly is eternal – even if your boyfriend is technically undead. Jenna Levine has crafted a story that’s perfect for curling up with on a chilly night, preferably with a warm beverage (blood optional) and a cozy blanket.

So, if you’re in the mood for a rom-com with bite, sink your teeth into this delightful novel. Just be warned – it might leave you eyeing your own roommate suspiciously. Is that a fang I see, or are you just happy to see me?