My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine

You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through Netflix, looking for something light and fun, but with just enough substance to keep you hooked? That’s exactly the vibe Jenna Levine serves up in her latest paranormal rom-com, “My Vampire Plus-One.” It’s the literary equivalent of your favorite comfort food – familiar, satisfying, and with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

Sink Your Teeth Into This

Levine’s second installment in her vampire romance series picks up where “My Roommate Is a Vampire” left off, but don’t worry if you missed the first book. This story stands on its own two fangs… er, feet. Our heroine, Amelia Collins, is a successful accountant who’s got her life together in every way except one – her love life. And boy, does her family love to remind her of it.

Enter Reginald Cleaves, a centuries-old vampire with a penchant for terrible jokes and even worse fashion choices. When Amelia hatches a plan to bring a fake date to her cousin’s wedding, Reggie seems like the perfect candidate. He’s handsome, available, and just weird enough to keep her family from asking too many questions. What could possibly go wrong?

A Match Made in… Chicago?

As Amelia and Reggie’s fake relationship blossoms into something more real (and more hilarious), Levine expertly balances the romantic tension with laugh-out-loud moments. From Reggie’s attempts to blend in with modern society to Amelia’s growing realization that maybe her perfectly planned life could use a little undead chaos, every page crackles with wit and charm.

But it’s not all fangs and fun. Levine deftly weaves in deeper themes of self-acceptance, family expectations, and the fear of vulnerability. Amelia’s journey from a woman who color-codes her planner to someone willing to take a leap of faith (into a vampire’s arms, no less) is both relatable and heartwarming.

Characters That’ll Make You Swoon (and Snort-Laugh)

Let’s be real – a rom-com is only as good as its leads, and Levine knocks it out of the park with Amelia and Reggie. Amelia is the perfect blend of competent professional and awkward mess, making her instantly relatable to anyone who’s ever tried to balance a career with a personal life (so… everyone?).

And Reggie? Oh boy. Imagine if Mr. Darcy had a centuries-long identity crisis and decided to cope by becoming a walking dad joke. He’s charming, infuriating, and utterly lovable. His attempts to navigate modern life while hiding his vampiric nature lead to some of the book’s funniest moments. Pro tip: You’ll never look at a blood bank the same way again.

Supporting Cast That Steals the Show

While Amelia and Reggie are undoubtedly the stars, Levine’s supporting characters add depth and flavor to the story. From Amelia’s well-meaning but overbearing family to Reggie’s vampire bestie Frederick (who’s got his own romantic subplot that’ll leave you begging for more), each character feels fully realized and adds something special to the mix.

A Fresh Take on a Familiar Trope

Look, we’ve all read our fair share of vampire romances. From “Twilight” to “True Blood,” the genre’s been done to death (pun absolutely intended). But Levine manages to breathe new life into the concept by grounding her supernatural elements in a world that feels decidedly real and modern.

The blend of paranormal romance with contemporary rom-com tropes (fake dating, anyone?) creates a unique flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s like if “The Vampire Diaries” and “Bridget Jones’s Diary” had a baby, and that baby grew up to be way funnier than either of its parents.

Laughs That’ll Wake the Dead

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its humor. Levine has a knack for one-liners and situational comedy that’ll have you snorting with laughter. Whether it’s Reggie’s attempts to use modern slang or Amelia’s internal monologue as she tries to navigate the world of vampire dating, the jokes land more often than not.

But what really sets “My Vampire Plus-One” apart is how it uses humor to explore deeper themes. The laughter never feels forced or out of place, even when dealing with heavier topics like self-worth and the fear of commitment.

A Love Story with Bite

At its core, “My Vampire Plus-One” is a romance, and Levine doesn’t disappoint. The chemistry between Amelia and Reggie sizzles from their first encounter, and their journey from fake dating to real feelings is both believable and swoon-worthy. The author strikes a perfect balance between sweet moments and steamy scenes, giving readers just enough heat without veering into explicit territory.

What’s particularly refreshing is how the vampire element adds a new dimension to familiar romantic conflicts. The question of mortality and what it means to love someone who will outlive you by centuries adds weight to Amelia and Reggie’s relationship, making their happy ending feel all the more earned.

A World You’ll Want to Sink Your Teeth Into

Levine’s version of Chicago, where vampires hide in plain sight and accountants can find themselves embroiled in supernatural drama, is vividly realized. The author’s attention to detail, from the city’s architecture to its vibrant food scene, makes the setting feel like a character in its own right.

The vampire lore is well-thought-out and adds depth to the world without ever feeling like an info dump. Levine introduces supernatural elements gradually, allowing readers to discover the rules of her universe alongside Amelia.

The Verdict: A Fang-tastic Read

“My Vampire Plus-One” is a delightful romp that proves the paranormal romance genre still has plenty of life in it. Jenna Levine has crafted a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, with characters you’ll be rooting for long after the last page.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of vampire fiction or just looking for a fun, quirky romance, this book delivers. It’s the perfect escape for anyone who’s ever felt like their life could use a little more magic (or who’s just tired of their family asking why they’re still single).

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of paranormal romance looking for a fresh, funny take on the genre
• Rom-com lovers who don’t mind a little supernatural spice in their stories
• Anyone who’s ever brought a fake date to a family event (we’ve all been there, right?)
• Readers who enjoy witty banter and characters with depth
• People who like their romance with a side of existential crisis (but, you know, in a fun way)

So grab a copy of “My Vampire Plus-One”, curl up with your favorite blanket (preferably not made of garlic), and prepare to fall in love with the most charming vampire since Count von Count. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself checking the necks of your coworkers for fang marks after reading. After all, who knows what secrets they might be hiding?