“My Roommate is a Vampire” by Jenna Levine:
I read “My Roommate is a Vampire” at the end of 2023. I was so obsessed, I read it in one day.
The story follows struggling artist, Cassie Greenberg as she tries to make ends meet. One day, she finds an ad on Craigslist for a beautiful apartment at a cheap price. The person she would be sharing the apartment with would run opposite hours, so everything is perfect. Too perfect.
Frederick Fitzwilliam has just woken up from being asleep for a few too many years. Then again, what is time when you are immortal? As he is struggling to learn the ropes of a new century, he discovers a strange and different girl who has accepted the offer on the apartment. Everything should be great. Until he begins to catch feelings.
This book is hands down one of sweetest and funniest I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. From the setting and the characters, to the plot and the dialogue, everything about this novel was impeccable.
Frederick and Cassie have an absolutely stunning relationship. It is friendship turned to love. Their path isn’t always clear, and it isn’t always easy, but their love for each other gets them through every single time.
The most intriguing part of this story is the fact that they don’t ever explicitly say “I love you” to each other. Which begs the question, if you truly love someone, does it always need to be said, or can actions truly speak louder than words. For Cassie and Fredrick, their actions say it all.
However, the absolute best part of this novel? Frederick Fitzwillam, a centuries old, awkward, perfect gentleman of a vampire, is a Taylor Swift fan. Use that information as you please.
“A Thousand Boy Kisses” by Tillie Cole:
On the sadder side of the romance genre, we have “A Thousand Boy Kisses.” When I say this book ripped my heart into a million pieces, I’m not kidding.
Rune and Poppy have been best friends since they were five years old. As they grow older, their friendship blossoms into something more. They have found their better half and their soulmate in each other. Until, Rune must return to Norway when they are fifteen. They promise to talk everyday. One day, Poppy cuts off all communication.
Two years later, Rune returns to his childhood home as a different person. He is arrogant and hate filled and angry. He doesn’t understand why the love of his life cuts him off. Until he learns the truth.
Poppy has limited time left on this Earth and she plans on making the most of it. With her Rune back she has a goal to help him find who he was to help him discover who he is meant to be. With the clock ticking on their time together, Poppy makes sure to spend as much time as she can with Rune.
Poppy’s grandmother gave her a jar before she passed. She told Poppy that she is to fill it with 1,000 boy kisses from her special someone. Will she be able to before her time runs out?
I have never been as heartbroken after reading a book as I was this one. From page one to the end, I was sobbing. These characters, their perfections and their flaws, make them feel as if they are right there in the room the entire time while reading.
Knowing how the story is going to end, knowing there is nothing to be done about it, makes this story all the more spectacular. Reading “A Thousand Boy Kisses” reminded me to enjoy life and not take a single moment for granted. Life can change in an instant, so live like it’s the last.
As Poppy says, “Sometimes all we get are moments. There are no do-overs; whatever happens in a moment defines life—perhaps it is life.”
“The Do – Over” by Lynn Painter:
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, “The Do – Over” takes place on the day of love. The catch? It keeps repeating.
Emillie has her life perfectly planned out. Her calendar and to – do list have everything she needs to get by. She has the perfect (if somewhat boring) boyfriend. Nothing could be better. She has a plan in motion for Valentine’s, until her boyfriend, Josh, cheats on her and she catches him in the act.
From that moment on, her entire day turns upside down. But, to make matters worse, she keeps running into Nick, the quiet, mysterious boy with an interesting and dark past. As her day continues to get worse, she goes to bed ready for a new day. Until she wakes up to discover it is February 14 all over again.
This book was so much fun. Between the romance movie and pop culture references, as well as the chemistry between Nick and Emillie, this book is the best of the best.
Emillie is a very by the book person. She always follows the rules and doesn’t get into trouble. However, when life throws her this particular curveball, she uses it to her advantage.
Watching both Emillie and Nick grow as people as the day repeats was incredible to see. Emillie doesn’t always make the best decisions, but she learns from them. Not to mention, their banter is all I could ever need in my life.
Nick has the quintessential dark boy with a mysterious past thing going for him. In truth, for this novel, I’m totally here for it. His sarcasm leaves nothing to be desired. Nor does his flair for the romantics.
“The Do – Over” is a book not to be skipped over. Lynn Painter always creates beautiful stories and this one is no different.
From vampires to heartbreak to sarcastic bad boys, these three novels are three of my all time favorite romances. I’ve read many over the years, but these particular ones stay in my head 24/7. As Valentine’s Day comes around the bend, I can’t wait to see what other wonderful romances I can discover during this season of love.
