When Life Gives You Vampires is one of my favourite books, so I knew that Gloria Duke’s writing worked well for me, but this book completely sucked me in even more than I expected. While I didn’t love this one quite as much as WLGYV, it was still a great read.

I am surprised that this is listed as book 2 in a series, when the only connection between the books (as far as I noticed) is the mention of the vampire council. Since I love WLGYV, even though I expected this to be a companion novel with new characters, it would have been lovely to see Tristan and Lily included in some way. But I do understand why they weren’t, especially since this takes place on LA instead of New York.

Carrie and Nick are both great characters. I do think the timeline of this book (and their relationship) was a bit rushed though. I liked Carrie’s personal growth, and the way she really gained confidence in who she was as a person and learned to defend herself and her choices. The side characters were good too, but I feel like the main focus and development in this book was definitely Carrie.

There were some parts of the typical romance ‘third act conflict’ that I didn’t love, however I did think that it fit with the story and was handled well. And honestly, that’s all I can really ask for. It stretched out a bit long, but I think that worked with Carrie working on her personal development.

I already have a physical copy of this preordered so that I can have a copy on my shelves when it officially releases, and I’m really hoping that this has the same narrator as WLGYV. She did such a good job on that one, although even if it’s a different narrator I wouldn’t be surprised if my rating goes up when I reread this via audiobook. I think it will translate really well to audio.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I found book one of this series, When Life Gives You Vampires, while browsing a used bookstore for my birthday in May, so finding this one immediately after reading that as a Read Now felt like fate.

While book one is still my favorite between the two, I did still enjoy this second book in the Slaying It world.

Getting to see the slayer side of things was so incredibly fascinating. Last book focused on the newbie vamp so we didn’t fully get to see the newbie slayer experience and the struggles that come with that. Carrie’s experience broke things down and showed readers the other half of the mythos for this world while still explaining more of the vampire rules which I enjoyed.

And I definitely loved how the book tackled body image issues. Carrie was already taller than most in her field, so adding on a slayer amount of muscle would for sure make anyone uncomfortable in her skin. Watching her gain confidence in herself was a big part of this book. She was able to stand up for herself where she couldn’t before and overcome a lot of her anxieties about living in the world and trying to start an acting career. And keeping that newfound confidence when all things were said and done, I think that was so important to see play out.

The mythos behind this world’s new vampire and slayer bond was also incredibly fascinating. Last book focused on rivals in a work place and past misspoken words for the animosity that started a vamp/slayer bond. This book showed that there’s a fine line between hate and attraction. Carrie never truly hated Nick: she was just jealous of how easy he seemed to move through life when hers was so riddled with anxiety. I enjoyed watching their relationship play out as she fought the darker side of her new abilities with Nick’s help and she was able to see a Nick in a new light because of their time together sharing this secret.

Other than the world’s mythos: there is no overlap between this book and the first. You could totally read them as standalones simply being set in the same world. Was I a little bummed that there was no crossover with the first book’s main characters?? Maybe a little. BUT this was still an enjoyable read and I’d be intrigued to see if the author creates others stories from this universe.

I really fought hard to love this book, but it was so satirical that I couldn’t get invested or take it seriously. The premise is so cool and I actually really loved the characters, but the writing is so cheesy and unbelievable, and the first chapter is very choppy.

‘Vampires Never Say Die’ was such a fun read! It was delightful, silly, and full of excellent chemistry, and the humor and banter were both off the charts for me! I loved Buffy growing up (and still do), and I loved this book for a lot of the same reasons I loved that show.

Carrie and Nick were pure perfection. I loved watching her realize that there was more to him (other than just being an annoying coworker or, ya know, a vampire), and it was so precious seeing his feelings for her. Carrie’s growing self-confidence was so satisfying to read, and she was such an easy character to root for. I also loved all the side characters! Carries friendship with Liv and Heather made me want to text my own best friends for some girls' night shenanigans.

I have very few complaints, and honestly, they don’t take it from a 5-star rating for me. I didn’t love the miscommunication towards the end that led to the conflict between the two leads, and I wasn’t wild about Jess or how quickly things resolved. That being said, I think the resolution of the conflict very much fit the tone of the story and, again, it didn’t bother me enough to even remove a star from the rating.

If you love romantic comedies with supernatural creatures, charming characters, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, please check 'Vampires Never Say Die' out!

Nick and Carrie tend bar together, they stay on opposite sides of the counter and avoid each other at all costs. When nick brushes against Carrie their dynamic changes. Once a human now a vampire slayer who is hellbent on killing the recently turned vampire they work together to fight the urges of the new dynamic. With the drama of bandmates and another vampire slayer folding into the mix their newly formed relationship is strained. Will Nick and Carrie overcome the obstacles of this new life?

I actually considered DNF'ing this book because I wasn't vibing with the first few pages but I'm glad I stuck with it, I enjoyed the relationship brewing between Nick and Carrie and the small details in between.

Thanks netgalley for the option to review this book!

I just can't stand books where the FMC is so paranoid about their body. It's 2024, there are so many not size 0 actresses out here, I just don't get why we need to continue focusing so heavily on weight.

Also, while this was an interesting concept it didn't make any sense.

And I hate miscommunication which is what happened at the end, and then everything just rapidly resolved.

Title: Vampires Never Say Die by Gloria Duke

Release Date: August, 20th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"Vampires Never Say Die" by Gloria Duke is a delightful romp through the supernatural world, with a fresh twist that combines the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with the dark and dangerous realm of vampires.

Carrie Adams, our protagonist, is an aspiring actress who's more likely to be cast as a vampire's next meal than as the leading lady. But when she's thrust into the role of a vampire slayer, her life takes a turn for the fantastical, and not just because she's suddenly sporting a superhero physique and wielding a flaming sword.

The novel is a perfect blend of humour, romance, and action, with a touch of self-discovery thrown in for good measure. Carrie's journey from struggling actress to badass slayer is both entertaining and inspiring. Her interactions with Nick, the obnoxiously attractive coworker-turned-vampire, are a highlight of the book.

Their banter is witty and their chemistry is undeniable, making their evolving relationship one of the most engaging aspects of the story.

Gloria Duke has crafted a world where the supernatural and the mundane collide, and the result is a series that's both unique and utterly captivating. "Vampires Never Say Die" is the second book in the "Slaying It" series, but it stands alone beautifully. Newcomers to the series will find themselves immediately drawn into Carrie's world, while fans will revel in the continuation of her adventures.

The pacing of the book is excellent, with just enough action to keep the pages turning and enough character development to make the story feel substantial.

The supporting cast, including Carrie's roommates and other supernatural beings, adds depth and humour to the narrative. They're more than just sidekicks; they're fully fleshed-out characters with their own dreams and demons.

One of the strengths of "Vampires Never Say Die" is its ability to tackle serious themes with a light touch. Carrie's struggles with self-doubt and the pressures of the entertainment industry are relatable, and her journey to find her place in the world is both heartwarming and empowering.

"Vampires Never Say Die" is a must-read for fans of supernatural rom-coms. It's a fun, fast-paced, and engaging story that will leave you laughing, cheering, and maybe even shedding a tear or two.

Gloria Duke has created a world that's both wildly imaginative and deeply human, and Carrie Adams is a heroine you'll be rooting for from the first page to the last.

Whether you're a fan of the genre or just looking for a good time, this book is sure to deliver.


Thank you to The Publisher SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca ,The Author Gloria Duke & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

First of all, let me admit that I do not read romance frequently. This book was certainly an exception. And suffice to say it was not a disappointment. It was very easy and a quick read. The characters were quirky and fun, and I had lots of fun exploring the friendship group in this one. Loved how the elements of weight loss and body positivity and been handled. The romance in itself was cute. However I would have appreciated if the world building was focused a bit more on. All in all, this was a lovely palate cleanser.

If you're looking for a fun silly supernatural rom-com, this is your book.
It's the second book in a series called (Slaying It), but can be read as a standalone. It's fast paced and easy to read with relatable -and amazing- characters that will keep you hooked since the first chapters.

Its a Vampire\Vampire slayer and he fell first. How can you not be interested?
it has some spice too. 2\5🌶️

Carrie Adams is an aspiring actor that was always judged by how she looks instead of how talented she is. She has dreams and is determined to achieve them. she is also a people pleases and has felt powerless most of her life until one night everything changed. . . .

and Nick is soo sweet. i lovee himm. I mean he has a cat too!! His character is so beautiful. he's as charming as they come.

Liv and Heather were a perfect addition to the book. Their friendship with Carrie and their support were so special. Liv made me laugh so hard whenever she was in a scene. I need them in my life😭.

The book will be out on August 24th!! i am so thankful foe Gloria Duke, her publishing team, and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great addition to this series! I loved the anger and the angst and the lust. Gloria Duke's world-building is definitely one-of-a-kind and fantastic. Can't wait to see what else will be set in this universe.

Vampires Never Say Die was a phenomenal read that included three of my favorite things: vampires, personal growth, and plenty of angst. This novel can be read as a standalone. However, it is part of a new series, "Slaying It." This is book two in the series, and it follows the life of aspiring Hollywood actress Carrie Adams as she undergoes transformations both physically and emotionally with her roommates and her coworker Nick who is notorious for stepping on her last nerve. This book is told from Carrie's point of view and is very fast-paced. The chapters were a good length, and the characters in them had both flaws and virtues that I found very relatable which made this read even more exciting. The only thing I would say that would make this book a five-star read would be spending a bit more time exploring Nick's and Carrie's relationship after the fight. I also feel like we could have heard more from other characters like Carrie's sister, who we only saw briefly but we know had an impact on Carrie's early life. Although I really did love the way this book ended, as it was left open to interpretation a little bit while also having a "happily ever after" because those characters absolutely deserved it. I am very grateful to Gloria Duke, her publishing team, and NetGalley for allowing me to receive an ARC. My review will be up on Goodreads.

This was one of my favorite reads recently, and I've read seven other books in the past two weeks. I loved how loyal Carrie's friends are and how I felt I grew alongside her. Carrie’s feelings of not being enough and having doubts in relationships felt incredibly relatable. Her friends were supportive and realistic, which made investing emotion in them easy. Carrie's growth throughout the book was a joy to read. She changed so much from her own will, motivated by real consequences and the support of her friends. It's been a while since I felt anxious about a book ending because I was so invested. The relationship between Carrie and Nick kept me on edge, but the ending felt perfect in relation to the rest of the book. I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this book.

I’m going to start this with I was buffy girly growing up. Her relationship with Angel was everything to me.
So when I seen this boo and read the plot I was like yes please sign me up. And I’m not going lie I was so worried I would t enjoy this but omg I was wrong. The sparks the banter was amazing.
If you’re looking for a new take on vampire romance then this is for you.
It’s not overly complicated to follow and story kinda of flows and I binged this in less than a day.

I am not a vampire girlie, so I wasn't sure how I would get on with this book. I am, however, a contemporary romance girlie. Fortunately, Amazon had a "Look Inside" already up for the book. and after reading the first couple of lines, I knew this was going to fall far enough on the contemporary romance side for me to enjoy it and, man, was I right.

Carrie is an aspiring actress working as a bartender who discovers she has become the Slayer (à la Buffy Summers) overnight. And her hot, very annoying coworker Nick? Well, he just might be a vampire. In case you can't tell from that description, this book has humor, tons of engaging banter, and two leads that play well off of each other. There are strong themes of finding your own place in the world, instead of just embracing the role life has assigned you, which I thought tied very well to the vampire storyline.

That said, this isn't a perfect book. I didn't always feel like the themes of body positivity smoothly dovetailed with the action and humor, but I enjoyed it a lot, nonetheless.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys books about vampires, contemporary romance with a lot of humor and heart, or fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really like the concept of this book - vampire slayer & vampire romance. It’s funny and accessible. The main focus of the book, however, is body issues, and I would’ve liked further story development.

Carrie is an aspiring actress and a Slayer. She is falling fall Nick- the hot muscian/bartender/vampire. Can a vampire and a slayer fall in love and live happily ever after?

Love the joy of this book! The characters are great. The banter is terrific. Love the sassy tone too.
A fun read.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.