A Cruel Thirst is a YA Vampire story inspired by Mexican culture. It's fun, fast-paced, and has wonderful characters. It's a different vampire story, the myths of vampires, why they drink blood, why they are nocturnal, and other characteristics are unique and different.

Lalo was converted against his will, for the moment he has been able to endure the craving to drink human blood, but he does not have much time, along with his sister will travel to Del Oro, the town where the first vampire was created, to find a solution and end with the curse. Carolina comes from a family of vampire hunters, her mission is to kill them all.

Carolina and Lalo are different, he is more like a cinnamon roll and refuses to be a real vampire, his main concern is his sister, while Carolina is more fearless, she is in mourning for her grandfather and wants to get out of the control of her family.

There is action, adventure, and danger, Del Oro is a town with secrets and both Lalo and Carolina want to discover them, it 2POV, both great narrators, they are stubborn and protective of their family, at first they don't trust each other, the banter between theirs, is gold, they will have to learn to trust each other, there is some insta love, fake dating, enemies to allies, they make a great team, apart they are researchful but together they are unstoppable, and they will discover things about vampirism they didn't expect. love their banter, they are a power couple.

The world-building is interesting, I loved how the author took such popular creatures as vampires, created her own version, and mixed it with Nahuatl and indigenous elements. Del Oro is interesting, like a Colonial town.

Overall, is a unique story about vampires, with two strong and stubborn main characters, It is a page-turner, with a good mix of humor and action.

Read it if you like
• Vampires x Vampire Hunter
• Mexican Folklore/Culture Inspiration
• New Vampire mythology
• Family and grief
• Standalone

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya is an engaging fantasy novel that blends elements of mystery, action, and romance. The story follows a determined protagonist, driven by a thirst for revenge and justice, in a world filled with dangerous secrets and power struggles. Montoya crafts a vivid and atmospheric setting, drawing readers into a world of intrigue and complex relationships. The character development is strong, with the lead showing both vulnerability and resilience. The pacing keeps the reader hooked, while the emotional depth adds layers to the thrilling plot. Fans of fantasy with strong female leads and high-stakes adventure will likely enjoy A Cruel Thirst.

I loved reading this book. It was such a joy to read it and fall in love with the characters. Lalo was such a great character, and he was so funny. Carolina was equally a great character, and together, they both stole my heart. I loved that they both cared so much for their families, especially Lalo's relationship with his sister. The book overall was fascinating, and I liked how the book went with the plot. Thank you to Random House Children's, Joy Revolution, and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for our honest review. Overall I enjoyed this book and can't wait to see more from this author.

Thank you @tbrbeyondtours & @angelamontoya_author for this amazing read!

I am a lover of all things Vampire and Cruel Thirst satisfied my thirst!!

Please see the tour schedule link or check out @tbrbeyondtours page to check out some more amazing posts about this gem
https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/

This reel contains my thoughts as I enjoyed this gem!

  #AngelaMontoya #TBRBeyondTours #acruelthirst

This was amazing and just the right amount of every element. I never wanted to put it down. Thank you for the arc.

5 Stars

Dang, this was SO GOOD. TOO GOOD? No, PERFECT. And I should have know it would be when I saw that Nichola and David Yoon are the heads of the publishing imprint for this book.

This story is parts Zorro, mixed with parts of Pride & Prejudice & Zombies also mixed with a more progressive and less problematic version of Nosferatu (NOT DRACULA).

Set in a version of 1800/1900s Mexico where we have vampires creating havoc on a Pueblo and a family that has kept their town safe for generations by being vampire hunters. The daughter of this family desperately wants to prove herself as the fearsome hunter she is to all her male family members. We also have our main male lead, who saw his parents murdered by vampires, only to attempt to avenge their deaths resulting in his own change. These two must team up to save everyone they love and what results is a beautifully woven story of fates that seem in opposition of each other but really are the only way to save everyone.

The romance was so enjoyable and just the right amount of steamy once we had a hard earned confession of love. The couple is forced into an engagement of connivence and I adored every second of the thought woman and her soft golden retriever of a vampire boy.

I adored every second of this book and HIGHLY recommend the audio if you have the chance. This is a book I cannot wait to add to my shelves and reread for years to come!

A Cruel Thirst is a young adult historical romantasy set in Mexico that follows a headstrong, aspiring vampire huntress named Carolina Fuentes, and the world's worst vampire, Lalo Villalobos (Seriously, he SUCKS at being a vampire...get it? Sucks? Cause vampires suck bloo- Anyways!), recently turned and loathing every second of it, as they team up to achieve their common goal of ridding the world of vampires for good...while they pretend to be engaged!

A fierce, machete-wielding female main character is something I never knew I needed in my life and now can't get enough of. Carolina's character is one that will not be understood by everyone, but I feel that in writing Carolina's character the way she did, angry and stubborn, bold and reckless, Angela deftly captures the feelings that stem from coming of age in a world of inequality between men and women. Of growing up and being told no, on the basis of gender alone.

It was refreshing to read a male main character as vulnerable as Lalo, with his kind eyes, bookish personality and soft heart. He has a kind of quiet rizz (apologies) about him that I think comes with the fact that he's so introverted and reserved that whenever he does speak, it feels entirely earnest.

Drawing from Mexican folklore and culture, Angela created her own mythos and a fresh take on the concept of vampires (or in this case, sedientos) that I'm positive will delight lovers of vampire media! A Cruel Thirst was fast-paced and easy to get into, with solid world-building and ambiance, a great cast of characters and a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance with lots of banter and knife-to-throat scenes aplenty! It centers a large, latinx family of vaquero vampire hunters, exploring complex family relationships, themes of patriarchy and feminism, and how silence and/or willingly remaining ignorant to the evils enacted by others translates into complicity.

Pitched by Angela herself as The Mask of Zorro meets Pride and Prejudice meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you're looking for a fun, fast-paced read with a wholesome, satisfying ending!

A Cruel Thirst is an equally adventurous, romantic, funny, rich follow-up to Montoya's debut—she's only getting better! The tension between vampire and hunter is thick enough to cut with a knife, I laughed aloud at much of the banter, and Montoya brings a fresh spin to vampire lore based on her own heritage and culture. Bring back vampires!

I really enjoyed this book! I thought the storyline was intriguing. I love the dynamic between the vampire and vampire hunter. There were a lot of funny moments that had me laughing out loud as well! I look forward to reading books from this author!

A Cruel Thirst was such a fun read! The characters are beautifully flawed and deeply human, ane banter is top-notch! The chemistry between the leads was palpable, and I absolutely loved their dynamic. I could not get enough of Lalo--the cinnamon roll vampire who doesn't want to be a vampire. He's perfect and should be protected at all costs!!!

I was lucky enough to also receive a copy of the book as well and I've had so much fun reading this. One thing about me I love vampire books! My love of vampires goes way back to the late 80's. This book was so much fun to read and I can't wait to recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling book that captivates them. I hope to read more by this author and even better if there are more vampires from her in the future!

This was a fun YA paranormal novel. A vampire hunter and vampire end up having to work together to accomplish a common goal. I ate this up and enjoyed the banter between the two characters. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The premise sounded interesting. Overall the concept was good, but I found the book either a little too long or difficult to stay engaged as I read this in multiple sittings. I either found the main characters lacking a little dimension and I did not care too much about the villain.

Thank you for the complimentary ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

“𝙷𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔? 𝙸𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚜 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛.”

This was such a fresh and unique take on a vampire story!
The world-building was steeped in Mexican culture and mythology, offering fascinating and original explanations for the classic traits of vampirism we know so well—like why they can’t be in the sun, why they need to be invited in, their need for human blood, and their extraordinary speed and strength. I loved how these familiar elements were reimagined through a cultural lens, making the story feel fresh and compelling.

The writing was beautifully engaging, with many memorable lines that I found myself highlighting. I also appreciated the epistolary elements woven between the chapters—they added depth and complemented the story perfectly. The balance of romance, plot, and action was well done!!

The story offers plenty to enjoy: a slow-burn forbidden romance, family secrets, action, fake engagement, vampires, and dual POVs.

Instead of the archetypal brooding, badass, centuries-old vampire, we have a clumsy, newly turned 19-year-old vampire with a heart of gold. Lalo was sensitive, sweet, shy, and utterly terrible at being a vampire. His aversion to his new reality made him both endearing and charming. Honestly, his character was a breath of fresh air.

Carolina, on the other hand, was a powerhouse. Fierce, feisty, passionate, and bold, she knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it.

I absolutely LOVED Lalo and Carolina! Carolina and Lalo were polar opposites in many ways, but their dynamic worked wonderfully. The humor and banter between them were delightful, and they were undeniably adorable together. However, I did find myself wanting a bit more from the romance.

Overall, this was amazing! I can't wait to read more from this author!

Title: A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya
Genre: YA Romantasy
Pub Date: December 17, 2024

🩸 Vampire x Vampire Huntress
❤️‍🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Fake Engagement
❤️‍🔥 LGBTQ+ Rep
🩸 Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥 Dual POV
🩸 Cinnamon Roll MMC

💭 A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya is a great blend of fantasy and romance. Lalo, our sweet cinnamon roll MMC vampire, and Carolina, our fierce and sassy heroine, are an adorable pair. The location is unique and the world-building is evocative and beautiful. The story is slow at times, but there are some fun twists and turns. Overall, a fun and quick romantasy!

**Rating: 3.5/5**

“You are despicable.” “No, I am capable. Most men can’t differentiate the two.”

”Think of taxes, he said to himself. Think of math equations. Of anything but Carolina touching you.”

I couldn’t pick a quote so y’all get two!
🗡️
The humor in this book is delightful, I found myself grinning so much throughout it! The mythology and culture within is rich, family bonds are explored and made, and tropes are used and subverted in a perfect way!
🗡️
This book used some of the traditional vampire tropes while also being unique and surprising me a lot! I especially loved Lalo’s character and how he seemed to be the complete opposite of vampire standards, for this book specifically and vampire lit in general! He is clumsy, awkward, and painfully shy, but these traits remain while he also gains the enhanced senses and abilities of a vampire.
🗡️
Carolina was such a girlboss! She is strong and witty and more than willing to stand up for herself, even to those whose opinions matter most to her. I loved that while being such a mighty character, she also is able to admit to her faults and take accountability for her actions. Angela Montoya’s dedication was a perfect representation of Carolina;
“For wild-hearted daughters: May you continue to give the world hell.”
🗡️
Thank you JOYREVOLUTION and ANGELAMONTOYA for the ARC! 💕

“A Cruel Thirst” by Angela Montoya is a captivating blend of romance, action, and rich cultural lore that breathes fresh life into vampire mythology. Set in 19th-century Mexico, the novel follows Lalo Villalobos, a newly turned vampire on a quest to reverse his curse, and Carolina Fuentes, a determined vampire huntress eager to prove her worth. Their paths intertwine in an unexpected alliance, leading to a narrative filled with tension, humor, and heartfelt moments.

Montoya’s storytelling is both vivid and engaging, seamlessly weaving Mexican folklore into the fabric of the plot. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Lalo’s introspective nature complementing Carolina’s fiery determination. Their chemistry is palpable, enhanced by witty banter and the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, which is executed with finesse.

The novel’s pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, balancing action-packed sequences with moments of introspection and character development. The incorporation of a fake engagement adds an extra layer of intrigue and charm to the story.

“A Cruel Thirst” is a standout addition to the young adult fantasy genre, offering a fresh perspective on vampire lore enriched by Latinx culture. It’s a must-read for fans of paranormal romance and those seeking a story that is both entertaining and culturally immersive.

As one reviewer aptly put it, “I am absolutely in LOVE with this book! If you like vampires, Spanish vibes, enemies to lovers, a stabby FMC, fake dating, and banter… this one is for you!” 

Another reader noted, “Montoya breathes fresh life into the vampire-and-vampire-hunter trope with a vivid world beautifully woven with Latinx lore and a romance both searing and tender.” 

Overall, “A Cruel Thirst” is a compelling and enchanting read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Angela Montoya’s future works.

Thank you to the publishers for this early copy review
3.75/5 rounded up.
I really enjoyed this book the world felt fresh and interesting and did a good job of immersing the reader. The book shines the most in the romance between the fmc and the mmc. The two leads were likable and I found myself routing for them. My favorite pov was Lalo's because of his introverted personality and his internal struggle with the monster he has become. Overall,I would recommend this to anyone looking for a standolone YA fantasy romance.

In the context of this book being for a YA audience - it delivers. I imagine a younger audience will appreciate this. But I'm always hopeful that a YA book can pull and appeal to a variety of audiences based off the strategic use of language and dialouge. As it stands, some of said dialogue was a little cheesy which caused the romance to fall flat but entertaining all the same. Hoping to see more vampire novels add the sensuality and angst back into the stories regardless of a YA, NA, or A audience - I think thats what makes some of the other popular vampy novel so addicting; everything is sensual. If you give this a shot - and you should - what I'm saying may make more sense.

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya is a wonderful YA fantasy.
An enchanting and action-packed adventure that had me hooked from the very first page. This fun and lighthearted read was phenomenal and I loved every minute of it!
I thought the magic system was interesting and I liked how the relationship between the two main characters grew. It's a fun read and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a nice fantasy romance with some Vampires, ancient evil, and forbidden romance.