3.5/5, rounded to 4 stars.

First off, I want to say that the world building was very interesting. There were little details throughout the story and between the chapters that brought out more of the world, those the connection to the wider story seemed to be lost at times. The mythos of the vampires was different from the usual and tied to one of the major characters of the story, which was interesting and different to see. In terms of characters, both Carolina and Lalo have distinct personalities and come together well and are cute together when they are on the page, while also interacting with the wider cast of characters.

However, the story was rather slow and difficult to get into at first, while Lalo was going through a horrible event, it was still hard to connect to him and his current issues. The story got better when Carolina showed up on the page, and it can easily be said she is the stronger character and personality of the two – which, made the first part of the story, when they were having tension a little hard to believe. Though, I will admit that Lalo being a scholar and doing so much research did move the story forward, especially when Carolina would not believe the truth of the family.
In terms of the story, it was very straightforward -- for Lalo, it was avenging his family and destroying the vampire that had turned him, Marcela; for Lina, it was to protect her family and prove herself to her father as potential vampire hunter.

It should be action-packed and straightforward, but the added plotlines and characters getting in the way of the two felt repetitive after awhile and took from the dangers that were being presented throughout the book until the end when Lina and Lalo move forward to face the danger themselves. By the end, with all the extra plot and revelations of what the vampires truly were, I was surprised with the added action but also let down a bit with how everything was revealed to be connected, though Lina and Lalo got their happy ending.

Overall, this was a middle of the road book with interesting characters and plots here and there, dragged down by the added plotlines and lack of action until the very end

YA Fantasy (is this my first Romantasy??)
•vampire x huntress
•set in Mexico
•slow burn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

OBSESSED with Lalo and Carolina. This book was so funny, cute thrilling! You have to read how sweet Lalo is because he’s so adorable and just so kind and respectful and as @lit.chicana said a pan dulce. ❤️

Carolina has spent her life wanting to step away from societal norms and hunt. Of course her family is against this so when she runs into Lalo, she is determined to murder the vampire until she gets to know the real him. Both characters will do what it takes to save the ones they love. I didn’t even realize this was YA. It was just so perfect.

Pub day: 12/17/2024
Thank you @hearourvoicestours for the E-Arc.

✨🩸✨ A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya ✨🩸✨

The second I saw the STUNNING cover for A Cruel Thirst I knew I had to read it IMMEDIATELY! As someone who has watched the entirety of the Buffy universe series more times than I can count - I will eat up the Vampire Hunter x Vampire trope every single time!

A Cruel Thirst had everything I love in a Vampire novel and more!

✨ Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Brooding Sad Boy Vampire
✨ Badass Vampire Hunter
🩸 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Vibes
✨ Mexican Folklore
🩸 Unique Vampire Mythology
✨ YA Fantasy
🩸 Epic Battles
✨ Zorro Subplot

This was my first time reading a book by Angela Montoya and it 100% will NOT be my last! I loved A Cruel Thirst so much and immediately put a hold for Sinner’s Isle at my local library!

🗓️ A Cruel Thirst hits shelves 12.17.2024

BRB going to go binge watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer! 📺

Thank you so much TBR and Beyond Tours for sending a copy my way!

Carolina Fuentes comes from a long line of vampire hunters and she is determined to prove herself an even better fighter than her brothers. Lalo Villalobos was meant to take over his parent’s business but in an attempt to avenge the death of his parents he is now a vampire and on the search for a cure. Both Carolina and Lalo must work together, despite the odds, to look for the first vampire as they believe he is the key to bring all sedientos to an end.
This story has it all, a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story, while also featuring two main characters who will go to all lengths to protect their family and the people they love. Rich with Mexican culture and lore, A Cruel Thirst captivates its audience.
Carolina and Lalo have such a great banter between them, that makes you root for them. Carolina, a brave and confident woman, is a great contrast to Lalo, who is awkward and anxious. The two seem like a great match and reading their journey from the beginning to end is a treat.
I had so much fun reading this book and recommend it if you are looking for a fantasy book that has it all. Read if you like:
- vampire x vampire hunter
- slow burn romance
- enemies to lovers
- fake engagement

Angela has done it again. If she isn’t in your romantasy favorites I don’t know what you’re doing.

Carolina and Lalo burned so bright and so hot and I need an extended epilogue asap. One of the best things that can come from an enemies to lovers is that once they are together they’re essences don’t change. Carolina remained as stubborn and fearless and fierce and Lalo stayed the most lovestruck, protective, and loyal partner and brother.

I knew A Cruel Thirst would have an HEA but ooh Angela made sure we were stresssssed first. Heart in my throat for most do the book kind of stressed, couldn’t stop reading.

Yes this was a romance but the role that family and ancestors play should not be diminished. We can carry their burdens, consciously or not, but we also must carry their love and hope for us.

**Thank you NetGalley and RHCBEducators/Random House Children’s for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Posted to: NetGalley and The StoryGraph 
Posted on: 17 December 2024

3.6 (rounded up to 4) out of 5 stars.

I use a grading system to help rate my books and not gonna lie… I thought this read would be rated a bit lower. Maybe I’m being generous because I wanted to love it where I only liked it, but I’m nothing if not honest. My grading scale ended with a number that rounds up, then I shall round up.
I say this because I had a love-hate with the story. This is my first Angela Montoya read and it’s left me wanting. There’s a bunch of little thoughts floating in my brain but I think it can all be summed up with one sentence-

I felt that the story was romance first over story first, and damn that was a good storyline that got overshadowed.

Let’s dive in.

Okay so we have a pretty good cast of characters. I loved Lalo, I loved Carolina, and I loved the secondary characters of Nena and Fernanda. I think sometimes the characters hit too hard into the themes they were made from and it made their delivery fall short. I can’t explain it. It’s like when a book is built on tropes and shoehorns these tropes in to say that they did it, but it’s so in your face that you’re like “oh okay yeah.. I saw it buddy, thanks”
Carolina and Lalo’s romance was sweet, don’t get me wrong. I loved it, I loved them, but sometimes they did things that didn’t make sense. It kind of goes back to their character types and also kind of goes back to my aforementioned statement. A minimally non-spoiling example is when the two are hiding out in Carolina’s abuelo’s room. It’s late and she’s already gotten onto Lalo to keep quiet else somebody hears- and then they start training?? Like, go off I guess, but I don’t think throwing punches is exactly quiet. They also have banter in the most serious moments and it kills the vibes. They find out some information crucial to their search and then Carolina giggles over something Lalo says.
Oh also- they don’t jest…..

Tirade over, I think it’s a good story in that I was hooked on the background plot happening. I kind of really liked Montoya’s take on vampires and how they started, and the whys to their weaknesses. These were pretty well thought out and made sense to the lore she’s built up. In hindsight, perhaps the romance was pretty necessary for the way the story turned to for endings (to avoid saying much more anyways, that’s all I’ll say). Again, the romance itself was sweet. Who doesn’t like the ‘touch her/him and die” (because it went both ways here). It’s an entirely swoon-worthy read for sure.
There’s also some lighter/semi-focused on topics that weren’t exactly the main issue, but they weren’t entirely cast aside either. The whole time, Carolina is fighting to be seen by her father for who she is, as she is. For many Latinas (and many others with father issues too but just to mention specifically a demographic more likely to pick up this read and resonate with the issue), we all know the struggles of machismo and how papás tend to favor their sons over their daughters. I think this was important to see too in that never was there a part where Carolina was extinguished. Montoya gives us a fiery female lead who finds a partner that can handle it without getting burned. I think that was the biggest saving point for me in this book, the fact that I love angry, stubborn, headstrong women, and the lovers that whole heartedly support them in all their sharpness.

This book has its faults. I can see why people can love it and I can see why people found their issues with it. After typing up this review, I can actually see why I personally decided to keep it at 4 stars. I can admit that I’m being a little harsh in my criticism, but it was a pretty good book! It wasn’t my usual read, but it had a lot of little things that shined through enough for me to like it in the end. Would I pick up another Angela Montoya book? Honestly- I think I will! After seeing her style, I can be better prepared for any other works. She sees the desire for angry women and soft love, and she nailed each point right on the head with ‘A Cruel Thirst.’

What an absolute delight to read! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC #ACruelThirst #NetGalley

I loved the lore of Tecuani and los vampiros. I found Lalo and Carolina to be a beautiful counterbalance to one another. An unlikely pair from the outside, but a perfect match in fierce determination and wit. I raced through this story as quickly as I could, and was so, so happy with the conclusion. I loved the way the author wove in Spanish words, and think they are understandable without prior knowledge based on context, and I hope folks learn something new along the way and spark a further interest in the language and Mexican history and folklore. As someone who gravitates toward series and loves to see a world and its inhabitants fully fleshed out, A Cruel Thirst still delivered this for me as a standalone. I hope to see some future special editions floating around!

While the story started out a little slow, it did pick up and lead to such an adventure. I loved seeing the relationship between Lalo and Caroline grow, and enjoyed the dual POV. A beautiful amount of banter, tension-filled romance a fun take on vampires in this vampire x vampire hunter book.

A Cruel Thirst is such a fun time. Lalo is a newly turned vampire, who hates the sight of blood. Caroline is a vampire hunter, with something to prove. Now they must work together to help save her town. Add in a fake engagement, some amazing banter, and rich side characters and you have a deliciously good time.

A Cruel Thirst is upper YA, so while there is romance and brief mentions of sex, it is not explicit or open door. I think it's safe to say these two are true enemies. And yes, Carolina does try to unalive Lalo on more than one occasion. Lalo, on the other hand, couldn't even hurt a fly.

My only real critique of this book is that it felt a little slow in the beginning before I really understood where the story was headed. With that said, I would still definitely recommend A Cruel Thirst, and I loved these characters. This is also a standalone story, so it's perfect when you need a quick and easy change of pace.

Last night I finished reading A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya. I love me a good vampire story and this was definitely a fun one. The characters are adorable and their banter had me laughing out loud more than once. I’m generally more of a scary vampire girl but I gave this one a chance based purely off the author’s fun, funny and upbeat energy and I’m so glad I did. It releases tomorrow and I hope you give it a chance too!!

*Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely adored this book. It had everything; an engaging plot, a tension-filled romance, banter, fleshed-out characters, and a folklore-inspired take on vampires. Carolina and Lalo were adorable and I loved watching them change and grow as mysteries are revealed and truths uncovered. This book brought the vampire x vampire hunter trope to the next level. Not only does Carolina attempt to kill Lalo multiple times, she does it with the sass and spunk that we expect from a fiery heroine. Carolina is a very commanding FMC and I loved reading her POV. Lalo is the typical scholar who turns out to have a little attitude himself as the book goes on, and his POV is just as engaging as Carolina’s. I also want to acknowledge the most chill side characters out there--Fernanda and Nena. These two literally went with whatever the MCs did without questions, the ride or die is real with them. Last thing I want to gush about is the folklore aspect of the book. I have read more than one vampire book, but this one stands out because of the Mexican-inspired world and lore. Angela Montoya’s vampires are totally unique and I loved that. Everything was unexpected and exciting to read. Overall, this book was amazing and I loved it and totally recommend if you love vampires or folklore or having fun.

When Lalo’s parents are killed in a vampire attack, he vows revenge. But his quest goes wrong and he becomes what he hates. Carolina wants to be a slayer like her father and brothers and get vengeance for the death of her grandfather, but her family wants her to stay home and be ladylike. When their journeys intersect, these mortal enemies must team up—and grow closer.

If you like a nerdy vampire who loves books a la Black and Deep Desires and the slaying of Buffy the Vampire Slayer plus the setting and culture of The Vampires of El Norte, this book might be for you!

Heat level: 1, closed door.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC.

A Cruel Thirst is a delightful YA fantasy about an unlikely vampire and a stabby female vampire hunter. It’s filled with high stakes, action, romance and unexpected humor.

I was so thankful to receive this book for free from #partner @tbrbeyondtours – check out their Web site for the book’s full tour schedule.

This book exceeded my expectations! I’ve read a few vampire books recently, and all of them have skewed fairly dark. Based on the blurb of this one, I was expecting the same here. A forbidden romance and race to end a blood curse? Sign me up. But actually, this one balanced dark themes with humor in a way that hit just perfectly.

Montoya weaves ridiculous scenarios throughout this story. Lalo, our vampire MMC, is the unlikeliest vampire. He’s got social anxiety, is meticulously clean and completely incompetent at fighting. He gets into all kinds of trouble and has to be taught to fight and rescued by Carolina, the vampire huntress. She’s a badass heroine just trying to prove herself.

I loved Carolina and Lolo both – these are characters you’ll fall in love with and root for. They both learn and grow during the book, and I loved the themes of family legacy that Montoya weaves in.

A Cruel Thirst is a fast-paced YA fantasy that is perfect for readers looking for a romantic story with great characters, lots of action and plenty of heart!

Thank you to NetGalley, Joy Revolution publishing, and Ms. Montoya for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

First of all, this is one of the MOST appealing covers I have seen in a long time. Love the color scheme, the little details (the flowers! the lovers' knives!), love the depictions of Carolina and Lalo, love love love. I zoomed in on the cover on my kindle to catch every last little bit. Well done, cover designer.

Overall despite a slightly rocky start I really enjoyed this. The beginning was a little disjointed, starting alternately between Carolina Fuentes, who is distraught at the death of her abuelo, and Eduardo "Lalo" Villalobos, who is trying to discover and punish (it's not well-thought out) the sediento (vampire) who killed his parents. Lalo is turned into a sediento himself and travels to the town Carolina lives in to try and track down the first vampire and kill it. There's simultaneously a lot going on and not enough - the background details have to be laid out but it's frustrating because I kept wanting to fast-forward until the part where Lina and Lalo meet. And it's true that once they do the story really picks up. Lina is an aspiring sediento hunter, and Lalo is obviously a sediento, even though he eschews human blood following his turning. The two main characters are fun and their banter is humorous and sharp. Carolina was absolutely full of drive, fire and sass, which is a character element I found missing in Rosalinda (the FMC of Ms. Montoya's first book, Sinner's Isle). I liked that Lalo was the beta character but was willing to stand up for Lina to her family and friends. I also really enjoyed Fernanda, Lalo's feisty sister, who pushes him into doing things she thinks are best for him. The plot point of Lalo and Lina trying to discover how the sedientos came to be and undo it is a little tenuous but it's so much fun watching them bumble around that I found myself not really minding.

The setting is almost a character in the story: Lalo and Fernanda leave a city in (ostensibly) Mexico to travel to Lina's pueblo (town), which Lalo saw in his maker's memories. I visualized a hot, dusty 1800s Texan or northern Mexican town with red clay houses and distant mountains. There is plenty of Spanish sprinkled into the book but most of the words are familiar ones or easy enough to guess from the context.

Overall I really enjoyed this. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Montoya comes up with next :) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Cruel Thirst is a sublime Mexican-inspired vampire YA historical fantasy with exquisite romantic banter between Carolina, a headstrong vampire hunter, and Lalo, an introverted newly turned vampire, where both are forced to work together in order to achieve their own goals. With lovable characters, folklore, a story about family at its center, non-stop adventure + driven by a captivating romance, Montoya’s newest standalone fantasy is heartfelt, romantic, comedic & simply an absolute delight!

Wasn’t sure Angela's second book would top Sinner’s Isle, but wow, this one took me on an emotional rollercoaster! From laugh-out-loud moments to literal squealing, I felt it all. This story is packed with badass female characters who shine for all the right reasons. Despite being expected to follow certain norms in her Latin household, Carolina doesn’t let that stop her from training to be a vampire hunter like the men in her family. She’s fiery and passionate!
Carolina’s journey is made even more empowering by the unwavering support of her cousin, who might be more traditionally feminine, but she proves she’s got a fierce side when it’s needed. And I absolutely adored how Fernanda stood by Lalo’s side, even though he’s a vampire.
Speaking of Lalo… he is the definition of a cinnamon roll! 🥰 His soft-hearted nature, mixed with all the challenges he faces, made him an instant favorite. I usually don’t fall head over heels for a fictional character, but Lalo definitely changed that for me!
This story blends comedy and tension perfectly, with vampires rampaging through the main character’s pueblo and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. It was nice to see Carolina, the fearless and clever female lead, contrast so well with Lalo, who doesn’t show much aggression but is clumsy, awkward, and not exactly brave. Together, they make a hilarious and perfect team.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend everyone read it once it comes out. I also have to mention the character art of Carolina and Lalo—LOVE LOVE LOVE! I’d recommend this to fans of vampire romances, readers who love YA historical fantasy with a strong romance, and those looking for an enemies-to-lovers vampire x vampire hunter romantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Joy Revolution for the ebook ARC.

I really enjoyed this. I thought that the romance was well done and fleshed out in a way that made me interested in it, but not at the expense of the story as a whole--the characters, world and plot were all well done. Overall, this was a very compelling story, and helped satiate my hunger for the nostalgia that I feel for vampire books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

So, imagine, just imagine, a vampire huntress fake dating/forced proximity with a vampire in 1820 mexico

It’s been a while since I’ve found a vampire story that I enjoyed but this one caught me in the supernatural trap once again. It was a new perspective on something pretty established and had a lovely family focus. The romance was well explored and held my interest, but I love when books prioritize other relationships and world building. Definitely worth picking up!!

A fantastic and fun enemies-to-lovers opposites attract story, A CRUEL THIRST reminds me of all the things I love about YA vampire romances. This book had a bit of everything — action, adventure, vampire hunters, vampires, and a lovely romance at the center of it all.

I loved Lalo so much and his drive and desire to get revenge and justice for his family, and the tragic circumstances he encounters as a result of his quest. Carolina was a spitfire, tough-as-nails vampire hunter, and I loved how well she complemented Lalo. She’s the sassy to his sweet, the sharp edges to his soft corners, and together they were just perfection.

There’s plenty of action and adventure as Carolina and Lalo team up for the same cause. The pacing really picks up as they race to defeat the enemy, and it’s a tense ride as they travel in search of the first vampire. Most of the vampires of this world are dangerous monsters, but some of them have retained their humanity, and it’s a realization that Carolina (and Lalo) have to come to terms with on their quest.

All told, this is a fantastic vampire hunter/vampire romance that was just so much fun. Pick this up if you enjoy:

🌲Action and adventure
🌲Vampires x vampire hunters
🌲Enemies-to-lovers
🌲Fake dating
🌲Forced proximity
🌲Sibling bonds/family dynamics
🌲Witty banter and sweet romance