Cutting Your Teeth

Review posted on storygraph yesterday (13/02/2023) and updated this morning.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC

Haven't read something I loved this much in a while.
The found family was so heartwarming.
Some topics were hard but it felt safe with Marigold and Killian (I would die for Mari)

The prose gave a lot to the mood.
Showing therapy as such a normal and positive thing was great. Saying it's ok to save yourself from a toxic family without being able to save your sibling was also hard but important.
Making sure the MC can be called by his chosen name ? 10/10

Did not expect to enjoy a book with vampires after the post-Twilight-cringe, yet here we are.

Also kuddos for having them drive an impala and owning a Winchester gun.


I added a selection of quotes I really enjoyed in my review on storygraph to look back to them in a few months if someone asks why I enjoyed it so much.

A boy on the run from his dark family secrets finds his life taking an unexpected turn when he runs into a dangerous but charming vampire.... who ends up saving his life and turning him into a vampire. Ezra Santos has been on the run, city to city, changing names and identities, and trying to escape his father’s hunt for him. The only thing he is good at is fighting, so when he ends up in the ring against a mysterious and charming stranger named Killian Hale who throws the match in his favor, he’s got a lot of questions. After said match, Ezra is caught in by a family member and is on the brink of death... until Killian appears and changes him, by turning him into a vampire. Now Ezra is finding himself being thrown into a world of supernaturals that he never knew about and still on the run from his father. The question he has is: why did Killian do what he did, why did Killian save him... and if he finds out the answer will it impact the growing relationship and feelings between them? How long can he be on the run when his father is closing in and what other dark secrets is his family harboring.... and can he survive the betrayal if what he finds out about Killian is true? This was a fun read, I loved getting to see Ezra find a family and grow into the love and friendship that was there. The book was fun and it’s the first on in a series and I honestly can’t wait to see where the next one goes. Filled with vampires, werewolves, gods, curses, and romance this one was an unexpected but lovely read!

*Thanks Netgalley and Caylan MacRae for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Caylan MacRae for the ARC and allowing me this opportunity to read and share my thoughts!

First of all, what a lovely debut novel! MacRae really knows how to drag in your interest on page one! I was instantly intrigued by our main character, Ezra, and what is going on his life. MacRae really strives in the character department. All the characters were very intriguing to read about and some of them appeared with one sentence and made me go: "Yep, I love them."

This is a vampire romance story. I was interesting in the concept but also a little wary about how they were going to make vampires interesting when it has been done many times before. MacRae steps right up to the plate and gives vampires an interesting rework. Playing on the classic concepts of the night walkers and giving them more depth. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how the vampires work in this world! It was my favorite part besides the characters. You can tell there was a lot of thought put into it to make them more interesting for new-comers and people who already read plenty of vampire stories.

For the romance... I sadly couldn't get completely behind it. It wasn't bad! I wish there was more build up since it was very insta-love and made me not connect as much to their relationship. I was more connected with the friendship of the side characters with the main characters. Especially Mari. Gosh, I love Mari. Her relationship with every character in this story is so well done. I wish there was more downtime between the two main love interests so we can see them more happy and learn about each other, instead of there always being action at every turn preventing them from truly learning about one another.

Also, since I mentioned Mari, I should mention our other main lead. Killian is a charismatic guy and really likable as a character, but he did read very young when he is suppose to be much older. I know they explained it slightly but I feel like since he is been around so long and is old enough to know when he is acting irresponsible, he would make a change. Hopefully in the next book we can see more of him and see more of his depth as a character.

There were times I was very confused in the plot, like when Ezra first drinks blood or when the scene suddenly changes. At times I wasn't sure what was going on until pages later. I feel like giving more detail in these scenes of what is going on will help readers truly understand the plot and get more invested in the story.

What a lovely story! MacRae set up so many threads throughout the book that there was a point where I was like "huh that is a little predictable" only for a bunch of plot twists to hit me in the face and say "you thought". Found family, cute vampire romance, intriguing plot and characters - Honestly a very amazing debut novel and I would recommend this to anyone who has a soft spot for vampires and found families.

I have not read a book this fast in a decent while. Cutting Your Teeth was a book I’d been highly anticipating, and not only did it not disappoint but it was even better than I could’ve ever imagined. The story instantly grabs you from page one. Just within the first 50 pages, there is so much action and the plot moves at an amazing pace. Below, I will break down everything I loved and adored about this book.

The biggest thing for me was the characters. I am a character-oriented reader, without good characters I just can’t get into a book. In this book that wasn’t an issue at all. The main trio who we are with throughout the book each had such unique and believable personalities. Even the characters that weren’t given nearly as much time on the page were still unique and gave a realistic feel to them. Usually, in books featuring supernatural creatures, I rarely use the word realistic as the characters always feel as though they have something missing but that wasn’t the case with this piece of art. The reactions characters had to situations also felt understandable. Even when characters made decisions I didn’t agree with, I could easily understand why they made those decisions.

Now that I’m done spilling my soul over how amazing the characters were, let’s move on to the plot. The book had a very fast-paced plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is always something new that makes you want to know what could possibly happen next. There weren’t any times during reading when I didn’t understand why something was happening or how it came to be. All aspects made sense, and throughout the book, the pieces were carefully laid out for the reader to discern what direction the book was heading without being abundantly obvious.

Overall I gave this book a 5/5 stars because I enjoyed it immensely. It’s a book I will be thinking back upon for a long while I loved the writing style which just helped to completely tie things together. I can’t wait for the next book(s).

I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cutting Your Teeth is the Interview with a Vampire for the modern YA age. Ezra, our main character, has a past that he is trying to outrun. However, then he meets Killian, who might just have what it takes to crack open Ezra. But not if Ezra's past catches up with him.

This book is super cute with bloodthirsty twist after twist! I genuinely enjoyed this book and felt it was quickly paced. It has just enough gore to satisfy my need for it. Ultimately this is a super cute story with some good mysteries, good spritz of romance, and a fantastic found family trope.

Check it out!!

Queer horror is something to fawn over, it doesn't happen very often. Now I wouldn't say this was straight-up horror by any means. It was pretty mild in that department but it still made for fantastic vibes and gave me what I wanted! The multiple POVs were interesting and while it didn't take away from the story for me I don't know if it's something everyone will love about it. I think the way our author described our story and characters was marvelous and really makes you form a kinship with them. The found family trope is one of my FAVS and I thought this one was really well done. I can't wait to read more and really watch the story flesh out and become something truly great.

Firstly: thank you to NetGalley and to the author, Caylan MacRae, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Have you ever read a book so devastatingly good - so immersive, so gripping -, that it completely destroys your sanity? Well, that was “Cutting Your Teeth” for me.

This is a book about loneliness, about family - given and found -, about hope in all its shapes and hues, and about the things that haunt us in our nightmares. It’s violent, gory, bloody, visceral, and it creates a sense of anxiety the reader can’t escape. It’s also tender and beautiful.

“Cutting Your Teeth” tells the story of ‘Ezra’, who has been on the run for the past couple of years. From the very first line, we are aware how desperate he is. All alone, hunted down, cornered. Ezra is the type of person who never had a chance.

When we meet him he’s beaten down, tired, and ready to leave his last identity - and the life that came with it - behind.

But when everything feels like crashing down, Killian appears in his life. And so does Marigold, certified best girl and holder of the only braincell in the whole book.

Killian is charming, has an Irish accent, and makes Ezra feel like home. He’s also awkward, insecure, and is holding more secrets than anyone can hold.

There’s a lot to this book, and I’m really trying to avoid spoiling anything. I think the anxiety and stress it makes you feel at the pit of your stomach are vital for this story. The stakes are through the roof.

“Cut Your Teeth” is a vicious book.

I loved how the author handled the thin line of trust between characters with backgrounds that make them inherently untrusting.

There’s a big part of this story that circles around building a community, and I think that’s so important. It’s hopeful. Creating a family, a place to belong to, even when the world seems to have completely given up on you. Even when it seems there’s nothing else. I think it’s a message that will touch and impact most of it’s queer readers. It sure did with me.

Also, this book has one of the best written - most vile and repulsive - antagonists I’ve ever read. All of them, really. Each of them for very different reasons.

“Cutting Your Teeth” is everything to me. A well-deserved 5 star read. A book that left me awake and anxious at night, and delivered everything it promised.

Ezra deserves the world. A hug, safety, finally being at peace. Being loved. Having a family.

You’re going to love this book if you like: feeling emotionally distraught, never recovering from something you read, found families, great character and relationship development, the personification of sunshine and goodness (it’s Marigold), vampires, the existencial horror of having to keep on living, idiots in love. Oh, and Neil Josten.

I devoured this book. I loved everything about it. The characters, the story, the world-building. I was here for ALL of it. I wasn't ready for the book to end and I wanted to keep reading. I will be pushing this book onto everyone I know.

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

"Is that the price of the strange half-life he’d been given? Taking care of a monster that had hitched a ride on his way back from the grave?"

They sold me this as All for the Game + Hell Followed with Us AND THEY WERE DAMN RIGHT!
To keep it simple, I adored this book. It got me in the first pages and the plot is very nice and it has a good pace. And truth be told, ya me apetecía una de vampiros latinos.
The plot is very cool and the mistery of the Espina family is so interesting, plus the not so very explored past of Killian and the other vampires. The vampire concept is very nice and the romance is so so sweet I got cavities.I formed so many headcanons it’s insane.
But there’s one headcanon that honestly if it’s anywhere near reality I’ll pass out. And it’s that there are some hints about the nature of Ezra and Killian’s relationship that some may say it was rushed and insta love-y, but I personally felt an asexuality vibe and honestly I LOVE THAT!! That breaks with the overly sexual vampire concept we’re used to, so it’s nice that when vampires being dead can’t taste food and other carnal things, it’s logical that they’re also now immune to sexual impulses and THAT IS SO FRESH I LOVE IT. I really liked Ezra and Killian together, as friends and more, and seeing them falling in love even after a short time (that it’s still credible because Killian and Marigold are extremely charismatic) and a damaged trust but with asexual undertones it’s personally so nice to me. I swear my heart melted with every cute irish pet name killian threw in.
The plot is so cool and the side characters are very charismatic too and the horror (more like paranormality) is very nice too. The violence, constant threat and plot twists are also very good (the way I SHOUTED when the werewolves came in, insanity), and it has a cool mix of cliché tropes and original stuff.
The writing is very enthrawling as well and catches you, and the multiple POVs are nicely done too (I wanted a Marigold pov but MANIFESTING)
I really have no idea what I’m saying just that I really liked this book and these characters and cannot wait for what’s to come!
Highly highly recommended!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed this one. It was a pretty textbook vampire romance with good twist and likable characters.

Ezra has been on the run from his family for years. Trading in locations and identities mean nothing to him anymore. He hasn’t had a real place to belong since he left his twin sister behind. On the night he’s going to disappear again for good he meets a man named Killian Hale who he’s up against in his boxing match.

Another story I was waiting for them to just KISS. I know why Kil didn’t want to get attached to Ezra and he’s a dummy but he’s a caring dummy so I forgive him. Honestly when they were flirting while they were boxing I couldn’t help but think that was hot. I need more of that.

My favorite character was Marigold she seemed so cool and badass. She seemed to go with the flow but also have a big heart and was trusting. I loved their little vampire community they had going. Vampire therapy group and little parties for everyone to hang out. It was super cute.

The fact this is book 1 is interesting and I’m interested to see what other adventures this little supernatural gang can get up to.

4.25 stars

Published: 3/31/23
**ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
#CuttingYourTeeth #NetGalley

Basics
Genres: urban fantasy, MM romance, LGBT
Setting: Seattle then Portland
Themes: fate, loyalty, death/life, blood ties
Vibes: aching, longing, haunting

Characters
Ezra (MC): an underground fighter running from his past, a Scorpio ♏️
Killian: an underground fighter/vampire who saves Ezra after he's attacked, an Aries ♈️
Marigold: Killian's close friend and confidant
Piper: Ezra's sweet baby angel Irish wolfhound

Pros
+ Ezra has sunflower blossoms tattooed down his back 🌻
+ LGBT rep: bi/pan, m/m, f/f
+ paranormal: vampires, ghosts, werewolf
+ small found family
+ short road trip
+ love the short chapters, seems like I'm flying reading this
+ dysfunctional, abusive ex-family. I am going to LOVE watching their brutal comeuppance.
+ losing his "baby teeth" (cool concept!)
+ I freaking LOVE when a found family defends their own, no matter what methods they need to use. Like count me in, I'll get the shovel.
+ the big bad is FUCKING AWESOME 👌
+ final battle is epic as well. Let's fuckin gooooooooooooo!
+ possession tattoos (yesyesyes)
+ book 2 will have: expanded found family, road trip, paranormal creatures and features, generational curse, possessions, queer goodness, big baby angel dogs

Cons
- there are quite a few chapters (5) after the final battle which deflates the vibe. Wish it had been condensed to 1-2 final chapters max.
- ends on a HFN, which is fine, but I wish I knew that this was a series going in

Comp Recs
+ Cemetery Boys - Aiden Thomas
+ Fragile Remedy - Maria Ingrande Mora
+ Drawing Blood - Poppy Z Brite

TW: underground fighting, blood, human trafficking (past), cartel (past), guns, violence, death, abusive family, gore, possession

Did you ever read the All For the Game series and say to yourself, "Neil's backstory is super interesting; I wonder what it would be like in a supernatural setting?" If so, this book is for you. CUTTING YOUR TEETH follows a young man trying to escape from his dangerous father, vampires, werewolves, and, of course, romance. When Ezra's life on the run is met with a violent encounter, the mysterious Killian saves his life. Ezra must learn to adjust to his new life with his dog, Piper, and Killian's best friend. As Ezra begins to unravel the sinister family mystery that sits in his blood, he and Killian have to decide if they can fight together to survive, or if they've been doomed from the start.

I am obsessed with this series and already need book two in my hands. Caylan has made likable characters jump from the page, given them complicated motivations, and the dog doesn't die. What more do you need??

You're perfect. You're beautiful. You look like Linda Evangelista. You're a model.

I loved every second of this. Vampires will always be my weakness, and if you make them gay then I'm already like 60% sold on your book right away. This being a debut novel is wild because it's so tightly put together, the story is weaved fantastically, and the characters are all fully realized. It's certainly one of the best debuts I've read in a long, long time.

It does have some strong All for the Game vibes, which I love, though at times it felt like the vibes were so strong that it bordered on adapted fan fiction. That isn't a bad thing, but the connection there is strong and I did feel it.

I love Ezra. He's bad ass and can take care of himself, and the romance is very well done. Killian is amazing, and I need more Irish vampires in my life. The fight scenes are impeccably written as well, which is good given the subject of the book and all.

I'm so happy this is the beginning of a series and I can't wait to see where it goes.

Read it.

4/5 Stars!

Cutting Your Teeth was gripping right from the beginning. We follow Ezra, a man running from his past and right into whatever gets his blood pumping just long enough to feel alive. When he happens upon Killian, a smart-mouthed fighter with more than a little bloodlust and a surprisingly soft heart, his already topsy-turvy lifestyle gets thrown into even more chaos.

Listen. Listen. Listen. We know I'm ridiculous for the found family trope. I love it so much it hurts, and this book totally hits on those feels in the best way. The romance was lovely and angsty and hot in turn and I definitely loved that, but the genuine connections between the characters really made this story for me. I've been dying for an urban paranormal story that didn't immediately rely on smut or overused tropes (not that those are bad things in themselves). This was the perfect scratch to that itch.

Killian and Ezra were beautiful and so sad in parts, I think that the foundation for them is still just being laid out and I really would love to read more about them and this universe. There is a lot more going on than meets the eye here and I'd love to delve even further into Killian, Marigold, and Ezra's backgrounds. Which, YAY, because this is the first of a series! If the other books hit these marks just as well I'll be in line for them asap.

*My thanks to Netgalley and the author for gifting me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

5 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“Cutting Your Teeth” by Caylan MacRae

I found this to be a fun and addictive story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The book follows Ezra, a young man who has spent his life on the run, as he meets a mysterious vampire? named Killian. The two form an unlikely bond as Ezra hopes to finally break free from his past and the family that relentlessly hunts him.

MacRae does an excellent job of building tension and keeping your attention throughout the story. The characters are well-developed and the chemistry between Ezra and Killian is palpable. Like just kiss already!! The inclusion of a family curse adds an extra layer of intrigue and raises the stakes even higher.

The writing style is fluid and descriptive, allowing you to fully immerse in the world that MacRae has created. The pacing is just right, with the action-packed moments balanced by quieter, more reflective scenes.

Overall, a must-read for fans of paranormal romance and anyone who enjoys a good thrill ride. MacRae’s debut novel is an impressive start to what promises to be a thrilling series.

Out 3/31/2023!

This ARC was provided by @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Caylan MacRae for approving me for an eArc copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion!

Cutting Your Teeth starts out fast and furious, throwing you right into the action as Ezra prepares to step into the ring at an underground fight club. But as plans go awry and his intended opponent doesn't show, Ezra is forced to go head to head with a fighter named Killian, who Ezra feels a strange pull to from the start. The fight is gritty and violent and spectacularly written and paced, and by the end of it, Ezra's victory feels well earned while you're left longing for more information on his competition. Later the same night as Ezra is leaving the club to head home and pack up himself and his dog Piper to move on--already clearly on the run from something the reader doesn't yet understand--he is attacked and nearly killed before being rescued by the same man he'd fought earlier and subsequently being dragged into the mysterious, dangerous world that Killian and his friend Marigold live in.

Between Ezra's re-awakening to his new life and world, Killian's guilt over past decisions, the plots and influences of other side characters on the leading trio, Ezra's past always there on the edges of things haunting and hunting him, and an actual, honest to god Vampire therapy meeting--I'm not even kidding--there's something for everyone in this story of love, loss, life spent constantly on the run, and the lengths we go to to keep ourselves and those we love safe.

Cutting Your Teeth is spectacularly well written and perfectly paced with a cast of incredible characters down to the roles on the sidelines who are so fun to read even when they aren't particularly likeable, racial inclusivity and multiple counts of queer representation down to a mlm love story at the book's center that had me screeching into my pillow in the middle of the night as I was reading. I can't wait for more stories by Caylan MacRae, especially within the Cursed Corpses world, and to see more of Ezra, Killian, Marigold, and all of their friends and enemies alike. It was an easy five star read for me, a book I will always go out of my way to recommend, and one I know I'll read again more than once in the future.