Review of Road Trip With a Vampire (My Vampires, #3) by Jenna Levine
You had me at “vampire with amnesia” and “witch with secrets” piling into a beat-up car for a cross-country adventure! Seriously, can you imagine a supernatural Thelma & Louise, but with more fang-flashing and fewer cliff-dives? Jenna Levine’s latest addition to her My Vampires series has that deliciously frothy blend of romance and comedy. However, I have to admit, it didn’t quite sink its teeth into my heart the way I hoped it would.
Let’s dive right in. The novel centers around Peter, the hunky amnesiac vampire who can’t recall a thing from his centuries-long existence, and Zelda, the secretive witch dodging her own tangled past. Their road trip feels like pure catnip for a hopeless romantic. I mean, just picture this: a couple of supernatural misfits embarking on a journey filled with adventure—and maybe a cute gas station meet-cute (no judgment here!). The banter between them sparkles like a quintessential Twilight moment, especially when Peter hilariously struggles with modern technology, treating a GPS like it’s a cursed relic from the 1700s.
But here’s where things got a bit sticky for me. Both characters are hundreds of years old, yet they’re scraping by like they’re one paycheck away from a lifetime supply of ramen. Come on! If I’d lived through the invention of the light bulb, I’d at least have some lucrative investments under my belt. Instead, we have Peter and Zelda shacked up like they’re auditioning for Broke Immortal: The Reality Show. I mean, if you can’t grasp how to wrangle a bit of wealth after witnessing history firsthand, I’m giving you the side-eye harder than my dog on treat-less days.
The misadventures on the road, however, are a delightful ride. Levine’s writing captures the essence of these escapades beautifully; I swear I could smell the stale coffee and questionable motel sheets. But then, just when I was gearing up for the climax, the pacing hit a snag. It’s like the car ran out of gas halfway through. The middle drags a bit, and I wanted more stakes—pun intended—and depth to their respective secrets. There were times I felt like I was watching a sitcom with beloved characters, only without many high stakes or poignant moments.
Now, for the romance: while it’s undeniably cute, Peter’s awkward charm and Zelda’s sassy rebuttals had me grinning, I wanted more spice! The relationship felt sweet, like indulging in cotton candy three meals a day. Sure, it’s endearing, but I craved some angst to make that happy ending truly satisfying, something that echoes the thrill of a garage sale find that you just can’t resist.
Also, quick shout out to my fellow online sleuths: I did some digging on Reddit, looking for hot takes from the elusive smokedup_69420, but alas, no spells to be found. Talk about a missed advertising opportunity!
In summary, Road Trip With a Vampire is a fun, fluffy read perfect for moments when you want to giggle and swoon without putting on your thinking cap. With its humorous road trip vibe and charming characters, it’s a delightful escape. Just keep in mind that while it has heart, it doesn’t achieve all the emotional depth it could have. If you’re in the mood for a light, laugh-out-loud romance with a supernatural twist, this one’s got you covered—just don’t expect Peter and Zelda to be living that bougie immortal life!
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