This review post is all about “Filthy Rich Vampire” by Geneva Lee.
CATEGORIES: BOOK BLOG POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS, FANTASY, ROMANCE
ABOUT THE BOOK
title: FILTHY RICH VAMPIRE
AUTHOR: GENEVA LEE
GENRES: ROMANCE, FANTASY, PARANORAL ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: ENTANGLED PUBLISHING: AMARA
PUBLISHING DATE: OCTOBER 24, 2023
FORMAT: PAPERBACK
PAGE COUNT: 381 PAGES
source: self-purchased
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MY THOUGHTS on “FILTHY RICH VAMPIRE”
“Filthy Rich Vampire” was my romantasy book club pick a few months back. As a die-hard romantasy fan with a soft spot for a good vampire story, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
The buzz around this book was palpable, with it popping up all over Bookstagram. I was curious – did it live up to the hype? When I discussed it at book club, opinions were divided. So, where did I stand? Let’s get into it.
this review post is all about "FILTHY VAMPIRE" by GENEVA LEE
goodreads: pretty things book summary
Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest eligible Rousseaux, he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends―whether he likes it or not.
When cellist Thea literally stumbles into his life at a gala, he knows she’s the last person he could ever fall in love with. She’s too innocent, too kind, and way too human. But now that she knows about his world, she’s also a walking target. She needs protection. He needs a fake girlfriend to discourage overzealous vampire matchmaking.
So, Julian makes Thea an irresistible offer: pretend to be his lover and he’ll change her life. For one year, they’ll attend the season’s social events together in exchange for his protection and a way out of her mother’s crippling medical debt.
She can’t say no. But the vampire world is impossibly decadent and darker than Thea ever imagined, and Julian’s filthy rich vampire family wants her out of the way. But with each moment they share, new dangers emerge: a desire as forbidden as their stolen touches, an awakening of a long-dead heart, and secrets that could tear them both apart.
Sensual, dangerous, provocative ― step into a daring new world of dark magic, primal attraction, and breathtaking romance.
"FILTHY RICH VAMPIRE" BOOK REVIEW
THE PLOT OF “FILTHY RICH VAMPIRE”
Imagine a centuries-old vampire, reluctantly roused his decades long slumber by none other than his mother, the formidable leader of their coven. But why the sudden summons? She has a singular, matchmaking mission in mind: she wants him to find a bride through an ancient courting ritual known as The Rites.
Then enters Thea, a beautiful college student with a passion for the cello, whom he ensnares in his plan to thwart his mother’s schemes.
"I hadn't killed a human in forty years. That record would end tonight. It wasn't that I wanted to kill her. It was that I knew one last of her would never satisfy me."
From the very first pages, this novel conjures up images of Bridgerton, Season 1, but with a bloodthirsty twist: vampires, orgies, and all the scandalous intrigue that comes with them.
I’ll confess, I’m a die-hard Bridgerton fan, especially of that swoon-worthy first season. But this novel lacked the romantic spark that made me fall head over heels for Daphne and Simon.
Why?
For starters, our star-crossed lovers couldn’t be more different. He’s an immortal vampire, she’s a mere mortal. He’s lived through the ages, she’s still navigating the ups and downs of college life. He’s dripping in wealth, she’s struggling to make ends meet. He’s a seasoned rake, she’s a naive virgin. You see where I’m going with this… I just couldn’t feel a genuine connection between them.
Their constant arguing and bickering quickly grew tiresome, with miscommunication fueling the conflict at every turn.
And then there’s his mother, who looks down her nose at Thea, dismissing her as a poor, insignificant human. It’s a dynamic that instantly brought to mind the movie “Crazy Rich Asians”.
So, what drives the plot of this novel? Julian’s desperate attempts to dodge his mother’s matchmaking machinations, Thea’s fish-out-of-water journey as she’s thrust into the mysterious world of vampires through The Rites, and of course, the slow-burning romance that blossoms between them.
THE CHARACTERS THAT BROUGHT “filthy rich vampire” TO LIFE
Julian was your typical bored broody vampire. His passions? Blood and sex. And yet, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Thea – a mystery even to himself. I devoured his POV chapters, captivated by his bad-boy persona and the possessive way he yearned for her. The concept of fated mates shed light on his otherwise baffling reaction.
They won’t stare because of whom you belong to,” I whispered into her ear. “But because of how you belong to me.” “How is that?” she asked softly. “Completely.” I kissed the spot below her ear, earning a shiver. “Absolutely. Unequivocally.”
Thea has a flare for the dramatics. She bristles at Julian’s offers of money and gifts, and I found myself rolling my eyes at her stubborn refusal. As a former broke college student myself, the idea of turning down a free ride (with the minor condition of feigning love) and refusing the means to alleviate her ailing mother’s mounting medical bills a bit absurd. Her constant irritation with Julian over trivial matters made her POV chapters less enjoyable, but maybe that’s just me.
Julian mother act as the villain to this love story because she is constantly trying make Thea to feel as though she is not good enough.
“She bloomed in my arms as I wrapped her in my darkness.”
THE WRITING STYLE OF “FILTHY RICH VAMPIRE”
The short cliffhanger chapters keeping me flipping those pages, especially as the sizzling tension between the leads amped up. But by the time we hit the midpoint, my interest began to wane. Why? The constant manufactured drama stemming from the couple’s frustrating miscommunication was to blame.
Take this one example with Thea: she’s all upset that Julian’s not putting out. But here’s the thing – Julian has a major reason for not going past 2nd base, a reason he just doesn’t bother sharing. And it’s not just a one-off. Time and again, Julian’s radio silence plants seeds of doubt between them, driving a needless wedge into their relationship.
“FILTHY RICH VAMPIRE” AGE RATING
Due to the spice, violence, and mature themes, this is probably only appropriate for those 16 or older.
“IS FILTHY RICH VAMPIRE” SPICY?
Yes. But, it’s mostly sexual angst between the two main characters. However, there’s plenty of sex happening around the couple. I give it two 🌶️ 🌶️ chili peppers.
It was just ok. I love the premise of this novel. A sizzling love story involving a rich, sexy vampire and a poor college student trying make it on her own. I should’ve loved it, but the plot was lacking real stakes and the constant bickering was grating.
Will I read Book 2? Probably not. What do you think? Did you have a different take on the series “Filthy Rich Vampires” series? Let me know in the comments.
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Thanks for reading this book review of “Filthy Rich Vampire”.
If you haven’t read it yet, but would like to save this article for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest so you can remember to add it to your TBR list.
Also, if you’re thirsty for more vampire romantasy, take a look at my review of “Bride” by Ali Hazelwood or “The Serpent and Wings of Night” by Carissa Broadbent.
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