In The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends, Jamie D’Amato breathes new life into the vampire trope with a mix of humor, vulnerability, and queer romance. Marketed as Heartstopper meets Buffy, this novel blends supernatural chaos with a heartfelt exploration of mental health, identity, and love. While it doesn’t always hit its emotional targets, it’s an undeniably charming and modern take on the paranormal coming-of-age story.
Nineteen-year-old Brennan is just trying to find his footing again after a suicide attempt and a long road to recovery. Returning to Sturbridge University should be a chance for a fresh start, but fate has other plans. Instead of figuring out how to pass exams and keep his anxiety under control, Brennan suddenly finds himself turned into a vampire. Between struggling with a thirst for blood and the need to appear “normal,” his life spirals into something both absurd and oddly tender.
Things get even more complicated when Cole, the adorable campus librarian, discovers Brennan mid-snack from a stolen blood bag. Instead of panicking, Cole becomes Brennan’s secret keeper and slowly, something more. Their relationship is sweet, awkward, and full of genuine moments that feel refreshingly human despite the fangs involved. Cole’s gentle warmth is the perfect counterbalance to Brennan’s dark humor and inner turmoil.
The book’s first half is admittedly slow, focusing on Brennan’s adjustment period and his connection to a mysterious clan of “good” vampires. Readers expecting high-stakes drama or intense action might find themselves waiting a little too long for something to happen. Yet, for those drawn to character-driven stories, D’Amato offers a quietly touching look at self-acceptance and resilience.
Where the novel truly shines is in its handling of sensitive topics. Brennan’s depression, his strained relationship with his mother, and his search for belonging are treated with empathy rather than melodrama. The parallels between vampirism and mental health are smartly drawn: both come with isolation, shame, and the longing to be seen for who you truly are.
However, the story sometimes struggles to balance its lighthearted tone with its heavier themes. Certain scenes feel overly “cute” or surface-level, diluting the emotional weight of Brennan’s experiences. The inclusion of texts, Reddit posts, and “vampire pamphlets” adds a modern flair, but also disrupts the pacing. And while the villain subplot tries to add tension, it comes off more as a side distraction than a fully realized threat.
That said, there’s undeniable charm in D’Amato’s worldbuilding. The humor is self-aware and peppered with clever nods to Twilight and classic vampire pop culture. Brennan and Cole’s chemistry carries the story through its uneven moments, giving readers a romance that is tender, awkward, and full of quiet bravery.
In the end, The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends is less about monsters and more about learning to live with your own darkness. It’s about love that accepts you fangs, flaws, and all. Despite its uneven pacing and sometimes too-light treatment of serious subjects, this is a cozy, queer-hearted read that offers both laughs and gentle reflection.
Final Verdict: A witty and warm YA paranormal romance that will appeal to fans of Heartstopper, What We Do in the Shadows, and soft, emotionally honest stories about self-discovery. It may not sink its teeth too deep, but it definitely leaves a mark.
👉 Grab your copy on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4o8FhZs
