A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley

Title: A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire

Series: Glimmer Falls

Author: Sarah Hawley

Narrator: Helen Laser

Release Date: August 13, 2024

Publisher: print, Berkley Romance; audiobook, PRH Audio

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal

Source: audio, Audible

TW: graphic sexual content, blood, toxic friendship, fire/fire injury, confinement, violence

Synopsis

Ben Rosewood never meant to be bound to a vampire succubus, especially one as sexy-yet-terrifying as Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux, but he has to admit there are some fang-tastic perks….

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. One hundred percent. Everything is fine. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right? As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful but angry vampire.

Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. But thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleanora’s been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents?

Eleanora would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleanora and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

Thoughts

This novel was utterly charming and filled with humor! The chemistry between Ben and Eleanore was delightful, and their relationship dynamics were captivating. I believe this is the standout book in the series. Eleanore's character was particularly intriguing; her adjustment to a new era provided plenty of entertainment, and she was an engagingly eccentric character overall. Ben's character was equally appealing, especially in how the author portrayed his anxiety. The depiction of anxiety attacks and general anxiety felt authentic and was handled with sensitivity. Given that Ben was a peripheral character in previous books, I was thrilled to see him take center stage in this one.

Helen Laser once again did any amazing job narrating the audiobook. Her French accent for Eleanora felt spot on without being too over-the-top. She also did an amazing job conveying Ben’s quiet sweetness.

I absolutely adored this novel! From start to finish, it was utterly charming and filled with humor that had me laughing out loud more than once. The chemistry between Ben and Eleanora was delightful, and I was completely captivated by their relationship dynamics. I’ve read other books in this series, but I have to say, this one might just be the standout.

Eleanora's character was particularly intriguing. A vampire succubus with a medieval pedigree stuck in a crystal for centuries? Yes, please! Her adjustment to the modern era provided plenty of entertainment, and she was such an engagingly eccentric character. I loved every moment of her witty dialogue and fierce attitude.

On the other hand, Ben was equally appealing in his own way. I really appreciated how the author portrayed his anxiety—it felt authentic and was handled with such sensitivity. The depiction of his anxiety attacks and general struggles with his disorder was both relatable and realistic. I found myself rooting for Ben even more because of it. Seeing him step into the spotlight after being a peripheral character in previous books was so satisfying.

As for the audiobook, Helen Laser once again did an amazing job narrating. Her French accent for Eleanora felt spot on without being too over-the-top, and she perfectly conveyed Ben’s quiet sweetness. The narration really brought the story to life, and I can’t recommend it enough.

In all, this book was a delightful blend of humor, heart, and paranormal fun. If you're looking for a romance that’s a little quirky but with tons of charm, this one is definitely worth picking up!