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Valentine for My Vampire: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls)
Wendy’s first visit to a supposedly gourmet restaurant in the sleepy little town of Fairhaven Falls did not go well - especially her interaction with the arrogant and annoyingly attractive restaurant owner - and she didn’t hesitate to tell her…
- Release Date
- 2024
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Our Review
About the book
Food critic Wendy writes a scathing review of Midnight Manor, a restaurant in Fairhaven Falls run by the arrogant vampire Damian. When a string of mysterious mishaps starts sabotaging the restaurant, the two reluctantly team up to find the culprit.
Our review
A food critic and the prickly vampire who owns the restaurant she panned trade barbs, then clues, in this light Fairhaven Falls romance.
Enemies-to-lovers is a natural fit for a story about a critic and a restaurant owner, and Phillips gets good mileage from the setup. Wendy is sharp and opinionated, Damian is vain and protective of his restaurant, and their sparring is the most entertaining part of the book. The Valentine’s setting adds a playful seasonal tint, and returning readers will enjoy spotting familiar Fairhaven Falls faces.
The sabotage mystery is mainly a vehicle for forced proximity, and the culprit is easy to guess. The romance also shifts from hostility to devotion faster than the early friction suggests, which blunts some of the payoff. Spice levels are high, consistent with the series. It is a fun, breezy entry, but it plays its tropes safely and rarely surprises.
What we loved
- Lively critic-versus-restaurateur banter
- A playful Valentine’s backdrop
- Cameos that reward series readers
Keep in mind
- The mystery is thin and predictable
- The emotional turn from enemies to lovers feels rushed
Read it if you like
Readers who enjoyed earlier Fairhaven Falls books or cozy paranormal romances like Kathryn Moon’s.
The verdict
A breezy, spicy enemies-to-lovers romance with a fun premise and a predictable path.
