REVAMP Book Review

Revamp (book 2 in A Hazardous Gems series) by Christina Hagmann, eBook, 251 pages

Synopsis from Goodreads: I love vampire stories as much as the next woman. The sexy vampire sweeps in, makes you feel wanted, desired, like you’re the only person in the world who matters. It’s very romantic. Very Twilight. Except when it happens to you for real. Then it’s less “eternal love” and more “did I just get turned into a blood-drinking predator without my consent?”

I’m Allie Lane. I was twenty-two and working a soul-crushing job where my boss couldn’t remember my name. Then I met Dominic—gorgeous, wealthy, very into coffins—and woke up as a vampire. Turns out vampire society is less “sexy immortal romance” and more ancient supernatural murder club called the Coven. The Coven wants to use me as a weapon. My vampire boyfriend might actually be a manipulative stalker. And the rugged vampire hunter is starting to look really good, despite the whole “supposed to kill me” thing. Now I’m caught between the vampire who turned me and the hunter who wants to save me, trying to figure out if I can be a vampire without being a monster. Or if “eternal life” just means “eternally screwed.”

A sharp, funny paranormal romance about finding your power, choosing your own path, and learning that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t becoming a monster—it’s becoming yourself.

BOOK REVIEW: I loved this read. I wasn't sure if it was going to pick up where Demon Brew left off or if it was going to be a stand alone and it is a stand alone. No demons in this book but we get vampires. Vampires and hunters. There is a very brief mention of werewolves and how Allie didn't think they existed so I don't know if that was a little subtle foreshadowing for the next book in this novella series but I am here for all things supernatural.

I did think that it was odd how well adjusted Allie seemed to be just a few weeks after being turned. I mean honestly she didn't even really question much after being informed that she was a vampire. Her sarcasm, out loud and in her inner monologue, is hilarious though. We never have to guess what she is thinking. Her first kiss as a vampire was like oh...oh...oooohhhhh....that's different! I did get a little confused by the council of vamps being called The Coven since a coven is usually witches and those weren't in play here. We've had demons and now vampires so why not werewolves and witches.

This is 5 stars. It's non-sparkly vampires near my hometown. You have snarky characters, quick and witty banter, baby vampires and century old vampires. Each character in this novella is curated perfectly. I don't have much else I can say about this. It's everything I want from a vampire story. Love triangle and everything. This is one of the authors that I will read anything she puts out! Can't wait to see what is next!

5/5 Stars

2026 Reading Challenge: 14/55 complete