My A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
I picked up A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley when I needed a laugh-out-loud paranormal romance with real heart, zany circumstances, and a pair of characters who couldn’t be more mismatched. This is the third book in the Glimmer Falls series, but it stands on its own. The story kicks off with Ben Rosewood—a gentle, socially anxious werewolf who runs a plant shop in a quirky magical town. One drunken night, Ben buys a supposedly-haunted crystal for less than a dollar, only to accidentally release Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux, a cursed vampire succubus bound for centuries by a witch’s spell.
Eleanora is furious, powerful, and confused by the modern world, while Ben just wants to help her gain freedom from the curse—even though that means she should technically obey him. Forced to team up (and share space), their awkward, hilarious partnership turns into something unexpectedly intimate. As Eleanora rediscovers her sense of agency and Ben faces both his anxieties and new feelings, the two get tangled in a plot involving magical theater, monster politics, vengeful witches, and a town full of nosy side characters. Together, they hunt for the witch who imprisoned Eleanora, and along the way, both find something worth fighting for—maybe even love.
Why I Love This Book
I love that this book makes me laugh and swoon at the same time. Ben is one of the most genuine, anxious heroes I’ve ever read—and his warmth, kindness, and social awkwardness feel authentic. Eleanora is a riot: brash, sarcastic, and still vulnerable after everything she’s survived. Their banter is top notch, the chemistry is both sweet and delightfully spicy, and their dynamic flips gender tropes in a way that feels fresh. I was rooting for Ben as he slowly lets Eleanora in, and for Eleanora as she reclaims her autonomy and takes up space—often quite dramatically.
The forced proximity and “magical binding spell” trope are handled with thoughtfulness, especially around issues of consent, agency, and healing from trauma. There’s actual emotional growth, lots of awkward but adorable moments, and open communication during the spicier scenes. The small-town fantasy setting is vivid, with magical mishaps, hilarious side characters, and theater shenanigans adding an extra layer of fun. There’s found family, mental health representation, and a focus on letting someone in without ever taking away their power.
Who Will Like This Book
If you like paranormal romantic comedies with forced proximity, lots of humor, and cozy vibes, you’ll love this book. It’s perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine dynamics, role reversals, and stories that balance spice with real emotion. If you enjoy small-town magic, found family, and a unique take on werewolf and vampire lore, this delivers. While you can read it as a standalone, a few cameos might land better if you know the series.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Includes explicit sexual content, PTSD, panic attacks, and references to trauma and magical coercion. There’s strong emphasis on consent, but if you’re sensitive to themes of past control or emotional healing, check content warnings.
Tagged As
paranormal romance, werewolf romance, vampire romance, succubus, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, magical curse, small town, found family, anxiety rep, mental health, humor, role reversal, open-door romance, explicit, contemporary fantasy, quirky heroine, cinnamon roll hero, dual pov, HEA, series, indie romance, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Explicit
