3.75 ⭐ thanks to Atria Books for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this! I think it will fit right in with the rest of the "STEM-inist" novels that have been trending in recent years, but I don't think it was as strong as it had the potential to be.

The love story was great, very sweet and romantic, but I felt that some of the side characters weren't fleshed out as well as I wanted them to be. Some additional editing could have cut a few of the side characters and strengthened the side plots involving the remaining ones. Also, call me a masochist, but I'm lowkey disappointed that the side plot with his notebook didn't end up with her ex trying to pull shenanigans. It kinda just. fell off in favor of the grant conflict. Again, some more time with an editor, trimming side plots and digging deeper into what remains could have easily made this a more resonant novel.

That said: still very cute, still enjoyable.

this book took me to the deepest depths of cringe hell but the journey back to the surface when she finally Got It was so cathartic as a result.

I think I would have enjoyed the yearning more if they weren't so gd stupid

webtoon-ahh book

I feel that I liked this much more than I should have, but dang it, it was a lot of fun. I'm here for the 2000s style paranormal romance structure, I'm here for the vampire who's been pining for so long and terrible at hiding it, I'm here for the quirky cast of side characters.

I'm not here for the idea that they're influencers though, I really don't see why that was needed.

This was. Fine? I don't know why I keep trying with Taming of the Shrew adaptations tbh even when they're trying to be feminist they don't work for me. I'm sorry Heath Ledger girlies but yes that includes 10 Things I Hate About You.

I also didn't like that they were "childhood friends" but he was six years older?? not that it's that much of a problem when he's 33 and she's 27 but like. i was barely friends with people a grade younger than me. and he babysat her like be so for real. I'm sitting here trying to even remember family friends with a similar age gap to me and I can't even remember their names, let alone being so worried about their wellbeing that I'd develop an obsessive anger over whether or not they're keeping themselves safe.

Despite that there were some good moments here. The acespec rep was decent and I liked how once he got over himself he never stopped being totally gone for her. we do love a besotted man.