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Love Immortal
Perfect for fans of vampires, romantic fantasy, and dark academia.
Jonathan Evergreen is a talented sophomore at a prestigious, isolated college in Vermont, who dreams of a career in book conservation. But Jonathan’s life isn’t as rosy as it may appear. Disowned by his family after they caught him with another boy, he struggles to overcome heartbreak and support himself through his studies. To make matters worse, his advisor and the only ally in the institution run by old money and family connections mysteriously vanishes, and a new enigmatic professor, Dacian Bathory, takes his place.
Even though Jonathan is instantly drawn to Dacian, feeling a deep, intense connection between them, Dacian’s hot and cold behavior leaves him puzzled. But things change when Dacian unexpectedly helps him secure a job at the college’s Rare Books library from which an antique book recently went missing—a book that Dacian seems to have a deep interest in.
As their attraction grows, sinister events start to unfold around people disappearing in the dead of night, a group of legacies showing signs of increasingly disturbing behavior, and a dead body washing up nearby, completely drained of blood. Plagued by unsettling dreams that feel too close to reality, Jonathan suspects that some of these events might be connected to Dacian.
With the stakes escalating and his own life on the line, can Jonathan unravel the truth about Dacian and confront the darkness before it consumes them both?
“A fiercely intimate tale of two lost souls who find each other.” — Paul Michael Winters, author of Together in a Broken World.
“Twilight for queer readers, this atmospheric gothic romance will stop your heart and thrill you with swoon!” — Adriana Mather, NYT Bestselling author of How To Hang A Witch series
“I am absolutely destroyed and can’t stop crying.” — @whatchrissyread ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Vampires, academia, and an 80s vibe, this book reminded me why l've always loved gothic romance.” — @jt.atria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“If you know gothic literature and the DEEP, DARK LOVE within, then you’ll feel a companionship in this story. Phenomenal storytelling.” — @thebookishren ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jonathan Evergreen is a talented sophomore at a prestigious, isolated college in Vermont, who dreams of a career in book conservation. But Jonathan’s life isn’t as rosy as it may appear. Disowned by his family after they caught him with another boy, he struggles to overcome heartbreak and support himself through his studies. To make matters worse, his advisor and the only ally in the institution run by old money and family connections mysteriously vanishes, and a new enigmatic professor, Dacian Bathory, takes his place.
Even though Jonathan is instantly drawn to Dacian, feeling a deep, intense connection between them, Dacian’s hot and cold behavior leaves him puzzled. But things change when Dacian unexpectedly helps him secure a job at the college’s Rare Books library from which an antique book recently went missing—a book that Dacian seems to have a deep interest in.
As their attraction grows, sinister events start to unfold around people disappearing in the dead of night, a group of legacies showing signs of increasingly disturbing behavior, and a dead body washing up nearby, completely drained of blood. Plagued by unsettling dreams that feel too close to reality, Jonathan suspects that some of these events might be connected to Dacian.
With the stakes escalating and his own life on the line, can Jonathan unravel the truth about Dacian and confront the darkness before it consumes them both?
“A fiercely intimate tale of two lost souls who find each other.” — Paul Michael Winters, author of Together in a Broken World.
“Twilight for queer readers, this atmospheric gothic romance will stop your heart and thrill you with swoon!” — Adriana Mather, NYT Bestselling author of How To Hang A Witch series
“I am absolutely destroyed and can’t stop crying.” — @whatchrissyread ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Vampires, academia, and an 80s vibe, this book reminded me why l've always loved gothic romance.” — @jt.atria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“If you know gothic literature and the DEEP, DARK LOVE within, then you’ll feel a companionship in this story. Phenomenal storytelling.” — @thebookishren ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2024
About the author
Kit Vincent
3 books170 followersKit Vincent is the bestselling author of queer Science Fiction and Fantasy, including Us, Et Cetera and Of Feathers and Thorns. In addition to writing books, Kit has moved continents as a first-generation immigrant, produced award-winning indie films, studied film scoring at UCLA, and is a proud parent of a potbelly pig and two rescued tortoises.
Kit is third gender (any pronoun) and currently resides in New England.
Connect with Kit on TikTok and Instagram @kitvincentbooks or on their website www.kitvincentbooks.com
Kit is third gender (any pronoun) and currently resides in New England.
Connect with Kit on TikTok and Instagram @kitvincentbooks or on their website www.kitvincentbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 16, 2024
3.5 Stars ✨
This book was really hard to rate. Honestly, I loved the gothic vibe—it had that perfect mix of dark aesthetics and supernatural feels that just hits differently. But let's chat about some things that left me a little... 🤔
First off, I hated the first half of the book. I think the MMCs only interacted like three times in the first 50%, which made the book really boring for me. I LOVE a good slow burn, but this was not it.
And then there's Dacian. In the beginning, he was super mysterious, but maybe a bit too much? Yeah, we got to know him later, but it was a bit too late for me; I was already disconnected from his character by then.
Now, let’s talk about the mystery. It was VERY predictable. I figured it out the moment I realized there was a mystery to solve. I wanted some twists that kept me guessing, but it was pretty straightforward.
Despite these quirks, I have to say the writing had some serious potential. However, I did catch a lot of telling instead of showing, which kinda pulled me out of the story. It would’ve been nice to feel the emotions and tension more organically, you know?
In the end, though, I still enjoyed the journey, and I think if you’re into a mix of mystery and gothic romance, this one’s worth a shot!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
______________
Reading Update:
"Wouldn't it be so rad if someday we could just read stuff off a computer screen and say goodbye to hauling those heavy textbooks around?"
"What about the smell of old paper? Or the cozy feeling you get from holding a real book? You'll never get that from a screen."
Why does it feel like the author is attacking me for reading this on my Kindle? 🤔 😭 Anyway, when @Cara told me I wouldn't stop looking for new ARCs once I got my first one, I should have believed her. This is just one of many currently waiting for me on my Kindle. 😅😭
This book was really hard to rate. Honestly, I loved the gothic vibe—it had that perfect mix of dark aesthetics and supernatural feels that just hits differently. But let's chat about some things that left me a little... 🤔
First off, I hated the first half of the book. I think the MMCs only interacted like three times in the first 50%, which made the book really boring for me. I LOVE a good slow burn, but this was not it.
And then there's Dacian. In the beginning, he was super mysterious, but maybe a bit too much? Yeah, we got to know him later, but it was a bit too late for me; I was already disconnected from his character by then.
Now, let’s talk about the mystery. It was VERY predictable. I figured it out the moment I realized there was a mystery to solve. I wanted some twists that kept me guessing, but it was pretty straightforward.
Despite these quirks, I have to say the writing had some serious potential. However, I did catch a lot of telling instead of showing, which kinda pulled me out of the story. It would’ve been nice to feel the emotions and tension more organically, you know?
In the end, though, I still enjoyed the journey, and I think if you’re into a mix of mystery and gothic romance, this one’s worth a shot!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
______________
Reading Update:
"Wouldn't it be so rad if someday we could just read stuff off a computer screen and say goodbye to hauling those heavy textbooks around?"
"What about the smell of old paper? Or the cozy feeling you get from holding a real book? You'll never get that from a screen."
Why does it feel like the author is attacking me for reading this on my Kindle? 🤔 😭 Anyway, when @Cara told me I wouldn't stop looking for new ARCs once I got my first one, I should have believed her. This is just one of many currently waiting for me on my Kindle. 😅😭
October 26, 2024
➸ 4 stars
𓍢⊹ ࣪ thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
i had a really fun time reading this! the main characters pov and the writing was very easy to follow which made me feel like i sped through the book! this book progressed very slowly and overall a slower book which i didn’t mind because of how easy it was to read!
I loved the aspect of books in this and the main characters love for books made him really likeable, I really liked jonathan’s character!
mystery/plot wise, it was quite predictable but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment!
the only critique i have is that i wish there were more interactions with the two main characters, i felt like it would’ve enhanced their relationship and how readers view that relationship!
despite the main characters not interacting as much, i did really like them together! now honestly, it kinda felt a bit insta-lovey but i didn’t hate it! they liked each other from the very beginning but got together at the 70% mark so it wasn’t bad!
i found dacian’s character quite intriguing at the beginning, he came off as very mysterious and i wanted to know more! however, i felt like there was so much back and forth with him and i could not figure him out at all through most of this! when questions were finally answers i kinda was just like “oh, okay!” and moved on so i don’t know what else to say about him!
i really wish the book would explore more on the “connection” jonathan and dacian had! it was said many times they were connected, but i wish it was explored further! how and why are they connected? why is it rare? etc etc things like that
as i mentioned before, i did really love them together!!! i’m honestly sure that if this book had been a little longer and even a bit dragged out, i would’ve loved it!
another thing i wish was developed further was the ending. it felt so rushed!! i really liked how dacian got jonathan into oxford but i just wish we saw MORE of them together after what happened previously! even an epilogue where we see them together would’ve been nice! it honestly feels like i haven’t completed the book even though there’s no more pages to turn to!
overall, i enjoyed this reading experience, i liked the story, and i’d say i definitely see myself rereading this in the future!
“I prefer the company of books. It's a perfect relationship, really. A book will always open and let you in. You can close it anytime you wish. There's no need for awkward social interactions, and the words inside won't judge you or ask more of you than you can give.”
𓍢⊹ ࣪ thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
i had a really fun time reading this! the main characters pov and the writing was very easy to follow which made me feel like i sped through the book! this book progressed very slowly and overall a slower book which i didn’t mind because of how easy it was to read!
I loved the aspect of books in this and the main characters love for books made him really likeable, I really liked jonathan’s character!
mystery/plot wise, it was quite predictable but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment!
“Despite my current aversion to people, something in my chest unclenches, endlessly pleased about the prospect of sharing space with him, of being in his company.”
the only critique i have is that i wish there were more interactions with the two main characters, i felt like it would’ve enhanced their relationship and how readers view that relationship!
“During those moments we shared in the library and by the pond, I felt like he was looking right into me—like he could see inside my heart better than anyone I’ve ever met.”
despite the main characters not interacting as much, i did really like them together! now honestly, it kinda felt a bit insta-lovey but i didn’t hate it! they liked each other from the very beginning but got together at the 70% mark so it wasn’t bad!
“…there’s a book in his hand—a fantasy, by the looks of it. This unbelievably attractive man is spending his Saturday night cooped up alone in the house with a book.”
i found dacian’s character quite intriguing at the beginning, he came off as very mysterious and i wanted to know more! however, i felt like there was so much back and forth with him and i could not figure him out at all through most of this! when questions were finally answers i kinda was just like “oh, okay!” and moved on so i don’t know what else to say about him!
“Your heart called out to me, all ten thousand broken shards of it. How could I not answer when suddenly, in a room full of people, I could only hear you?”
i really wish the book would explore more on the “connection” jonathan and dacian had! it was said many times they were connected, but i wish it was explored further! how and why are they connected? why is it rare? etc etc things like that
“Can I ask you something?”
“Yes. Anything,” I reply, and I mean it. He could wish for anything in the world, And I would burn my soul to ash to grant it.
“I want you. All of you. The way you are now and how you used to be. Good and terrible. You know that, right?”
as i mentioned before, i did really love them together!!! i’m honestly sure that if this book had been a little longer and even a bit dragged out, i would’ve loved it!
“In this world of shadows, Dacian is my anchor. If he disappears, I will become unmoored. Lost in the darkness without the light of his eyes to guide me, I may never find myself again.”
another thing i wish was developed further was the ending. it felt so rushed!! i really liked how dacian got jonathan into oxford but i just wish we saw MORE of them together after what happened previously! even an epilogue where we see them together would’ve been nice! it honestly feels like i haven’t completed the book even though there’s no more pages to turn to!
overall, i enjoyed this reading experience, i liked the story, and i’d say i definitely see myself rereading this in the future!
October 27, 2024
5 Stars
This is not a perfect book… but it was a perfect book for me.
Love Immortal is an 80s era, dark academia story, set in a sleepy college town in Vermont.
There, sophomore Jonathan lives a lonely, unassuming life, putting his whole heart into his love of books and his hopes to one day study book conservation at Oxford university.
But, with the new school year comes BIG life changes for Jonathan’s quiet existence.
Something sinister begins to unfold on campus, after a hiker goes missing and, soon after, a member of the kitchen staff shows up dead in what seems to be a ritualistic blood draining.
This rightfully sets Jonathan ill-at-ease, especially because these events align with the arrival of his new gothic-lit professor, Dacian Bathory, who is otherworldly beautiful, poised, and intelligent, at once unnerving and captivating Jonathan to dangerously intense degrees.
Soon, he finds himself at the centre of an inexplicable murder-mystery, drawing irrepressibly closer to Dacian, who awakens his long-dormant heart, all while opening Jonathan’s once-small-world to hauntingly frightening revelations, made up of the kind myths and monsters he’s only ever believed to be fiction.
As a romance, this was the most entrancing slow-burn love story I’ve read all year. Absolutely nothing was rushed here and I loved it. I relished in the perfect pacing and thoughtful relationship progression, and the all-consuming intensity of Jonathan and Dacian’s growing feelings and soul-deep connection.
To be clear, this is a book about VAMPIRES. Particularly, one dark, powerful, deadly, spellbinding vampire, whose folklore and legend were so ingeniously reimagined here—in ways that will likely forever change the way I think of vampires and other vampire fiction in general.
The story had a gothic vibe that I really enjoyed, considering it was set at a college campus in Vermont. The writing was beautifully lyrical and atmospherically haunting; the themes often quite macabre in nature, especially during the more exciting, action-filled scenes of the third act, which fit perfectly in tone with the tale being told.
I simply loved this entire reading experience, connecting easily with the writing and the characters, savouring the imaginative take on vampire lore, and absolutely adoring the powerful love story told between Jonathan and Dacian.
Love Immortal is an instant-favourite of mine—one I look forward to reading again and again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
***A special thanks to Netgalley and Kit Vincent for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a perfect book… but it was a perfect book for me.
Love Immortal is an 80s era, dark academia story, set in a sleepy college town in Vermont.
There, sophomore Jonathan lives a lonely, unassuming life, putting his whole heart into his love of books and his hopes to one day study book conservation at Oxford university.
But, with the new school year comes BIG life changes for Jonathan’s quiet existence.
Something sinister begins to unfold on campus, after a hiker goes missing and, soon after, a member of the kitchen staff shows up dead in what seems to be a ritualistic blood draining.
This rightfully sets Jonathan ill-at-ease, especially because these events align with the arrival of his new gothic-lit professor, Dacian Bathory, who is otherworldly beautiful, poised, and intelligent, at once unnerving and captivating Jonathan to dangerously intense degrees.
Soon, he finds himself at the centre of an inexplicable murder-mystery, drawing irrepressibly closer to Dacian, who awakens his long-dormant heart, all while opening Jonathan’s once-small-world to hauntingly frightening revelations, made up of the kind myths and monsters he’s only ever believed to be fiction.
As a romance, this was the most entrancing slow-burn love story I’ve read all year. Absolutely nothing was rushed here and I loved it. I relished in the perfect pacing and thoughtful relationship progression, and the all-consuming intensity of Jonathan and Dacian’s growing feelings and soul-deep connection.
To be clear, this is a book about VAMPIRES. Particularly, one dark, powerful, deadly, spellbinding vampire, whose folklore and legend were so ingeniously reimagined here—in ways that will likely forever change the way I think of vampires and other vampire fiction in general.
The story had a gothic vibe that I really enjoyed, considering it was set at a college campus in Vermont. The writing was beautifully lyrical and atmospherically haunting; the themes often quite macabre in nature, especially during the more exciting, action-filled scenes of the third act, which fit perfectly in tone with the tale being told.
I simply loved this entire reading experience, connecting easily with the writing and the characters, savouring the imaginative take on vampire lore, and absolutely adoring the powerful love story told between Jonathan and Dacian.
Love Immortal is an instant-favourite of mine—one I look forward to reading again and again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
***A special thanks to Netgalley and Kit Vincent for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2024
This, very unfortunately, didn’t work for me. You would think that a dark academia, vampire romance, set during the late 80s, with inspiration from The Lost Boys, would a fucking great time (I know I was super excited when I read the synopsis). However, I found that I never connected with Jonathan as a main character, nor Dacian as a love interest and I found the dialogue and narrative to be kind of clumsy and stiff.
I enjoyed ‘Us, Et Cetera’ (despite how aggressively bleak it was) so I am shocked that something about how the plot unfolded here just seemed off to me. I haven’t been able to put my finger on what it is exactly that I’ve struggled with, but I think a lot of it comes down to the story doing a lot of ‘telling and not showing’, the world building around the magic of vampires being pretty loosey goosey and conveniently cherry picking elements when needed and the mystery being pretty predictable.
I feel like my apathy for this book can be summed up with the fact that I had to put it down at 96% to go to work and instead of manically finishing it on my lunch break I just didn’t care. Honestly, I think my love of the individual story elements is what kept me engaged enough to finish it off.
That being said, I appear to be in the minority and there are plenty of people this worked for, so perhaps it’s just me, in which case I hope everyone else has a wonderful reading experience with it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this eARC
I enjoyed ‘Us, Et Cetera’ (despite how aggressively bleak it was) so I am shocked that something about how the plot unfolded here just seemed off to me. I haven’t been able to put my finger on what it is exactly that I’ve struggled with, but I think a lot of it comes down to the story doing a lot of ‘telling and not showing’, the world building around the magic of vampires being pretty loosey goosey and conveniently cherry picking elements when needed and the mystery being pretty predictable.
I feel like my apathy for this book can be summed up with the fact that I had to put it down at 96% to go to work and instead of manically finishing it on my lunch break I just didn’t care. Honestly, I think my love of the individual story elements is what kept me engaged enough to finish it off.
That being said, I appear to be in the minority and there are plenty of people this worked for, so perhaps it’s just me, in which case I hope everyone else has a wonderful reading experience with it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this eARC
October 29, 2024
₊˚⊹♡ ˚ ➺ 5/5 ✧
thank you to netgalley for the arc!
"let me be the keeper of your story. i promise your truth will be safe with me.”
i had a feeling i was going to like this one… i was right!!
this novel follows jonathan evergreen, a young gay man who was recently outed and thus shunned from everyone he knew. set in an old college in vermont during the 80s, it bring you on a journey of love and self discovery (with a bit of mystery mixed in!).
i loved the setting and the characters all felt very 3 dimensional. the themes of book conservation, literature, and the importance of eradicating book burnings are things i feel are very integral to novels, yet not talked about enough so i was so glad to see them in this book!
”that night, in his diary, the count wrote: ‘help me, great shadows, for today i met my own ruin and invited him in.’”
the romance was also very sweet and i loved both main characters a lot <3 this book never felt like it dragged which sometimes tends to happen with books set in a boarding school / college. the writing style was very smooth, easy to follow, and there were a few scenes that had me wheezing crying throwing up!!
all in all, i loved this novel a lot!! <33
"poe himself said that 'if a poem hasn't ripped apart your soul, you haven't experienced poetry,'" he adds soothingly. "great art has that effect on people, mr. evergreen. it brings the things we bury deep within ourselves to light so we can set them free."
pre-read review:
I GOT THE ARC!! so excited for this one!! i love vampires and boarding schools / colleges so i think i'll enjoy this!
thank you to netgalley for the arc!
"let me be the keeper of your story. i promise your truth will be safe with me.”
i had a feeling i was going to like this one… i was right!!
this novel follows jonathan evergreen, a young gay man who was recently outed and thus shunned from everyone he knew. set in an old college in vermont during the 80s, it bring you on a journey of love and self discovery (with a bit of mystery mixed in!).
i loved the setting and the characters all felt very 3 dimensional. the themes of book conservation, literature, and the importance of eradicating book burnings are things i feel are very integral to novels, yet not talked about enough so i was so glad to see them in this book!
”that night, in his diary, the count wrote: ‘help me, great shadows, for today i met my own ruin and invited him in.’”
the romance was also very sweet and i loved both main characters a lot <3 this book never felt like it dragged which sometimes tends to happen with books set in a boarding school / college. the writing style was very smooth, easy to follow, and there were a few scenes that had me wheezing crying throwing up!!
all in all, i loved this novel a lot!! <33
"poe himself said that 'if a poem hasn't ripped apart your soul, you haven't experienced poetry,'" he adds soothingly. "great art has that effect on people, mr. evergreen. it brings the things we bury deep within ourselves to light so we can set them free."
pre-read review:
I GOT THE ARC!! so excited for this one!! i love vampires and boarding schools / colleges so i think i'll enjoy this!
October 23, 2024
Screaming from the rooftops this was everything I wanted and more. A great gothic LGBT+ romance fuelled with mystery, tension, a slow burn and professor x student (college).
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because I would have liked a bit more interaction/relationship development between our MMCs. It was a very very easy book to read (I binged it in a day) and I found the pacing to be done well.
This was gay twilight I’m in love
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because I would have liked a bit more interaction/relationship development between our MMCs. It was a very very easy book to read (I binged it in a day) and I found the pacing to be done well.
This was gay twilight I’m in love
Want to read
September 12, 2024there's nothing Kit can write that I won't read. but the fact that it's QUEER DARK ACADEMIA feels almost like a personal attack 🥰💖 The release date is a few days before my birthday too. can it get any better? (I think not) If someone wants to throw the ARC at me *cough cough* my DMs are wide open
October 12, 2024
It’s no secret at all that I adore all things Vampire! This book was so good - a gothic nightmare set in the 1980’s at a secluded college in Vermont… missing people, nightmarish shadows, and a mysterious literature professor. I loved it!
Jonathan Evergreen is a student at the prestigious Camden University. He’s run away from his previous life after being forcibly outed and losing his boyfriend, the same one that haunts his nightmares. He’s studying to be a book conservationist, but when he finds his favourite professor has left he’s concerned his studies will be affected… until he meets new teacher, Dacian Bathory.
Dacian is ethereally beautiful and immediately steals Jonathan’s attention. But in the first class, he seems to hate Jonathan… but that doesn’t last for long and soon Dacian is a recurring feature in Jonathan’s dreams.
But students are going missing and Jonathan’s dreams are becoming increasingly more disturbing. Will Jonathan figure out what is going on before the whole University descends into madness?
This book draws on traditional gothic storytelling, with mystery and madness, but with a fun 1980’s setting! I loved Jonathan and Dacian and the interlinking of a very famous gothic story… IYKYK!!
Read Love Immortal for:
✨ Vampires!!
✨ Gothic storytelling traditions
✨ Professor x Student
✨ Age gap (because vampires, duh!)
✨ Isolated college setting
✨ Historical 1980’s setting
✨ Descent into madness
✨ Shedding light on a famous vampire
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kit Vincent for an ARC of this amazing book! It’s available 22nd October 2024 🦇
Jonathan Evergreen is a student at the prestigious Camden University. He’s run away from his previous life after being forcibly outed and losing his boyfriend, the same one that haunts his nightmares. He’s studying to be a book conservationist, but when he finds his favourite professor has left he’s concerned his studies will be affected… until he meets new teacher, Dacian Bathory.
Dacian is ethereally beautiful and immediately steals Jonathan’s attention. But in the first class, he seems to hate Jonathan… but that doesn’t last for long and soon Dacian is a recurring feature in Jonathan’s dreams.
But students are going missing and Jonathan’s dreams are becoming increasingly more disturbing. Will Jonathan figure out what is going on before the whole University descends into madness?
This book draws on traditional gothic storytelling, with mystery and madness, but with a fun 1980’s setting! I loved Jonathan and Dacian and the interlinking of a very famous gothic story… IYKYK!!
Read Love Immortal for:
✨ Vampires!!
✨ Gothic storytelling traditions
✨ Professor x Student
✨ Age gap (because vampires, duh!)
✨ Isolated college setting
✨ Historical 1980’s setting
✨ Descent into madness
✨ Shedding light on a famous vampire
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kit Vincent for an ARC of this amazing book! It’s available 22nd October 2024 🦇
October 14, 2024
I am absolutely destroyed and can’t stop crying now that I’ve finished my arc of Love Immortal by Kit Vincent. This was an easy 5 stars!
It’s perfect. There’s so much nuance and complexity and underlying messages amidst this breathtaking m/m vampire romance, with an alternative 1980s, academic, Vermont-in-the-fall setting.
I actually dragged this one out because I didn’t want it to be over (and also because I added so many highlights and notes 😅).
Not only is Jonathan and Dacian’s story painfully beautiful, but Love Immortal also highlights deeper issues like book banning and queer erasure in history/literature. I am just obsessed with this book, and I refuse to shut up about it!
Kit is an autobuy author, forever and always. I had been anxiously awaiting this book’s release since they announced it, and it did not disappoint!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kit Vincent for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
It’s perfect. There’s so much nuance and complexity and underlying messages amidst this breathtaking m/m vampire romance, with an alternative 1980s, academic, Vermont-in-the-fall setting.
I actually dragged this one out because I didn’t want it to be over (and also because I added so many highlights and notes 😅).
Not only is Jonathan and Dacian’s story painfully beautiful, but Love Immortal also highlights deeper issues like book banning and queer erasure in history/literature. I am just obsessed with this book, and I refuse to shut up about it!
Kit is an autobuy author, forever and always. I had been anxiously awaiting this book’s release since they announced it, and it did not disappoint!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kit Vincent for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2024
So excited about this one!
Shelved as 'unreleased-tbr'
June 27, 2024
pre-release:
*starts reading blurb*
“The Lost Boys but make it gay with a splatter of dark academia.”
*stops reading blurb*
*adds book to tbr*
i am so simple sometimes, istg…
*starts reading blurb*
“The Lost Boys but make it gay with a splatter of dark academia.”
*stops reading blurb*
*adds book to tbr*
i am so simple sometimes, istg…
October 19, 2024
This was my first of Kit Vincent's books I'd read and it definitely lived up to the hype! His writing is absolutely beautiful and I found myself highlighting entire passages of a page or two at a time.
I was instantly pulled into the story, the characters, the academic setting and, course, queerness of it all. The characters, while, few, were so well done it felt like there were more of them, and none of the side characters read as superfluous. The scenes between Jonathan and Dacian had me absolutely enraptured, heart borne bare, in love with their love.
It's always hardest for me to write about and dissect the best books, but I can say I knew easily by the halfway mark this would be a 5-star read and it didn't disappoint.
I was instantly pulled into the story, the characters, the academic setting and, course, queerness of it all. The characters, while, few, were so well done it felt like there were more of them, and none of the side characters read as superfluous. The scenes between Jonathan and Dacian had me absolutely enraptured, heart borne bare, in love with their love.
It's always hardest for me to write about and dissect the best books, but I can say I knew easily by the halfway mark this would be a 5-star read and it didn't disappoint.
October 12, 2024
this was fantastic!! gay vampires, dark academia and murder ... what more could you possibly want in a good book?
September 30, 2024
Well this was a fun queer vampire story,
I really enjoyed how much this referenced the original Dracula story and other gothic novels, whilst also being its own new approach to vampire legend.
Loved that the main character was Jonathan and I clocked early on that would probably be significant.
The plot was pretty cool, always enjoy when a book has lots of focus on books and literature. So a storyline with a missing book? I’m sold. I did see quite a lot coming, but wouldn’t say it detracted from my enjoyment. Plus, the end showdown was exciting!!
I will say there were a few eye-roll inducing moments. The whole… I wanted you as soon as I saw you and can’t stay away from you, vampire vibe is a bit cheesy and intense for me. But equally I’m like queer readers deserve to see themselves in this type of story too! Teen me would probably be swooning 🤣
In some ways I think I’d have liked this to be longer. It was kind of slow burn, but I also didn’t feel like Jonathan and Dacian spent that much time together one on one or in person. A lot of dreaming and fantasising but I’d have liked some more actual conversations early on. Dont get me wrong there is some, I’m just greedy I guess.
I’d have also liked a little more of the 80s vibe. There were references, especially music, but somehow I kept forgetting and thinking it was set now.
On the whole though I enjoyed this. I’m actually not a huge vampire fan these days, but this was a fun approach and take on the gothic romance genre.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kit Vincent for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this one.
I really enjoyed how much this referenced the original Dracula story and other gothic novels, whilst also being its own new approach to vampire legend.
Loved that the main character was Jonathan and I clocked early on that would probably be significant.
The plot was pretty cool, always enjoy when a book has lots of focus on books and literature. So a storyline with a missing book? I’m sold. I did see quite a lot coming, but wouldn’t say it detracted from my enjoyment. Plus, the end showdown was exciting!!
I will say there were a few eye-roll inducing moments. The whole… I wanted you as soon as I saw you and can’t stay away from you, vampire vibe is a bit cheesy and intense for me. But equally I’m like queer readers deserve to see themselves in this type of story too! Teen me would probably be swooning 🤣
In some ways I think I’d have liked this to be longer. It was kind of slow burn, but I also didn’t feel like Jonathan and Dacian spent that much time together one on one or in person. A lot of dreaming and fantasising but I’d have liked some more actual conversations early on. Dont get me wrong there is some, I’m just greedy I guess.
I’d have also liked a little more of the 80s vibe. There were references, especially music, but somehow I kept forgetting and thinking it was set now.
On the whole though I enjoyed this. I’m actually not a huge vampire fan these days, but this was a fun approach and take on the gothic romance genre.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kit Vincent for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this one.
October 23, 2024
Love Immortal by Kit Vincent is a love letter to gothic literature, reading and vampires. Jonathan Evergreen’s first true love ended tragically. He’s now in college and estranged from his parents. His favorite professor retired and for some reason the substitute teacher instantly dislikes him. He has to find a way to make it work because he needs a work recommendation from Dacian Bathory and the deadline is looming. Jonathan starts to feel an intense longing, lust and desire for Dacian that starts with strange dreams. Dacian helps him get his dream job at the college’s rare books library where Jonathan discovers a rare book was stolen. There’s mystery, a love story and supernatural rituals. Read this if you like gothic literature, queer love and vampires. The ending seems open for a sequel. Also the cover is beautiful. ARC was provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op via NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2024
ARC review of Love Immortal by Kit Vincent.🩸This book blends elements of murder mystery, paranormal romance and dark academia. It follows our protagonist Jonathan as he unravels the mysteries of his new literature professor, Dacian. The plot is not very complex but it is most definetely engaging. The whole time I was reading I felt the atmosphere of the university and the tension of the situation. I also felt very close to Jonathan and his desire to become a book conservator, aka my dream job.✨
If you like vampires, academic settings, the 80s, and slow burn romance, I absolutely recommend this book. 🦇
(It is also set in Vermont, which is a state I am absolutely in love with and think about at least once a day. Ugh, take me back to Montpelier and Stowe during fall please.)
This is my first book by this author and I can’t wait to pick up their other works! I am so in love with their writing style!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
If you like vampires, academic settings, the 80s, and slow burn romance, I absolutely recommend this book. 🦇
(It is also set in Vermont, which is a state I am absolutely in love with and think about at least once a day. Ugh, take me back to Montpelier and Stowe during fall please.)
This is my first book by this author and I can’t wait to pick up their other works! I am so in love with their writing style!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
November 3, 2024
I'm having a bit of a hard time rating this.
I enjoyed the story and it felt unique but some passages just felt too tedious. It was a s͟l͟o͟w͟ burn romance with not that much romance in the end I think personally.
I wish it had a HEA ending,
I enjoyed the story and it felt unique but some passages just felt too tedious. It was a s͟l͟o͟w͟ burn romance with not that much romance in the end I think personally.
I wish it had a HEA ending,
September 28, 2024
I’m a Kit Vincent Stan now. I will read everything they write. This was a super fun book and I enjoyed the characters. This is a perfect blend of grief and trauma with cute and fluffy moments.i said awww and laughed quite a few times. There were also plenty of moments where my heart ached. I was a little concerned in the beginning about it being professor/student but that was even discussed in the story. This being set in the 80s threw me a few times cause I wanted to be like “Google it” or “look it up” and it was hilarious when they were talking about one day being able to read books digitally and having to carry around a computer. I also will read anything with hope vampires. It’s my weakness. This comes out right in time for Halloween season as well
November 3, 2024
“Love Immortal” by Kit Vincent took me on a haunting, seductive journey that I won’t soon forget. From the first pages, I was captivated by the gothic allure and eerie atmosphere of an isolated Vermont college. Jonathan Evergreen, a bookish sophomore with dreams of preserving rare texts, becomes entangled with the mysterious Professor Dacian Bathory, and their magnetic connection was like a siren call. The story is a love letter to books and libraries, layering the warmth and nostalgia of these spaces with a creeping dread and dark romance that builds beautifully with each chapter. Every scene in the Rare Books library felt like a reverent homage to the power and mystery of ancient stories, a perfect backdrop for a gothic vampire romance that knows exactly how to tease out suspense.
What makes “Love Immortal” unforgettable is the angsty, beautifully tragic connection between Jonathan and Dacian. Both are outsiders scarred by a world that can’t accept them, and their relationship feels like two lost souls finally finding a home in each other. The contrast of Jonathan's youthful longing with Dacian’s ancient sorrow added a deep sense of yearning that made every stolen glance and quiet conversation electric. The suspenseful mystery surrounding the series of drained corpses on campus kept me completely engrossed, and with every twist, I found myself questioning Dacian's motives. Each revelation about Jonathan and Dacian’s pasts felt heartbreakingly real, making their bond that much more profound. The fact that this story unfolds in the 80s adds such a rich layer of atmosphere, making every dark hallway and shadowy corner come to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and chilling.
The writing style is stunning, mixing gothic horror with moments of aching romance, and a dash of steam that felt so well-placed and beautifully written. Vincent’s prose swept me away, especially during those intimate scenes that tread the line between longing and restraint. And the audiobook! The narrator’s voice was incredibly seductive, embodying Dacian’s allure with a tone that perfectly captured the story’s brooding essence. “Love Immortal” is a delicious, dark academia experience that fans of vampires, mystery, and romantic fantasy will fall head over heels for. Just a small warning: the book does deal with some heavy themes, including an off-page suicide, but the story’s depth and beauty make it well worth the emotional ride.
What makes “Love Immortal” unforgettable is the angsty, beautifully tragic connection between Jonathan and Dacian. Both are outsiders scarred by a world that can’t accept them, and their relationship feels like two lost souls finally finding a home in each other. The contrast of Jonathan's youthful longing with Dacian’s ancient sorrow added a deep sense of yearning that made every stolen glance and quiet conversation electric. The suspenseful mystery surrounding the series of drained corpses on campus kept me completely engrossed, and with every twist, I found myself questioning Dacian's motives. Each revelation about Jonathan and Dacian’s pasts felt heartbreakingly real, making their bond that much more profound. The fact that this story unfolds in the 80s adds such a rich layer of atmosphere, making every dark hallway and shadowy corner come to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and chilling.
The writing style is stunning, mixing gothic horror with moments of aching romance, and a dash of steam that felt so well-placed and beautifully written. Vincent’s prose swept me away, especially during those intimate scenes that tread the line between longing and restraint. And the audiobook! The narrator’s voice was incredibly seductive, embodying Dacian’s allure with a tone that perfectly captured the story’s brooding essence. “Love Immortal” is a delicious, dark academia experience that fans of vampires, mystery, and romantic fantasy will fall head over heels for. Just a small warning: the book does deal with some heavy themes, including an off-page suicide, but the story’s depth and beauty make it well worth the emotional ride.
October 21, 2024
At this point, anything Kit Vincent writes is an almost automatic five stars from me. Obsessed might be a good word for it.
The Good: I am such a fan of a slow burn, and this was a delicious one. I feel like we get ample time to get to know Johnathan and get invested in his story. His friendship with Fiona felt more than just surface level, and I liked that she was more than just a two-dimensional board for his story to bounce off of. Kit Vincent just has this way of making me care about these characters that I can't quite put my finger on. It happened with Us, Et Cetera as well - there's something so desperately human about Vincent's characterizations even when writing non-human characters. Even the "legacies" felt fleshed out and not just rote bad guys with no motives but to be bad guys.
The Not as Good: I do really wish that we got more of the relationship between Johnathan and Dacian. It felt like we danced around and slow burn-ed for so long (loved that), but then when they finally got together, we get to see so little of them together before the plot really ramps up and the climax to the legacies conflict hits. I would have loved to see a little more of Dacian and Johnathan having to sort out the mystery of who stole the diary together. I had some issues with the pacing at the end of Vincent's last book but in the opposite direction (the ending seemed too prolonged), so this seems like an over correction.
Overall: Like I said, Kit Vincent's books are always at the top of my favourites list and this one is no exception.
Big big thank you to Sky House, Kit Vincent, and NetGalley for the ARC
The Good: I am such a fan of a slow burn, and this was a delicious one. I feel like we get ample time to get to know Johnathan and get invested in his story. His friendship with Fiona felt more than just surface level, and I liked that she was more than just a two-dimensional board for his story to bounce off of. Kit Vincent just has this way of making me care about these characters that I can't quite put my finger on. It happened with Us, Et Cetera as well - there's something so desperately human about Vincent's characterizations even when writing non-human characters. Even the "legacies" felt fleshed out and not just rote bad guys with no motives but to be bad guys.
The Not as Good: I do really wish that we got more of the relationship between Johnathan and Dacian. It felt like we danced around and slow burn-ed for so long (loved that), but then when they finally got together, we get to see so little of them together before the plot really ramps up and the climax to the legacies conflict hits. I would have loved to see a little more of Dacian and Johnathan having to sort out the mystery of who stole the diary together. I had some issues with the pacing at the end of Vincent's last book but in the opposite direction (the ending seemed too prolonged), so this seems like an over correction.
Overall: Like I said, Kit Vincent's books are always at the top of my favourites list and this one is no exception.
Big big thank you to Sky House, Kit Vincent, and NetGalley for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2024
3 Stars ⭐️
I wish I could give this a higher rating. The core story concept is super intriguing, and it helps that I could really feel the author’s personal love of gothic literature come through at certain points. Placing it in the late 80’s was another nice touch, especially for queer dark academia.
But something about the overall prose just didn’t do it for me. The pining and intimacy between the leads was written very well, but that just made the other scenes feel even more under-seasoned by comparison. There was a lot of telling and little showing, and it created this feeling of inconsistency between the story beats and those specific well-written portions between the leads to the point of being distracting.
Dacian was an intriguing character, and it’s a shame that he was the only memorable one out of the entire cast. Everyone else, including the protagonist (Jonathan), was relatively stock. There just wasn’t that much going on with them that made them stick beyond their roles. In Jonathan’s case, it really didn’t help that he had a tendency to solve problems and put the pieces of a mystery together well after the reader would likely have been able to.
It was still a pretty good read overall, and I loved some of the twists near the end, but the weak points are a bit hard for me to look over.
Thanks so much to Netgalley for providing a copy!
I wish I could give this a higher rating. The core story concept is super intriguing, and it helps that I could really feel the author’s personal love of gothic literature come through at certain points. Placing it in the late 80’s was another nice touch, especially for queer dark academia.
But something about the overall prose just didn’t do it for me. The pining and intimacy between the leads was written very well, but that just made the other scenes feel even more under-seasoned by comparison. There was a lot of telling and little showing, and it created this feeling of inconsistency between the story beats and those specific well-written portions between the leads to the point of being distracting.
Dacian was an intriguing character, and it’s a shame that he was the only memorable one out of the entire cast. Everyone else, including the protagonist (Jonathan), was relatively stock. There just wasn’t that much going on with them that made them stick beyond their roles. In Jonathan’s case, it really didn’t help that he had a tendency to solve problems and put the pieces of a mystery together well after the reader would likely have been able to.
It was still a pretty good read overall, and I loved some of the twists near the end, but the weak points are a bit hard for me to look over.
Thanks so much to Netgalley for providing a copy!
November 2, 2024
4.5 stars
This gave similar vibes as The Lost Boys (1987), while serving a new and more queer take on the lore of Dracula. Needless to say, I loved it. Jonathan is an interesting and layered MC through which we experience the story, and Dacian is our dark and mysterious love interest. I love what was done here. The story is pretty mellow for a good chunk of it, but when the climax hits, there's so much action. The mystery was a tad predictable, but I still had a lot of fun reading this. My main critique is that I wish there were more interactions between our two MCs in the first half. I love the slow burn, but it would have been even better to have more to build onto. That said, this was great. And the ending was a little different, but I liked it. Things were wrapped up, but, I think, there is potential for a continuation. But I don't know if that is a plan for Kit Vincent or not. Either way, this is a wonderful story all on its own.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This gave similar vibes as The Lost Boys (1987), while serving a new and more queer take on the lore of Dracula. Needless to say, I loved it. Jonathan is an interesting and layered MC through which we experience the story, and Dacian is our dark and mysterious love interest. I love what was done here. The story is pretty mellow for a good chunk of it, but when the climax hits, there's so much action. The mystery was a tad predictable, but I still had a lot of fun reading this. My main critique is that I wish there were more interactions between our two MCs in the first half. I love the slow burn, but it would have been even better to have more to build onto. That said, this was great. And the ending was a little different, but I liked it. Things were wrapped up, but, I think, there is potential for a continuation. But I don't know if that is a plan for Kit Vincent or not. Either way, this is a wonderful story all on its own.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, I was looking for a paranormal autumn aesthetic read and that’s exactly what I got. I absolutely loved the writing style, which makes me so excited to pick up more things by this author. It read fast but at the same time the writing was delightfully atmospheric and descriptive.
I did have a couple of issues with the plot though. Mostly it was just some twists/ reveals that although made the story more interesting, I didn’t completely jive with. It was a little too far fetched for me. I’m not sure it was supposed to be funny but it kind of was, especially the action scenes; I felt like I was watching a cartoon in my head.
However that being said, I still had a really good time reading this. The atmosphere was great and I really felt for the main character. As a whole it was definitely worth the read and I think a lot of people are going to absolutely love this book. And other than a few storyline choices I didn’t feel were necessary, this was the perfect autumn read.
3.5⭐️
Thank you so much to the publisher/author and NetGalley for providing the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
I did have a couple of issues with the plot though. Mostly it was just some twists/ reveals that although made the story more interesting, I didn’t completely jive with. It was a little too far fetched for me. I’m not sure it was supposed to be funny but it kind of was, especially the action scenes; I felt like I was watching a cartoon in my head.
However that being said, I still had a really good time reading this. The atmosphere was great and I really felt for the main character. As a whole it was definitely worth the read and I think a lot of people are going to absolutely love this book. And other than a few storyline choices I didn’t feel were necessary, this was the perfect autumn read.
3.5⭐️
Thank you so much to the publisher/author and NetGalley for providing the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
3/5
This book is an ode to gothic litterature and the 80's. If I like the first one, the second is not my cup of tea, but it wasn't a problem to read the story. There is a lot of lore and gothic's code in this book, in how it is constructed and layed out. Our academic setting helps to give us that sense of a closed off place where the story can unfurl, forcing proximity and a great context for the intrigue and explore queerness.
I wasn't necessarily very invested in the characters or the plot, and yet, reading flowed easily, helped by the first person narrative (which isn't my favorite kind of narrative). The mystery was nice, the rhythm was a little slow at first and the instant connexion between the two love interest isn't something I can believe in easily, but it works for the setting and what the author intended to do, I think.
3/5
This book is an ode to gothic litterature and the 80's. If I like the first one, the second is not my cup of tea, but it wasn't a problem to read the story. There is a lot of lore and gothic's code in this book, in how it is constructed and layed out. Our academic setting helps to give us that sense of a closed off place where the story can unfurl, forcing proximity and a great context for the intrigue and explore queerness.
I wasn't necessarily very invested in the characters or the plot, and yet, reading flowed easily, helped by the first person narrative (which isn't my favorite kind of narrative). The mystery was nice, the rhythm was a little slow at first and the instant connexion between the two love interest isn't something I can believe in easily, but it works for the setting and what the author intended to do, I think.
October 5, 2024
A queer dark academia vampire romance between a professor and student? Sign me up!
I was really interested in this book from the premise. The setting was perfect for the fall vibes this time of year and there was a great air of mystery around the characters. However, I felt like there was something lacking throughout the book. I can’t quite out my finger on what it was…maybe it felt a little to disconnected and unbelievable. The characters weren’t over the top, but at times did feel a little caricature-ish. I felt let down by the ending as well. After all we want through that’s what we get?
This was not a bad book by any means, and parts of it were good, but overall it doesn’t stand out.
I received this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
I was really interested in this book from the premise. The setting was perfect for the fall vibes this time of year and there was a great air of mystery around the characters. However, I felt like there was something lacking throughout the book. I can’t quite out my finger on what it was…maybe it felt a little to disconnected and unbelievable. The characters weren’t over the top, but at times did feel a little caricature-ish. I felt let down by the ending as well. After all we want through that’s what we get?
This was not a bad book by any means, and parts of it were good, but overall it doesn’t stand out.
I received this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
October 10, 2024
I’m a sucker for anything vampire/academia/80s related
November 1, 2024
The correct way for a book with focus on romance to end
November 1, 2024
Ъммм…честно не знам какво се случи. Не очаквах това…мега добре написана. Много есенна книга бих казала, създава перфектната зловеща, но и романтична атмосфера. Autumn weather approved 👌
October 4, 2024
Advanced reader's copy review
This book is a love letter to Gothic literature and vampires in fiction, and for that reason alone I adored it. Of course, I also loved other parts of the book. I loved Jonathan as a main character. He is a character of my heart with his love of books and history. He is so determined and kind and smart. He also has such amazing development as he heals from some of his past trauma. And the first person point of view is perfect for some mild psychological horror that added great, creepy tension to the book. I liked the sense of mystery throughout the whole book, from the subtler hints to the strange murders. And the all the elements came together brilliantly at the end, connecting all the dots. As for the romance, that was the one area I wasn’t in love with. I loved Jonathan, and I enjoyed Dacian, with his encyclopedic knowledge of literature and protective nature. But I just can’t be fully comfortable with the age gap, even with how explicit the consent was. But overall this book met all my expectations and I recommend it.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Kit Vincent, and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is a love letter to Gothic literature and vampires in fiction, and for that reason alone I adored it. Of course, I also loved other parts of the book. I loved Jonathan as a main character. He is a character of my heart with his love of books and history. He is so determined and kind and smart. He also has such amazing development as he heals from some of his past trauma. And the first person point of view is perfect for some mild psychological horror that added great, creepy tension to the book. I liked the sense of mystery throughout the whole book, from the subtler hints to the strange murders. And the all the elements came together brilliantly at the end, connecting all the dots. As for the romance, that was the one area I wasn’t in love with. I loved Jonathan, and I enjoyed Dacian, with his encyclopedic knowledge of literature and protective nature. But I just can’t be fully comfortable with the age gap, even with how explicit the consent was. But overall this book met all my expectations and I recommend it.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Kit Vincent, and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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