An eccentric vampire (Frederick J. Fitzwilliam) and a struggling artist (Cassie Greenberg) cast their spell on you from their first encounter to their last-page kiss in Jenna Levine’s unputdownable book, My Roommate is a Vampire. Cassie, a talented artist, aims to make it big in Chicago’s art galleries with her trash to treasure recycled art. The only hitch is that there are very few patrons who are willing to buy her avant-garde art. She is struggling to make ends meet with her part-time jobs. To make matters worse, her landlord has served her an eviction notice from her Chicago apartment.
Cassie comes across an ad on Craiglist for a room on rent for $200 in the salubrious leafy neighbourhood of Lincoln Park. She moves into her new apartment. Her landlord is an achingly handsome Frederick, who is always in a deep slumber during the day, but up and about at night. His best pal Reggie (aka Reginald) is also an ancient vampire. They are always pulling each other’s legs and writing funny notes. “I also need to borrow your little plastic money card thing one last time,” reads a note between Reggie and Frederick.
Each time, Cassie and Frederick cross paths in the kitchen, hallway, and common passage, Cassie’s heart melts. She is smitten by Frederick’s good looks, his style and mannerisms. He always greets her and asks about her day. He leaves witty handwritten notes for her in the house. Cassie often wonders what he does for a living and where he goes out in the middle of the night for his long walks. There are times, when both are alone at home in the night, awake in their respective rooms, fantasizing about each other.
The author’s writing is sharp and witty. She waves in a steamy story of young romance and quirky urban fantasy. The plot is simple and sweet. There is no doubt that Fredrick and Cassie are attracted to each other. She returns home early from work one day and notices that the refrigerator is stocked with blood. That is when the penny drops and she realises that Frederick is a vampire.
They strike a unique unbreakable bond. She teaches him about the worldly stuff – public transport, credit card payments, smartphones et al. The two enter a comfort zone and become close. The author has a knack for building up a sexy, suspense-driven vampire rom-com. Till the end, you keep wondering whether it will be love at first sight or bite. An incredible book to sink your teeth into without spilling any blood.
