Vampires Are Back: Dark, Funny & YA Recs
Description
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Bloodsuckers are back, baby. In this episode, Francesca joins Laura to dish on dark, gothic, funny, and YA vampire reads—with a special shout to Kindle Unlimited for budget-friendly bingeing.
You’ll hear why vampires are resurging (thanks, romantasy!), what’s new beyond the Black Dagger era, and exactly where to start if you want broody politics, murder-mystery shenanigans, or campus drama. Plus a quick nonfiction detour for Vampire Diaries superfans.
📚 Books Mentioned
A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilka Drake — Buy on Amazon | Paranormal Romance, Enemies-to-Allies | KU ✅
Loving a Vampire’s Total Chaos by Aura Hayes — Buy on Amazon | Paranormal Romcom, Murder Mystery | KU ✅
The Serpent’s Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley — Buy on Amazon | Gothic PNR, Mafia Politics, Dark Romance | KU ✅
Nocture by Karina Halle — Buy on Amazon | Noir PNR, Historical (1947 LA)
Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis — Buy on Amazon | YA Paranormal, Vamps & Wolves, Campus Mystery
A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya — Buy on Amazon | YA Paranormal, Forbidden Allies
The Last Vampire by Romina Garber — Buy on Amazon | YA Paranormal, Boarding School, Pride&Prejudice-ish |
I Accidentally Hooked Up with a Vampire by Jessica Cage — Buy on Amazon | PNR Romcom, Found Family | KU ✅
Road Trip with a Vampire by Jenna Levine — Buy on Amazon | Light PNR, Amnesia, Road Trip
Space Vampire by Ruby Dixon — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi PNR Novella, Forced Proximity | KU ✅
I Was Feeling Epic (Oral History of The Vampire Diaries) — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction/Audiobook | Audio ✅
Paperback Crush by Gabrielle Moss — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction, ‘80s/’90s Teen Lit |
Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction/Audiobook, Scream Franchise | Audio ✅
Welcome to the O.C. by Josh Schwatz, Stephanie Savage and Alan Sepinwall— Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction/Audiobook, TV Oral History | Audio ✅
⏱️ Time Stamps (topics)
[00:00 ] Intro & why Laura is a vampire-over-werewolf girly
[02:00 ] Life updates + Francesca’s 2026 Romanceopoly plans
[05:00 ] Why vampires are resurging (romantasy → PNR pipeline)
[06:30 ] Rec #1: A Bargain So Bloody (witch x vampire, enemies-to-allies)
[08:30 ] Rec #2: Loving a Vampire’s Total Chaos (romcom + murder case)
[10:00 ] Rec #3: The Serpent’s Bride (gothic mafia, morally gray MMC)
[13:00 ] Kindle Unlimited talk: borrowing limits & trad-to-KU notes
[14:00 ] Rec #4: Torn (LA noir, Black Dahlia atmosphere)
[16:00 ] YA lane & who actually reads it
[18:00 ] Rec #5: Blood Moon (vamps/wolves, campus mystery)
[20:00 ] Rec #6: Thirst (slayer + newly turned vamp)
[21:00 ] Rec #7: The Last Vampire (P&P energy, boarding school)
[21:30 ] Rec #8: I Accidentally Hooked Up with a Vampire (chaotic fun)
[22:30 ] Rec #9: Road Trip with a Vampire (amnesia + travel)
[23:30 ] Rec #10: Space Vampire (scared-sexy novella set)
[24:30 ] Nonfiction: I Was Feeling Epic (TVD oral history)
[26:00 ] More oral histories: Paperback Crush, Your Favorite Scary Movie, Welcome to the O.C.
[27:30 ] Where to find Francesca (Under the Covers Book Blog)
[27:50 ] Outro + blog CTA
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