My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Cassie is an artist who is being evicted and working multiple part time jobs just to scrape by, when a dream apartment becomes available at a rent that is too good to be true, so there must be a catch. Cassie meets her roommate, Frederick, and realizes he is a bit odd and seems out of place but is nice enough and the apartment has great natural light for her art. As Cassie spends more time with Frederick she realizes he is very old fashion and his friend Reginald seems to be helping him with things like shopping and finding a roommate (her). Cassie learns that Frederick and Reginald are vampires by mistake, freaks out and stays at her best friends place for a few nights until Frederick explains he likes having Cassie around and he hoped having a roommate would help him understand that current world, because he just woke up after sleeping for 100 years after Reginald’s trick backfired. Cassie places some rules about where blood can be stored and agrees to go back and help Frederick. Of course a romance between these two develops, and Cassie rescues Frederick after his mother kidnaps him for refusing to a marriage that was arranged before he fell asleep 100 years ago. While this is happening Cassie enters an art contest and applies for a position to teach at a private school. Her heart is broken when she finds out she did not win the contest, but is thrilled with the job offer from the school. While the title seems silly, it is a very fun read, and can be finished within 24 hours if you are looking for a great escape from reality.

Anyone who enjoys rom-coms or fun vampire tales will enjoy this book. While not a social commentary book it was fun of Cassie trying to explain the internet to Frederick and explaining why people post so much nonsense on social media. Frederick’s confusion about why other people would care about what someone had for a meal or why someone would care what a stranger thinks they should wear on a date is something most people that have a healthy relationship with social media would probably have reacted the same way Cassie did.

Character List/Book Summary:

Cassie Greenberg – being evicted for being behind on rent. Part-time children’s librarian and part-time barista. Leaves Frederick’s apartment when she learns he is a vampire but does not tell anyone his secret. Decides to enter the art contest and apply for a job at a private school with encouragement from Frederick. Saves Frederick after he has been kidnapped by his mother for refusing to marry someone he does not love.

Frederick J. Fitzwilliam – rents Cassie a room, not that he needs the money but because he needs to learn about the modern world. Has not fed off of humans for over 200 years. Is sad that Cassie left and asks for a chance to explain but understands if she is too frightened. Realizes he loves Cassie and explains that to his mother and the woman he is arranged to be married to.

Sam Collins – a lawyer and Cassie’s best friend. Married Scott 2 months ago. Working insane hours, hosts a party where Cassie learns that she did not win the art contest and Frederick saves her from crying in the bathroom.

Reginald R. Cleaves – Frederick’s friend and helps him adjust to the modern world and kept him safe for the 100 years while he slept. Forces Frederick to tell Cassie he is a vampire. Comes to Cassie when Frederick is missing and the two of them plot a way to save Frederick.

Edwina Fitzwilliam – is Frederick’s mother and the one who turned him into a vampire

Esmeralda Jameson – Frederick’s family has arranged with her family for the two to be married to form a vampire alliance.