Don't Feed the Vampire (Coastal Creatures Book 1) by Grae Bryan

A new supernatural series with an array of creatures on the horizon, but starting with a young vampire finding his special mate. Tackling the new baker in town is not a great introduction, but instead of running screaming Seth invites Riley in for tea and baked goods. There's no doubt that these two were meant to be.


From the blurb:

Riley has been alone in the woods for a long time. Turned as a child, he’s hungrier and more fractured than the average vampire, and staying clear of humans is his safest bet. His moms think a mate could help him stabilize, but it’s unclear whether Riley has one, anomaly that he is. Until a new baker arrives in town, smelling so sweet and so perfect that Riley can barely stop himself from eating him up on the spot. Now it’s no longer a question of whether Riley has a mate, but whether Riley can pretend to be less of a monster long enough to woo him.

Romance has never been Seth’s priority. He’s always been more focused on family and friendships and his passion for feeding delicious baked goods to whoever will take them. So it’s odd that this too young, too quiet, too beautiful man keeps showing up at Seth’s door, looking at Seth like he’s something special instead of painfully ordinary. And it’s even more odd that Seth can’t keep his own boundaries straight or his hands to himself. And it’s maybe oddest of all that Seth is coming to feel like Riley’s unnerving, unwavering attention is something he might not be able to live without.

Don’t Feed the Vampire is a heated MM paranormal romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains a broken, sweetheart vampire with zero social skills; a ray of sunshine human baker; fated mates and the vampire mothers determined to protect them; and a mysterious research institute raising everyone’s suspicions. Each book in this series will focus on a different couple.


SNik's review:

First in series (Coastal Creatures). Paranormal. Small town. Fated mates. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. 

Seth’s not really sure what motivated him to move across the country and open up his own bakery, but the intense attention of Riley is definitely an unusual start of his first friendship in town. Not many vampires turned when they are young survive, but Riley is an exception, and now he has been lucky enough to find his mate in Seth. 

What a fantastic start for a new supernatural series, starting with a young, loner vampire that soaks up all the goodness and sunshine showered on him by an unsuspecting human. Both these characters were so likable, Seth’s irrepressible kindness and acceptance, and Riley’s immediate possessiveness but attempt at patience for Seth’s benefit was so sweet. I really enjoyed every interaction between Riley and Seth, the fact that the supernatural didn’t throw Seth for a loop, that Riley’s mothers were immediately supportive and protective, and that both Riley and Seth stepped up for each other in a bunch of little and big ways. Very much looking forward to more in this series.

Angel's review:

I was so excited when I saw this book announced, I really enjoyed Grae's previous vampire series, so I was excited to be diving back into that paranormal world.

Riley and Seth are both sweethearts in their own right. Seth moved to the quaint and charming coastal town because something was missing from his life back home. After moving to the town and setting up his own bakery, he realizes it wasn't a 'what' that was missing, it was a 'who'.

Riley is just as sweet and precious as Seth, he's so adorable and I love how obsessive and feral he is. You can tell how much he adores Seth by the little things he does to show he cares. Even when he was scared of losing control, he always tried to make sure Seth was safe and happy.

I enjoyed everything about this, the pacing was great, the characters were fantastic, and I loved, loved, loved, the banter these two sweethearts have with each other. Even when Seth was freaking out and they were bickering you could still tell how much they truly cared for one another. Now there wasn't much world building in this first book, I would say it's pretty light world building so far. Most of the story either happens in the forest, Riley's house, Seth's house, or Seth's bakery. However! There was some hints at future locations, so I'm really excited to see where this world and series goes.

I also have to say Violet is such an absolute baddie, nothing scares that women and I love that for her! Plus, I'm really excited about the other members of their book club, I feel as though their stories are going to be very unique, and I'm here for it!

Don't Feed the Vampire is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription