Thanks to the author for the gifted digital ARC of this novella.
D.N. Bryn delivers once more with their new installment in the 'Guide for Dating Vampires' series, 'The Stars and the Stage'. This prequel novella is as heartfelt and enjoyable as the first two books of the series and I loved every second of it!
At this point, I am not surprised by D.N. Bryn's ability to write amazing main characters that I'll love. Like all their previous protagonists, Diego & Maddox are the best part of the story. They were both very different from the other MCs the author has gifted us with so far, but I still loved them dearly. Bryn always manages to make every one of their characters unique but, easy to love and relate to. Besides Diego & Maddox, I also fell in love with the side characters, especially Valentine. I ADORED HIM! If I don't get more of him and his relationship with Diego & Maddie in next installments, I might have to riot. Like Vincent, he is a sweet cinnamon roll that must be protected at all cost!
I also loved that besides in terms of different personalities, the author continues to create unique main characters that represent those often excluded in our society. In their previous books, the author main characters have represented the gay, bisexual, demisexual, latino, asian, homeless, disabled, and neurodivergent communities. And, in this novella, the author does it again by creating the first trans, nonbinary and aroace characters in their universe. I thought it was done very well, like always, but members of these communities would be, of course, better judges.
My only complaint about this book is that I believe it needed to be longer since I felt the pacing suffered due to its shorter length. The romance was excellent, and I enjoyed every second of it. But, it did feel I little bit rushed. I would have loved to see more interactions between both of the MCs before they resumed their relationship that weren't part of the "play". I also wanted to see more interactions between the main couple, especially Maddy, and Valentine. They were all just so amazing and I needed more! Likewise, the main non-romantic plot of this book was also extremely interesting. I would even say that I was more interested in it than the ones in the other books (which I also loved). Therefore, I really wished that instead of a novella, this had been a new book in which the plot could have been fleshed out more.
However, besides wanting more, I have no other complaints with this novella. I loved every second of it. The new characters, plot, and settings were all amazing and I can only hope that I see more of them in future books/novellas.
If you're looking for a cute and fast paced romance that also has spice, fantasy and exploration of relevant social issues then I definitively recommend you read this novella. If you loved the first two books in the 'Guide for Dating Vampires' series, then you'll definitively love 'The Stars and the Stage'. Moreover, if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, you'll still be able to understand and love this one.
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