I really wanted this book to work for me but it just didn’t really hit the spot. I think the way that this book has been packaged makes it seem as though it will be adult or NA however the story seems to be decidedly in YA territory with the characters both being on the young side but also acting like that. I still read a fair chunk of YA stories so that alone would not have been something that didn’t work for me however I found the pacing to be a little bit too on the slow side and I didn’t feel as though the character work was all that strong and the characters felt a little two-dimensional.

I did like that Montoya brought in some different vampire mythos so the vampires don’t just drink blood but also take life and, with that life, memories. I enjoyed this unique spin on vampirism although it did feel a little bit underutilised.

I think going into this book knowing that it is both a YA story and quite slow-paced would change the reading experience and make it more enjoyable but for me it just didn’t work and that is a shame.

I absolutely love vampire x vampire hunter romance and this was such a good read.
I loved the banter between characters and the imagery was so easy to picture, from settings to detailed fight scenes.
The dynamic was very different to a typical vampire relationship and I think this would appeal to fans of The Mortal Instruments.

This book sunk its fangs into me and didn't let go!

A newly turned yet hopeless vampire who hates the taste of blood and wants nothing more than to rid the world of his own kind and a vampire hunter who's vowed to destroy all vampires after her grandfather is taken from her. YES PLEASE!

I adored the originality of Montoya's take on a freshly turned vampire in "A Cruel Thirst". Our newly turned vampire wants nothing more than to be rid of his curse and to protect his sister, he's hopeless at being a vampire being a rather bookish and timid character. But his desire to protect those he cares about showcases how strength can be found in the love we have for each other. His willingness to do anything for his family and to keep his morality, regardless of the fact it might mean his end and how he goes about his quest fits what we know of his "human" character so well.

And our vampire hunter, well she's determined to prove that just because she's a woman doesn't mean she wants to be married off and sent to safety, she wants to fight against the vampires with the rest of her family, but when her grandfather the only one who truly believed in her dies in her arms after a vampire attack she vows to kill every last vampire she meets. Until she meets Lalo, a vampire unlike any she's ever met before who's as determined as her to end the vampiric curse. Carolina, is fierce and headstrong and the character arc she goes on throughout the tale is wonderful.

The romance is sweet and a perfect showcase of enemies to lovers and the family focus at the heart of this book will fill your heart with warmth. Packed with banter, romance and adventure, "A Cruel Thirst" is a fast paced tale sure to grab your attention.

A fledgling vampire and a headstrong vampire huntress must work together--against their better judgment-to rid the world of monsters in this irresistible romantic fantasy.

Wow, this book was absolutely brilliant. It was so refreshing to read compared to the usual vampire romances out there. Carolina and Lalo had such great chemistry, their banter actually had me giggling throughout the entire thing. Not only was the romance super sweet but the storyline was great too - a vampire trying to get answers for his curse runs into a vampire huntress who ends up falling for his shy charming ways - COME ON 🥲

Overall this book was brilliant and i had the best time reading it, thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.