Wow, this one was so good. I'm such a sucker for vampires, and this one sank its teeth in deep. Gothic romance meets urban fantasy with a slow burn that made my Buffy-loving heart extra happy. The chemistry between the characters was amazing. The world building was great. Definitely recommend.

Another story that was eerie but should have been released in those months. I loved the writing but it felt flat towards the end.

The Gloaming is a strong paranormal debut that mixes mystery, danger, and the supernatural. It follows Erin, a vampire hunter, as she investigates the murders of people close to her. The story is tense and full of twists, with solid world-building and a dark, moody vibe. Some parts slow down with repetitive scenes, and the romance feels a bit rushed, but overall, it’s an addictive and atmospheric read—perfect for fans of dark fantasy and supernatural thrillers.

If I'm honest this book wasn't for me. When I think back over the characters, a vampire hunter that heals at an unhuman rate, vampires, an old guy that's younger but not a vampire, coffee, this should have had me on the edge of my seat more. Something didn't quote hit right. I could have been main character who gets no sleep but still functions, straight away this had me skeptical, yes it's a story and is clearly not true as it has vampires but that prevented me from connecting with the character the same. It also did feel quite slow, every step was explained instead of skipping over the more mundane things. This was a pleasant book to read, and a great story it just takes a while longer.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for giving me an eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! It was such an interesting and new take on vampires for me. Very refreshing. The writing is great, the storyline is very intriguing, and the characters have so much depth!

Some plot points and twists in the story were a little obvious, but even so, I loved it!

I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out!!

Actual Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This book was such a fun read. From the very beginning, the vibes were giving me Buffy, and I really enjoyed that. Just a (mostly) regular lady hunting vampires. And of course there is a hot mysterious vampire dude because what is a vampire hunter story without one. Regardless of the similarities, I did not feel like it borrows too much, it felt unique and fun and stands well on its own merits.

This book is also very well written. The dialogue flows naturally, the scenes move from one to the next without feeling abrupt or disjointed, and no one is making dumb decisions for the sake of plot. It’s refreshing to read a main character who actually self-reflects and thinks things through instead of immediately abandoning her beliefs because some cutie comes along. I will say the romance was a little rushed, but it still flowed naturally enough given the length of the book.

I flew through this book. The pacing is great, the banter is great, and the whole story felt exciting. I would also like to say there is a chance this book is just an ad for Doc Martens and if it is, I’m not even mad.

Even though I hate when books end on a cliffhanger, I had such a good time with this book and I am absolutely looking forward to the sequel. I would definitely purchase a finished copy and keep reading this series. If you’re feeling nostalgic for Buffy and want a book you can’t put down, this is the one for you.

I am deeply grateful to NetGalley and Jamie Dalton for this opportunity to read a digital ARC and provide my honest review.

as someone who’s entirely too vampirepilled, i really enjoyed this. a vampire murder mystery isn’t something i’ve read a lot or ever before and it was such a unique plot. it’s well thought out, nicely paced, and kept me hooked the whole time even though it’s a little long.

the world building is so rich and detailed, so so immersive. you can tell the author really put a lot of love into crafting this universe. the characters overall felt a bit bland, but erin carried this as the FMC. she’s strong, loyal, and focused on doing what needs to be done, but still shows these really vulnerable moments that made me root for her.

the romance was not really my favorite part, i’m not the biggest fan of instant love, and this one developed so quickly that it didn’t feel as organic, it lost me a bit there. but the smut? 9/10.

and that ending… yeah, i need more, as soon as possible. definitely continuing this series and super excited to see where it goes next.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC — opinions expressed in this review are my own

Come for the vampire-hunting barista, stay for the slow-burn secrets, simmering chemistry, and shadowy lore.

The Gloaming is a dark, addictive urban fantasy with sharp edges and a slow, smouldering heat. Erin Conrad is a vânător—part hunter, part torchbearer—burning with a power that keeps her city’s vampire menace at bay. But when her best friend turns up dead in a suspicious copycat killing, Erin’s already fractured world begins to splinter.

What follows is a richly layered blend of supernatural mystery, emotional reckoning, and slow-burn romance. Dalton has a gift for atmospheric storytelling, weaving together blood-soaked history, visceral action, and intimate character beats with a voice that’s fresh, fierce, and just a little bit haunted. The dialogue is sharp and modern, the pacing tight, and the emotional undercurrent—especially Erin’s internal war between vengeance and vulnerability—hits the mark.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A fierce debut that balances myth, mystery, and emotion with style. Fans of A Discovery of Witches and Leigh Bardugo will find much to love in the dark corners of The Gloaming. Book two can’t come soon enough.

I was able to get this ARC through NetGalley.


Erin spends her days as a barista in Jolt the coffee shop she owns with her two best friends Jon and Tom. But she also is a vânător, a vampire hunter. After one of her friends ends up dead she knows there is more to the story than just a suicide.

As more people in Erin’s life end up dying, the trail leads her to two ancient vampires. Leaving nothing but death and destruction in their wake. During her search for answers Erin meets Isabel and Nicolas both old vampires. Could these be the vampires causing all the deaths? Can she trust them and also their friend Adam?

With the reluctant help from Tom(he doesn’t trust the 3 newcomers). Erin dives deeper into the world of ancient vampires and immortal beings. Who can she trust? How many other deaths will happen before Erin can get to the bottom?

This book reels you in with all the drama, suspense and action. Throw in a love story and you won’t be able to put this down. The ending leaves me hungry for more. I cannot wait to see what else unfolds in the next installment!

3.5⭐️ There were many elements to this book that I really enjoyed but it just felt lacking in places. However, it was an enjoyable read.

Firstly the story is really good. I enjoyed the plot, and nothing pleases me more than a vampire murder mystery. The use of the vampires ages and how the mystery allows us to explore their pasts that spans centuries is really well woven in. I liked all the twists and turns and how everyone isn't quite what they seem.

I LOVED that this is set in Sheffield and that they visit Whitby for a day trip. Call me biased but I love a fantasy / romantasy set in England.

I liked the characters and really liked the dynamic between them all and how they found an unlikely friendship amongst one another. The FMC Erin is great and I am really interested to see if we find out more about her abilities and where they come from.

I enjoyed the banter. Adam really brings the laughs in this book.

The pacing was ok, but I did find my interest waning at points.

Now what I found lacking was any connection to the MMC - Nicholas. I don't know what it was but I felt no chemistry between him and Erin. Tension was definitely lacking and whilst insta-love isn't usually an issue for me, it definitely impacted how I felt about these two. I just wasn't buying it. I was secretly hoping she'd have a change of heart and end up with Adam. I can't put my finger on it but I just could not connect with Nicholas at all. He gave me the ick a bit if I'm honest!

I am interested to see where this series goes, for sure, the ending leaves things open to so many possibilities!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc. Thai is my honest review of the book!

The perfect vibes of vampires of 00s. That's the first thought that comes to mind. This book reminded me so much of the things I read as teen and it was a wonderful through back to that feeling. I *thoroughly* enjoyed this book.

The story was intriguing enough to make me finish it in a couple of days, and although some of the twists were expected, I still found myself on the edge of my seat and wanting to learn what'll happen next. I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series, and will be watching its progress closely.

Big thank you to netgalley and Jamie for allowing me to read this arc!

🧛‍♂️💜The Gloaming💜🧛‍♂️
3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

Hunter, Vampire, and a Whole Lot of Heat!

Vampires, immortals, and a hunter who looks for a fight—this book has it all! While the initial character intros felt like a whirlwind (blame the cold meds, maybe? 😉), I quickly got hooked on Erin, our formidable vampire slayer. She's grappling with grief and a major shift in her worldview, bringing back all my teen vampire obsession vibes!

Then there's Nicholas: hot, Scottish, morally gray, and with a body count that makes Erin's look modest. Their instant, inexplicable chemistry? I didn't care why; I was all in. The author clearly hints at big reveals for book two, especially around a mysterious immortal who's neither human nor vampire. What is he?!

If you loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer and crave those classic vampire stories with a spicy twist, sink your teeth into this!

Thank you, Jamie and NetGalley for the ebook ARC! The book releases on June 3rd!

Also, the author is from the UK, so the story is written in British English, don't want any of my fellow Americans getting confused! 😉

Erin's life used to be simple “spot vampire, kill vampire, go home” but that was before she was targeted by a serial killer which begins a ripple effect on her life. It's now a race against time to find out who and why before it's all too late.

So begins her journey to find the killer, an ancient vampire that has left a trail of bodies throughout the last few centuries. With the help of those around her she brings questioning her long held beliefs, finding uncomfortable parallels between herself as a hunter and the vampires she hunts. Is everything she's ever believed about vampires actually true? Are all monsters worthy of death, can they feel remorse? Does it even matter?

Mix in a heady dash of gorgeousness, sexy as hell accent to complicate her world even further and everything she knows comes crashing down.

The city comes alive under the author's descriptive narrative. The characters are an eclectic and wonderful mix with their stories being brought to life as the story unfolds. And the twists and turns keep you thumbing through the pages as the plot thickens. You race to the end with your heart in your mouth…

Jamie Dalton’s The Gloaming is a slick mash‑up of vampire romantasy and whodunnit.

At the heart of the tale is Erin, a gifted vampire‑hunter still raw from the suspicious death of her best friend. Her quest for the truth draws her into the orbits of three ancient immortals: the silver‑tongued Nicholas, his razor‑witted friend Izzie, and the brooding outsider Adam. What begins as a routine hunt flares into a murder investigation knotted with forbidden attraction, centuries‑old secrets, and delicious tension - especially between Erin and Nicholas, whose connection sparks the instant their eyes meet and only grows more intricate as loyalties clash.

Erin shines as a lead: fierce with a sword yet open‑hearted enough to mourn, doubt, and hope. Watching her juggle grief, duty, and a dawning desire is the novel’s emotional engine. Nicholas counters her fire with quiet protectiveness and murky allegiances, giving their developing bond a push‑and‑pull that never feels contrived.

The finale delivers satisfying answers while dangling threads ripe for the next book, leaving readers eager to step once more into Dalton’s twilight world. The Gloaming may blend familiar ingredients - hunter, vampire, murder mystery, but it mixes them with style, heart, and just the right amount of bite. Come for the vampire lore; stay for a mystery that sinks its teeth in and refuses to let go.

If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer then you would enjoy this but more modern day. I really liked this book!
Erin, the FMC, is an independent, strong and badass queen who takes no shit from anyone. Her story does develop really well but I wish there was more of a background story of how she started as a vampire slayer 🧛🏻‍♀️
Nicholas, the MMC, is a Scottish vampire who clearly has undeniable bond with Erin. His overprotectiveness does bring the soft part of Erin 🥹

I do wish that the villain part of the story was brought in a little bit earlier, as it felt abit rushed towards the end with little context!
I also wish that the other character had development with their backstory😩 I just felt like they were just there.

Overall the story was great! The ending really got me 🙃 and the cliffhanger too! I really want to know what happens next! I can’t wait for the squeal next year 🥰📖

3 stars out of 5

Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought it would! I did find myself skimming over chapters and feel like there wasn’t much depth to some of the chapters! All most like some bits were dragged on too much!

I did think the writing was good however some chapters felt a little dragged out! I did read the book however felt like i wasn’t really invested in it which is a shame! It might just be a me thing and this may just not be my cup of tea!

Thank you to NetGallley and the author for the early arc of this book!

Have you ever imagined what Buffy the Vampire slayer would be like if it was set in Sheffield? Me neither, but Jamie Dalton clearly has.

The Gloaming has massive Buffy vibes, from Erin's job as a vampire slayer to her budding romance with former bad vampire, turned good guy Cole.

There was a lot to like in this book, though it was slightly derivative of BtVS. But, if you're a fan of the show, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

My major gripe with this book was how quickly the romance with Erin and Cole moved. It felt very much like a case of instalove, with a dash of thr fated mates trope.

However, I did enjoy the story and particularly the friendships formed, it had strong found family vibes and I'd be interested to see how that develops.

Jamie Dalton is a great writer, and the tension and pacing were really good overall so I can't wait to read the next book and see how the story develops.

"The Gloaming" presents an atmospheric world where Erin Conrad lives a double life as a barista by day and vampire hunter (vânător) by night. When her best friend dies under suspicious circumstances, Erin is drawn into a complex web of ancient vampire rivalries and unexpected attractions.

While the premise held promise, the execution left me with mixed feelings. The pacing was problematic, with a particularly slow stretch between the 30-85% mark that made it difficult to maintain engagement. The novel was marketed as Sci-Fi/Fantasy, but the vampire elements felt almost incidental to the plot rather than integral to the worldbuilding. I found myself wanting more substantial fantasy elements throughout.

The romance between Erin and Nicholas suffered from an underdeveloped foundation. Their instant attraction lacked sufficient explanation, though the spicy scenes were adequately written. I'm hoping the sequel will address the origins of their connection more thoroughly.

The villain could have benefited from more development, and supporting characters like Jon and Tom deserved deeper backstories. These underdeveloped elements, combined with the pacing issues, prevented this from being a standout read for me.

A note for sensitive readers: the book contains torture scenes that weren't mentioned in the trigger warnings for the ARC.

Despite these criticisms, there's enough intrigue in the world Dalton has created that I'll likely pick up the sequel to see how the story continues.

Thank you to Jaime Dalton and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 ⭐️ Not a bad read, but didn’t pull me in as much as I was hoping it would.

The concept was interesting, basically murder mystery meets vampire romance. It was definitely reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Overall it intrigued me to a point, but I can’t say I felt a real urgency to find out where the plot was going most of the time.

I want to stress the I didn’t find the story bad or poorly written, it just didn’t necessarily capture my attention throughout as much as I would have liked, which also boils down a bit to personal preference. However, I will probably still read the second one when it comes out because that ending did get me.

While not perfect, this book was fun and super duper entertaining! I had a little trouble getting into it but I am really not sure if that was the book or a me thing.

I’m already looking forward to the sequel and I hope(and think we will) we get to know more about the immortals!