Book review: A Longtime Dead by Samara Breger
Published on 24 December 2025
Genre: Romance
Reviewer: Sarah
Why I chose this book:
I love anything vampire related and this cosy take on the genre intrigued me as did the cover.
Quick Summary:
Set in Victorian England, warm, witty and vivacious Poppy is a 'lady of the night' who loves her job, her friends and partying the night away.
Mysterious Roisin is a loner on the fringes of society until one night she discovers Poppy very much in need of her help. As Roisin teaches Poppy how navigate her new undead existence, Poppy becomes more attached to her despite spending more time apart than together.
Over the years, she encounters pirates, opera singers and nobility and a found family she never thought possible. However, Roisin's secrets, the reason she never stays in one place too long, could be the undoing of all the couple holds dear.
What I thought:
Whilst I enjoyed this book, overall, as a plot-driven reader, I do feel the story could have benefitted from a more show don't tell approach. However, Roisin and Poppy and various side characters were well-rounded and the ending was satisfactory. If you're a romance reader who is interested in trying horror and not a fan of anything too gory, pick this book up.
Who should read this?
This book is for lovers of gothic tortured romance, vampire stories on the cosier side, and character-driven tales.
Final thoughts
For a sumptuous and dramatic read, pick up this dark romance with bite.
Read-Alikes:
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- Carmilla by J Sheridan Le Fanu
- Interview with a vampire by Ann Rice
- Empire of the vampire by Jay Kristoff