I love Johann. He is so adorable and his mate Alexei is sweet too. These two are so cute! ❤️

3.5 stars. Johann is the fourth in a series about vampires finding their mates. I enjoyed it overall, but I felt it to be the weakest in the series so far. I really, really loved Lucien.

What I Loved:
Jay is the sweetest, most considerate vampire. He’s very precious, maybe too precious, but I found I didn’t mind because our continued understanding of his past led me to feel like his personality and reactions were appropriate. Alexei isn’t particularly nice, but he isn’t as bad as he thinks he is, either. He loves Jay and makes sure to give Jay everything he needs to thrive. Thank goodness, because Jay deserves it.

Jay and Alexei’s relationship is very sweet and kind of spicy. Their mutual protectiveness, understanding of each other’s wants and needs, and work toward breaking through each other’s barriers was lovely.

But both Jay and Alexei have trauma in their pasts that color the way they interact with the world around them, including each other. Jay’s growth arc was pretty well done. I enjoyed seeing him grow into a more confident person, now more able to have messy spaces, speak up for himself and his friends, and make demands of Alexei (in all five love languages).

The bonus epilogue. If you haven’t read it, you need to. It’s wonderful!

What I Didn’t:
Alexei’s character wasn’t developed enough for me. He didn’t have much natural growth and his arc was the weakest of any in the series so far. I agree with him;

Spoiler

he exists to be Jay’s mate

.

In one of the previous books, someone said something (it might have been Jaime in Lucien) about how

Spoiler

each vampire’s mate was turned in a brutal or violent way and that there must be a reason for it

. I would have liked to see this explored.

I’m concerned about the language and misbeliefs surrounding Wolfe being a “psychopath” and his supposed inability to love. It’s problematic at best. I’m hopeful that the next book will actually fix this common misconception, but I’m worried that it will just perpetuate stereotypes and falsities. The problematic language began in Johann, but I’m worried about it being way worse in the next book (probably named Wolfgang).

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***

Johann aka our sweet, precious Jay's story is finally here. He is the sweetest, most loving, touch-deprived vampire to ever exist. I loved getting to see inside his head, he has such optimism and hope regardless of his challenging past. I loved getting to see his dynamic with the other vamps and how perfectly he fits with their family.

Jay's story is mostly low angst as he navigates for the first time living away from his den and trying to find his way in this world. While working as a barista he meets a customer, Alexei who he immediately connects with. Their chemistry is evident the first moment they see each other and of course, begins a sweet romance that isn't without some hurdles.

Alexei and Jay are the perfect complements to one another, making for one sweet, adorable, and moving romance. I also loved getting to see everyone else, which is always such a treat.

I am also very intrigued by the newest vamp addition to this group. Wolfe is quite a character and how he wormed his way into this group is intriguing, cannot wait for his story with his mate!!!!

Jay is too cute without being obnoxious. I wish that more came out of Alexei’s mob past, but you can’t win everything. The ending was a little anticlimactic but hey still good!

This was cute... Almost cute... I don't know, confused but amused. This series is fun, I will not re-read this series, but for a first read only this books are fun. Good for anyone who likes mm fantasy!

blushing, giggling, kicking my feet