Bloodlust at Gatsby’s—A Vampiric Twist on a Classic Tale

Today, I want to share with you another amazing book I discovered on NetGalley: Beautiful Villain by Rebecca F. Kenney. I was privileged to read it before its official release in July 2024. You can pre-order it now to ensure you don’t miss out. Let's take a look at the synopsis first.

Book description from the back cover

Seven years ago, I lost him for good. Now he's back, but is he still the Jay Gatsby I used to know…or is he something more? Something…darker.

Daisy Finnegan is looking forward to the endless golden freedom of summer. No more college, no more pressure, no more worries. But when her cousin goes missing at an exclusive house party, Daisy is all too ready to confront the mysterious host…only to discover the wealthy recluse is Jay Gatsby, her childhood sweetheart—now sinfully hot and impossible to deny.

She could never resist him, and it isn't long before she's entangled in a web of wealth and lies and obsession, culminating in a shocking act of violence that shatters the summer haze and threatens to drown them all.

But it isn't until Gatsby is shot through the heart—and survives—that Daisy discovers the truth of how he clawed his way up in the world: by selling the secret of immortality to the highest bidder. Now with her friends' lives at stake, her own dizzying new powers still volatile, and an unimaginable threat closing in, Daisy will have to face an impossible choice: Side with the man who claimed her body and soul? Or with the monsters who would see him lost to her forever?

An addictive and truly original spicy New Adult retelling of The Great Gatsby with a magical twist.

My review

Rebecca F. Kenney’s “Beautiful Villain” puts a fascinating twist on the timeless tale of “The Great Gatsby,” infusing it with paranormal intrigue and modern flair. From the first page, you’ll be sucked in by the thrilling combination of tension and action.

The main character of the story is Daisy, a young woman who is struggling to find her way in the world after college while also dealing with the emotional pain of a failed relationship. Kenney crafts Daisy as a compelling mix of vulnerability and inner strength, surrounded by the vibrant personalities of her cousin Nick and adventurous friend Jordan. As Daisy finds herself drawn into the whirlwind world of a mysterious billionaire’s lavish parties, she’s stunned to discover that this enigmatic figure is none other than Jay Gatsby, her lost love from years past. Yet, the Gatsby she encounters now is a far cry from the tender soul she once knew; he radiates power, allure, and a hint of danger that keeps Daisy on edge.

What follows is a riveting journey of rediscovery and revelation, as Daisy delves into Gatsby’s shadowy past and confronts the ghosts that haunt them both. Kenney skillfully handles the ups and downs of their relationship, creating a story filled with love, longing, and the ghosts of the past that won’t go away. The reader gets to witness a dazzling show of luxury and romance, with Gatsby’s wild parties and the tension of forbidden desire.

The characters leap off the page with their depth and relatability, from the resilient Daisy to the magnetic allure of Gatsby himself. Even the antagonists, such as Tom and Myrtle, are crafted to perfection, eliciting a visceral reaction of disdain from the reader. While Gatsby may initially come across as aloof and enigmatic, his layers are gradually peeled back to reveal a man driven by passion and a fierce devotion to the woman he loves.

What truly sets “Beautiful Villain” apart is its seamless blending of the familiar with the unexpected. Kenney brilliantly modernizes and expands upon the original narrative, infusing it with spicy scenes, paranormal twists, and a satisfying happily ever after. The result is an immersive retelling that will captivate fans of contemporary fantasy and classic literature alike.

In conclusion, “Beautiful Villain” is a captivating reimagination of a beloved classic, offering a fresh take on familiar characters and themes. Kenney’s infusion of supernatural elements adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling story, making it a must-read for anyone seeking an escape into a world of glamor, romance, and mystery.