Filthy Rich Vampire: An Enthralling Vampire Romance
Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee
⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE Score: 6.5
Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest eligible Rousseaux, he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends―whether he likes it or not.
When cellist Thea literally stumbles into his life at a gala, he knows she's the last person he could ever fall in love with. She's too innocent, too kind, and way too human. But now that she knows about his world, she's also a walking target. She needs protection. He needs a fake girlfriend to discourage overzealous vampire matchmaking.
So, Julian makes Thea an irresistible offer: pretend to be his lover and he’ll change her life. For one year, they’ll attend the season’s social events together in exchange for his protection and a way out of her mother’s crippling medical debt.
She can’t say no. But the vampire world is impossibly decadent and darker than Thea ever imagined, and Julian’s filthy rich vampire family wants her out of the way. But with each moment they share, new dangers emerge: a desire as forbidden as their stolen touches, an awakening of a long-dead heart, and secrets that could tear them both apart.
I’ve read my fair share of vampire romance, and I’m happy to say that Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee has earned a place on my shelf. It’s a story dipped in darkness, brushed with glamour, and sprinkled with just enough spice to keep things interesting. While it doesn’t reinvent the paranormal romance genre, it delivers an entertaining blend of mystery, seduction, and supernatural politics that fans of vampire romance will enjoy. My CAWPILE score for this book reflects both its strengths and its missed opportunities, landing at a balanced and enjoyable read.
Characters: 6
The characters in Filthy Rich Vampire are engaging enough to carry the story, though they could benefit from deeper development. Their backstories lean toward the cliché, and at times I found them a bit predictable, but they still managed to hold my interest. Thea and Julian have solid chemistry, and their dynamic is compelling even when their motivations feel familiar. While I wanted more complexity and emotional depth, I still enjoyed following their journey and uncovering the secrets that shape their world.
Atmosphere: 6
The atmosphere is steeped in opulence and darkness, fitting for a story centered around wealthy, powerful vampires. As a visual reader, I tend to score worldbuilding more critically, and while Geneva Lee paints a vivid backdrop, I found myself wanting more of the shadowy, seductive world that vampire stories thrive on. The setting is immersive enough to support the plot, but I missed the lush, gothic richness that could have elevated the story’s tone and tension.
Writing: 8
Geneva Lee’s writing is descriptive, immersive, and incredibly easy to settle into. Her prose has a natural rhythm that makes the story glide forward, even when the plot itself slows down. The dialogue occasionally leans on well‑worn patterns, but her sense of pacing and emotional timing consistently elevates the reading experience. She knows how to shape a scene so that it lands with the right amount of tension or tenderness, and that craftsmanship keeps the book engaging from start to finish. This remains one of the strongest elements of the novel for me.
Plot: 5
The plot was the area where I felt the most disappointment. Several elements felt predictable, and I don’t think I’ve used the word “cliché” this much in a review before. There isn’t a lot happening plot‑wise, and some of the twists are easy to see coming. Even the spice level surprised me. Not in intensity, but in how mild it was. I went in expecting a five‑chili experience and ended up with a 2.5. While the story is still enjoyable, the plot doesn’t push boundaries or offer anything particularly fresh.
Intrigue: 8
Despite its predictability, the book holds a solid level of intrigue. Julian’s secrets are compelling enough to keep the pages turning, and the slow unraveling of his past adds tension to the romance. The developing relationship between Julian and Thea also carries its own sense of mystery, making you want to see where their connection leads. This category helps balance out the weaker plot.
Logic: 6
The logic in Filthy Rich Vampire is mostly sound. The worldbuilding is coherent, and the rules of vampire society are explained well enough to follow without confusion. There were a few moments that made me roll my eyes or suck my teeth, but nothing that significantly detracted from the overall experience. The internal consistency is there; it just isn’t always as sharp as it could be.
Enjoyment: 8
Despite its flaws, I genuinely enjoyed reading Filthy Rich Vampire. It’s fun, fast, and enjoyable enough to satisfy my paranormal romance cravings. I immediately put the second book on hold at the library, which says a lot about how invested I became. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of glamour, mystery, and supernatural seduction. It may not break new ground, but it delivers exactly what it promises: an entertaining vampire romance.
🔮 Tarot Tie‑In — The Devil
The energy of Filthy Rich Vampire aligns beautifully with The Devil—a card of temptation, desire, obsession, and the seductive pull of the forbidden. Julian embodies this archetype with his dangerous charm, wealth, and the secrets he keeps tucked behind a polished exterior. Thea’s attraction to him mirrors the card’s themes of surrendering to desire even when you know it might consume you.
Filthy Rich Vampire is an enjoyable, seductive entry into the paranormal romance genre. While it leans heavily on familiar tropes and doesn’t offer much in the way of innovation, it delivers a fun, engaging experience with strong writing and compelling intrigue. With a CAWPILE breakdown that averages to a 6.7, this book lands comfortably in the three‑to‑four‑star range depending on your personal preferences. For me, it’s a solid, entertaining read that left me eager to continue the series and dive deeper into Geneva Lee’s vampire world.
Filthy Rich Vampires: Second Rite
⭐⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE: 6.8
Thea Melbourne has a broken heart. A month after her world turned upside down, she’s struggling to return to the life she left behind. Her mother is in a coma, she’s selling off designer gowns to pay the bills, and her roommates seem to think she’s made of glass. But when the vampire who broke her heart shows up at the hospital, she learns a devastating secret.
To save the love of his life, Julian pushed her away. Now he has to live with the pain and regret...or find someone to put him out of his misery. When it becomes clear that Thea is still in danger, he has a choice to make. He can stay away like the Council demands or risk everything, including their lives, to win her back.
Convincing her means facing his own dark secrets and resisting the temptation to claim her as his mate once and for all. But Thea isn’t going to make that easy for him...
Welcome back to the glittering, blood‑soaked world of the elite undead. Second Rite, the second installment in Geneva Lee’s Filthy Rich Vampires series, takes everything simmering beneath the surface in book one and lets it spill over; emotionally, romantically, and politically. If the first book hooked you with seductive tension and high‑stakes drama, this sequel leans into the fallout. Thea’s unraveling, Julian’s torment, and the widening cracks in their world give this book a distinctly more vulnerable, aching tone. Things get messier, deeper, and far more complicated.
Characters: 7
The characters remain consistent with the first book, but their emotional range expands in ways that make the sequel feel more intense. Thea and Julian’s dynamic continue to burn. Their chemistry sharpens as the stakes rise, and the supporting cast adds just enough spark to keep the world lively. Some characters still feel like they’re waiting for their moment to fully shine, but the emotional beats land more deeply this time around, giving the cast a stronger presence overall.
Atmosphere: 6
The world of Second Rite is drenched in opulence, danger, and sensual tension. Ballrooms glitter, secrets simmer, and the vampire elite move through their world with a mix of elegance and menace. While the setting remains appealing, some scenes could have pushed harder to fully immerse the reader in the mood. The atmosphere supports the story well enough, but it occasionally feels like it’s holding back from the lush, shadow‑drenched potential the series hints at. Still, the dark glamour of this world continues to pull you in.
Writing: 8
Geneva Lee’s writing is sleek, immersive, and easy to fall into. Her prose moves with confidence, and the emotional beats are delivered with precision. The dialogue is engaging and often sharp, though there are moments where it leans on familiar patterns. One frustration worth noting: the printed copy contains a few noticeable grammatical errors, which can be distracting if you’re sensitive to those details. Even so, Lee’s storytelling voice remains strong, and her ability to balance romance, tension, and pacing keeps the book compelling from start to finish.
Plot: 6
The plot follows familiar paranormal romance pathways, but it offers enough twists and reveals to keep the blood pumping. This is undeniably a bridge book. Its purpose is to move the characters from one major arc to the next, but the pacing rarely drags. While it doesn’t break new ground, it delivers exactly what a second installment should: momentum, escalation, and a promise of more chaos to come.
Intrigue: 8
Second Rite hooks you quickly. Power plays, forbidden love, and unraveling secrets drive the story forward with addictive energy. The tension between what characters want, what they fear, and what they’re hiding creates a steady undercurrent of suspense. Even when the plot takes predictable turns, the emotional stakes and interpersonal drama keep the intrigue high.
Logic: 6
The logic of the story holds together well enough to keep the world believable. The rules of the vampire society remain consistent, and the supernatural elements follow a clear structure. Some character motivations, especially among the side cast, feel a little murky or underexplored, but not to the point of disrupting the overall story arc. The foundation is solid, even if a few details could have been sharpened.
Enjoyment: 8
This book is addictive and fun. The romance burns hotter than in book one, and the emotional stakes rise in ways that make the story hard to put down. It’s the kind of sequel you breeze through in a single sitting, only to wish the next book were already in your hands. Whether you’re here for the brooding billionaire vampire or the heroine stepping into her power, Second Rite delivers enough drama and desire to keep you thirsting for more.
🔮 Tarot Tie‑In — Five of Cups
The emotional core of Second Rite aligns with the Five of Cups, a card that embodies heartbreak, regret, and the painful awareness that something is slipping away and also the quiet reminder that not everything is lost. Thea spends much of this book confronting the emotional fallout of choices she never wanted to make, grieving the version of her life she thought she could have. Julian, weighed down by guilt and fear, struggles with the consequences of his past and the ways it continues to shape his present. Their relationship feels strained, tender, and volatile all at once, mirroring the card’s imagery of spilled cups in the foreground and the remaining upright cups behind the figure. Even the pacing of the story reflects the Five of Cups: a moment of emotional reckoning before transformation, a pause where grief and longing take center stage. This card captures the sequel’s themes of loss, longing, and the fragile hope that something worth saving still remains.
Second Rite is a guilty pleasure that doesn’t ask for forgiveness. This installment lands at a 6.8, making it a solid four‑star read depending on your personal scale. It’s an enjoyable palate cleanser if you’re coming off a particularly heavy book, and it delivers exactly what fans of the series want: brooding billionaires with bite, heroines stepping into their power, and a world dripping with dark glamour. This sequel sinks its fangs in deeper, darker, and more emotionally charged than I expected and it leaves you hungry for the next chapter in Thea and Julian’s story.
Filthy Rich Vampires: Three Queens
⭐⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE Score: 7.4
Thea and Julian have made their choice, but can they survive the fallout? Experience the decadent, magical world of Three Queens, the third book in the Filthy Rich Vampires series from New York Times bestselling author Geneva Lee.
Returning to the world of the vampire elite as the Solstice falls, they must navigate new dangers, treacherous allies, and morally gray friendships. The past might hold the key to their future, but to find out, Julian must face the monster he was once was—and as forgotten magic stirs in Thea’s blood, the search for answers leads to devastating consequences...
With the future of the magical world hanging in the balance, tensions rising in their family, and war looming on the horizon, will their love triumph, or will they pay the ultimate price?
Three Queens marks a major shift in the Filthy Rich Vampires series, widening the world beyond the intimate, romance‑driven focus of the first two books and pushing the story into darker, more politically charged territory. While Thea and Julian remain the emotional core, Geneva Lee introduces a new character perspective and new power players. The result is a book that blends romance, supernatural politics, and high‑stakes intrigue into the most ambitious installment yet.
Characters: 7
The characters remain consistent with the earlier books, which is a strength, but I hoped for more visible growth by the third installment. What elevates this category is the introduction of Jacqueline’s point of view and the explosive reveal of a couple of new heavy hitting characters. Thea continues to navigate her newly discovered heritage and her uneasy place in vampire high society. Her arc revolves around identity, power, and the cost of being tied to a dying magical world. Julian is forced to confront the parts of his past he’s tried to bury, and his protective instincts clash with the political realities closing in around him. Together, these characters transform Three Queens into the most layered installment yet.
Atmosphere: 7
The atmosphere remains consistent with the earlier books, but as the plot expands, so does the world. The vampire elite continues to operate as a decadent, dangerous society built on ancient magic, political maneuvering, and morally gray alliances. Venice becomes the narrative center of the book, drawing Thea and Julian into a city tied deeply to Julian’s past.
Writing: 8
This book showcases Geneva Lee’s writing talent through multi‑POV storytelling, emotional layering, and character‑anchored worldbuilding. Venice becomes as much a psychological landscape as a physical one, and the pacing builds tension with precision as dying magic, political fractures, and family revelations collide. That said, there were moments where the writing felt repetitive, and a stylistic choice near the end didn’t quite land for me. The narrative “blindfold” moment left me confused enough to rewind the audiobook, thinking I’d missed chapters. I appreciate the risk she took, but it ultimately didn’t work for me personally.
Plot: 7
Three Queens shifts the series from a romance‑centered story into a broader political and magical conflict. The world becomes more dangerous, more layered, and more unpredictable. Several reveals genuinely surprised me. I’m usually pretty good at predicting where an author is going. The emotional core remains intact, but the stakes are higher than ever.
Intrigue: 8
Intrigue is the engine of this book, built on three intertwined layers: political danger, personal secrets, and magical uncertainty. Each layer feeds the others, tightening the tension and shifting the ground beneath the characters’ feet. This is where the book shines most, and it’s the category that kept me turning pages.
Logic: 7
Logic is the hidden architecture that makes the intrigue in this installment work. The emotional logic is tight; every major decision aligns with a character’s deepest wound or desire. The political logic reflects a centuries‑old aristocracy where alliances are currency and secrets are leverage. The magical logic reinforces the idea that power has a cost, and the world is collapsing because that cost has been ignored. Even when the story feels chaotic, the internal rules remain consistent, and the narrative unfolds in a clear pattern of pressure, destabilization, emotional choices, consequences, and reckoning.
Enjoyment: 8
I had fun with Three Queens, and it solidified my newfound love for billionaire romances. The world is messy, seductive, and dangerous in all the right ways, and I’m excited to see where the finale takes me.
🔮 Tarot Tie‑In — The High Priestess Reversed
The energy of Three Queens aligns with The High Priestess Reversed, a card of hidden truths, blocked intuition, and secrets rising to the surface whether you’re ready or not. Thea’s magic is awakening, but she can’t fully trust it. Julian’s past resurfaces in ways he can’t control. Jacqueline and Camilla embody the shadow side of feminine power—knowledge withheld, motives concealed, alliances shifting. Even Venice feels like a High Priestess temple turned upside down: a place where the veil thins, but clarity slips through your fingers. This card captures the book’s tension between what is known, what is hidden, and what is dangerously misunderstood.
Three Queens is the most ambitious entry in the series so far. It expands the world, deepens the intrigue, and raises the emotional and political stakes in ways that is both thrilling and unpredictable. While not every risk pays off, the story’s scope and complexity make it a compelling addition to the series. This installment earns a confident four stars, and I’m eager to see how Geneva Lee brings this world to its finale
* All images related to tarot are credited to the best of my ability. They were acquired here at pagangrimoire
