Step into the wild, fang-tastic world of the Fangover series, where vampire rock stars, steamy romances, and laugh-out-loud chaos collide in the vibrant streets of New Orleans! Crafted by Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love, this paranormal romance duo delivers a sassy, sexy spin on vampire lore, blending rock and roll debauchery with heartfelt love stories that keep readers hooked.
Imagine waking up with a vampire-sized hangover, no memory of the night before, and a wedding ring you don’t recall slipping on. That’s the irresistible premise of the Fangover series, where the undead band The Impalers navigate love, mystery, and their own immortality with a wicked sense of humor. If you’re craving a lighthearted escape with a side of spice, this series is your ticket to a rollicking good time.
How Fangover Began
The Fangover series sprang from the creative minds of Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love, both USA Today bestselling authors with a knack for paranormal romance. Inspired by the raucous energy of films like The Hangover, the duo set out to craft a vampire tale that swapped brooding for banter. Set against the sultry backdrop of New Orleans, their vision was to marry rock culture with supernatural shenanigans, resulting in a series that’s as much about friendship's friendship as it is about love and lust. Published by Berkley in 2012 and 2013, the series captures the authors’ shared love for humor, romance, and the Crescent City’s vibrant nightlife.
The Heart of Fangover
The series kicks off with The Fangover (2012), where the vampire rock band The Impalers throw an epic Irish wake for their drummer, Johnny Malone, who’s taken his own life. The night spirals into a blur of alcohol-laced blood, leaving the band with no memory, a missing fang, a new vampire, and unexpected marriages. Stella Malone, Johnny’s sister, finds herself tangled in a steamy fling with bassist Wyatt Axelrod, while washboard player Katie Lambert wakes up a vampire—and married to bandmate Berto Cortez. The crew hits Bourbon Street to piece together the chaos, delivering a romp filled with mystery and romance.
The sequel, Fangs for Nothing (2013), cranks up the absurdity when The Impalers attend a bandmate’s wedding to a dominatrix. Spiked punch leads to another blackout, with guitarist Drake waking up in a sex swing, Johnny handcuffed to a prim vampire named Lizette, and missing cash, phones, and even the bride’s dress. The dual romances—Johnny with Lizette and Drake with caterer Josie—unfold with the series’ signature mix of humor and heat. Themes of friendship, redemption, and embracing one’s wild side shine through, all wrapped in New Orleans’ gritty, magical vibe.
McCarthy and Love’s writing sparkles with witty dialogue and vivid settings, making the city a character in its own right. The series leans into rock culture’s rebellious spirit, with The Impalers embodying the eternal youth and excess of vampirism. Yet, it’s the emotional core—characters grappling with grief, love, and identity—that grounds the absurdity, making every steamy encounter and zany twist feel earned.
Why Fangover Resonates
The Fangover series carved a niche in paranormal romance by blending vampire tropes with rockstar swagger and comedic flair. Fans adore its unapologetic fun, with reviewers praising its “laugh-out-loud” moments and “sexy, hilarious” storytelling. While not a literary heavyweight, the series’ charm lies in its ability to deliver escapist joy, like a night out in New Orleans itself. Its cult following cherishes the way it celebrates friendship and love, proving that even immortal rockers can find their happily-ever-after.
For romance readers, Fangover offers a fresh take on the genre’s staples, with heroines who are fierce and flawed, and heroes who are equal parts charming and chaotic. Its influence lingers in the growing popularity of humorous paranormal romances, inspiring authors to inject levity into the supernatural. Whether you’re a vampire fan or just love a good laugh, Fangover’s legacy is its infectious, feel-good energy.
- Publication Years: 2012–2013
- Number of Books: 2
- Authors: Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love
- Setting: New Orleans
Ready to rock with vampire romance? Grab The Fangover and dive into a world of steamy nights, hilarious fights, and undead delights!