Johnny Doesn't Drink Champagne (Vampires of the Tower, #1)

by Cody Young

[kimbacaffeinate]

Johnny Doesn't Drink Champagne is a YA time traveling novel complete with vampires. Author Cody Young delivers a delightful tale set in London’s present day and the year 1483. This was an enchanting, suspenseful, romantic tale that had me turning the pages to race to its conclusion. I liked the combination of historical information and fiction. I became completely immersed in the time period.

The tale is told from the POV of protagonist seventeen year old Madison Lambourne. Madison is traveling with her senior class to London. She meets Johnny DeVere at the Heathrow airport. Johnny calls her Madeline and appears to know her. She finds a torn note that falls from his pocket. It is written on old paper and says, “In time you will forgive me. I will be waiting for you at…” The handwriting is hers. This encounter will test all that Madison knows and prove her braver then even she imagined.

The story centers on the Tower of London, past tragedies and the keepers of the River of Time. Madison and Johnny travel back in time, to right wrongs and protect the river of time. The romance between Johnny and Madison is sweet, romantic and youthful. Madison is independent and takes charge, sometimes at her own peril. Johnny is dark, world-wise and obviously taken with Madison.

I have to mention the cover. I am not a fan, and feel it doesn’t do the wonderful tale that lies within justice. I would have liked to have seen Madison running from the Tower in the lovely period dress she wore or the image of Johnny(as seen on author's website) in black and white. The old adage "never judge a book by its cover" applies here. I would have walked right by this novel. I am so guilty of being drawn to a book by its cover and then reading the synopsis.

Johnny Doesn't Drink Champagne was a charming novel. The plot was captivating and an effortless read. Young skillfully took us from past to present, while slowly giving us clues to the past relationship between Madison and Johnny. Some of the characters were humorous, especially the school chaperone.

I recommend this to fans of historical fiction and YA paranormal romance. Johnny Doesn't Drink Champagne is available in eBook and paperback forms. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Cody Young’s other published works include, The Lady and the Locksmith, Scandal at the Farmhouse, and American Smile.

I want to thank author Cody Young for providing me with an ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review.