Plot Summary
Witch in Hiding
Grizelda Watson, once infamous as Grizelda the Terrible, has spent centuries sowing chaos and fire, her name whispered in fear among vampires. Now, she lives quietly as "Zelda Turret," co-owning a yoga studio in Northern California. She's sworn off magic, using only the bare minimum to keep her volatile powers in check. Her days are filled with yoga, community, and the comfort of routine, but beneath the surface, Zelda struggles with the tension of suppressing her true self and the guilt of her destructive past. She's built a fragile peace, but it's threatened by the ever-present risk that her magic—and her history—will catch up with her.
Mysterious Stranger Arrives
One night, while taking out the trash behind her studio, Zelda meets Peter, a strikingly handsome, awkward man with an air of mystery and a Midwestern accent. He helps her with the trash, and their banter is laced with mutual curiosity and attraction. Peter claims to be new in town, on a "journey of self-discovery," and seems oddly uncomfortable with the sun. Zelda senses something unusual about him, but is drawn to his gentle, earnest demeanor. Their meeting is charged with possibility, but also with the sense that both are hiding something significant.
Vampire Revealed
The next evening, Peter returns to Zelda's yoga studio, insisting on seeing her. When he calls her by her real name, Grizelda Watson, and flashes unmistakable vampire fangs, Zelda's carefully constructed world wobbles. Peter, suffering from amnesia, has been sent by Reginald, Zelda's old vampire friend, who hopes Zelda can help him. Peter's hunger and confusion are palpable, but he's not a threat—yet. Zelda, torn between fear, responsibility, and empathy, reluctantly invites him into her apartment, setting the stage for a collision of past and present.
Amnesia and Old Ties
Peter reveals he remembers nothing before waking up in a Chicago bank, except his name and his vampiric nature. He carries a journal filled with cryptic notes and sketches, but no context. Reginald's letter explains Peter's predicament and asks Zelda to help. Zelda, wary but compassionate, lets Peter stay the night. Their dynamic is tense but charged, as Zelda's old life—her friendship with Reginald, her magical exploits, and her guilt—begins to resurface. Both are haunted by what they can't remember and what they can't forget.
Unlikely Houseguest
Peter's presence unsettles Zelda's routine. He's awkward, hyper-competent with repairs, and struggles with his hunger, but he's also respectful and vulnerable. Zelda, used to solitude and secrecy, finds herself drawn to him despite her better judgment. She helps him find a place to stay and a job cleaning at the studio, and he begins taking yoga classes, seeking structure and connection. Their relationship deepens through small acts of care, shared vulnerability, and the slow revelation of their respective wounds.
Dangerous Memories Surface
Zelda's nightly magic rituals are no longer enough to keep her powers in check. After a missed ritual, her bedroom curtains catch fire, a sign that her suppression is becoming dangerous. Meanwhile, Peter receives a threatening letter from someone named "JR," summoning him to a warehouse in Indiana. Zelda realizes she must leave town to experiment with her magic safely, and Peter needs to confront his past. They agree to take a road trip together, hoping that visiting places from Peter's journal will restore his memories and give Zelda space to reclaim her power.
Road Trip Pact
Zelda and Peter set out across the country, their itinerary shaped by Peter's journal and Zelda's need for magical experimentation. The road trip is awkward, funny, and intimate, filled with music debates, yoga mishaps, and the slow thawing of emotional barriers. As they visit oddball locations—a singing chicken emporium, a bowling alley—Peter's memories flicker at the edges, and Zelda's magic grows stronger and more controlled. Their chemistry intensifies, but both are wary of the secrets they still keep.
Secrets and Sparks
On the road, Zelda and Peter's relationship becomes increasingly charged. They share hotel rooms, navigate misunderstandings, and support each other through nightmares and magical mishaps. Zelda reveals her true history—her immortality, her destructive past, and her struggle to find peace. Peter, in turn, confides his fears about who he might have been before the amnesia. Their honesty leads to a night of passion, where magic and desire intertwine, and both experience a sense of belonging they've long denied themselves.
Chicken Emporium Encounter
At Big Earl's Singing Chicken Emporium, Peter is recognized and feared by the staff, triggering a flash of memory: he was once aggressive, perhaps even dangerous. The encounter unsettles both of them, raising questions about Peter's true nature and the possibility that he was not a good person before. Zelda reassures him that the past doesn't have to define him, but the seeds of doubt are planted. Their journey continues, shadowed by the threat of what Peter might remember.
Bowling Alley Revelations
In Wyoming, a bowling alley employee recognizes Peter as a "total dick" who was paid to crack a safe. Peter's memories sharpen: he was a fang for hire, skilled at breaking into places and doing dirty work for vampires. Zelda is shaken but tries to focus on the present, believing people can change. Their bet over bowling leads to playful intimacy, but the specter of Peter's past—and the mysterious safe—looms larger, foreshadowing a reckoning to come.
Safecracking and Betrayal
As they near Indiana, Peter's memories return in fragments. He recalls being hired by The Collective, a group of powerful, petty vampires, to crack a legendary safe belonging to Grizelda Watson—Zelda's old identity. The safe, rumored to contain an object that could neutralize her magic, is the reason for everything. Zelda, blindsided, realizes Peter's entire presence in her life was orchestrated by her enemies. The revelation devastates her, shattering the fragile trust and intimacy they've built.
The Collective's Trap
At the warehouse, Peter and Zelda are ambushed by John Richardson, leader of The Collective, and his vampire cronies. Richardson reveals the full extent of the plot: Peter was hired to lure Zelda, neutralize her, and deliver the safe's contents. Zelda, heartbroken and furious, must decide whether to trust Peter, who claims his amnesia was real and that his feelings for her are genuine. In the chaos, Peter turns on Richardson, staking him and helping Zelda escape, but the damage to their relationship is done.
Warehouse Showdown
The warehouse erupts in violence as Peter and Zelda fight for their lives. Zelda uses her magic and her secret stash of enchanted weapons to incapacitate the remaining vampires, while Peter's skills as a fighter and safecracker prove invaluable. In the end, Zelda flees using her transporting powder, leaving Peter to finish the fight alone. Both survive, but the betrayal and trauma leave them emotionally shattered and separated.
Aftermath and Heartbreak
Zelda returns to California, nursing her wounds and trying to rebuild her life. She's haunted by memories of Peter and the love that blossomed between them, but she can't forgive the deception. Peter, wracked with guilt and loss, tries to reach out—through texts, letters, and even terrible homemade cookies—but Zelda keeps her distance. Both are adrift, missing each other but unsure if reconciliation is possible.
Letters, Cookies, and Regret
Peter enlists the help of Reginald and Frederick, seeking advice on how to win Zelda back. He tries grand gestures—fixing her studio's roof for free, sending heartfelt notes, and showing up when she needs help. Zelda, meanwhile, is torn between her anger and her lingering feelings. Her friends notice her distraction and encourage her to move on, but she can't let go of the connection she shared with Peter.
Rooftop Redemption
When a storm damages Zelda's studio, Peter appears, offering to repair the roof at no cost. His actions speak louder than words, demonstrating his remorse and devotion. As they spend time together—awkwardly at first, then with growing warmth—Zelda sees the sincerity of his regret and the depth of his love. Their banter returns, and the barriers between them begin to crumble.
Forgiveness and Reunion
In a moment of vulnerability, Peter confesses his love and his desire to build a life with Zelda. She, finally ready to forgive, kisses him, and they fall into each other's arms. Their reunion is passionate and healing, a testament to the power of second chances. They talk through their fears and hopes, deciding to face the future together, no matter what challenges may come.
New Beginnings Together
With The Collective defeated and their secrets laid bare, Zelda and Peter embark on a new chapter. Peter opens a workshop in town, using his skills for honest work, while Zelda continues to run her studio and embrace her magic. Their love, forged in adversity and tested by betrayal, becomes a source of strength and joy. Surrounded by friends, goats, and the promise of adventure, they find peace—not by erasing the past, but by building something new together.
Characters
Zelda Turret / Grizelda Watson
Zelda, formerly Grizelda the Terrible, is a centuries-old elemental witch infamous for her chaotic magic and penchant for fire. After a lifetime of reckless pranks and guilt over a disastrous incident, she reinvents herself as Zelda, co-owning a yoga studio in California and suppressing her powers. Zelda is fiercely independent, witty, and compassionate, but haunted by shame and the fear of hurting others. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, learning to balance her magical nature with her desire for peace. Her relationship with Peter challenges her to trust, forgive, and embrace vulnerability, ultimately allowing her to reclaim her power and her heart.
Peter Elliott
Peter is a vampire with amnesia, sent to Zelda by her old friend Reginald. He's tall, strong, and outwardly intimidating, but inwardly gentle, awkward, and deeply lonely. Skilled with his hands—fixing, building, and fighting—Peter is haunted by flashes of a violent, morally ambiguous past as a fang for hire. His amnesia strips him to his core, revealing a man desperate for connection, meaning, and redemption. His love for Zelda is transformative, pushing him to confront his past, make amends, and choose a new path. Peter's arc is one of self-discovery, atonement, and the courage to love despite fear.
Reginald Cleaves
Reginald is a flamboyant, centuries-old vampire and Zelda's oldest friend. Once her partner in magical mayhem, he's now settled with a human girlfriend, Amelia, and serves as a bridge between Zelda's past and present. Reginald is witty, dramatic, and fiercely loyal, often providing comic relief and sage advice. His decision to send Peter to Zelda sets the story in motion, and his support is crucial in helping both protagonists find their way back to each other. Reginald embodies the possibility of change and the enduring power of friendship.
Lindsay
Lindsay is Zelda's business partner and friend, co-owner of the yoga studio. She's practical, observant, and unafraid to call Zelda out on her avoidance or emotional turmoil. Lindsay's loyalty and humor ground Zelda, providing a safe space for vulnerability and growth. Her presence highlights the importance of chosen family and the healing power of community.
Becky
Becky, another co-owner of the studio, is warm, organized, and quietly wise. She offers emotional support and practical solutions, helping Zelda navigate both business challenges and personal crises. Becky's gentle encouragement and belief in Zelda's goodness are instrumental in her journey toward self-forgiveness and happiness.
John Richardson
John Richardson, leader of The Collective, is a petty, power-hungry vampire obsessed with lineage and control. He orchestrates the plot against Zelda, hiring Peter to crack her legendary safe and luring them into a deadly trap. Richardson's arrogance and cruelty embody the dangers of unchecked power and the destructive potential of old grudges. His defeat marks the end of Zelda's flight from her past.
The Collective
The Collective is a cabal of ancient vampires obsessed with bloodlines, status, and revenge. They represent the dangers of living in the past, the pettiness of immortal feuds, and the threat that Zelda's history poses to her present. Their machinations drive the central conflict, forcing Zelda and Peter to confront their secrets and fight for their future.
Amelia
Amelia is Reginald's human girlfriend, a practical, loving presence who grounds him and offers a model of cross-species partnership. Her acceptance of Reginald's nature and her own quirks (like a framed Internal Revenue Code poster) provide comic relief and a vision of domestic happiness that Zelda and Peter aspire to.
Frederick J. Fitzwilliam
Frederick is a vampire friend of Reginald's, known for his odd habits and sage advice. He helps Peter strategize how to win Zelda back, offering perspective on immortality, love, and the importance of groveling. Frederick's presence adds depth to the supernatural world and highlights the value of mentorship and second chances.
The Yoga Magic Community
The students and staff at Yoga Magic—Early Crew, Sarahs, and others—embody the healing power of community, routine, and shared purpose. Their quirks, support, and investment in Zelda's happiness provide a backdrop of warmth and humor, reminding her (and the reader) that even immortals need connection and acceptance.
Plot Devices
Amnesia as Catalyst for Change
Peter's amnesia is the engine of the plot, stripping him of his past and forcing both him and Zelda to engage with each other without the baggage of old wounds. It creates suspense—what will he remember, and will it destroy what they're building?—and allows for genuine vulnerability. The device also enables a fresh start, making forgiveness and transformation possible.
Road Trip Structure
The cross-country road trip provides a framework for episodic encounters, deepening intimacy, and gradual revelation of secrets. Each stop—chicken emporium, bowling alley, South Harbor—serves as a crucible for memory, magic, and relationship development. The journey's literal movement eastward parallels the characters' movement toward self-acceptance and reconciliation with the past.
Magical Suppression and Release
Zelda's struggle to suppress her magic is both a practical and psychological plot device. Her nightly rituals, accidental fires, and eventual need for experimentation externalize her internal conflict: the fear that her power is inherently destructive. The gradual, intentional reintroduction of magic mirrors her journey toward self-forgiveness and integration.
Letters, Notes, and Texts
The story is punctuated by letters (from Reginald, The Collective, Peter), texts, and handwritten notes. These devices allow for exposition, humor, and the expression of feelings that characters struggle to voice aloud. They also serve as breadcrumbs, foreshadowing twists and deepening the sense of longing and regret.
Betrayal and Redemption Arc
The revelation that Peter was hired to betray Zelda is the story's emotional climax, shattering their relationship and forcing both to confront the consequences of their choices. The subsequent acts of service, apology, and vulnerability are the crucible in which forgiveness and true intimacy are forged. The arc underscores the novel's central question: Can love survive betrayal?
Humor and Genre Subversion
The novel uses humor—absurd settings, goat yoga, terrible cookies, and meta-commentary on vampire and witch clichés—to keep the tone buoyant and self-aware. It subverts genre expectations (e.g., the legendary safe contains a whoopee cushion) and pokes fun at both paranormal romance and contemporary life, making the story accessible and fresh.
Analysis
Jenna Levine's Road Trip With a Vampire is a witty, heartfelt reinvention of the paranormal rom-com, blending supernatural intrigue with contemporary emotional realism. At its core, the novel is about the struggle to reconcile one's past with the possibility of a better future. Zelda's journey from infamous chaos witch to self-accepting yogi mirrors the universal quest for redemption and belonging, while Peter's amnesia and subsequent self-discovery dramatize the fear and hope inherent in starting over. The book interrogates the nature of trust, the cost of vulnerability, and the healing power of forgiveness—not just between lovers, but within oneself. By weaving together humor, romance, and supernatural adventure, Levine explores how love can be both a risk and a refuge, and how true intimacy requires the courage to be seen, flaws and all. The story's resolution—rooted in acts of service, honest communication, and the willingness to try again—offers a modern, hopeful vision of love as a partnership between equals, each bringing their scars and strengths to build something new. In a world obsessed with reinvention and haunted by the past, Road Trip With a Vampire is a reminder that the journey to wholeness is messy, magical, and worth every mile.
Last updated:
