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Hollow Ocean #3
His Crimson Mask
Homicide Detective Ayameko Shi is used to keeping people at a distance unless you count the ghosts that have plagued her since she was a child. As a necromancer, Meko has grown used to being unwanted, unloved and hated by all beings, especially vampires. Except there’s one vampire who Meko is drawn to, like a moth to a blazing flame. One whose moves she’s constantly watching, with and without his consent. Vampire King Nikolai is used to his name striking fear in anyone around him. As a man that’s been around for centuries, he solves all his problems with bloody deaths. Killing someone in his way is the norm for this king. Recently, two issues have plagued his mind, twisting his thoughts until a plan forms inside his deranged head. Over the last year, vampires have been disappearing all over the city of the undead, Deadstown. If they were killed, he would have found their remains by now. Or as the master vampire, he would have felt their ultimate death, except it’s been nothing but crickets. His second problem is short, irritating, beautiful and can raise the dead. Nikolai has always believed that ‘the only good necromancer is a dead one.’ And yet he can’t deny that Meko intrigues him. When Nikolai makes Meko an offer she can’t quite refuse, she finds herself whisked away to another city and living another life. Only this time as his fiancée. Can a necromancer and a vampire find the missing vampires in a city full of the dead? Or will the vampires of Deadstown turn on their future queen?
684 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
545 people are currently reading
1910 people want to read
About the author
Dani M. Ward
12 books107 followersDani M. Ward lives in a state with more corn than people. As a kid, she daydreamed about living in a world with vampires, witches, and fairies. Dani realized later supernatural creatures hide in plain sight, so she looks for them everywhere she goes. When she's not hunting for supernatural creatures, Dani is chugging coffee and writing. Dani writes fantasy romance for lovers of diverse fiction. Her characters include strong women saving themselves with swoon-worthy men who stand beside them. She loves sass, spice, and smut. When she's not writing, she can be found trying to wrangle her two children, watching Asian dramas with her two poodles, or playing video games with her husband. Dani enjoys reading, napping, and pairing wine with food. She has a BA in Anthropology and is getting her MFA in Creating Writing. She's hoping to catch a demon; so she doesn't have to pay her student loans back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 29, 2025
I Smell Freaky Deaky Vamp Smex and Candy!!
"Don’t be afraid. The darkness will disappear in a moment."
Cop this book if you want:
🦇hot sexy steamy erotic scenes all up and through the book
🦇Black MMC vampires who are ancient as dirt (::whispers:: who have twin brother just as fine as fine with locs)
🦇forced marriage trope
🦇ripped limbs, snatched out tracheas, blood baths, decapitations, ripped out hearts all in the name of love....these are some of the wonderful things
🦇he earns his red wings and eats for days 😋 chomp chomp
🦇he has a big pierced peen and it leans a little 🥹
🦇competent FMC who can hold her own
🦇Urban fantasy elements in a Paranormal Romance
🦇Secrets & death
🦇Mayhew and lunacy
🦇Smart Mouth sorta-kinda enemies to eternal lovers
"But you're my monster."
Lyricism on page that helps this book fly by and even though there were a couple of mild things that made this a 4 instead of 5 star (no Nikolai pov and a mystery that fades in and out), I had a blast reading. I gobbled it up in 2 days. Don't be intimidated by the page length. It's like candy. Easy to chew and consume. The writing is solid and fun.
ETA after reread:
"When I first saw you every part of you called to me"
A book qualifying for a reread automatically bumps it up a star. On reread I'm enjoying it even more, which is hard to do because I was enraptured the first time under a spell. The mystery was better for me on second read even though it does still seem a bit here/there but that jaw dropping ending just pulls all the pieces together and I don't know how I wasn't kneeling at DMW's feet like Wyane's World because I was not worthy. But the enjoyment comes with the "Devil's in the Details"-style character moments. All the times Nikolai quietly provided and gave what Meko craves and deserves, even when she's too stubborn and traumatized to know it.
“Did you think of me while you touched yourself?”
The way he inserts himself in her physical space because he knows she needs it even when she doesn't understand it herself. The way he picks fights to get her stubborness to help her. He recognizes she hasn't rested or been cared for ever and he wants the crown and mantle. The longing he feels is so hidden in layers you could blink and miss it, but it's there and it's glorious. Meko deserves to keep something as just hers and Nikolai has no problems serving her in a really swoony and psychopathic way.
"Don’t be afraid. The darkness will disappear in a moment."
Cop this book if you want:
🦇hot sexy steamy erotic scenes all up and through the book
🦇Black MMC vampires who are ancient as dirt (::whispers:: who have twin brother just as fine as fine with locs)
🦇forced marriage trope
🦇ripped limbs, snatched out tracheas, blood baths, decapitations, ripped out hearts all in the name of love....these are some of the wonderful things
🦇he earns his red wings and eats for days 😋 chomp chomp
🦇he has a big pierced peen and it leans a little 🥹
🦇competent FMC who can hold her own
🦇Urban fantasy elements in a Paranormal Romance
🦇Secrets & death
🦇Mayhew and lunacy
🦇Smart Mouth sorta-kinda enemies to eternal lovers
"But you're my monster."
Lyricism on page that helps this book fly by and even though there were a couple of mild things that made this a 4 instead of 5 star (no Nikolai pov and a mystery that fades in and out), I had a blast reading. I gobbled it up in 2 days. Don't be intimidated by the page length. It's like candy. Easy to chew and consume. The writing is solid and fun.
ETA after reread:
"When I first saw you every part of you called to me"
A book qualifying for a reread automatically bumps it up a star. On reread I'm enjoying it even more, which is hard to do because I was enraptured the first time under a spell. The mystery was better for me on second read even though it does still seem a bit here/there but that jaw dropping ending just pulls all the pieces together and I don't know how I wasn't kneeling at DMW's feet like Wyane's World because I was not worthy. But the enjoyment comes with the "Devil's in the Details"-style character moments. All the times Nikolai quietly provided and gave what Meko craves and deserves, even when she's too stubborn and traumatized to know it.
“Did you think of me while you touched yourself?”
The way he inserts himself in her physical space because he knows she needs it even when she doesn't understand it herself. The way he picks fights to get her stubborness to help her. He recognizes she hasn't rested or been cared for ever and he wants the crown and mantle. The longing he feels is so hidden in layers you could blink and miss it, but it's there and it's glorious. Meko deserves to keep something as just hers and Nikolai has no problems serving her in a really swoony and psychopathic way.
November 7, 2023
His Crimson Mask is book 3 from this interconnected series in the same universe.
Meko is a stubborn necromancer who gets thrown into the vampire world with the vampire king…their dynamic was a great part of this book!
Overall I felt this book has lots of great elements but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
I love the necromancer and vampire groups and their storyline, I enjoyed parts of Nikolai and Meko’s romance and it had super spicy moments but the plot ended up fizzling out into nothing until right at the end we get a set up for another sub plot or main plot involving some history of Nikolai’s. The ghost interactions and the grey king was also something I would have liked to explore more but didn’t have as much impact as I’d have liked.
I felt this book was too long with a lot of events happening that just were not that interesting because they didn’t add to the plot. Lots of plot points meandering around and then went nowhere, I got to 50% and was thinking not much has happened yet and then by 75% I just felt we hadn’t had any drama really, except for some back and forth between Meko and Nikolai a few times that hadn’t resolved any of the plot points.
We started as a necromancer detective who has powers and is searching for missing vampires but then what happened there? Why did Nikolai like Meko so much? Underneath, I think I get what happened, but it wasn’t really explicit enough and explained by the end.
I think with some editing down and focusing on some key plot points and how they resolved it may have read a bit better for me personally.
I do think it was well written and easy to digest, I just think there was a bit too much of it and it could have been more succinct at times. The spice was great and hot but I prefer emotional connections which I didn’t really see from this couple.
Thank you to the author for an arc of this book, it’s my honest review.
Meko is a stubborn necromancer who gets thrown into the vampire world with the vampire king…their dynamic was a great part of this book!
Overall I felt this book has lots of great elements but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
I love the necromancer and vampire groups and their storyline, I enjoyed parts of Nikolai and Meko’s romance and it had super spicy moments but the plot ended up fizzling out into nothing until right at the end we get a set up for another sub plot or main plot involving some history of Nikolai’s. The ghost interactions and the grey king was also something I would have liked to explore more but didn’t have as much impact as I’d have liked.
I felt this book was too long with a lot of events happening that just were not that interesting because they didn’t add to the plot. Lots of plot points meandering around and then went nowhere, I got to 50% and was thinking not much has happened yet and then by 75% I just felt we hadn’t had any drama really, except for some back and forth between Meko and Nikolai a few times that hadn’t resolved any of the plot points.
We started as a necromancer detective who has powers and is searching for missing vampires but then what happened there? Why did Nikolai like Meko so much? Underneath, I think I get what happened, but it wasn’t really explicit enough and explained by the end.
I think with some editing down and focusing on some key plot points and how they resolved it may have read a bit better for me personally.
I do think it was well written and easy to digest, I just think there was a bit too much of it and it could have been more succinct at times. The spice was great and hot but I prefer emotional connections which I didn’t really see from this couple.
Thank you to the author for an arc of this book, it’s my honest review.
March 3, 2025
THIS BOOK 🥵🥵 A fantasy world filled with Vampires, Shifters, Witches, Humans Necromancers and the Ghosts that annoy them. Ayameko is our fiesty Detective Necromancer FMC who has a 🫣 🥵moment with the King of Vampires Nikolai 🧛🏿♂️. And from there obsession begins🥰😅
This was such a fun read that I would scream laughing at 🤣🤣 PREPARE FOR ZERA lol she is the best psycho unhinged side character ever!
There was a mystery being solved and the plot was there! 🕵🏾♀️🕵🏿♂️ There seems to be a world imbalance and certain characters want to end it🫠
I loved this book so much before I was even done I ordered the physical copy❤️
5000 🌟
5000🌶
This was such a fun read that I would scream laughing at 🤣🤣 PREPARE FOR ZERA lol she is the best psycho unhinged side character ever!
There was a mystery being solved and the plot was there! 🕵🏾♀️🕵🏿♂️ There seems to be a world imbalance and certain characters want to end it🫠
I loved this book so much before I was even done I ordered the physical copy❤️
5000 🌟
5000🌶
December 1, 2023
Amazing!
I love everything Dani writes. All Hail King Nikolai! That man has a mouth on him 😌 but Kai is still my main. I loved this story and everything about it
I love everything Dani writes. All Hail King Nikolai! That man has a mouth on him 😌 but Kai is still my main. I loved this story and everything about it
November 6, 2023
His Crimson Mask
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
~Forced Proximity
~Touch her and die
~Fake relationship
~Enemies to Lovers
~Obsessive hero/heroine
~Psycho MMC
~One Bed
~Spicy
Review:
Well! I am so glad that I read this! Not only did it have a lot of my favorite tropes, but it had basically HAD all my favorite tropes.
This was truly the chef’s kiss!
Seriously. If you like only one bed trope, this one’s for you! If you like enemies to lovers, this one is for you! If you like touch her and die vibes, obsessive hero/heroine, psycho MMC, forced proximity, and fake relationships, THEN THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
I love me a psycho MMC, I don’t know why, I can’t remember where it stems from, but all I can say is that I LOVE when books give me a good Psycho MMC.
Nikolai and Meko = one of my recent favorite book couples.
This is a long book, so if longer books intimidate you, then read this when you have the time to dedicate to it, BECAUSE IT IS SO WORTH THE READ! Seriously, it has vampires and necromancers… who doesn’t like vampires?!?
This is one of my first reads by Dani M. Ward, and IT WILL NOT BE MY LAST!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
~Forced Proximity
~Touch her and die
~Fake relationship
~Enemies to Lovers
~Obsessive hero/heroine
~Psycho MMC
~One Bed
~Spicy
Review:
Well! I am so glad that I read this! Not only did it have a lot of my favorite tropes, but it had basically HAD all my favorite tropes.
This was truly the chef’s kiss!
Seriously. If you like only one bed trope, this one’s for you! If you like enemies to lovers, this one is for you! If you like touch her and die vibes, obsessive hero/heroine, psycho MMC, forced proximity, and fake relationships, THEN THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
I love me a psycho MMC, I don’t know why, I can’t remember where it stems from, but all I can say is that I LOVE when books give me a good Psycho MMC.
Nikolai and Meko = one of my recent favorite book couples.
This is a long book, so if longer books intimidate you, then read this when you have the time to dedicate to it, BECAUSE IT IS SO WORTH THE READ! Seriously, it has vampires and necromancers… who doesn’t like vampires?!?
This is one of my first reads by Dani M. Ward, and IT WILL NOT BE MY LAST!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*.
August 31, 2024
long winded with so much potential
Quick summary: ends on a bit of a cliff hanger but not with the couple. You don’t get a definitive end to the story.
Yes this book can be read out of order but it’s part of a series.
Actual spice is maybe a 3 but lot of it is cringe due to the wording used.
Would I recommend? Not really
FMC is really back and forth. She written as if she has a sense of right but then she doesn’t do what would be “the right thing”. She’s supposed to be a badass but then she can’t keep herself safe and her internal dialogue is completely opposite of the persona the author seems to want for her.
The vocabulary used in the book was exceptionally cringe. There was definitely a lot of repetition of the same ideas just written in a different ways. A lot could be cut and there were random inserts of modern phrases or insinuations that just didn’t fit with book. World building was really flawed since this is supposed to take place almost in. Post apocalyptic world but it’s after “ the killings” but then there’s mentions of the FMC enjoying foods or knows about stories that there would be no way for her to know unless our current culture still existed.
MMC is made out to be a smart calculated character who’s also unhinged and psychotic for the FMC. The story at one point makes it seem like he devices a calculated plan to trick the FMC into staying with him so you think the reason she’s there is because of him. Plot twist, it’s not me he didn’t actually have any idea who was behind it.
FMC also spend no part of the story trying to investigate things. There’s maybe 3 scenes where she’s actually looking into this so that part of the story kind of barely develops then just explodes at the end.
I loved the idea of the story but there’s just too many plot holes. As stated before, so much potential but I expected a lot more especially with how long this book is.
Quick summary: ends on a bit of a cliff hanger but not with the couple. You don’t get a definitive end to the story.
Yes this book can be read out of order but it’s part of a series.
Actual spice is maybe a 3 but lot of it is cringe due to the wording used.
Would I recommend? Not really
FMC is really back and forth. She written as if she has a sense of right but then she doesn’t do what would be “the right thing”. She’s supposed to be a badass but then she can’t keep herself safe and her internal dialogue is completely opposite of the persona the author seems to want for her.
The vocabulary used in the book was exceptionally cringe. There was definitely a lot of repetition of the same ideas just written in a different ways. A lot could be cut and there were random inserts of modern phrases or insinuations that just didn’t fit with book. World building was really flawed since this is supposed to take place almost in. Post apocalyptic world but it’s after “ the killings” but then there’s mentions of the FMC enjoying foods or knows about stories that there would be no way for her to know unless our current culture still existed.
MMC is made out to be a smart calculated character who’s also unhinged and psychotic for the FMC. The story at one point makes it seem like he devices a calculated plan to trick the FMC into staying with him so you think the reason she’s there is because of him. Plot twist, it’s not me he didn’t actually have any idea who was behind it.
FMC also spend no part of the story trying to investigate things. There’s maybe 3 scenes where she’s actually looking into this so that part of the story kind of barely develops then just explodes at the end.
I loved the idea of the story but there’s just too many plot holes. As stated before, so much potential but I expected a lot more especially with how long this book is.
February 18, 2024
This is a first read for me by this author and it won't be the last. It took me on an adventure and had my emotions all over the shop. It's a long book but it's so worth it. I couldn't put it down, it's packed with so much. Action, hurt, mystery and more.
Meko is our FMC, she's a detective and a necromancer, her life hasn't been easy, she's used to being hated, unwanted and unloved by all. But she's absolutely stubborn, smart, outspoken, loyal and so much more..
Niko is our MMC, he's a force on nature and feared by many. He will not let anyone away with being disrespectful. He's the vampire king. But lately things have been bothering him and he needs help to get to the bottom of it and he knows the person to help him.
Vampires have been going missing, but Niko doesn't think they are dead or he would feel it wouldn't he being the vampire king and all? It's such a mystery. So he makes a deal with meko one that she can't refuse and she's whisked away to another place. He explains to her what's going on.
They both feel a connection towards each other and our vampire king is intrigued by it. She also stands up to him and no one ever gets away with but she does, he allows his little fireball to be that way with him.
Will she stand by his side and be his queen? Will they find the missing vampires? Will they find out why or who has been taking the vampires ? You need to read and find out.
The way the author writes and creates world's is amazing and sucks you right in . There is twists and turns you don't see coming. Highly recommend I can't wait to read more.
Meko is our FMC, she's a detective and a necromancer, her life hasn't been easy, she's used to being hated, unwanted and unloved by all. But she's absolutely stubborn, smart, outspoken, loyal and so much more..
Niko is our MMC, he's a force on nature and feared by many. He will not let anyone away with being disrespectful. He's the vampire king. But lately things have been bothering him and he needs help to get to the bottom of it and he knows the person to help him.
Vampires have been going missing, but Niko doesn't think they are dead or he would feel it wouldn't he being the vampire king and all? It's such a mystery. So he makes a deal with meko one that she can't refuse and she's whisked away to another place. He explains to her what's going on.
They both feel a connection towards each other and our vampire king is intrigued by it. She also stands up to him and no one ever gets away with but she does, he allows his little fireball to be that way with him.
Will she stand by his side and be his queen? Will they find the missing vampires? Will they find out why or who has been taking the vampires ? You need to read and find out.
The way the author writes and creates world's is amazing and sucks you right in . There is twists and turns you don't see coming. Highly recommend I can't wait to read more.
January 2, 2024
Book 3
This is book 3 of a three book series. Unfortunately, book 1 is out of print and not available. You don’t necessarily need to read book 1 or 2 to understand every thing happening in book 3, but there are some carry over characters from book 2, including the MFC. After reading book 3, I suspect there are some world building elements in book 1 that would be helpful and give more context and/or significance to events in this book.
I did not like this book as much as book 2. It dragged and I had to force myself to read it. The MFC is a necromancer who works in law enforcement. The MMC is the Vampire King. Toward the end, I realized the MFC may have had anxiety issues, and in an effort to convey that, the writer spends inordinate amount of time describing her bodily reactions, e.g. “she felt sharp prickles along her skin as she wheezed…” Instead of giving insight into the character, it just made the book drag and became irritating. Additionally, I believe the author was trying to write a dark romance but it didn’t work.
There were plot holes and an unsatisfying wrap up to a plot, that apparently started in book 2. (The writer did not do a good job tying the books together.) And like book 2, the end was abrupt and incomplete. I would put the sex at medium heat, although I think the writer was trying to go for a light BDSM but didn’t have the conviction to pull it off.
This is book 3 of a three book series. Unfortunately, book 1 is out of print and not available. You don’t necessarily need to read book 1 or 2 to understand every thing happening in book 3, but there are some carry over characters from book 2, including the MFC. After reading book 3, I suspect there are some world building elements in book 1 that would be helpful and give more context and/or significance to events in this book.
I did not like this book as much as book 2. It dragged and I had to force myself to read it. The MFC is a necromancer who works in law enforcement. The MMC is the Vampire King. Toward the end, I realized the MFC may have had anxiety issues, and in an effort to convey that, the writer spends inordinate amount of time describing her bodily reactions, e.g. “she felt sharp prickles along her skin as she wheezed…” Instead of giving insight into the character, it just made the book drag and became irritating. Additionally, I believe the author was trying to write a dark romance but it didn’t work.
There were plot holes and an unsatisfying wrap up to a plot, that apparently started in book 2. (The writer did not do a good job tying the books together.) And like book 2, the end was abrupt and incomplete. I would put the sex at medium heat, although I think the writer was trying to go for a light BDSM but didn’t have the conviction to pull it off.
November 25, 2024
Another hit for Dani M. Ward. Man, I was just blown away by this book. I'm so glad that I read this book. In my opinion, this was truly a chef's kiss of a book. It is book 3 from the same universe but it is also a standalone. So, you don't have to have read the first two books to understand this book.
5 Stars
4 Chili Peppers
The tropes that you are going to find in this book are: forced proximity, touch her and die, fake relationship, enemies to lovers, obsessive hero/heroine, psycho MMC, one bed, spicy.
Even if you only like one or two of the tropes, you will enjoy this book, you are going to enjoy this book. Trust me, it's just that good.
Nikolai and Meko, they are made for each other. They are such a great couple.
Meko is the stubborn necromancer. Our delightful FMC here ends up in the world of the Vampire King, Nikolai, the Vampire King has a perfect chemistry with Meko and is just delightful as an MC.
Now, I do have to give you a word of warning, this book is a chonker, it is a long book. So please don't let it's length intimidate you. Read it when you have the time to dedicate yourself to it. Trust me, the time you put into it is so rewarding. It has vampires and necromancers. It's so delicious.
I am quickly growing to love Dani M. Ward, this is my second or third book of Dani's and it's not going to be my last. I WILL be reading more.
5 Stars
4 Chili Peppers
The tropes that you are going to find in this book are: forced proximity, touch her and die, fake relationship, enemies to lovers, obsessive hero/heroine, psycho MMC, one bed, spicy.
Even if you only like one or two of the tropes, you will enjoy this book, you are going to enjoy this book. Trust me, it's just that good.
Nikolai and Meko, they are made for each other. They are such a great couple.
Meko is the stubborn necromancer. Our delightful FMC here ends up in the world of the Vampire King, Nikolai, the Vampire King has a perfect chemistry with Meko and is just delightful as an MC.
Now, I do have to give you a word of warning, this book is a chonker, it is a long book. So please don't let it's length intimidate you. Read it when you have the time to dedicate yourself to it. Trust me, the time you put into it is so rewarding. It has vampires and necromancers. It's so delicious.
I am quickly growing to love Dani M. Ward, this is my second or third book of Dani's and it's not going to be my last. I WILL be reading more.
October 21, 2023
✨His Crimson Mask✨ : I went in for the blood 🩸💀 and left with the feels 🥰
This book is a whodunnit, enemies to lovers, and just a bloody ride. Literally. I enjoyed this book and it was worth the time it took to finish. The FMC Ayameko and the MMC King Nikolai have crazy chemistry and I am a wee bit obsessed.
I want to note that the way this society treats and fears Necromancers and the violence they experience hit home. They are hated because they are feared. They are feared because they are powerful and I think that is something to really think about, especially today. This book is in no way a moral slap to the face, but I was definitely stalled by my thoughts and absorbing the beautifully written and thought provoking plot. This is a book about supernatural creatures and I was having deep conversations about it.
I found myself telling everyone in my household about it. I found myself kicking my feet and giggling. To say this book is good is a disservice. It’s incredible. It’s sexy. It’s deep. It’s the right amount of complicated. It’s a mystery. It’s everything I needed it to be. Please read this book. You’ll be better for it.
I received an ARC and my opinions are my own.
This book is a whodunnit, enemies to lovers, and just a bloody ride. Literally. I enjoyed this book and it was worth the time it took to finish. The FMC Ayameko and the MMC King Nikolai have crazy chemistry and I am a wee bit obsessed.
I want to note that the way this society treats and fears Necromancers and the violence they experience hit home. They are hated because they are feared. They are feared because they are powerful and I think that is something to really think about, especially today. This book is in no way a moral slap to the face, but I was definitely stalled by my thoughts and absorbing the beautifully written and thought provoking plot. This is a book about supernatural creatures and I was having deep conversations about it.
I found myself telling everyone in my household about it. I found myself kicking my feet and giggling. To say this book is good is a disservice. It’s incredible. It’s sexy. It’s deep. It’s the right amount of complicated. It’s a mystery. It’s everything I needed it to be. Please read this book. You’ll be better for it.
I received an ARC and my opinions are my own.
September 12, 2025
His Crimson Mask is the third book in the Hollow Ocean Series by Dani M. Ward.
💜 vampires
💜 found family
💜 mysteries
💜 enemies to lovers
💜 forced proximity
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice
Meko is so so tired. Being a necromancer is not for the faint of heart. She’s not just physically tired, but mentally and emotionally tired as well. Not only to others treat her differently and often with disgust, but ghosts won’t leave her alone. That is why she came up with this plan after finding the spell. Gracen is making it for her. Hopefully it will work and she will be “normal” soon, at least temporarily. Will the potion work? Will she be able to have some time to go out na shave fun without the worries of ghost haunting her? Will anything come of her night out?
This was a great addition to the series. I loved watching the character building grow as well as world building. There was so much information about the world being shared. I also loved getting to know characters we’ve already met as well as get to know some new ones. I loved the love hate relationships many had and the tension it created was good. Overall I liked this book and am glad I read it. I can’t wait to see what else comes out in this world.
💜 vampires
💜 found family
💜 mysteries
💜 enemies to lovers
💜 forced proximity
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice
Meko is so so tired. Being a necromancer is not for the faint of heart. She’s not just physically tired, but mentally and emotionally tired as well. Not only to others treat her differently and often with disgust, but ghosts won’t leave her alone. That is why she came up with this plan after finding the spell. Gracen is making it for her. Hopefully it will work and she will be “normal” soon, at least temporarily. Will the potion work? Will she be able to have some time to go out na shave fun without the worries of ghost haunting her? Will anything come of her night out?
This was a great addition to the series. I loved watching the character building grow as well as world building. There was so much information about the world being shared. I also loved getting to know characters we’ve already met as well as get to know some new ones. I loved the love hate relationships many had and the tension it created was good. Overall I liked this book and am glad I read it. I can’t wait to see what else comes out in this world.
March 25, 2025
Vampires and necromancers falling in love? Yeah, sign me up. This book gave me an unhinged, possessive MMC and an equally unhinged FMC—and I loved every messy, bloody second of it. Because what FMC stalks the MMC
The world-building was dark and twisted, with blood and organs replacing ashes when vampires met their end. Oh, and the FMC? Yeah, she gets her monthly visitor—Ms. Bloody Mary in a hockey stadium with vampires —and let me tell you, it wasn’t just a throwaway detail. This book was thick, but absolutely worth it.
🔥 Tropes galore:
🩸 Obsessive & Psycho MMC – The man was unhinged, and I was here for it.
💀 Enemies to Lovers – Tension and violence made the romance that much better.
🖤 Forced Proximity - because what unhinged man doesn’t force himself around her
🩷 Touch Her and Die – Protective and dangerous? Yes, please.
🧛♂️ Vampire & Necromancer Love Story – With all the blood and magic you could want.
4 stars—because sometimes you just need a dark, bloody, and chaotic romance with two feral lovers who’d burn the world down for each other
The world-building was dark and twisted, with blood and organs replacing ashes when vampires met their end. Oh, and the FMC? Yeah, she gets her monthly visitor—Ms. Bloody Mary in a hockey stadium with vampires —and let me tell you, it wasn’t just a throwaway detail. This book was thick, but absolutely worth it.
🔥 Tropes galore:
🩸 Obsessive & Psycho MMC – The man was unhinged, and I was here for it.
💀 Enemies to Lovers – Tension and violence made the romance that much better.
🖤 Forced Proximity - because what unhinged man doesn’t force himself around her
🩷 Touch Her and Die – Protective and dangerous? Yes, please.
🧛♂️ Vampire & Necromancer Love Story – With all the blood and magic you could want.
4 stars—because sometimes you just need a dark, bloody, and chaotic romance with two feral lovers who’d burn the world down for each other
October 28, 2023
When vampire king Nikolai gets necromancer Meko to agree to be his Red Queen her life is never the same.
This book had a lot going on. It’s way too long. It gets bloated with a bunch of different sub-plots and a romance, and none of it is fully developed. There is the issue with the “missing” vampires, Edwin, the treatment of necromancers, a jealous ex, and an enemies to lovers romance going on. I think if some of the fluff was cut out and got to the meat of the story quicker it would have been better. I also would’ve liked to had dual povs to get Nikolai’s side of things as well.
The action was great though! Nikolai allowed no disrespect and left a trail of blood and bodies as he went. Meko had been dealt a bad hand when it comes to life so to see her finally have some good was nice and her friendship with Zera was great, I wish Zera was there the entire time.
Overall an okay read that could benefit from some editing to make a more concise story.
This book had a lot going on. It’s way too long. It gets bloated with a bunch of different sub-plots and a romance, and none of it is fully developed. There is the issue with the “missing” vampires, Edwin, the treatment of necromancers, a jealous ex, and an enemies to lovers romance going on. I think if some of the fluff was cut out and got to the meat of the story quicker it would have been better. I also would’ve liked to had dual povs to get Nikolai’s side of things as well.
The action was great though! Nikolai allowed no disrespect and left a trail of blood and bodies as he went. Meko had been dealt a bad hand when it comes to life so to see her finally have some good was nice and her friendship with Zera was great, I wish Zera was there the entire time.
Overall an okay read that could benefit from some editing to make a more concise story.
November 4, 2023
This book is interesting. It starts off strong with Meko's backstory explaining how she came to be. Then after a spicy night with Nikolai, she becomes obsessed with him which works in his favour because he needs her help. But he is also obsessed with her too.
He has a plan in place to cover the true reason Meko is in his home when she's not wanted as she uses her Detective skills to locate missing vampires.
However, the story--in my opinion--takes a sharp turn from the original plot and focuses more on their fake relationship than the reason Meko is in the land of vampires and necromancers. There were some scenes I didn't think were needed as--to me--they didn't really help the main storyline. Like Meko learning to waltz.
There are a few chapters in the middle that go back to the main plot but it doesn't fully pick back up again until chapter 35. After that, the story is crazy. Full of action and insane situations. Ending on a cliffhanger that makes up want more.
He has a plan in place to cover the true reason Meko is in his home when she's not wanted as she uses her Detective skills to locate missing vampires.
However, the story--in my opinion--takes a sharp turn from the original plot and focuses more on their fake relationship than the reason Meko is in the land of vampires and necromancers. There were some scenes I didn't think were needed as--to me--they didn't really help the main storyline. Like Meko learning to waltz.
There are a few chapters in the middle that go back to the main plot but it doesn't fully pick back up again until chapter 35. After that, the story is crazy. Full of action and insane situations. Ending on a cliffhanger that makes up want more.
April 18, 2025
🐌👏🏾…👏🏾…👏🏾 ➡️🚀 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Sooo good.
I am Meko and she is me because why is Nikolai’s crazy so hot?!? 🥵 😮💨 but also who do you think you are 🤔 cause tuh
Besties listen THERE’S UNGINGED AND THEN THERE’S NIKOLAI. He’s in his own bracket. I have no idea how many times he threatened to unalive someone or something on Meko’s behalf and I ate it up every time 🥣
All my girl wanted was a fun night out and now her life is mixed up with a vampire king 😐
Plot and spice? Absolutely. In between all the deliciously steamy scenes there’s also a missing vampire mystery. Not to mention all the crap talking that goes down. And if one psychotic vamp isn’t enough there’s also the terrifying and hilarious Zera. I seriously wish I could be a part of girls day 🤭💖
When I say run don’t walk and grab your copy 🏃🏾♀️💨
Sooo good.
I am Meko and she is me because why is Nikolai’s crazy so hot?!? 🥵 😮💨 but also who do you think you are 🤔 cause tuh
Besties listen THERE’S UNGINGED AND THEN THERE’S NIKOLAI. He’s in his own bracket. I have no idea how many times he threatened to unalive someone or something on Meko’s behalf and I ate it up every time 🥣
All my girl wanted was a fun night out and now her life is mixed up with a vampire king 😐
Plot and spice? Absolutely. In between all the deliciously steamy scenes there’s also a missing vampire mystery. Not to mention all the crap talking that goes down. And if one psychotic vamp isn’t enough there’s also the terrifying and hilarious Zera. I seriously wish I could be a part of girls day 🤭💖
When I say run don’t walk and grab your copy 🏃🏾♀️💨
October 31, 2024
Nikolai & Ayemeko LOVE!
I was so excited to start their story and it did not disappoint!! From the beginning Ayemeko (Meko) has been one of my favorite characters.
She’s a necromancer and a recluse due to the stigma against her kind. She also works as a homicide detective and brings people back to get information if needed.
Nikolai, the vampire king, has been around for centuries and has always despised necromancers for the damage they do to his kind. Meko isn’t anything like the others though and the pull between them is too strong to ignore.
I absolutely loved the tension between the two and the spice was everything I was hoping for!!
This was a great series and even though you don’t have to read book 1 & 2 to read this one I highly recommend all of them!!
I was so excited to start their story and it did not disappoint!! From the beginning Ayemeko (Meko) has been one of my favorite characters.
She’s a necromancer and a recluse due to the stigma against her kind. She also works as a homicide detective and brings people back to get information if needed.
Nikolai, the vampire king, has been around for centuries and has always despised necromancers for the damage they do to his kind. Meko isn’t anything like the others though and the pull between them is too strong to ignore.
I absolutely loved the tension between the two and the spice was everything I was hoping for!!
This was a great series and even though you don’t have to read book 1 & 2 to read this one I highly recommend all of them!!
January 10, 2025
Wow. This book was thick. A lot of different things happened in this book. First Ayameko met Niko at a bar. She was a necromancer detective. Niko is a vampire. She had to hide her true self from everyone because they didn’t like her kind. She and Niko hooked up and towards the end he discovered what she was. He nearly killed her. But she didn’t remember what happened when she woke up in the back of her car. She couldn’t get him out of her head so she was following him around. He pretended like he didn’t know but he really did. Turns out he was following her too. They ended up needing each other’s help so everything came out. There were vampires, necromancers, banshees and vampire combos, witches. If you like all of those things this is a great one to read
November 6, 2023
The world is post apocaliptic. You have necromancers, wizards, werewolves, and vampires, of course. The prologue and first chapter can be a bit confusing, as the world setting and the MC's backstory is explained along the way.
The story grabs you very quickly. The romantic interest is moody and dangerours, very "touch her and die", which a lot of us love. The spice is very good. Some of the magic systems and faction workings seem quite unique and I can't wait to learn more about them.
I am currently about 70% in and loving every second. I will post and update once completed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story grabs you very quickly. The romantic interest is moody and dangerours, very "touch her and die", which a lot of us love. The spice is very good. Some of the magic systems and faction workings seem quite unique and I can't wait to learn more about them.
I am currently about 70% in and loving every second. I will post and update once completed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2023
This book was amazing! Nikolai and Meko's is one to love! The dynamics of their relationship was insane. Nikolai the sarcastic, sadistic and insane MC and Meko took no crap from the dominant Alpha male. The story line itself was great and you'll love the supporting characters who added a certain touch of craziness to the plot! I love how Dani is so detailed and keeps you wanting more with her writing style. This is book 3 of the Hollow Ocean Series so if you haven't read the first two you will definitely want to check them out! Read the TW's
June 21, 2025
What can I say....What did I read but in the best way possible!!! Off the top I was a little skeptical of Nikolai....but by the end....The amount of Love he has for Ayameko is amazing!! And let's be honest she needed it because the trauma she has been thru, all she needed was someone to love her unconditionally! This was a great read! It also had a great unexpected twist I was not expecting! Please read if you're looking for a Great Paranormal Romance!! Dani you did the dang thing! Can't wait to read more from your Catalog! 🥰🥰🥰
October 8, 2025
kept me on the edge of my chair!
Nikolai and Meko’s story had just enough curve balls to keep me locked in and not feel overwhelmed. There was a good bit of spice within this read. The sexual tension between them was tense, to say the least. Nikolai had me ready to square up a few times lol but he got it together for his ‘Urshaa’ :-) I can’t wait to read to next one. Oh and… the title definitely takes on a new meaning while reading it…his mask was crimson for more than one reason (wink, wink). Job well done Dani!
Nikolai and Meko’s story had just enough curve balls to keep me locked in and not feel overwhelmed. There was a good bit of spice within this read. The sexual tension between them was tense, to say the least. Nikolai had me ready to square up a few times lol but he got it together for his ‘Urshaa’ :-) I can’t wait to read to next one. Oh and… the title definitely takes on a new meaning while reading it…his mask was crimson for more than one reason (wink, wink). Job well done Dani!
October 29, 2023
Absolutely Amazing!!
Dani M. Ward has done it again in His Crimson Mask and has left me speechless in how to describe this story. Her ability to develop characters, develop worlds and thicken plots to draw you in, is delectable and tantalizing. The feelings invoked had me realising how relatable her characters are on a deep level, obviously without the murder and bloodshed! A fantastically written story that had a great pace, full of emotion and was difficult to put down.
Dani M. Ward has done it again in His Crimson Mask and has left me speechless in how to describe this story. Her ability to develop characters, develop worlds and thicken plots to draw you in, is delectable and tantalizing. The feelings invoked had me realising how relatable her characters are on a deep level, obviously without the murder and bloodshed! A fantastically written story that had a great pace, full of emotion and was difficult to put down.
November 4, 2023
First off remember to check those TW. If nothing annoys you then I honestly recommend this book.
This book is an enemies to lovers with all the feels. This book is so much more than a very good story and in a sense it is thought provoking. The characters development is so well written and the plot just draws you in the wanting more. Dani is a very real writer and all her characters are relatable too.
This book is an enemies to lovers with all the feels. This book is so much more than a very good story and in a sense it is thought provoking. The characters development is so well written and the plot just draws you in the wanting more. Dani is a very real writer and all her characters are relatable too.
September 19, 2024
Well let's see.
It's was good but at some point the xxx scenes became ridiculous, and her constant panic frenzy episodes was annoying. How are you a whole necromancer and your familiar with paranormal world around you, but act like your about to faint everytime you come across a vampire. I swear her clit was the main character in this book. I really on enjoyed the end and the bad b!tch vampire chick that Veronika sent to her. Overall not bad
It's was good but at some point the xxx scenes became ridiculous, and her constant panic frenzy episodes was annoying. How are you a whole necromancer and your familiar with paranormal world around you, but act like your about to faint everytime you come across a vampire. I swear her clit was the main character in this book. I really on enjoyed the end and the bad b!tch vampire chick that Veronika sent to her. Overall not bad
December 30, 2024
Fantasy
Fantasy is not my normal genre but this book was picked in my book club. It was a very long book and I read other books in between. The story was interesting. There was a lot of information and you had to pay close attention. I felt like the reveal was at the very end and questions weren’t answered. You have to read another book. It didn’t make me want to jump right into the next one. If you really like fantasy, I’m sure you will enjoy the whole series!
Fantasy is not my normal genre but this book was picked in my book club. It was a very long book and I read other books in between. The story was interesting. There was a lot of information and you had to pay close attention. I felt like the reveal was at the very end and questions weren’t answered. You have to read another book. It didn’t make me want to jump right into the next one. If you really like fantasy, I’m sure you will enjoy the whole series!
January 13, 2025
Ayameko had be in the first half, literally 60% in i was with her. Then she started asking irrelevant and stupid questions. Like miss maam, that's what you need to be asking right now, FOCUS. She was taking too long to piece information together for me.
Now her and Nikolai *fans self* the ongoing tension, the constant cu*ili*gus, and the bang bang. Me oh my, my oh me
I think with was a missing revaluation as to who M.F.C was, but I got a hypothesis formulated about who that is/was.
Now her and Nikolai *fans self* the ongoing tension, the constant cu*ili*gus, and the bang bang. Me oh my, my oh me
I think with was a missing revaluation as to who M.F.C was, but I got a hypothesis formulated about who that is/was.
October 21, 2025
Meko and Niko are quite the pair. this book spoke to me because, well, vampires, shifters, and necromancy. It hits everything i love in a book.
And this behind but first read from this author, I was very impressed. it was a great story and I absolutely fell in love with Meko and Niko. it was so descriptive and flowed well. I did feel like it was a little long winded in some parts. but overall, it was an amazing book.
And this behind but first read from this author, I was very impressed. it was a great story and I absolutely fell in love with Meko and Niko. it was so descriptive and flowed well. I did feel like it was a little long winded in some parts. but overall, it was an amazing book.
October 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
His Crimson Mask by Dani M Ward
I wanted to read this book because of the vampires and the description had me hooked, but the length intimidated me for sure. However, once I got into it, it didn’t feel like that long of a book at all! Great vampire novel, and great spice! Definitely recommend if you’re into vamps and romantasy 💜
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
His Crimson Mask by Dani M Ward
I wanted to read this book because of the vampires and the description had me hooked, but the length intimidated me for sure. However, once I got into it, it didn’t feel like that long of a book at all! Great vampire novel, and great spice! Definitely recommend if you’re into vamps and romantasy 💜
November 8, 2023
This book had me sitting in the edge of my seat! Wow what an amazing book! They way she has written all the characters in was done so well! You could really relate to them. The plot was so good you don't want it to stop! Can't wait to read more books from this author! Please read TWs before diving into this glorious book!
November 8, 2023
I loved Ayameko from the first start. Her desire to be just normal got to me. Nikolai made me want to punch something but he redeemed himself.
This book was unexpected and the plot twist were everything. Loved it. Enjoyed it. And definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was unexpected and the plot twist were everything. Loved it. Enjoyed it. And definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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