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I detest Fate. All vampires crave more than the rich taste of blood is their beloved, but I'm betrayed. I'm left hopeful and hopeless. Against all attempts, my heart has been poisoned against me. My belief is gone. A lie has been weaved for far too long and I fell into the web like so many others before me. I must ease the ache of time. No longer will I yearn for a fairytale. This torture comes to a stop. To find love, I follow tradition instead. A matching ceremony. And she changes all I know. She stops the ache. Time is frozen. My ability to breathe is robbed and held in her clutches. My blood sings for her. How is she not my beloved? No other will have my heart, but magic finds a way to obliterate it. A war steals everything from me. I'm left holding my newborn daughter as we fall into darkness. I will never be made a fool again. In life. In death. I write my own fate. My love, my faith, my choices... Eternally, are Hers.

96 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2022

1727 people are currently reading
4531 people want to read

About the author

January Rayne

27 books1,235 followers
January Rayne is a pseudonym I decided to use because it sounds better than my given name. I’m a lover of all romance and write in the genres I love most because why limit myself? I want to write anything and everything, from badass men and women to characters who want to rip each other’s clothes off. I plan to ‘take it all’ like the good little girl I am.

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5 stars
1,132 (28%)
4 stars
1,084 (27%)
3 stars
1,173 (29%)
2 stars
394 (9%)
1 star
180 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
Profile Image for Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads).
775 reviews1,265 followers
April 8, 2022
Theirs a new voice in dark vampire romance and I'm stoked!!! January Rayne's prequel to her Shallow Cove series hit the ground running and I'm fucking hooked!!!! Severide and Esmeralda's story was spicy hot and off the charts with beautiful passionate love and breathless moments! Both characters being vampires made this coupling all the more out of this world. I love the storyline and the building up for Eternally Damned. And the writing was awesome ! Can't wait to see what happens next! Until next time Luv's💕💋
Profile Image for Kristine Christopherson.
86 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2022
3.5 Stars

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review** Thank you January for considering me for my review.

This is a novella prequel to the Shallow Cove Dimension series that has yet to be released.

This prequel definitely got me excited about reading more of the series and finding out more about this paranormal world. I am intrigued by a world that includes vampires, werewolves, witches, and warlocks all together. The excitement of hearing more about how these alliances and "wars" between the species seem like an exciting fantasy world. I am excited to explore more. The author, January Rayne, has a great and easy to follow writing style and a great imagination. The attraction is instant and spicy scenes are well written.

Why 3.5 stars?

Even though a novella is supposed to be at a quick pace (because it's short), this seemed to move a little too quickly for me. Not just the story line, but it jumps to different timelines in the future without explaining more details in the current scene. Examples (mild spoilers)
1) The arrest of the twins wasn't really explained although I sense it's to give us a glimpse of their personality or temperament.
2)The emotional connection between Esmerelda and Severide (the love story) moved at such a quick pace that I did not get a chance to also become invested in their connection. It was so instant and then they were mating and pregnant.
3) We went right from one pregnancy to the next even though it was 70 years apart. I don't really understand their lives, or their family dynamic.

Also, I wish I had a little more description of their world. Are they paranormal creatures that live in our world? Or is there a separate world they live in? It would have been helpful in understanding the scenery and how the characters lived and the dynamic of living with the coven, and how they interact. For Severide what does being the leader of the coven mean? We know that Severides' father wanted him to lead, but we never actually got to see or hear any of his responsibilities or how he led the coven.

I assume we'll see more about a beloved and more about Sarah Wilde and the importance of having an alliance with a witch. I am sure that is to help set up the first book so we can truly be invested and learn more.


Don't get more wrong, I enjoyed this quick read. I understand this is a prequel so we will most likely get much more explanation in the first book. I will be excited to read the next book in this series as I continue to get more into this wonderful paranormal romance and fantasy world.
Profile Image for ❁ lilyreadsromance ❁.
2,026 reviews1,144 followers
May 1, 2022
Now, this novella is a pleasant surprise.

Spoiler alert:

Since this is a prequel, of course we'll have a cruel cliffhanger on our hand here. In the book, the set up was that the vampire race and the warlocks & werewolves were enemies. Told in 1st person pov of Severide, our hero in here, it seemed like they're the underdog in this case. Which is kinda different because from my past reading experience, the vampires were almost always the bad/manipulative side.

Anyway, very much enjoyed this one. Can't wait to properly start this series.
Profile Image for Emily | bookedbyemily.
140 reviews23 followers
March 8, 2022
I appreciate the time and talent that goes in to writing a book and I know that any attempt I might make at writing a book would be awful. I don’t like writing bad reviews because of this but I feel that they need to be said.

If this book wasn’t short and quick to read, then I would’ve DNF.

It’s a shame because the plot and story could’ve been really exciting if it was written well.

I spent the majority of the book confused af. At the start, I just assumed the character was female because the author didn’t make it clear. So when she finally said something that made me realise they were male, I had to go back and reread.

The same happened with the type of paranormal Esmeralda (heroine) was. Again, because the author didn’t make it clear, I assumed she was a witch due to the constant comments on witch covens, when in fact she was a vampire.

The conversations were very disjointed and the story moved on way too quickly. It was like BAM you’re pregnant and then BAM you’ve had the baby.

There were romantic moments between the two MC’s but then the internal 1st person thoughts would turn really vulgar and just ruined the moment.

When the moment was right, the spice was really good but when it wasn’t, it just made me uncomfortable.

The ending was good. It left me wondering what might happen next but honestly, I was just glad it was finally over.
Profile Image for Malli (Chapter Malliumpkin).
993 reviews113 followers
March 6, 2022
description


ARC was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Death, loss of loved ones, grief, violence, sexual content, mentions of suicide, depictions of blood, scene of complicated child birth, brief mentions of witch trials

“I am lost and locked out of the world. But my love will remain eternally hers.”


Look, if you told me I would be picking up a vampire romance book in 2022… I probably would have cackled and went off to buy a coffee because surely I was lacking caffeine in my system, and needed a wake me up. Yet here we are, in 2022 and I probably just read the the best vampire prequel thus far in my time of reading. And no, I’m no exaggerating. I’ve read a lot of vampire books over my years of reading and honestly, I’m really glad the author reached out to have me read this because I had just about given up on vampires, and vampire books.

Our story follows Severide Monreaux, who’s just been thrust in to a world of sadness and grief. With the death of his mother, his father thrusts the position of clan leader upon, the very position that he never wanted to earn in at the expense of his father. Severide must find a mate to make his clan strong again and with his mother and father’s dying wish hang over his head, he finds himself attending a party that makes him wish he was anywhere, but there. Will Severide find a mate? Who’s to say. With no witch to the clan, the werewolves threaten too tear the his clan apart, and now a warlock from the past has returning to claim a debt that’s owed… What else can a new clan leader do?

“Once our hands lock, my breath is taken from me as warmth now replaces the frozen tundra that has recently blocked my heart off from the world around me.”


Let me start by saying this is a prequel novella to the Shadow Cove Dimensions ™ where we follow the trials of love, loss, and hardships surrounding the Monreaux family, a vampire clan of Salem. This isn’t a full novel, so don’t expect this to be a very long read. This novella is very fast paced and even has time skips to show the change of time moving or passing. Personally, I’m usually not a fan of any kind of book that has time skips, but I found that it worked quite well for this novella. And the way this novella sets things up for the books to come, the plots to come, the possible potential feels endless. I haven’t been this excited about a series and the future books in a hot minute. I feel like a child let loose in a candy store. And the conclusion to this novella ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you craving more.

Speaking of the Monreaux family, this character cast was fantastic. Though we have quite a few faces to keep track of and keep our eyes on, each one has their own personality including the antagonists of the story. They all stand out in their own unique. With the mention of following a vampire clan, in this world we also have witches, warlocks, and werewolves. How all these paranormal beings interact with one another is truly intriguing. Vampire clans have a duel reliance with witches to incorporate their magic together to make a vampire clan strong, and protected. There also seems to be a mirrored relationship between warlocks and werewolves, as well. But don’t quote me on that. There might be more to this that meets the eye. As I said, it’s very intriguing. And Severide as our main character was perfection. Devoted, protective, but also flawed. Chef’s kiss, all the chef kisses!

“Happiness and lust are born from this woman.”


I love a little bit of spice with my paranormal and this book delivers so deliciously. I absolutely adored the spicey scenes within this novella. It was such a treat to see Severide and his mate not only equals in their positions, but also in their private moments, was such a refresher. The balance between them was probably one of my favorite things about this novella especially with how often in adult romances there’s usually a more dominant character while the other is more passive/subtle. And we don’t get that here. They both give and take, constantly changing between them and it was very attractive to say the least.

My only real complaint about this novella would be how short it is and it’s not so much the case of not getting enough of these characters, but more so having a lot of questions and not enough answers. There were a few things I wished were flushed out more such as more details on the feud between vampires and werewolves or even Brenden Hall, a warlock Severide knows from his past. I would have liked more details in this area and even more details about Sarah Wildes would have provided better understanding of her importance. There’s characters I wish we would have seen more of and had more details of, Luca and Greyson, who play major roles in the story yet it felt like we hardly see them or know them. I’m holding out hope they’ll have their own books in this series especially with some of the moments we see with Greyson that were a bit mysterious. Truly, this novella probably could have benefitted even more with more pages or chapters added to it. And I think that due to how fast paced and short this is, I think many readers will see these same issues and hoping for more details on characters and events in the future.

Overall, I had a fantastic time reading this novella. I went in with low expectations because most vampire books haven’t really been tickling my fancy including the steamy adult romance ones, but this was a pleasant surprise. The world was fascinating, the characters were captivating, and I’m eager to see what the first book in this series has in store for us. As I mentioned, I think there will be readers who will have issues with this novella because it’s short, fast paced, and it feels like certain characters or events aren’t given enough details. Again, more questions than answers, but it was still an overall fun time reading. If you’re like me, struggling to get back into reading books with vampires, I definitely recommend giving this novella a chance. Truly, a captivating time!


The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.


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Profile Image for demondelusions.
186 reviews47 followers
August 28, 2024
The story was decent however there were at least 5 typos/grammar errors and that was a bummer. Also mentioning certain plot points over and over again got a bit annoying.
Profile Image for Haley.
518 reviews74 followers
March 6, 2022
Thank you to January Rayne for sending me an advanced copy of this novella! All opinions are my own!

I devoured this book in one sitting, and I have zero regrets! My only wish is that I want MORE!

I think my favorite thing about this novella was the world that it created. Even though it's about vampires and werewolves and their centuries-old fight, it feels so fresh and unique. The way that vampires have mates and beloveds that dictate their lifespans is so new that I absolutely adored it. And then adding the whole portal and other worlds thing into the mix just gave it another level up!

I also absolutely loved the steam and how it was also mixed in with emotion and action. This book had everything in equal parts, and I couldn't get enough of any of it!

I can't wait to see where this series goes because I know it is going to be simply amazing! I'll be in line for book 1 that's for sure!
Profile Image for Catharina Simpson.
77 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2022
Thank you for the ARC ! I am glad to be on the team. 🥰

This is the prequel to the Shallow Cove series. It was really good. I loved the writing style and how it was easy to read and how mature the characters were.

Vampire. Werewolves. Witches. Family. Romance. Danger.

I have always been a Big fan of werewolves But this vampire book was Amazing! I can't wait for the series to start to continue reading this series and experience the Vampire perspective.

I am excited as the way the prequel was written has gotten my hopes up for this book series.

Definitely check out this series. It has blown me away.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶🌶🌶/3
Profile Image for sairs_readsandreviews.
288 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2023
Honestly, I really struggled with this. I couldn't have read a full novel if it was written like this. I did almost DNF several times but it was a novella, so it was short. I still read it over several sittings and was not keen to pick it up.

The reasons that it didn't work for me were:
- I thought the main character was female to begin with, only realising later it was a mmc
- the pacing in this was just too quick. What I mean by that is that there was no description of the passage of time. This meant that several incidents seem to just happen almost simultaneously or with no description. It confused me that we would be in one location with narrative and actually missing the action taking place. An example of this was we are in the kitchen with the family, and the sons leave. The parents have a quick conversation, but then we find out something significant happened and we are only told in passing what it was. How could that have happened during that brief conversation we were involved with? And I would have rather experienced that event as it would have given wider context to the overarching story, rather than the brief chat the parents were having. I felt like I was missing something.
- I couldn't reconcile much of an emotional connection to the characters or understand their actions
-I just didn't really understand this all encompassing war that just seemed to happen with no context
- There was little development of the characters and I think this is possibly because these characters are well established in the series and this is a prequel novella. Having not read the series yet, I was just left confused.

By the end, and I mean literally the end, it got interesting! The last 5% had me really hooked and I thought I wanted to continue the series. It was just a shame that the majority of the book was just written in a style that I didn't gel with.

A lot of people recommend the series which is why I picked it up and thought I'd read this first. I think I shouldn't have started with this one as its put me off slightly. I will keep the 1st book on my TBR and hopefully I find it more developed and a better read. I admit it might be my fault if I've read it in the wrong order.
Profile Image for Laynara.
184 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2025
Well Written!

Once I started this novella I could not stop. I fell in love with Severide and Esmeralda and the love they had for one another. I loved watching them grow over the years with their kids but that ending absolutely broke me!!!
Profile Image for Donna Bossert.
167 reviews21 followers
March 8, 2022
OMG! WTH!? That ending left me with my jaw wide open and looking like I'm having a seizure with the way I'm shaking my head.
I LOVE every PNR creature and I got that in this prequel so I can only imagine what she'll give us in book 1.
I loved this world that Ms Rayne has given us and I want so much more in it! The Possibilities are endless!
Profile Image for Eva Blr.
411 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2024
I've intrigued about this book for the longest time and I have to admit a did not expect that .
It’s a shame because the plot and story could’ve been really exciting if it was written well.
I was not looking for my next 5 ⭐ when I started this book so I'm not mad at it for being a 2⭐ .
The biggest flaws of this book is the writing . Nothing in this book felt natural not the way events went on nor the interactions between characters . The couple felt too much to be anything but fictional , there were no love in their relationship. Lust ? Sure. Love ? Absolutely not.
I guess knowing that it is a prequel to an other romance book it make sense that the MMC did not actually felt love for his wife but it still felt cringy and uninteresting .
Profile Image for Angie.
1,770 reviews22 followers
July 21, 2023
This prequel, starring Alexander’s parents, leads up to the night everything changed in the Monreaux Coven and to the events of the first book. I’m sorry but I had a lack of interest in this one.
Profile Image for Yoonjin.
4 reviews
November 5, 2023
I think that there’s just a lot going on. I had a hard time following along, a bit difficult to read.
Profile Image for Selah Raker.
159 reviews
July 25, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Good short read but gives good plot for the next book, can’t wait to start it!
Profile Image for Sandy Demuynck.
521 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2022
I read this book in one go.

This is a novella to the books, it paints the picture of the Monreaux family.

We see the death of Severide's mother and see his father spiraling for the worst. Severide needs to take over for his father and be the master of the coven.

But to be the best master he needs to find a mate. But will he find one?

I don't want to spoil much so you will have to read this book.

I love the story, the detail that went into it. How the world was build and amazing characters.
I like the twist about the lifespan of vampires.

I can't wait to see how this series will go.
Profile Image for Jessica.
14 reviews
March 13, 2022
ARC was provided and honest review given.

“When I see her, everything slows— the music, my heartbeat— and suddenly, I forget why I’m here at all. All I see is her.”

“Even though fate doesn’t deem her as mine, my body does. My heart does.”


Let me start by saying this is a short novella, a prequel to January Rayne’s Shallow Cove Dimension series. So it is a very short read and things escalate very quickly.

I’m a fan of paranormal romance and a sucker for vampires and werewolves, I will admit. However I think it’s very hard to find originality and a unique storytelling anymore because of its abundance in the paranormal genre. Well January Rayne slayed it here with a captivating and original story of a vampire coven in a centuries old feud with werewolves. January pulls you in so quickly, you can’t understand how these characters weren’t always a part of you.

The story follows Severide Monreaux who very quickly suffers loss and becomes the Master of his coven. You follow him, finding love, becoming responsible for the safety of his coven and struggling to balance his need for revenge but also protect what is his.

The short novella spans years and gives you the background and level of detail that is sure to tie together for a further captivating and heart wrenching series that I can’t wait to dive into.

“The woman is a goddess, Aphrodite herself, and I’m being drugged by her seduction. Take me, then. Use me. Let me marvel in the high of her.”
Profile Image for Tina's Bookish Life.
115 reviews57 followers
March 10, 2022
"And if it ever came down to my life, choosing a drop of blood to keep my heart beating, or tasting her lips again...I'd taste her. She is heaven. And life without her would be hell."

Tropes: mates, insta-love, alpha/master, supernatural (vampires, werewolves, witches, etc)

If you're a fan of The Vampire Diaries (specifically The Originals) then this is for you!! My favorite thing about this book is the magic system and the altered supernatural aspects (but also the smut ;) ).
These are not your average immortal vampires. They have a lifespan depending on if they stay alone, find their mate, or find their beloved. Except no one has been able to find their beloved for centuries. This story starts with Severide becoming his coven's master and going in search of a bride as per his mother's dying wish. As soon as he meets Esmeralda they feel an immediate connection and become mated. Severide is finally happy with the woman he loves and the family he's created but his dead father's sins are catching up to him. Will he be able to save his happiness or will it all be broken apart?
I loved this so much and the smut was *chefs kiss*
My only problem with this book was that it's definitely speedy. There are some time jumps but sometimes things just happen WAY TOO FAST it doesn't even make sense. However, I still cannot wait for the next book because this is low-key addicting!!
Profile Image for Kirstin Richards.
17 reviews
March 8, 2022
May contain spoilers

What did I set myself up for?! Let me start with this book is annoying. It's annoyingly short, yes I know it's a short prequel, call me greedy BUT I WANT MORE! I love the authors take on vampires, their life spans and vampire/werewolf tensions.

Most Authors give Vampires unconditional eternal life, with a few ways to kill them. Not this Author though, their lifespans are dependent on something everyone seeks in their life.... I wont tell you more, you'll have to read to find out. It's a unique take on lifespans that I haven't come across before.

This book shoves you right in and all you want to do is know more. The author gives us the right amount of character development and back story to snag us for Book One.

Already dying for the next book!



Profile Image for Becky.
491 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2022
I love a good vampy tale and this is a great vampy tale!! It’s a quick read; a prequel novella to the Shadow Cove Dimensions! The author packs quite a punch in these 98 pages! It is really well written! I don’t want to give too much away because it is fast-paced and takes you on a roller coaster ride!! I’m absolutely in love with these characters and this story!! Was not ready for that ending and I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment!!
Profile Image for Ashley Williamson.
2 reviews
March 14, 2022
5 stars

Definitely a different type of vampire book. It was a little fast pace but I'm excited for the twins story!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,559 reviews237 followers
March 8, 2022
Severide and Esmeralda were meant for one another. You could feel how deep an emotional and physical connection they shared with one another. I could not get enough of them. There are a few other characters that are introduced into this story. Which I hope to see them again in the other books in some fashion.

OMG. This prequel has me hooked. It may be a short story, but it reads like a full-length book. I can't wait to get my hands on the full books in the Shallow Cove Dimensions series. Readers of pnr vampire books and who like their steam level to be HOT will want to pick up this book. Author, January Rayne has made me "Eternally Hers" with this book!
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,350 reviews18 followers
March 8, 2022
If it's love does it matter if it's your one and only beloved or if it's fate. I guess if your a vampire it's the difference between thousands of years and something like eternity.
This quick prequel had me intrigued from the very beginning. This is not your typical vampire story. Yes we have all your favorite aspects but also more. I am super excited to see were this series is going to take us in the world of vampires, werewolves, and witches.
I have willingly left this review in exchange for an advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,526 reviews78 followers
March 8, 2022
Fantastic Start!

This was a really intense, thrilling and very exciting start to this new world. We get Vampires, Werewolves, Witches and who knows what else when the full-length novel comes out. This little taste was action packed, bloody, violent, steamy and shocking at the end. I needed to hold on to my kindle tightly and brace for the emotional rollercoaster ride we get taken on.

I can’t wait for the full-length novel as this novella left us on the edges of our seats with so many unanswered questions, and it only just whets our appetite! I need more now!
Profile Image for drea marie ♥.
71 reviews18 followers
March 3, 2022
***Arc Review an exchange for an honest review***

What I love about most about Vampire Books is always seeing what the writer is going to give us with their spin on it. We get a new world of Vampires, Werewolves, Mention of Witches which I presume will be in the upcoming Novel because all Vampires need a good witch by there side am I right?

Severide and Esmeralda two vampires who become mates, head over heels for one another instant connection when they meet. Hot & Spicey right off the press when they connect with one another, that’s the thing about Vampires there is never no holding back you can go to every single level no hold bars and that these two do. A start of a new Vampire Love Story in the making and I am here for it, will these two be able to survive dimensions, beloveds, werewolves, and all that? Who knows but I’m excited to find out.

We get a good amount of back story with the Characters in this prequel to set up for the actual book which is nice. A look at the main Couples Love Story, The Villain and more and not only that Dimensions you all? This World is going to take us places and I’m super excited for the adventure we are about to embark.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews

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