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French Quarter Vampire King #1
Chains of Blood and Darkness
Kidnapped from my college campus as just as I’ve tasted freedom, then sold to the Angel of Death—Angelo Santi, the vampire mafia King.I’m now a captive in a world I never knew existed, caught in a tangled web of ancient feuds and dangerous desires.
He claims that I have the power to save his people by reigniting a dying magical stone.
He’s delusional. I have no powers, but if I try to escape, he’ll start by killing my best friend and move to everyone I’ve ever loved.
As if that is not bad enough, the bodies of murdered women who look just like me keep turning up in the French Quarter.
Someone is framing him. That same person is hunting me.
Angelo’s the only man that I’ve ever trusted to protect me, but he’s a temptation that could lead to my ruin.
While his heart may be cold as his ice, the seductive vampire king sets my soul on fire. In this twisted game of blood and darkness, nothing is as it seems…except the intensity of our passion.
Chains of Blood and Darkness is a dark, steamy enemies-to-lovers vampire romance with a sassy, strong heroine and a drop-dead gorgeous, powerful vampire king. Get ready for intense action, jaw-dropping plot twists, sizzling forbidden romance, and dark supernatural thrills will keep you on the edge of your seat!
He claims that I have the power to save his people by reigniting a dying magical stone.
He’s delusional. I have no powers, but if I try to escape, he’ll start by killing my best friend and move to everyone I’ve ever loved.
As if that is not bad enough, the bodies of murdered women who look just like me keep turning up in the French Quarter.
Someone is framing him. That same person is hunting me.
Angelo’s the only man that I’ve ever trusted to protect me, but he’s a temptation that could lead to my ruin.
While his heart may be cold as his ice, the seductive vampire king sets my soul on fire. In this twisted game of blood and darkness, nothing is as it seems…except the intensity of our passion.
Chains of Blood and Darkness is a dark, steamy enemies-to-lovers vampire romance with a sassy, strong heroine and a drop-dead gorgeous, powerful vampire king. Get ready for intense action, jaw-dropping plot twists, sizzling forbidden romance, and dark supernatural thrills will keep you on the edge of your seat!
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2024
563 people are currently reading
2950 people want to read
About the author
M. Guida
70 books210 followersM Guida has always loved fantasy and romance, especially dragons. Growing up, she devoured fantasy books and all kinds of young adult books. And then she found romance and a whole new world opened up to her.
Now as an adult, she fell in love with academy romance and has blended all of her past loves into one compelling series. Dragons, vampires, elves, demons, and shifters all attend Legacy Academy.
When she's not writing, she lives in the colorful Rocky Mountains with her fur baby, Raven, and enjoys taking her for walks.
Would you like to become a Legacy? Sign up for her mailing list and enter a world of the supernatural. https://geni.us/akJn
You can also join her private Facebook page-Legacy Academy https://geni.us/aksDhUZ You'll become a legacy and find out about your special power and maybe even find some romance!
Now as an adult, she fell in love with academy romance and has blended all of her past loves into one compelling series. Dragons, vampires, elves, demons, and shifters all attend Legacy Academy.
When she's not writing, she lives in the colorful Rocky Mountains with her fur baby, Raven, and enjoys taking her for walks.
Would you like to become a Legacy? Sign up for her mailing list and enter a world of the supernatural. https://geni.us/akJn
You can also join her private Facebook page-Legacy Academy https://geni.us/aksDhUZ You'll become a legacy and find out about your special power and maybe even find some romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 4, 2024
Vampires. I will never not love them.
With Chains of Blood and Darkness I dove back into a series I read recently. This book is part of the French Quarter Vampire King series. Angelo Santi, the vampire mafia king, is a character I really enjoyed in Kiss of Blood and Sin so I was excited to start his book and I was not disappointed!
In Chains of Blood and Darkness, Serenity gets taken from her college and is sold in an auction to the vampire king Angelo Santi, who believes she can help him revive an ancient artifact through powers she herself is not aware of. But like him, so do others. Things get dangerous, and though Serenity has every reason to distrust of Angelo, resisting him is hard.
Once again, the supernatural intrigue in this author’s stories is wonderful. I’m also weak for a dash of mystery in my books so enjoyed the one in this book, as well as the banter and tension between Serenity and the very morally gray Angelo. The moments leading up to the finale were intense and I couldn’t bring myself to put the book down because I had to see its resolution to the end!
Spice: 3 peppers 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copt. Opinions are my own.
With Chains of Blood and Darkness I dove back into a series I read recently. This book is part of the French Quarter Vampire King series. Angelo Santi, the vampire mafia king, is a character I really enjoyed in Kiss of Blood and Sin so I was excited to start his book and I was not disappointed!
In Chains of Blood and Darkness, Serenity gets taken from her college and is sold in an auction to the vampire king Angelo Santi, who believes she can help him revive an ancient artifact through powers she herself is not aware of. But like him, so do others. Things get dangerous, and though Serenity has every reason to distrust of Angelo, resisting him is hard.
Once again, the supernatural intrigue in this author’s stories is wonderful. I’m also weak for a dash of mystery in my books so enjoyed the one in this book, as well as the banter and tension between Serenity and the very morally gray Angelo. The moments leading up to the finale were intense and I couldn’t bring myself to put the book down because I had to see its resolution to the end!
Spice: 3 peppers 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copt. Opinions are my own.
January 1, 2025
This book didn't work for me. I felt no chemistry between Angelo and Serenity. The story seemed rushed, it was all wham bam they're in love. Hold up what happened, how did we get here.
January 23, 2025
DNF at 73%. I just couldn’t anymore. I tried. The story was an intriguing concept to me, but the writing is awful. The author spells every single thing out, with every sentence containing THE most information possible. Straight to jail. Or maybe hell. This is an unforgivable sin. It ruined the moment countless times, just completely pissing all over any anticipation or emotion the author was attempting to elicit.
Look, I know not everyone likes flowery, poetic writing, but jfc was this written for someone with an elementary reading level? I wanted to pull my hair out and punch myself in the eyeballs.
Every word, every interaction, every moment was unbelievably hollow and devoid of any sort of natural human complexity or organic nuance. The characters had no charisma, no chemistry. I couldn’t even connect to the characters myself. I felt like they were actors just each filming their scenes alone and then someone putting it all together in the end.
Be honest. Please. I won’t tell anyone. Did a robot write this book? Are- Are you a robot?
Look, I know not everyone likes flowery, poetic writing, but jfc was this written for someone with an elementary reading level? I wanted to pull my hair out and punch myself in the eyeballs.
Every word, every interaction, every moment was unbelievably hollow and devoid of any sort of natural human complexity or organic nuance. The characters had no charisma, no chemistry. I couldn’t even connect to the characters myself. I felt like they were actors just each filming their scenes alone and then someone putting it all together in the end.
Be honest. Please. I won’t tell anyone. Did a robot write this book? Are- Are you a robot?
November 25, 2025
I would say 3.5 or 4 stars for the plot - it's got love, found family, tension, betrayal, and magical beings in all the right places. But it's also a virgin trope, which is personally not my jam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For me, though, only 3 stars for the writing. Firstly, the writing uses many too many metaphors and analogies, which actually makes it hard to stay in a scene sometimes. Second, there are a lot of overused phrases, like "igniting" passions/flames/fires/etc.
This book is first in a trilogy but I think I'll be stopping here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For me, though, only 3 stars for the writing. Firstly, the writing uses many too many metaphors and analogies, which actually makes it hard to stay in a scene sometimes. Second, there are a lot of overused phrases, like "igniting" passions/flames/fires/etc.
This book is first in a trilogy but I think I'll be stopping here.
November 12, 2024
Angelo Santi was my favorite character in 'Kiss of Blood and Sin', so I was super excited to dive into his story. I mean, vampires AND mafia romance in one book? Yes, please!
Chain of Blood and Darkness is the story of Angelo--a dangerous and alluring vampire mafia king-- and Serenity. She is a college student who gets kidn@pped from her college dorm and sold in an auction to Angelo, who believes she has powers that can help him revive an ancient artifact.
As a first book in a duology, this installment allowed a deeper understanding and exploration of the power dynamics in the supernatural mafia clans. The race to claim Serenity's powers puts a strain in alliances and also rivalries, and I'm curious to explore the consequences of the events of this book in the sequel. I also hope we get to see more of Angelo's beef with Dracula! The found family dynamics were also very well done. Angelo is very protective by nature, and this extended to his sister, his closest associates, and to Serenity, who was a ball of sass and energy that well balanced Angelo's brooding and cold, calculating mind.
Overall, this is a book that will definitely appeal to readers who love a good crossover between paranormal romance and mafia romance. It had an interesting mystery, and fascinating characters. What I would have liked, however, was a slower burn for Angelo and Serenity's relationship. I love their dynamic, but I feel like feelings developed a bit quickly, and I would have liked to see a bit more in that aspect. Still, a book that I super recommend to vampire fans!
Rating: 3.5 | Spice: 3 (explicit, open door intimacy)
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
Chain of Blood and Darkness is the story of Angelo--a dangerous and alluring vampire mafia king-- and Serenity. She is a college student who gets kidn@pped from her college dorm and sold in an auction to Angelo, who believes she has powers that can help him revive an ancient artifact.
As a first book in a duology, this installment allowed a deeper understanding and exploration of the power dynamics in the supernatural mafia clans. The race to claim Serenity's powers puts a strain in alliances and also rivalries, and I'm curious to explore the consequences of the events of this book in the sequel. I also hope we get to see more of Angelo's beef with Dracula! The found family dynamics were also very well done. Angelo is very protective by nature, and this extended to his sister, his closest associates, and to Serenity, who was a ball of sass and energy that well balanced Angelo's brooding and cold, calculating mind.
Overall, this is a book that will definitely appeal to readers who love a good crossover between paranormal romance and mafia romance. It had an interesting mystery, and fascinating characters. What I would have liked, however, was a slower burn for Angelo and Serenity's relationship. I love their dynamic, but I feel like feelings developed a bit quickly, and I would have liked to see a bit more in that aspect. Still, a book that I super recommend to vampire fans!
Rating: 3.5 | Spice: 3 (explicit, open door intimacy)
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
October 15, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an ARC for this review.
I loved this book. I can't wait for book 2. I will not give any spoilers, but I am ready for the next one. Great writing. Great character development. I'm hooked.
I loved this book. I can't wait for book 2. I will not give any spoilers, but I am ready for the next one. Great writing. Great character development. I'm hooked.
August 10, 2025
Definitely worth the read. Love that I couldn’t put it down.
December 11, 2024
Vampire stories have been a favorite of mine since I was old enough to read Anne Rice's books, and I think I have just found another author, in M. Guida, who has thrilled me nearly as much!
The intensity of the relationship between Serenity and Angelo is described through the raw emotions and thoughts each has about the other. However, Serenity's lack of all out terror about her situation, Angelo and the events occurring around her is a lot less than what would be expected, but that doesn't distract from the story. The story pulled me in and hooked me to the point that I couldn't put the book down until I was done.
I have already pre-ordered the rest of the books in the series!
Thank you to M. Guida, the publisher and Goodreads for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The intensity of the relationship between Serenity and Angelo is described through the raw emotions and thoughts each has about the other. However, Serenity's lack of all out terror about her situation, Angelo and the events occurring around her is a lot less than what would be expected, but that doesn't distract from the story. The story pulled me in and hooked me to the point that I couldn't put the book down until I was done.
I have already pre-ordered the rest of the books in the series!
Thank you to M. Guida, the publisher and Goodreads for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read
July 9, 2025Set in New Orleans, the atmosphere of the town alone helps to create a gothic tone that cements the paranormal community. I liked the take on a vampire clan that has become a mafia family as a front to blend into today's society. It was also interesting how Guida used many supernatural people to create her world. However, maybe having the multitude of supernatural's became part of the issue in this book feeling like it was not fully developed. Serenity, who happens to be a Nephilim, is so wishy-washy that i ended up disliking her. She waffles from hatred toward Angelo (MMC) who bought her at an auction, (so that is totally deserved), to feelings of desire and love. Please. This happened within a few days of her arriving at her new "prison." Even with Stockholm Syndrome she probably would've taken more than a few days to develop it. And little things like him taking her blood by force in the first few days of captivity should be a red flag.
Things don't mesh quite right either. Serenity has no idea of what she is or of all the supernatural's until she is kidnapped and sold. However after coming to Angelo's mansion she knew about vampire compulsion? Wouldn't that be something she also did not know? Wording caught me at times as well. After only being with Angelo for a short period its stated that he always was her strength - wouldn't it be "becoming" since they had just met?
The book also has a mystery where women are killed and Angelo is being framed for it. This is an aside until another body shows up. Nothing much was developed regarding this and is pushed to the second book. The problem is that much of what was going on was never fleshed out. There seemed to be a lot of flowery descriptions instead of getting to the point. I ended up not really caring what happened to either of the characters. Then Vlad Tepes was brought in - but only sparingly. However this is the one Angelo was more worried about and needed his stone charged for, but the Dracula character was also just meh. I ended the book feeling like I was given a copy that was missing at least 75 pages. I even looked the author up to see if this was a debut book, therefore did I need to cut some slack for the blah story. Interesting premise, could've been way better with more work. I got this book via Booksprout and have left the review voluntarily. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
Things don't mesh quite right either. Serenity has no idea of what she is or of all the supernatural's until she is kidnapped and sold. However after coming to Angelo's mansion she knew about vampire compulsion? Wouldn't that be something she also did not know? Wording caught me at times as well. After only being with Angelo for a short period its stated that he always was her strength - wouldn't it be "becoming" since they had just met?
The book also has a mystery where women are killed and Angelo is being framed for it. This is an aside until another body shows up. Nothing much was developed regarding this and is pushed to the second book. The problem is that much of what was going on was never fleshed out. There seemed to be a lot of flowery descriptions instead of getting to the point. I ended up not really caring what happened to either of the characters. Then Vlad Tepes was brought in - but only sparingly. However this is the one Angelo was more worried about and needed his stone charged for, but the Dracula character was also just meh. I ended the book feeling like I was given a copy that was missing at least 75 pages. I even looked the author up to see if this was a debut book, therefore did I need to cut some slack for the blah story. Interesting premise, could've been way better with more work. I got this book via Booksprout and have left the review voluntarily. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
July 13, 2025
Set in New Orleans, the atmosphere of the town alone helps to create a gothic tone that cements the paranormal community. I liked the take on a vampire clan that has become a mafia family as a front to blend into today's society. It was also interesting how Guida used many supernatural people to create her world. However, maybe having the multitude of supernatural's became part of the issue in this book feeling like it was not fully developed. Serenity, who happens to be a Nephilim, is so wishy-washy that i ended up disliking her. She waffles from hatred toward Angelo (MMC) who bought her at an auction, (so that is totally deserved), to feelings of desire and love. Please. This happened within a few days of her arriving at her new "prison." Even with Stockholm Syndrome she probably would've taken more than a few days to develop it. And little things like him taking her blood by force in the first few days of captivity should be a red flag.
Things don't mesh quite right either. Serenity has no idea of what she is or of all the supernatural's until she is kidnapped and sold. However after coming to Angelo's mansion she knew about vampire compulsion? Wouldn't that be something she also did not know? Wording caught me at times as well. After only being with Angelo for a short period its stated that he always was her strength - wouldn't it be "becoming" since they had just met?
The book also has a mystery where women are killed and Angelo is being framed for it. This is an aside until another body shows up. Nothing much was developed regarding this and is pushed to the second book. The problem is that much of what was going on was never fleshed out. There seemed to be a lot of flowery descriptions instead of getting to the point. I ended up not really caring what happened to either of the characters. Then Vlad Tepes was brought in - but only sparingly. However this is the one Angelo was more worried about and needed his stone charged for, but the Dracula character was also just meh. I ended the book feeling like I was given a copy that was missing at least 75 pages. I even looked the author up to see if this was a debut book, therefore did I need to cut some slack for the blah story. Interesting premise, could've been way better with more work. I got this book via Booksprout and have left the review voluntarily. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
Things don't mesh quite right either. Serenity has no idea of what she is or of all the supernatural's until she is kidnapped and sold. However after coming to Angelo's mansion she knew about vampire compulsion? Wouldn't that be something she also did not know? Wording caught me at times as well. After only being with Angelo for a short period its stated that he always was her strength - wouldn't it be "becoming" since they had just met?
The book also has a mystery where women are killed and Angelo is being framed for it. This is an aside until another body shows up. Nothing much was developed regarding this and is pushed to the second book. The problem is that much of what was going on was never fleshed out. There seemed to be a lot of flowery descriptions instead of getting to the point. I ended up not really caring what happened to either of the characters. Then Vlad Tepes was brought in - but only sparingly. However this is the one Angelo was more worried about and needed his stone charged for, but the Dracula character was also just meh. I ended the book feeling like I was given a copy that was missing at least 75 pages. I even looked the author up to see if this was a debut book, therefore did I need to cut some slack for the blah story. Interesting premise, could've been way better with more work. I got this book via Booksprout and have left the review voluntarily. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
October 24, 2024
I liked the overall story of this book, but didn’t feel the chemistry between the characters. Serenity and Angelo’s relationship just didn’t spark anything in me when I read it. When Angelo bought Serenity from the auctions here was an immediate distrust between them. And there was a hint that she found him attractive, but there was not enough there for me to believe their relationship. The whole time Serenity was mistrustful, and doubted Angelo’s every move while Angelo was constantly pushing her, while also not? He wanted her to choose to be with him, but it didn’t really seem like she had a choice. There was not a lot of time for them to get to know each other and for the attraction to grow.
There also wasn’t not a lot of time for Serenity to get to know the rest of Angelo’s family. I’m not sure exactly how long she was supposed to be there, but it didn’t seem like it was a long period of time. But when one of Angelo’s family was killed, Serenity was really upset. But she hadn’t had many interactions with him, or anyone outside of Angelo.
However, this book was well written. You understood where the two characters came from,and for the most part they stuck to their own personalities. I think it was interesting that Serenity turned out to be half Angel. It does make you wonder if her father was a good angels or a fallen. And if he was an archangel, and/or fallen, which Angel could it be?
I also think it makes sense that as a vampire, they would be involved in the mafia. They have the time to make money and they wouldn’t be held back by normal morals and see humans as something to be exploited, so that was an interesting twist.
I am assuming that there are other books in this universe that explains Angelo’s sister and her husband’s relationship. While it is explained it is glossed over and not given a lot of attention.
While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the relationship, the overall story is interesting. And we were left on a cliff hanger of what is going to happen to Serenity.
*I did receive an ARC for this book, and this is my honest review.
There also wasn’t not a lot of time for Serenity to get to know the rest of Angelo’s family. I’m not sure exactly how long she was supposed to be there, but it didn’t seem like it was a long period of time. But when one of Angelo’s family was killed, Serenity was really upset. But she hadn’t had many interactions with him, or anyone outside of Angelo.
However, this book was well written. You understood where the two characters came from,and for the most part they stuck to their own personalities. I think it was interesting that Serenity turned out to be half Angel. It does make you wonder if her father was a good angels or a fallen. And if he was an archangel, and/or fallen, which Angel could it be?
I also think it makes sense that as a vampire, they would be involved in the mafia. They have the time to make money and they wouldn’t be held back by normal morals and see humans as something to be exploited, so that was an interesting twist.
I am assuming that there are other books in this universe that explains Angelo’s sister and her husband’s relationship. While it is explained it is glossed over and not given a lot of attention.
While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the relationship, the overall story is interesting. And we were left on a cliff hanger of what is going to happen to Serenity.
*I did receive an ARC for this book, and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
I had a hard time getting into this book and staying focused on it while reading. The plot is interesting, but, honestly, I just found the FMC and MMC boring. For people who knew each other approximately a week, the FMC went from "I hate him and want to escape" to "I want him to be my first" awfully fast. I found several of the side characters more interesting than the FMC or the MMC, and hope some of them eventually get their own books/series
While this book is meant to be the first in the series, it ties in with several of the author's other book series, not pivotally, but characters and events are mentioned from other books, and I feel like it would have increased my enjoyment of the book having that prior knowledge. I just wish I had known that when I agreed to ARC read it. I'm not sure I still would have chosen this book to read if I had known about the tie-in aspect beforehand.
While there is a degree of "spice" to the book, it felt barely a step up from closed door scenes, and wasn't what I would consider explicit
I'll likely give this author another chance in the future, but will probably not come back to this series (at least not without reading the preceding series first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While this book is meant to be the first in the series, it ties in with several of the author's other book series, not pivotally, but characters and events are mentioned from other books, and I feel like it would have increased my enjoyment of the book having that prior knowledge. I just wish I had known that when I agreed to ARC read it. I'm not sure I still would have chosen this book to read if I had known about the tie-in aspect beforehand.
While there is a degree of "spice" to the book, it felt barely a step up from closed door scenes, and wasn't what I would consider explicit
I'll likely give this author another chance in the future, but will probably not come back to this series (at least not without reading the preceding series first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2025
I don’t know if I should give up after book 1 or carry on to book 2.
The story is intriguing so I kinda want to know what happens because I’m nosy. However I finished this one and also ended feeling a strong sense of “eh who cares”
Book 1 ended on a cliffhanger and I’m not sure I have it in me to deal with an immature FMC who one moment is professing her love to a vampire and literally next paragraph condemning him because he has un-alived people. I mean, bro is a vampire sweetheart, in all the books about vampires in all time the human blood is the central focus.
To add to the wishy-washy-woe is me fmc how on one page did we go from “I hate you for always” to your my mate and I would end the world for you in the next?
I also wish the mmc would stop calling her “little _____ “ (won’t put the nickname because spoilers) it gives me the ick.
I love the detailed descriptions the author can provide since my brain doesn’t paint pictures for me when I read or listen. I just wish the book wasn’t filled detailed descriptions of food and meals the characters were partaking in. If I wanted four pages on the way the Alfredo was cooked and how it tasted I’d read a cookbook. Give me all details about places, and people, and emotions not how the fava beans were cooked.
The story is intriguing so I kinda want to know what happens because I’m nosy. However I finished this one and also ended feeling a strong sense of “eh who cares”
Book 1 ended on a cliffhanger and I’m not sure I have it in me to deal with an immature FMC who one moment is professing her love to a vampire and literally next paragraph condemning him because he has un-alived people. I mean, bro is a vampire sweetheart, in all the books about vampires in all time the human blood is the central focus.
To add to the wishy-washy-woe is me fmc how on one page did we go from “I hate you for always” to your my mate and I would end the world for you in the next?
I also wish the mmc would stop calling her “little _____ “ (won’t put the nickname because spoilers) it gives me the ick.
I love the detailed descriptions the author can provide since my brain doesn’t paint pictures for me when I read or listen. I just wish the book wasn’t filled detailed descriptions of food and meals the characters were partaking in. If I wanted four pages on the way the Alfredo was cooked and how it tasted I’d read a cookbook. Give me all details about places, and people, and emotions not how the fava beans were cooked.
July 20, 2025
I have read some mafia love books before and liked some of them. So I was open about the kind of love story this would be, especially since it was a fantasy one ( fantasy is my favorite genre) But unfortunately it was not really the book for me.
The female main character was severely damaged during her childhood, not an extremely stubborn character and she falls reasonably fast in love with the main male. So there is not a long period of them being enemies before they become lovers. As for why this love happens so fast I have no idea, because the main male has very few redeeming qualities, except that he is goodlooking and in his own way cares about her and protects her. One would say that would be enough, but the fact is that he often puts other things over her ( her wellbeing is certainly not his first priority). And that made me feel he was not morally grey but morally almost black. So the romance, which is the center of this book, did not work for me personally.
As for the story around it, it was okay and entertaining. Kind of the traditional underdog outcast turns out to be special and has special powers and starts to learn to control them.
The female main character was severely damaged during her childhood, not an extremely stubborn character and she falls reasonably fast in love with the main male. So there is not a long period of them being enemies before they become lovers. As for why this love happens so fast I have no idea, because the main male has very few redeeming qualities, except that he is goodlooking and in his own way cares about her and protects her. One would say that would be enough, but the fact is that he often puts other things over her ( her wellbeing is certainly not his first priority). And that made me feel he was not morally grey but morally almost black. So the romance, which is the center of this book, did not work for me personally.
As for the story around it, it was okay and entertaining. Kind of the traditional underdog outcast turns out to be special and has special powers and starts to learn to control them.
July 31, 2025
The first book in the French Quarter Vampire King, a dark vampire mafia romance. Filled with tension from the start as Serenity starts a new life at college, only to have it ripped away. Angelo, whom we met in Kiss of Blood and Sin, he needs Serenity’s help to bring an artifact to life with her magic. Magic that Serenity doesn’t know she has, she is wary of Angelo. Serenity and Angelo have all the scorching chemistry in this enemies to lovers tale weaved with a prophecy, forbidden magic, fated mates, tangible emotions, and suspense. It definitely had me turning the pages to see what’s next, great pacing, creative world and character development. Cannot wait to delve into the next chapter of their love story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2025
Serenity and Angelo trilogy is a full of non-stop action and suspense that will keep you locked in waiting to see what happens next. Definitely a fun series for those just getting into creature romances! You get a mix of Mafia and vampire tropes along the way! After buying Serenity at an auction for her to save his family and way of living, Angelo discovers there is more than meets the eye with her. But as girls keep vanishing only to be found dead, the connection linking him to their demise grow stronger each time. Angelo and Serenity’s newly formed connection will be put to the test as the unknown danger closes in.
August 29, 2025
DNFd 60%. Liked the premise, despised the execution. The author spoon feeds everything which makes it highly repetitive and redundant. Feels like the author thinks the reader is too stupid to understand the gravity of the FMC’s situation. And while I do enjoy “captive bride” trope, this treatment of it felt especially distasteful. You need to seduce the reader as much as the character and this was more proximity to patriarchy and a hot pretty man than slowly winning the reader over followed by the FMC.
October 29, 2025
I would give this 3.5 stars.
This seemed just a bit rushed for me. Serenity who is our FMC just seemed almost too agreeable at times. Like she put on this fierce face but then would lose that confidence almost immediately. Angelo our MMC is a vampire king who just thinks he is the most powerful thing walking. There are dark fae and wolves, but they don't dominate the book. I just couldn't really get into this one, the plot was subpar, the world building wasn't much better. Some spiciness but until the end of the book.
This seemed just a bit rushed for me. Serenity who is our FMC just seemed almost too agreeable at times. Like she put on this fierce face but then would lose that confidence almost immediately. Angelo our MMC is a vampire king who just thinks he is the most powerful thing walking. There are dark fae and wolves, but they don't dominate the book. I just couldn't really get into this one, the plot was subpar, the world building wasn't much better. Some spiciness but until the end of the book.
October 23, 2024
This was such a well written and engaging read. I loved the world building - expect to feel like you're in New Orleans when you dive into this one - the politics, the characters and the plot. Serenity was awesome! She was strong and brave and her value was huge... However, this story is also huge and there's a lot more to come. I can't wait for the next installment to see how things continue to unfold ;D Good fun!
December 8, 2024
If you love forbidden romance, vampires, mafia and over bearing monster men. Serenity is kidnapped from her college campus by the vampire king himself. Why? Bc he believes she has the power to save his people. Does Serenity know this or believe this? No of course not. Enemies to lovers. Steamy. Banter. Mystery. And now people are turning up ☠️ that look just like her. And Angelo, our vampire king, is the only one she can trust.
July 18, 2025
It was interesting to see how quickly Serenity’s feelings grew for Angelo. I was also surprised with how many obstacles and struggles they encountered. Their love scene was beautifully written. Now that Serenity has been kidnapped, I am hoping that their bond plays into her recovery. I am enjoying the series and look forward to book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2025
Serenity has faced struggles in her life, but she never expected to be faced with the Angel of Death (Angelo Santi). Will she ever see her friend Joy again? Will Angelo let her escape or has he decided he must keep her? I loved reading Angelo and Serenity's story, it captured me right from the start and I had to consume it to the last word. Definitely need the next book asap.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2024
I began reading this story on Kindle Vella and I was immediately thrilled to find out that the author was expanding on the story. This has me hooked from the first page and did not disappoint. My favorite part was the beautiful description of the view of the French Quarter from the mafia kings bedroom. I felt like I was transported there. I need book two immediately.
November 19, 2024
Interesting storyline
The author provides a lot of detail especially when it comes to food. I felt that the storyline was interesting but a bit rushed. In my honest opinion the relationship between Angelo and the mfc needed something more before it could actually develop (I didn't feel the chemistry). I will read the next book in hopes that it will fill in what was missing.
The author provides a lot of detail especially when it comes to food. I felt that the storyline was interesting but a bit rushed. In my honest opinion the relationship between Angelo and the mfc needed something more before it could actually develop (I didn't feel the chemistry). I will read the next book in hopes that it will fill in what was missing.
March 10, 2025
This book has everything you could ask for in a dark fantasy romance. Vampires, fae, wolves, angels, demons, kidnapping, human trafficking (eww), captivity, snarky banter, and stressful situations.
I had been missing a good dark vampire book, and so far, this has fit the bill. It does end in a cliffhanger, so be aware of that, but I already have the 2nd book, so I will be starting that now.
I had been missing a good dark vampire book, and so far, this has fit the bill. It does end in a cliffhanger, so be aware of that, but I already have the 2nd book, so I will be starting that now.
June 14, 2025
Well I have nothing bad to say about this book! story line, supernatural creatures, beautiful world building and wonderful writing!
I love a book that questions If a character is human, or are they something else entirely!
Definitely going to read the 2nd to find out more of the story!.
Read this book, or you will miss out on a great book!
I love a book that questions If a character is human, or are they something else entirely!
Definitely going to read the 2nd to find out more of the story!.
Read this book, or you will miss out on a great book!
August 2, 2025
Two of my favourite genres combined in one series: vampires and mafia, this time, we have vampires who are in the mafia!
This is the first book in a new series, and it gets off to a great start and has left me eager to read the next book. I love the world-building and descriptive writing, which made me feel like I was right yet witnessing the dark underbelly of the city.
This is the first book in a new series, and it gets off to a great start and has left me eager to read the next book. I love the world-building and descriptive writing, which made me feel like I was right yet witnessing the dark underbelly of the city.
October 22, 2025
Another boring story. No chemistry between the FMC and MMC. Nothing happened. Just boring monologue and talking.
It started off pretty strong and I was really intrigued in the story but it went downhill, fast. I also kept zoning out again, which means it doesn't keep my interest.
Nothing much to say since nothing much happens.
It started off pretty strong and I was really intrigued in the story but it went downhill, fast. I also kept zoning out again, which means it doesn't keep my interest.
Nothing much to say since nothing much happens.
October 24, 2024
I received this book as part of ARC from the author. The book was amazing. Gives you fated mates, vampires, fae, warewolfs, witches, and other supernaturals. You ought to also get to see characters from other books.
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