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The Vampire's Bride
Everyone fears the Vampires of Morrowynd—night bound and bloodthirsty creatures only spoken of in scared and hushed whispers...
To save my life, my parents promise me to one as his blood wife. When I’m wed to the Vampire Lord Valaric Greyvale I brace myself, expecting only cruelty and indifference.
But Lord Greyvale is far from what I expected, and I find myself drawn to him in ways I do not fully understand.
He claims I’m his Fated One—his Ashaya. Despite what I feel, I'm hesitant to trust him.
My husband carries a dark secret, and I am determined to find out what it is.
Now I find myself What does it mean to be the Bride of a Vampire?
**This is a standalone romance set in the same world as the Of Fate and Kings series. It is not necessary to have read the books in that series to enjoy this one.**
**Steamy content. Not a dark romance**
To save my life, my parents promise me to one as his blood wife. When I’m wed to the Vampire Lord Valaric Greyvale I brace myself, expecting only cruelty and indifference.
But Lord Greyvale is far from what I expected, and I find myself drawn to him in ways I do not fully understand.
He claims I’m his Fated One—his Ashaya. Despite what I feel, I'm hesitant to trust him.
My husband carries a dark secret, and I am determined to find out what it is.
Now I find myself What does it mean to be the Bride of a Vampire?
**This is a standalone romance set in the same world as the Of Fate and Kings series. It is not necessary to have read the books in that series to enjoy this one.**
**Steamy content. Not a dark romance**
664 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2024
173 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Grayson
65 books767 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Jessica Grayson writes scifi and fantasy romance with strong heroines and the otherworldly heroes that cannot help but fall in love with them.
She lives with her husband, cat and dog in the San Antonio, TX area. In addition to reading and writing scifi romance, she loves swimming, chai and dark chocolate.
For more information, follow her on www.jessicagraysonauthor.com
She lives with her husband, cat and dog in the San Antonio, TX area. In addition to reading and writing scifi romance, she loves swimming, chai and dark chocolate.
For more information, follow her on www.jessicagraysonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 4, 2024
Beauty and the Beast…with vampires
WOWWWWWW!!! This was so totally worth the wait!! This was very reminiscent of beauty and the beast, but with a twist.
The writing was flawless, gorgeous, this author can pull you into the story and you feel as if youre there!
Some people complained about the spice, that it wasn’t enough! Honestly, this was a SLOOOOWWW burn, but once they get there, there was spice packed with feelz and i LOOOVED it!!! I counted at least 4 smexy scenes, there might have been more. And they were wonderfully written, with lots of emotional connection AND smexiness!!
My ONE complaint about this book was the REPETITIVE “are you sure” from the hero when hes making love to the heroine. Seriously, you dont have to keep asking. Especially when she is enthusiastically engaged with u, stopping to ask “are u sure/ceetain” is weak and cringe, and its not sexy or romantic. Its like a cringey creepy tik tok feminist with severe mental illness, who thinks a man needs to stop before every single action and get permission. before continuing. JUST STOP. once is enough. A woman is strong enough, capable enough to open her mouth and say something if she doesn’t like what he’s doing.
Other than that, this was a fabulous time, i loved every second of it. I do wish there had been an epilogue, but i believe this story is interconnected with other characters and so we will probably see this couple again.
Safe. Both hero and heroine are virgins, belong only to each other. Hero has been married before, but they were not sexually consummated and there was no emotional connection between them. Heroine was engaged to OM, never any physical or emotional connection. Heroine is attacked by several villains, so beware. Hea but no epilogue.
WOWWWWWW!!! This was so totally worth the wait!! This was very reminiscent of beauty and the beast, but with a twist.
The writing was flawless, gorgeous, this author can pull you into the story and you feel as if youre there!
Some people complained about the spice, that it wasn’t enough! Honestly, this was a SLOOOOWWW burn, but once they get there, there was spice packed with feelz and i LOOOVED it!!! I counted at least 4 smexy scenes, there might have been more. And they were wonderfully written, with lots of emotional connection AND smexiness!!
My ONE complaint about this book was the REPETITIVE “are you sure” from the hero when hes making love to the heroine. Seriously, you dont have to keep asking. Especially when she is enthusiastically engaged with u, stopping to ask “are u sure/ceetain” is weak and cringe, and its not sexy or romantic. Its like a cringey creepy tik tok feminist with severe mental illness, who thinks a man needs to stop before every single action and get permission. before continuing. JUST STOP. once is enough. A woman is strong enough, capable enough to open her mouth and say something if she doesn’t like what he’s doing.
Other than that, this was a fabulous time, i loved every second of it. I do wish there had been an epilogue, but i believe this story is interconnected with other characters and so we will probably see this couple again.
Safe. Both hero and heroine are virgins, belong only to each other. Hero has been married before, but they were not sexually consummated and there was no emotional connection between them. Heroine was engaged to OM, never any physical or emotional connection. Heroine is attacked by several villains, so beware. Hea but no epilogue.
September 23, 2024
WOW WOW WOW!!!!
I have been awaiting this book for ages and it did not disappoint! If anything it far exceeded my expectations and beyond. This was an incredibly well written book by Jessica Grayson, the pace was good, the continuity was phenomenal and the characters were amazing. The storyline itself was off the charts and so so interesting. I loved it from start to finish and just could not put it down. Jessica Grayson this is your best book yet!
Valaric Greyvale was a human and elite solider for the king of Avalon fifty or so years ago. He was the best of the best in the elite guard known as the Shadow Blade soldiers. When the Blood Wars happened and the Vampires invaded Valaric's village, his king betrayed his people and his soldiers which resulted in Valaric's entire family being killed and all of his elite soldier brothers in arms were killed. He was the last one standing, never giving up and because Vampires believe in strength over anything, one of them changed him into a vampire.
He was overwhelmed with grief and anger, that he sought out a blood witch to give him an advantage over the strong and powerful vampires that changed him and killed his family. He ignored all the warnings about blood witches being cruel, sadistic and evil. She gave him a potion that allowed him to walk in daylight for one day and in exchange he owed her a favor to be collected one day. So Valaric hunted down the evil vampires in the day and killed them.
BUT, it was against vampire laws to kill another vampire and since Valaric was now a vampire he is subject to these rules. He was going to be hunted and executed by the royal vampire family but a Lord of one of the Great Vampire Houses steps in an makes Valaric a member of his Clan and promises to teach him the right ways. Damar becomes like an older brother to Valaric and they are very close.
Then one day the Blood Witch calls in her favor. She wants Valaric to save her lover who was dying, by changing him into a vampire. Valaric warns her that only one in three survive the change and it was probably not going to work. She forces him to attempt it anyway and her lover did not survive the transition. She was enraged and since Valaric did not meet the bargain, she curses him. He has a set time frame with a rose bush blooming, to get a human woman to love him. BUT, in addition to that, he changes into a beast every so often and the human has to love the beast as well. Also Valaric has to have the blood of said human every three days.
The Blood Witch brings him women to make as his blood wife, which is just a blood donor on retainer. Vampire blood can heal wounds and so the Blood Witch selects women for him and then a bargain is made with the women, in exchange for healing them, they become his blood wife and live with him. The women except but they never wanted anything to do with him and were even afraid and hateful towards him. So when each woman failed they then went into a sleep stasis, placed into a glass coffin and put in the west wing. Valaric has had four women so far fail, until.....
Juliet Casterly is a human woman who was beaten very near to death and was going to die. Her family made the bargain with the Blood Witch to save her. Valaric comes and heals her but when she awakens, he realizes that she is his fated mate! Which makes things even more horrifying but it makes him even more determined than ever to save her.
All she asks of Valaric is to get married and so they get married in the temple of the Old Gods. They then leave for his home castle. At the castle she gets the shock of a life time because a wolf shifter pack live in the castle and are adoptive family to Valaric. They all welcome her.
Juliet unlike the previous wives, becomes Valaric's True Wife, which is a whole different ball game to a blood wife and never has a vampire taken a human as a True Wife. Then spend a lot of time together and they fall in love, their bond becomes incredibly strong.
Over the course of the book we meet more friends of Valaric's that are different species and are awesome. They meat the royal family and Prince Raine is incredibly powerful and personally I think is awesome and I really, really, REALLY hope that his book is next. Prince Raine and Valaric become allies.
Eventually the curse is broken somewhat but the Blood Witch refuses to let it go and wants Valaric to suffer for the rest of eternity. She makes a new curse on him and Juliet, that after the sunset, Juliet will lose all her memories of Valaric and will be put back to her human family with a cover story. Valaric managed to kill the Blood Witch but it did not stop the curse.
Before losing her memory she makes Valaric promise that he will come for her and not give up in making her remember. Valaric promised and he does fight for her, but soon hope is near lost and he tells her if it will make her happy he will let her go and the he leaves. But she realised that she wants to see him and try to remember him because she feels the fated bond between them and does not want to give up. She takes off the next day, to go to the castle but is attacked at an Inn by human assholes.
Valaric never left her because he could not ever let her go and was just going to watch over her for the rest of her life. But when she took off, his best friend and wolf shifter who had been watching her house during the day, comes to tell him. The wolf insulates the carriage and wraps Valaric in a blanket so they can go after her in the daylight.
Valaric gets to Juliet in time and it was an amazing reunion because while she was at the Inn she got her memories back and she wanted to get to Valaric desperately.
Near the end of the book we meet the other characters from the other books set in this world, which was great. And at the end of the book, Juliet becomes pregnant with their first child.
It was a fantastic book and I LOVED IT!! I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I have been awaiting this book for ages and it did not disappoint! If anything it far exceeded my expectations and beyond. This was an incredibly well written book by Jessica Grayson, the pace was good, the continuity was phenomenal and the characters were amazing. The storyline itself was off the charts and so so interesting. I loved it from start to finish and just could not put it down. Jessica Grayson this is your best book yet!
Valaric Greyvale was a human and elite solider for the king of Avalon fifty or so years ago. He was the best of the best in the elite guard known as the Shadow Blade soldiers. When the Blood Wars happened and the Vampires invaded Valaric's village, his king betrayed his people and his soldiers which resulted in Valaric's entire family being killed and all of his elite soldier brothers in arms were killed. He was the last one standing, never giving up and because Vampires believe in strength over anything, one of them changed him into a vampire.
He was overwhelmed with grief and anger, that he sought out a blood witch to give him an advantage over the strong and powerful vampires that changed him and killed his family. He ignored all the warnings about blood witches being cruel, sadistic and evil. She gave him a potion that allowed him to walk in daylight for one day and in exchange he owed her a favor to be collected one day. So Valaric hunted down the evil vampires in the day and killed them.
BUT, it was against vampire laws to kill another vampire and since Valaric was now a vampire he is subject to these rules. He was going to be hunted and executed by the royal vampire family but a Lord of one of the Great Vampire Houses steps in an makes Valaric a member of his Clan and promises to teach him the right ways. Damar becomes like an older brother to Valaric and they are very close.
Then one day the Blood Witch calls in her favor. She wants Valaric to save her lover who was dying, by changing him into a vampire. Valaric warns her that only one in three survive the change and it was probably not going to work. She forces him to attempt it anyway and her lover did not survive the transition. She was enraged and since Valaric did not meet the bargain, she curses him. He has a set time frame with a rose bush blooming, to get a human woman to love him. BUT, in addition to that, he changes into a beast every so often and the human has to love the beast as well. Also Valaric has to have the blood of said human every three days.
The Blood Witch brings him women to make as his blood wife, which is just a blood donor on retainer. Vampire blood can heal wounds and so the Blood Witch selects women for him and then a bargain is made with the women, in exchange for healing them, they become his blood wife and live with him. The women except but they never wanted anything to do with him and were even afraid and hateful towards him. So when each woman failed they then went into a sleep stasis, placed into a glass coffin and put in the west wing. Valaric has had four women so far fail, until.....
Juliet Casterly is a human woman who was beaten very near to death and was going to die. Her family made the bargain with the Blood Witch to save her. Valaric comes and heals her but when she awakens, he realizes that she is his fated mate! Which makes things even more horrifying but it makes him even more determined than ever to save her.
All she asks of Valaric is to get married and so they get married in the temple of the Old Gods. They then leave for his home castle. At the castle she gets the shock of a life time because a wolf shifter pack live in the castle and are adoptive family to Valaric. They all welcome her.
Juliet unlike the previous wives, becomes Valaric's True Wife, which is a whole different ball game to a blood wife and never has a vampire taken a human as a True Wife. Then spend a lot of time together and they fall in love, their bond becomes incredibly strong.
Over the course of the book we meet more friends of Valaric's that are different species and are awesome. They meat the royal family and Prince Raine is incredibly powerful and personally I think is awesome and I really, really, REALLY hope that his book is next. Prince Raine and Valaric become allies.
Eventually the curse is broken somewhat but the Blood Witch refuses to let it go and wants Valaric to suffer for the rest of eternity. She makes a new curse on him and Juliet, that after the sunset, Juliet will lose all her memories of Valaric and will be put back to her human family with a cover story. Valaric managed to kill the Blood Witch but it did not stop the curse.
Before losing her memory she makes Valaric promise that he will come for her and not give up in making her remember. Valaric promised and he does fight for her, but soon hope is near lost and he tells her if it will make her happy he will let her go and the he leaves. But she realised that she wants to see him and try to remember him because she feels the fated bond between them and does not want to give up. She takes off the next day, to go to the castle but is attacked at an Inn by human assholes.
Valaric never left her because he could not ever let her go and was just going to watch over her for the rest of her life. But when she took off, his best friend and wolf shifter who had been watching her house during the day, comes to tell him. The wolf insulates the carriage and wraps Valaric in a blanket so they can go after her in the daylight.
Valaric gets to Juliet in time and it was an amazing reunion because while she was at the Inn she got her memories back and she wanted to get to Valaric desperately.
Near the end of the book we meet the other characters from the other books set in this world, which was great. And at the end of the book, Juliet becomes pregnant with their first child.
It was a fantastic book and I LOVED IT!! I highly recommend this book to everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
Not gonna lie. This book scared me because of the length but god it was everything I needed. I loved the plot, the characters, and I loved that it was connected with the Fate and Kings series. I cried and awed so many times. It was the perfect read for me. A delicious amount of tension and a sprinkle of spice. If you’re looking for something that really dives into the world and you just want to awe and cry like I did then I highly recommend. I love Jessica’s writing🫶🏼
September 26, 2024
This could have been a 5 star book with a little editing, a shorter structure and more spice. Still a cute read but a pretty long one!
PLOT:
Juliet is found badly beaten on the night of her friends party and the only way to save her is vampires blood - which will tie her to that vampire for life. Valaric is a vampire lord suffering a curse that makes him destroy his brides if they don't love him when the last petal falls. When he saves Juliet he realizes she's his fated mate and he will do whatever he can to make sure he doesn't hurt her.
THOUGHTS:
- I REALLY loved this book at first, Juliet and Valaric are so sweet together and he really cares for / wants to save her. HOWEVER, the length and the drawn out nature of the book ruined this for me. I literally read like 50 CHAPTERS with barely a kiss. I kept reading waiting for something to happen etc. but nothing ever did until basically at the end.
- the characters were really unique and fun and I would love to see more of them in the future.
- lastly.... MORE SMUT! most of us read monster romance for romance and smut but it was really lacking here. Yes there's some smut but it's very basic / vanilla and it takes like 40+ chapters to get there. If this was spiced up AND cut down by half or would be perfect IMO but as it stands there's just too much stuff thrown in that the main story (Valaric and Juliet overcoming and her learning his secret) took a back seat.
PLOT:
Juliet is found badly beaten on the night of her friends party and the only way to save her is vampires blood - which will tie her to that vampire for life. Valaric is a vampire lord suffering a curse that makes him destroy his brides if they don't love him when the last petal falls. When he saves Juliet he realizes she's his fated mate and he will do whatever he can to make sure he doesn't hurt her.
THOUGHTS:
- I REALLY loved this book at first, Juliet and Valaric are so sweet together and he really cares for / wants to save her. HOWEVER, the length and the drawn out nature of the book ruined this for me. I literally read like 50 CHAPTERS with barely a kiss. I kept reading waiting for something to happen etc. but nothing ever did until basically at the end.
- the characters were really unique and fun and I would love to see more of them in the future.
- lastly.... MORE SMUT! most of us read monster romance for romance and smut but it was really lacking here. Yes there's some smut but it's very basic / vanilla and it takes like 40+ chapters to get there. If this was spiced up AND cut down by half or would be perfect IMO but as it stands there's just too much stuff thrown in that the main story (Valaric and Juliet overcoming and her learning his secret) took a back seat.
September 29, 2024
LOVE!!!! Words can’t express how much I loved this! I have been eagerly awaiting this authors return and this book is *chefs kiss* delightful!!
What I loved:
—beautiful and intricate world-building
—well-thought out characters that I fell in love, cheering for their HEA
—intense plot, action, intrigue, lots of twists and turns
—virgin h
—brooding H
—possessive H
—no cheating
What I didn’t like:
There isn’t much about this book I didn’t like, but I think the slow burn was too sloooooowwww.
—there was spice, but I wanted more
—epilogue further out
Despite these two minor annoyances, I loved the story, the writing, the romance and the characters! Cozying in and reading this was a perfect way to spend the day!
What I loved:
—beautiful and intricate world-building
—well-thought out characters that I fell in love, cheering for their HEA
—intense plot, action, intrigue, lots of twists and turns
—virgin h
—brooding H
—possessive H
—no cheating
What I didn’t like:
There isn’t much about this book I didn’t like, but I think the slow burn was too sloooooowwww.
—there was spice, but I wanted more
—epilogue further out
Despite these two minor annoyances, I loved the story, the writing, the romance and the characters! Cozying in and reading this was a perfect way to spend the day!
February 5, 2025
‘The Vampire’s Bride’ is a sweet and captivating romantic fantasy that blends enchantment with dark mystery. Set against a backdrop of magic and intrigue, it’s a tale that explores the depths of love, sacrifice, and redemption, making it a memorable read for fans of fantasy romance.
Plot: ★★★★★
The plot is incredibly intriguing, weaving together ‘Beauty and the Beast’ vibes with a hint of ‘Bluebeard’. The story unfolds with a perfect balance of suspense, romance, and fantasy elements. From the very beginning, the stakes feel high, with Juliet thrust into a situation filled with danger, secrets, and unexpected alliances. The pacing is well-crafted, gradually revealing twists that keep the reader on edge while maintaining a heartfelt core centred around the growing bond between Juliet and Valaric.
Character: ★★★★★
Juliet is a beautifully crafted character, her quiet strength shining through every page. She’s compassionate yet resilient, with a depth that makes her journey both relatable and inspiring. Her development throughout the story is compelling, as she learns to navigate a world filled with supernatural beings and political intrigue. Valaric, on the other hand, is totally swoon-worthy - the perfect blend of brooding vampire lord and vulnerable romantic interest. His complex personality, shaped by a tragic past and deep-seated fears, adds layers to the romance, making their connection feel authentic and emotionally charged.
Setting: ★★★★★
Set in the same world as Grayson’s ‘Of Fate and Kings’ series, the setting is rich and immersive. The world-building is exceptional, filled with lush descriptions of gothic castles, enchanted forests, and magical realms that transport the reader into a world both beautiful and dangerous. Grayson masterfully balances historical elements with fantastical lore, creating a setting that feels both timeless and fresh.
Engagement: ★★★★★
This is an incredibly engaging read. It's the kind of book you can get so caught up in that you read it in one sitting without even realising how much time has passed. The chemistry between Juliet and Valaric, combined with the intriguing plot twists, ensures that there’s never a dull moment. Every chapter ends with just enough suspense to keep you flipping pages long into the night.
Readability: ★★★★★
The flow is seamless, with Grayson’s writing style shining through as fabulous as always. Her prose is elegant yet accessible, filled with vivid imagery and emotionally resonant dialogue. The narrative voice is engaging, drawing the reader into the characters' minds and hearts, making it easy to become fully immersed in the story.
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Such an enjoyable read, it’s truly a favorite of mine. The perfect blend of romance, fantasy, and intrigue, ‘The Vampire’s Bride’ offers a reading experience that is both heartwarming and thrilling. The emotional depth, combined with the lush setting and compelling characters, makes it a book I’ll happily return to time and again.
‘The Vampire’s Bride’ is a captivating romantic fantasy that enchants with its compelling plot, memorable characters, and richly detailed setting. Jessica Grayson has crafted a tale that’s both heartwarming and mesmerising - a must-read for fans of romantic fantasy. If you enjoy stories filled with dark secrets, passionate romance, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is sure to steal your heart.
Plot: ★★★★★
The plot is incredibly intriguing, weaving together ‘Beauty and the Beast’ vibes with a hint of ‘Bluebeard’. The story unfolds with a perfect balance of suspense, romance, and fantasy elements. From the very beginning, the stakes feel high, with Juliet thrust into a situation filled with danger, secrets, and unexpected alliances. The pacing is well-crafted, gradually revealing twists that keep the reader on edge while maintaining a heartfelt core centred around the growing bond between Juliet and Valaric.
Character: ★★★★★
Juliet is a beautifully crafted character, her quiet strength shining through every page. She’s compassionate yet resilient, with a depth that makes her journey both relatable and inspiring. Her development throughout the story is compelling, as she learns to navigate a world filled with supernatural beings and political intrigue. Valaric, on the other hand, is totally swoon-worthy - the perfect blend of brooding vampire lord and vulnerable romantic interest. His complex personality, shaped by a tragic past and deep-seated fears, adds layers to the romance, making their connection feel authentic and emotionally charged.
Setting: ★★★★★
Set in the same world as Grayson’s ‘Of Fate and Kings’ series, the setting is rich and immersive. The world-building is exceptional, filled with lush descriptions of gothic castles, enchanted forests, and magical realms that transport the reader into a world both beautiful and dangerous. Grayson masterfully balances historical elements with fantastical lore, creating a setting that feels both timeless and fresh.
Engagement: ★★★★★
This is an incredibly engaging read. It's the kind of book you can get so caught up in that you read it in one sitting without even realising how much time has passed. The chemistry between Juliet and Valaric, combined with the intriguing plot twists, ensures that there’s never a dull moment. Every chapter ends with just enough suspense to keep you flipping pages long into the night.
Readability: ★★★★★
The flow is seamless, with Grayson’s writing style shining through as fabulous as always. Her prose is elegant yet accessible, filled with vivid imagery and emotionally resonant dialogue. The narrative voice is engaging, drawing the reader into the characters' minds and hearts, making it easy to become fully immersed in the story.
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Such an enjoyable read, it’s truly a favorite of mine. The perfect blend of romance, fantasy, and intrigue, ‘The Vampire’s Bride’ offers a reading experience that is both heartwarming and thrilling. The emotional depth, combined with the lush setting and compelling characters, makes it a book I’ll happily return to time and again.
‘The Vampire’s Bride’ is a captivating romantic fantasy that enchants with its compelling plot, memorable characters, and richly detailed setting. Jessica Grayson has crafted a tale that’s both heartwarming and mesmerising - a must-read for fans of romantic fantasy. If you enjoy stories filled with dark secrets, passionate romance, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is sure to steal your heart.
September 28, 2024
I love vampires. I’ve been on that bandwagon since I was 5ish, so over 40 years now. Valaric (author had me at his name.) has been cursed and became a made vampire. His curse forces him to take a new bride, making a bargain with a mortal, combining their fates. Talindra, the goblin blood witch, is terrifying and cursed him, and continues to do so. Finding out what caused her to do so and the why Val went to her is doubly heartbreaking. Lord Valaric of Greyvale is a wonderful male and vampire. He is unlike most of his kind, even as a made vampire. You’ll see why. Since her daughter, Juliet is dying, Lady Anne Casterly makes the bargain with Val, since the healer can do nothing more for her, but to ease her ending. Val finds Juliet to be beautiful, even tho she is unrecognizable from the beating she received at the wedding of her bestie, Lucy Brimley, three days before. Lord Jonathan Harker was Juliet’s betrothed and is related to the Kind of that realm. Although most women are taken as blood wives to vampires, Val takes Juliet to be his true wife, which is unheard of! As she wants a ceremony, he does one in front of the old gods. Juliet’s stepfather, Buryk and Jonathan are both pieces of … ‘work’. Eben is Val’s driver and day protector and his a wolf shifter and a good friend to Val. Another unheard of thing as wolf shifters and vampires usually don’t get along. I love Eben and how he razzes Val. Elsie Wolfstark is Alpha of the wolf shifter pack and mother to Eben. She is also a lot of things in Val’s castle. I love all of the wolf shifters who are introduced in the story, especially Elsie and Eben. Lord Damar is the only other in the Greyvale House. I found the information about the vampires in this world to be fascinating as are the other stories- about the dark elves, dragons, etc. The Mages want to pretty much take over the world and are doing things that are horrifying. We find out that there is a prophecy and Val and Juliet embrace that. The book is fascinating, wonderful story that I adored. I think this is my favorite of this author in this world. And I thought I loved the other ones! Damar and the other main family members that were friends but are so much more, are awesome. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I also adore little baby wolf shifter, Kaely. OMG she is so cute and is a riot. There are just too many people I fell in love with, especially the cursed incubus, Aerlyx. OMG he is crazy, has a death wish- sort of, and can cast powerful wards. He also razzes Val a lot. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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 10, 2025
“Sometimes there are no good options. But still, you must choose.”
A sweet and swoony slow-burn romance with a dark, gothic vibe. It’s very much a Beauty and the Beast kind of story, but with vampires, political drama, and a touch of magic.
“Every dark cloud hides a clear sky. You just have to wait for the storm to pass and then the sun will eventually come out again.”
The setting feels rich and dreamy—enchanted forests, spooky castles, and plenty of danger lurking around every corner. The romance builds slowly but beautifully, with just enough spice to keep things extra fun, and the plot has twists that kept me flipping the pages late at night.
“Sometimes the most painful scars are the ones that cannot be seen. With time they may fade, but they never truly go away.”
What I loved most were all the characters—they felt real, layered, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. Even though it’s connected to Grayson’s Of Fate and Kings series, you can totally read this one as a standalone without missing a beat.
“I will burn or I will save her. She is mine and I am hers. We live or die together. There is no other choice.”
It’s got love, sacrifice, mystery, and plenty of heart. Plus, there are hints of orc stories coming in the future, which has me even more excited for what’s next in this world!
An unforgettable tale as old as time — Valaric and Juliet.
Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
_______________________________
Additional Favorite Quotes:
“My heart has been beating for all these years, but until now, I had not known for whom it beat.”
“You are my wife. As long as I draw breath, no one will touch you against your will.”
“For better or worse, Lord Valaric Greyvale will be my husband. I have a second chance at life, and I’ve decided I’m going to embrace it.”
“I hate this facet of my existence, this part of the curse that binds me to this never-ending cycle of despair.”
A sweet and swoony slow-burn romance with a dark, gothic vibe. It’s very much a Beauty and the Beast kind of story, but with vampires, political drama, and a touch of magic.
“Every dark cloud hides a clear sky. You just have to wait for the storm to pass and then the sun will eventually come out again.”
The setting feels rich and dreamy—enchanted forests, spooky castles, and plenty of danger lurking around every corner. The romance builds slowly but beautifully, with just enough spice to keep things extra fun, and the plot has twists that kept me flipping the pages late at night.
“Sometimes the most painful scars are the ones that cannot be seen. With time they may fade, but they never truly go away.”
What I loved most were all the characters—they felt real, layered, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. Even though it’s connected to Grayson’s Of Fate and Kings series, you can totally read this one as a standalone without missing a beat.
“I will burn or I will save her. She is mine and I am hers. We live or die together. There is no other choice.”
It’s got love, sacrifice, mystery, and plenty of heart. Plus, there are hints of orc stories coming in the future, which has me even more excited for what’s next in this world!
An unforgettable tale as old as time — Valaric and Juliet.
Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
_______________________________
Additional Favorite Quotes:
“My heart has been beating for all these years, but until now, I had not known for whom it beat.”
“You are my wife. As long as I draw breath, no one will touch you against your will.”
“For better or worse, Lord Valaric Greyvale will be my husband. I have a second chance at life, and I’ve decided I’m going to embrace it.”
“I hate this facet of my existence, this part of the curse that binds me to this never-ending cycle of despair.”
October 4, 2024
'I hate this facet of my existence, this part of the curse that binds me to this never-ending cycle of despair.'
I loved this book. There is something about Jessica Grayson's worlds and characters that draw me in so deeply. Great, vast world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Valaric and Juliet. Him calling her his Ashaya brought back so many fond memories of her other romances. It was easy to get sucked into the story as the goblin blood witch intercepts Valaric. Very Beauty and the Beast vibes as his time is measured by the last petal falling from a rosebush- not very accurate, as she enjoys causing him pain in the name of vengeance. I do love the polite gentleman air he gives off in spite of everything.
Juliet wasn't given a choice to be bound to the vampire as his wife in order to save her life, and couldn't fault her mother for making the only choice left to save her life. While she initially despaired her fate, she began to have a sense that Valaric was not like stories say about vampyrs, and hoped he was as gentle and protective of her as he seemed.
'For better or worse, Lord Valaric Greyvale will be my husband. I have a second chance at life, and I’ve decided I’m going to embrace it.'
This was such a beautiful story. I loved Eben, Elise, and the other supporting characters- found family. I couldn't get enough of this book. I hope to listen to it in audio someday. 5 stars.
I loved this book. There is something about Jessica Grayson's worlds and characters that draw me in so deeply. Great, vast world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Valaric and Juliet. Him calling her his Ashaya brought back so many fond memories of her other romances. It was easy to get sucked into the story as the goblin blood witch intercepts Valaric. Very Beauty and the Beast vibes as his time is measured by the last petal falling from a rosebush- not very accurate, as she enjoys causing him pain in the name of vengeance. I do love the polite gentleman air he gives off in spite of everything.
Juliet wasn't given a choice to be bound to the vampire as his wife in order to save her life, and couldn't fault her mother for making the only choice left to save her life. While she initially despaired her fate, she began to have a sense that Valaric was not like stories say about vampyrs, and hoped he was as gentle and protective of her as he seemed.
'For better or worse, Lord Valaric Greyvale will be my husband. I have a second chance at life, and I’ve decided I’m going to embrace it.'
This was such a beautiful story. I loved Eben, Elise, and the other supporting characters- found family. I couldn't get enough of this book. I hope to listen to it in audio someday. 5 stars.
May 10, 2025
A tale as old as time that I'll never forget
I absolutely adore fairytale retelling and this one not only retelling my favorite classic, but it goes far beyond that taking on a life of its own.
Our hero Valaric is the perfect blend of sweet cinnamonroll and possessive hero. He protects his woman no matter what, but also puts her happiness above his own. What more could you want.
Juliet is a sweet and courageous woman that loves with her whole heart. I adored seeing her come to care for Valaric and his family. She is a wonderful heroine that leads with her heart, buy isn't afraid to fight when the need arises.
The amount of swoon worthy moments between these two had me simultaneously sighing and squeezing with delight. I couldn't get enough!
My next favorite part of this book is the found family. We have a delightful cast of characters that help to move the story along as well as give us some comic relief amidst the more suspenseful drama. Eben and Aerlyx were the best! Aerlyx winning my heart just a smudge more, but I am excited to see if they get their own books as well. I absolutely adored Aerlyx' sassiness and Evens constant, but good natured ribbing of Valaric.
If you are a fan of swoon worthy heroes and a cozy ragtag found family this is the book for you!!
I absolutely adore fairytale retelling and this one not only retelling my favorite classic, but it goes far beyond that taking on a life of its own.
Our hero Valaric is the perfect blend of sweet cinnamonroll and possessive hero. He protects his woman no matter what, but also puts her happiness above his own. What more could you want.
Juliet is a sweet and courageous woman that loves with her whole heart. I adored seeing her come to care for Valaric and his family. She is a wonderful heroine that leads with her heart, buy isn't afraid to fight when the need arises.
The amount of swoon worthy moments between these two had me simultaneously sighing and squeezing with delight. I couldn't get enough!
My next favorite part of this book is the found family. We have a delightful cast of characters that help to move the story along as well as give us some comic relief amidst the more suspenseful drama. Eben and Aerlyx were the best! Aerlyx winning my heart just a smudge more, but I am excited to see if they get their own books as well. I absolutely adored Aerlyx' sassiness and Evens constant, but good natured ribbing of Valaric.
If you are a fan of swoon worthy heroes and a cozy ragtag found family this is the book for you!!
Read
May 10, 2025I absolutely adore fairytale retellings, and this one not only retells my favorite classic, but it goes far beyond that taking on a life of its own.
Our hero Valaric is the perfect blend of sweet cinnamonroll and possessive hero. He protects his woman no matter what but also puts her happiness above his own. What more could you want.
Juliet is a sweet and courageous woman who loves with her whole heart. I adored seeing her come to care for Valaric and his family. She is a wonderful heroine who leads with her heart, but she isn't afraid to fight when the need arises.
The amount of swoon worthy moments between these two had me simultaneously sighing and squeezing with delight. I couldn't get enough!
My next favorite part of this book is the found family. We have a delightful cast of characters that help to move the story along as well as give us some comic relief amidst the more suspenseful drama. Eben and Aerlyx were the best! Aerlyx winning my heart just a smudge more, but I am excited to see if they get their own books as well. I absolutely adored Aerlyx' sassiness and Evens constant, but good-natured ribbing of Valaric.
If you are a fan of swoon worthy heroes and a cozy ragtag found family, this is the book for you!!
Our hero Valaric is the perfect blend of sweet cinnamonroll and possessive hero. He protects his woman no matter what but also puts her happiness above his own. What more could you want.
Juliet is a sweet and courageous woman who loves with her whole heart. I adored seeing her come to care for Valaric and his family. She is a wonderful heroine who leads with her heart, but she isn't afraid to fight when the need arises.
The amount of swoon worthy moments between these two had me simultaneously sighing and squeezing with delight. I couldn't get enough!
My next favorite part of this book is the found family. We have a delightful cast of characters that help to move the story along as well as give us some comic relief amidst the more suspenseful drama. Eben and Aerlyx were the best! Aerlyx winning my heart just a smudge more, but I am excited to see if they get their own books as well. I absolutely adored Aerlyx' sassiness and Evens constant, but good-natured ribbing of Valaric.
If you are a fan of swoon worthy heroes and a cozy ragtag found family, this is the book for you!!
January 26, 2025
2.5 stars
This book had the best Beauty and the Beast vibe until it didn't know when to end. What felt like the natural conclusion wasn't. There was more. And more. And still more. And it was all very repetitive. The cool vibes were tossed aside in favor of a series of too-easily-solved challenges that ultimately ended in a meh set-up for book two, an attempt to bring in what I can only assume are characters from some of the author's other series, and a completely predictable .
Early on, one of the best things about this book is that it wasn't enemies to lovers. Despite ETL being one of my favorite romantic tropes, I loved that Juliet was willing to give Valaric the benefit of the doubt from the get-go. The world needs more gentle love stories like this one. And then it was ruined by possessiveness, repetitive sex, and dramatic declarations of undying love.
That being said, Aerlyx is a gem and should get his own book.
Heat index: 4+ detailed sex scenes .
Profanity meter: intermittent mild profanity.
This book had the best Beauty and the Beast vibe until it didn't know when to end. What felt like the natural conclusion wasn't. There was more. And more. And still more. And it was all very repetitive. The cool vibes were tossed aside in favor of a series of too-easily-solved challenges that ultimately ended in a meh set-up for book two, an attempt to bring in what I can only assume are characters from some of the author's other series, and a completely predictable .
Early on, one of the best things about this book is that it wasn't enemies to lovers. Despite ETL being one of my favorite romantic tropes, I loved that Juliet was willing to give Valaric the benefit of the doubt from the get-go. The world needs more gentle love stories like this one. And then it was ruined by possessiveness, repetitive sex, and dramatic declarations of undying love.
That being said, Aerlyx is a gem and should get his own book.
Heat index: 4+ detailed sex scenes .
Profanity meter: intermittent mild profanity.
September 24, 2024
VALARIC AND JULIET
My first thought was omg this book is a little over 600 pages!!! Upon finishing it, it certainly didn't feel like that many. I flew through the book.
The descriptions and storyline are so captivating that it just sucked me right in. It's one of those books that even a 2nd book wouldn't even feel like enough. I want to live there. ( not as like a blood wife or anything anything....well, maybe 🤭)
I feel so bad for Valaric throughout this book because he curse he is under. He has so much compassion for Juliet. He is always concerned for her due to what happened with his family her safety is his utmost priority (that and she is his fated one).
Throughout the book, Juliet shows bravery towards the vampires. I like that even though she was afraid she stood her ground.
It was nice to see the book book characters cameos. I hope somewhere Eben finds his mate. Even Damar grew on me after a while.
Overall, I really liked this book and would recommend it
My first thought was omg this book is a little over 600 pages!!! Upon finishing it, it certainly didn't feel like that many. I flew through the book.
The descriptions and storyline are so captivating that it just sucked me right in. It's one of those books that even a 2nd book wouldn't even feel like enough. I want to live there. ( not as like a blood wife or anything anything....well, maybe 🤭)
I feel so bad for Valaric throughout this book because he curse he is under. He has so much compassion for Juliet. He is always concerned for her due to what happened with his family her safety is his utmost priority (that and she is his fated one).
Throughout the book, Juliet shows bravery towards the vampires. I like that even though she was afraid she stood her ground.
It was nice to see the book book characters cameos. I hope somewhere Eben finds his mate. Even Damar grew on me after a while.
Overall, I really liked this book and would recommend it
September 27, 2024
This is one of my absolute favorite author. She creates a world and characters that draw you into their story. You root for the characters, boo the villains and cry for the beautiful love story.
In this story it is reminiscent of the beauty and beast story. Valaric is the cursed vampire by a witch. He must suffer torment until he finds someone to break his curse. He makes a bargain to save a young woman’s life in return for a wife.
Juliet was dying until her mother makes a deal to save her life. Valaric is a vampire that requires marriage as payment. Juliet begins to see Valaric in a new light the more time she spends with him.
Good story with Beauty and the Beast vibe, strong characters, evil stepfather and ex-fiance, adventure, discovery, compassion, protecting, twist and turns, vampires, wolf shifters, fated bond and beautiful love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this story it is reminiscent of the beauty and beast story. Valaric is the cursed vampire by a witch. He must suffer torment until he finds someone to break his curse. He makes a bargain to save a young woman’s life in return for a wife.
Juliet was dying until her mother makes a deal to save her life. Valaric is a vampire that requires marriage as payment. Juliet begins to see Valaric in a new light the more time she spends with him.
Good story with Beauty and the Beast vibe, strong characters, evil stepfather and ex-fiance, adventure, discovery, compassion, protecting, twist and turns, vampires, wolf shifters, fated bond and beautiful love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2024
The Vampire's Bride is the first story in the Of Fate and Night series. The Vampire's Bride follows the story of Valaric and Juliet. I absolutely enjoyed reading this vampire fated mate romance story. I absolutely love reading a vampire romance book that is absolutely entertaining and enjoyable from start to finish. I fell in love with both Valaric and Juliet right from the beginning of their story and I absolutely love the fact that they have a happily ever after. The Vampire's Bride is a book with wonderful characters, outstanding storyline, romantic/steamy, action-packed, and overall is a fantastic book. The Vampire's Bride is a book that I would definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys reading vampire related romance stories. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Author Jessica Grayson.
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 30, 2024
There is something about this author's writing that always seems to turn the story into something magical for me. This book is no exception and I have waited (not so patiently) for it. Please do not be put off by the length of it, you honestly cannot feel the time pass as you become engrossed in the characters and the world that has been painted for you.
Valaric is everything that you would hope a tortured hero would be yet this is not a dark romance. Yes, his is a cursed life and yet he shows such compassion and care. He could be so hateful and bitter yet he is not. Juliet for her part stays true to herself even when she is afraid which is the greatest show of strength that anyone could ever show. She also sets aside prejudice and sees Valaric based on his own merits.
There is intrigue, politics, romance all combined with a wonderful cast. I could not put it down and I will be reading this one again for sure!
Valaric is everything that you would hope a tortured hero would be yet this is not a dark romance. Yes, his is a cursed life and yet he shows such compassion and care. He could be so hateful and bitter yet he is not. Juliet for her part stays true to herself even when she is afraid which is the greatest show of strength that anyone could ever show. She also sets aside prejudice and sees Valaric based on his own merits.
There is intrigue, politics, romance all combined with a wonderful cast. I could not put it down and I will be reading this one again for sure!
January 26, 2025
DNF - 30%
"Grief is just love with nowhere to go. It's all the love you want to give to someone who is gone." pg 96. Beautiful quote.
I've read quite a few of Grayson's work the last few days but this one wasn't for me. The retelling aspect was missing the whole "re" part... The scene where Juliet went on a ride on horseback and then came across a wild animal that she tried to fight off with a stick? Not only was that whole scene across like three chapters before it ended up it was also wayyyy to similar to Beauty and the Beast.. It felt super copy and paste and wasn't made their own enough for me.
Aside from that I didn't hate this book but I just hate the miscommunication trope and I KNOW we are heading there with how much Valaric is hiding from her. So I can't keep going. Juliet has to be the most understanding person in the world but Valaric just isn't letting her in which is gonna lead to issues and it's just not interesting when it's so damn predictable.
"Grief is just love with nowhere to go. It's all the love you want to give to someone who is gone." pg 96. Beautiful quote.
I've read quite a few of Grayson's work the last few days but this one wasn't for me. The retelling aspect was missing the whole "re" part... The scene where Juliet went on a ride on horseback and then came across a wild animal that she tried to fight off with a stick? Not only was that whole scene across like three chapters before it ended up it was also wayyyy to similar to Beauty and the Beast.. It felt super copy and paste and wasn't made their own enough for me.
Aside from that I didn't hate this book but I just hate the miscommunication trope and I KNOW we are heading there with how much Valaric is hiding from her. So I can't keep going. Juliet has to be the most understanding person in the world but Valaric just isn't letting her in which is gonna lead to issues and it's just not interesting when it's so damn predictable.
October 31, 2025
Another Beauty and the Beast Retelling from Grayson. The only difference? The “beast” is a cursed vampire lord that has recently been wed to his beauty or “Ashaya” (fated one). There is also more than one setting (Lord Greyvale’s castle), allowing for the main couple to discover more about each other and the future of their relationship in various settings and in front of others.
Despite it being written after Taken by the Dragon: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling from Grayson’s Once Upon a Fairytale Romance series, this is far from a repeat of that story as there is much more depth to the story and its characters. As a result, I recommend that any Beauty and the Beast fan (who happens to love vampires) should read this.
Despite it being written after Taken by the Dragon: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling from Grayson’s Once Upon a Fairytale Romance series, this is far from a repeat of that story as there is much more depth to the story and its characters. As a result, I recommend that any Beauty and the Beast fan (who happens to love vampires) should read this.
October 12, 2024
Good book. That's why I keep coming back to Jessica Grayson.
The second half felt like a third act. But not in a good way. It was so packed.
So many things were put in the book. The curse, the secret, the other curse: memory loss (that was so random). the council meeting and the death of Juliet that needed to prove to the great houses that they were fated mates. Soooo many things. At the end those were just things happening, nothing to do with the plot.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Smut: 3/5
Overall rating: 3/5
The second half felt like a third act. But not in a good way. It was so packed.
So many things were put in the book. The curse, the secret, the other curse: memory loss (that was so random). the council meeting and the death of Juliet that needed to prove to the great houses that they were fated mates. Soooo many things. At the end those were just things happening, nothing to do with the plot.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Smut: 3/5
Overall rating: 3/5
December 8, 2024
Different,but...
This book presents a vastly different picture of a relationship between a vampire and a human. The vampire,being once human, has kept many memories and emotions from his human life, which makes him a strong, principled vampire. Juliet, his true wife, shows sparks of bravery and then emotions that cause doubt. The first part of this book moves slowly, with some redundant parts. It escalates, but then there are some confusing parts. Will there be a book two to tie up loose ends?
This book presents a vastly different picture of a relationship between a vampire and a human. The vampire,being once human, has kept many memories and emotions from his human life, which makes him a strong, principled vampire. Juliet, his true wife, shows sparks of bravery and then emotions that cause doubt. The first part of this book moves slowly, with some redundant parts. It escalates, but then there are some confusing parts. Will there be a book two to tie up loose ends?
November 18, 2024
An interesting take on beauty and the beast
This book is standalone but folds nicely into the series. If you like vampires and werewolves along with an incubus this is your story.
Juliete and Valaric have quite a few challenges in their way but they are fated mates. Surely they will overcome
This book is standalone but folds nicely into the series. If you like vampires and werewolves along with an incubus this is your story.
Juliete and Valaric have quite a few challenges in their way but they are fated mates. Surely they will overcome
September 22, 2024
This is a gorgeous fantasy romance!! I absolutely loved it. It is steamy/sweet and beautiful, with dangerous enemies and heartfelt love.. Many wonderful characters!.
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 22, 2024
✔️dual pov
✔️spice
✔️slow burn
✔️he falls first
✔️touch her and literally die
✔️fated mates
This was a bit long and a lot of repetition and the author put them through the winger I kept thinking finally they're safe and happy and then BOOM something else in their path which drove me nuts.
✔️spice
✔️slow burn
✔️he falls first
✔️touch her and literally die
✔️fated mates
This was a bit long and a lot of repetition and the author put them through the winger I kept thinking finally they're safe and happy and then BOOM something else in their path which drove me nuts.
January 26, 2025
Long but Wonderful
This book is long for a love story but it is so much more. Who of us that are married would like to have to go through the meeting and connecting with your spouse twice? This book also included links to the previous series also. Good read!
This book is long for a love story but it is so much more. Who of us that are married would like to have to go through the meeting and connecting with your spouse twice? This book also included links to the previous series also. Good read!
June 17, 2025
The book was excellent. Love it, but there was no ending. It just stopped. The same with the other series from Jessica. There was no resolution there either. It just left the reading hanging. Didn't find out what happened. No ending.
October 12, 2024
Another Good story
This was another good book written by Jessica. I enjoyed it. I would recommend this book if you are looking for something to read.
This was another good book written by Jessica. I enjoyed it. I would recommend this book if you are looking for something to read.
November 1, 2024
We find out in the first few pages that he is under a curse. He has had 4 previous wives. They all died because they didn't break the curse.
I didn't like that.
I didn't like that.
January 5, 2025
DNF 50%
January 23, 2025
Just couldn't get into this one.
January 24, 2025
Some parts were boring, so it took me 4 months and a trip out of town to finally finish it.
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