What do you think?
Rate this book
New Protectorate #1.5
Empire
Love blooms in the dark.
After a lifetime of service to the Amauri vampire family, retired assassin Harlan Bounds lives his life exactly as it pleases him – on his private estate, surrounded by beauty, and unbothered by the bloody politics of the criminal underworld he left behind. He doesn’t need or want for anything... except, perhaps, the tantalizing witch hired to look after the acclaimed rose garden on his grounds.
Zia North has nursed a crush on the mysterious vampire that is her boss for nearly a year. They’ve never spoken, and she knows the rules by heart: never stay on Empire Estate’s grounds after sundown and never, ever bother Mr. Bounds. There’s no chance for her to fulfill her sensual fantasies, so what’s the harm in indulging a crush that will never see the light of day – or the kiss of darkness?
It’s all daydreams until she makes a mistake that finally brings her face to face with the intimidating vampire. Harlan’s dark intensity draws her in, and Zia’s light sparks a craving that can’t be denied. Fantasy clashes with reality when his dangerous past threatens to bite them both, but not even the violent conflicts of the vampire syndicate can sever a bond forged in blood.
This is the second volume in The New Protectorate Stories. It is a standalone, winter-flavored vampire romance in the wider New Protectorate universe and can be read without reading any of the other books. Content warnings can be found on the author's website and in the backmatter of the book.
After a lifetime of service to the Amauri vampire family, retired assassin Harlan Bounds lives his life exactly as it pleases him – on his private estate, surrounded by beauty, and unbothered by the bloody politics of the criminal underworld he left behind. He doesn’t need or want for anything... except, perhaps, the tantalizing witch hired to look after the acclaimed rose garden on his grounds.
Zia North has nursed a crush on the mysterious vampire that is her boss for nearly a year. They’ve never spoken, and she knows the rules by heart: never stay on Empire Estate’s grounds after sundown and never, ever bother Mr. Bounds. There’s no chance for her to fulfill her sensual fantasies, so what’s the harm in indulging a crush that will never see the light of day – or the kiss of darkness?
It’s all daydreams until she makes a mistake that finally brings her face to face with the intimidating vampire. Harlan’s dark intensity draws her in, and Zia’s light sparks a craving that can’t be denied. Fantasy clashes with reality when his dangerous past threatens to bite them both, but not even the violent conflicts of the vampire syndicate can sever a bond forged in blood.
This is the second volume in The New Protectorate Stories. It is a standalone, winter-flavored vampire romance in the wider New Protectorate universe and can be read without reading any of the other books. Content warnings can be found on the author's website and in the backmatter of the book.
235 pages, Paperback
86 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Kelly
11 books242 followersAbigail Kelly is a writer of alternate histories, love stories, and women with drive. Her work is heavily influenced by both her modest family roots and her passion for history. A former illustrator, she is now a bookseller at an independent bookshop where she gets to badly influence impressionable young minds and put her favorite books in eager hands. She is also the host of the Kingdom of Thirst podcast, a show all about romance novels and why they matter.
Her favorite authors are Shirley Jackson, V. E. Schwab, Ursula K. Le Guin, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, and just about anyone who writes about the weird and wonderful. She lives in San Francisco with her dog, Babs, who remains stubbornly illiterate.
Her favorite authors are Shirley Jackson, V. E. Schwab, Ursula K. Le Guin, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, and just about anyone who writes about the weird and wonderful. She lives in San Francisco with her dog, Babs, who remains stubbornly illiterate.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 12, 2023
I really like this world that Abigail Kelly has created and I love that each of her books I've read have made me want to read more by introducing new side characters and aspects of the world. This newest book does standalone (all of hers do) and there's a glossary at the end of the book that explains a lot of the world building, which can be a bit confusing as territories and species are brought up without delving into too many details. Although that does mean no info dumps. The back of the book is also where the content warnings are, which I still don't love but not my choice!
Empire focuses on Harlan (H), a retired vampire assassin, and Zia (h), a green witch who's a rosarian (which I had never heard of). Zia has been working with the roses at Harlan's estate for a year while secretly fantasizing about her boss, who she only catches glimpses of. Harlan has been pining for Zia for the same length of time, monitoring her comings and goings, making sure she's safe, and wanting her while being worried pursuing her puts her in danger from past enemies. Then Zia breaks the cardinal rule of the estate and ends up there after dark, where she gets her first face-to-face meeting with Harlan. This was a really sweet romance with a lot of descriptive language and well-rounded characters. It is slow paced and mostly relationship-focused, with a touch of danger/suspense late in the book. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (H is VERY jealous/possessive and instinctual about this) and neither are virgins (both have been celibate for a while).
Harlan has to figure out how to woo Zia and despite her initially having some prey/predator responses and thinking her fantasy is out of reach, their relationship goes very quickly. It's almost insta-love but there's still some development with sweeter moments like going on dates. Harlan wants Zia to be his anchor, which is a mate for a vampire. An anchor is cherished and protected, also providing sustenance for their vampire. Harlan does open up about his past before Zia commits to him. Zia comes from a loving family and Harlan comes from the opposite. I loved them together, with Zia's brightness adding to Harlan's life and his protectiveness and spoiling of her. As a witch, Zia can also form a different kind of bond with Harlan. In addition to the bonding, their relationship does get steamy and there are a few scenes that are explicit. I would have loved a primal play scene, but sadly we did not get one. He is a vampire so feeding does happen during sex.
Side characters include Harlan's head of security and his sister, who Harlan treats as a son and daughter. I want a story of the head of security badly, he was an intriguing character and there is a hint of a possible future story with the sister. Zia's family make an appearance and I liked their protectiveness and care of her. Harlan has a whole security team and a couple others are mentioned specifically.
There were plenty of descriptions of these two settling into a new relationship and life together. Harlan's past does make an appearance and there's some danger and suspense, along with brief descriptions of violence. I liked the resolution and that it wasn't rushed, but also didn't take up too much of the story. They do get a HEA with an extended epilogue that's several years in the future and adorable, married with kids, leaving me happy as well. I do recommend this author and world, but her writing style is fairly wordy and may be too slow for some readers.
Empire focuses on Harlan (H), a retired vampire assassin, and Zia (h), a green witch who's a rosarian (which I had never heard of). Zia has been working with the roses at Harlan's estate for a year while secretly fantasizing about her boss, who she only catches glimpses of. Harlan has been pining for Zia for the same length of time, monitoring her comings and goings, making sure she's safe, and wanting her while being worried pursuing her puts her in danger from past enemies. Then Zia breaks the cardinal rule of the estate and ends up there after dark, where she gets her first face-to-face meeting with Harlan. This was a really sweet romance with a lot of descriptive language and well-rounded characters. It is slow paced and mostly relationship-focused, with a touch of danger/suspense late in the book. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (H is VERY jealous/possessive and instinctual about this) and neither are virgins (both have been celibate for a while).
Harlan has to figure out how to woo Zia and despite her initially having some prey/predator responses and thinking her fantasy is out of reach, their relationship goes very quickly. It's almost insta-love but there's still some development with sweeter moments like going on dates. Harlan wants Zia to be his anchor, which is a mate for a vampire. An anchor is cherished and protected, also providing sustenance for their vampire. Harlan does open up about his past before Zia commits to him. Zia comes from a loving family and Harlan comes from the opposite. I loved them together, with Zia's brightness adding to Harlan's life and his protectiveness and spoiling of her. As a witch, Zia can also form a different kind of bond with Harlan. In addition to the bonding, their relationship does get steamy and there are a few scenes that are explicit. I would have loved a primal play scene, but sadly we did not get one. He is a vampire so feeding does happen during sex.
Side characters include Harlan's head of security and his sister, who Harlan treats as a son and daughter. I want a story of the head of security badly, he was an intriguing character and there is a hint of a possible future story with the sister. Zia's family make an appearance and I liked their protectiveness and care of her. Harlan has a whole security team and a couple others are mentioned specifically.
There were plenty of descriptions of these two settling into a new relationship and life together. Harlan's past does make an appearance and there's some danger and suspense, along with brief descriptions of violence. I liked the resolution and that it wasn't rushed, but also didn't take up too much of the story. They do get a HEA with an extended epilogue that's several years in the future and adorable, married with kids, leaving me happy as well. I do recommend this author and world, but her writing style is fairly wordy and may be too slow for some readers.
January 9, 2023
I am so thankful that Abigail made this novella into something bigger — what an amazing book. Zia is the most precious character, she’s my current favorite out of the whole lineup of Abigail Kelly FMCs.
We get danger, intrigue, stern daddy, adventure, family time, mafia vibes, deathly daddy, adorable & sweetness, more side characters I immediately need books for, hot sexy blood sucking, and more — another Abigail Kelly classic that reinforces my love for her and her work.
We get danger, intrigue, stern daddy, adventure, family time, mafia vibes, deathly daddy, adorable & sweetness, more side characters I immediately need books for, hot sexy blood sucking, and more — another Abigail Kelly classic that reinforces my love for her and her work.
December 24, 2022
It's always a pleasure to read Abigail Kelly's works! Kelly truly writes amazing stories and I love each and every one that I've gotten my hands on 💜 Abigail's writing style is so immersive that it draws you in immediately and lets you experience the world itself along with the characters, with some side characters that I'm hoping will get their own book one day. The longing and love that Zia and Harlan share is so well written! Not to mention the SMUT! Their explosive chemistry with one another is definitely one of the favourite things about this book. And can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is? It's *chefs kiss*
December 4, 2022
Receiving one of Abigail’s books is now one of the MOST exciting bookish things to happen to me - PERIOD.
I didn’t know much, if anything, about this one, but as soon as I was a page into it, I once again found myself in reader heaven. *insert heaven music* There is something about her writing that is just exactly what I like. She reels me into a story so masterfully, that once I’ve begun I can’t stop/won’t stop. As soon as I meet her characters, I wonder how I went so long without knowing them? What struck me in this particular story was just how much I was happy for our main couple to just be and do things and give me the chance to learn all about them and their world (even before they meet each other!) - I wasn’t sitting around waiting for all the sexy stuff to start, which can happen with a lot of romantic tales I’m reading. The sexuality of the characters is just this amazing bonus, and is done just as well as their characterisation. Not only that but there are always a cast of side characters I would just LOVE to know more about. If I could binge book upon book in this world, I would. But alas, I’m privelged enough to be all up to date.
If you enjoy fantastic world building, extremely interesting magic, top tier romance and all the sexy things that go along with it - I encourage you to dive into the New Protectorate world!
I didn’t know much, if anything, about this one, but as soon as I was a page into it, I once again found myself in reader heaven. *insert heaven music* There is something about her writing that is just exactly what I like. She reels me into a story so masterfully, that once I’ve begun I can’t stop/won’t stop. As soon as I meet her characters, I wonder how I went so long without knowing them? What struck me in this particular story was just how much I was happy for our main couple to just be and do things and give me the chance to learn all about them and their world (even before they meet each other!) - I wasn’t sitting around waiting for all the sexy stuff to start, which can happen with a lot of romantic tales I’m reading. The sexuality of the characters is just this amazing bonus, and is done just as well as their characterisation. Not only that but there are always a cast of side characters I would just LOVE to know more about. If I could binge book upon book in this world, I would. But alas, I’m privelged enough to be all up to date.
If you enjoy fantastic world building, extremely interesting magic, top tier romance and all the sexy things that go along with it - I encourage you to dive into the New Protectorate world!
October 31, 2023
This one was just OK. I'm not a big fan of vampire stories in general and this one had too much instalust. Plus, there's space in the story around 60% in where we skip forward a few months and it doesn't make sense.
October 13, 2025
reading all the books that didnt get picked for book club and thank god we're not reading this one. the writing wasn't THAT bad but it was just spice and not interesting
February 16, 2023
“Yes, I want you to be my anchor. Yes, I want you to be the center of my world. Yes, I want you to be my everything.”
new ~hopefully~ favorite author alert!
so far, i am absolutely loving everything i've read by new-to-me author, abigail kelly. her heroes are so adorably in love with their heroines 🥹🥹
she somehow made the fated-mate / vampire hero feel fresh. if that's not an accomplishment, i don't want to know what is.
April 16, 2023
Gardening green-witch Zia and retired assassin vampire Harlan fall in love fast and hard.
He’s obsessed and possessive. She’s totally into that.
I had a great time.
He’s obsessed and possessive. She’s totally into that.
I had a great time.
December 8, 2025
2.5 stars
Really it’s fine, I enjoyed the mob esque story line and honestly now want more about Harlan’s guards
Honestly what annoyed me the most was the characterization of the FMC. She’s consistently described as “silly” but I felt we never saw evidence of that. Either show it to us, or stop repeatedly describing her that way
Really it’s fine, I enjoyed the mob esque story line and honestly now want more about Harlan’s guards
Honestly what annoyed me the most was the characterization of the FMC. She’s consistently described as “silly” but I felt we never saw evidence of that. Either show it to us, or stop repeatedly describing her that way
January 16, 2023
⭐️3.8
This was both too much and not enough. I LOVED the story, the characters and the world BUT I feel like I didn’t get enough of on-page interactions.
A lot of instances felt more like story telling than reading a progressing story. I wanted to see them go on more dates, get to know each other, see her start to move her stuff in, progressing to work on her garden at night instead of during the day. All of these things happened but they were glossed over in a timeskip 😭
Still, what I did get to read on-page i really enjoyed. I LOVE vampires, so all the biting and all the blood talk was great. Their FaceTime scene was *chefs kiss*
A friend mentioned in her review that she was a lil upset there wasn’t a primal scene and I’m gonna have to agree, there was SO MUCH talk about prey and predator that it felt like a really missed opportunity.
The h had a moment where she was TSTL. The H is so fatigued because he’s constantly on high alert and worried that something bad is gonna happen, he has so much security and the h knows all this, she even talks to security before heading off BY HERSELF to the store 😂
It’s ok tho, the way she helped end her kidnapper was great. You go,girl.
Overall, everything was great in terms of the story - I wished the way the story was told was a little different but the parts where the interactions were actually on page and not glossed over, I really enjoyed so I’ll definitely read more from this author.
No cheating/no sharing🥰
Biting,marks,blood,bonds 🥰
HAE. I loved how they were bonded in every possible way. Anchor,witchbond,marriage. 🥰
He wore the marriage sigil scar proudly 🥺
This was both too much and not enough. I LOVED the story, the characters and the world BUT I feel like I didn’t get enough of on-page interactions.
A lot of instances felt more like story telling than reading a progressing story. I wanted to see them go on more dates, get to know each other, see her start to move her stuff in, progressing to work on her garden at night instead of during the day. All of these things happened but they were glossed over in a timeskip 😭
Still, what I did get to read on-page i really enjoyed. I LOVE vampires, so all the biting and all the blood talk was great. Their FaceTime scene was *chefs kiss*
A friend mentioned in her review that she was a lil upset there wasn’t a primal scene and I’m gonna have to agree, there was SO MUCH talk about prey and predator that it felt like a really missed opportunity.
The h had a moment where she was TSTL. The H is so fatigued because he’s constantly on high alert and worried that something bad is gonna happen, he has so much security and the h knows all this, she even talks to security before heading off BY HERSELF to the store 😂
It’s ok tho, the way she helped end her kidnapper was great. You go,girl.
Overall, everything was great in terms of the story - I wished the way the story was told was a little different but the parts where the interactions were actually on page and not glossed over, I really enjoyed so I’ll definitely read more from this author.
No cheating/no sharing🥰
Biting,marks,blood,bonds 🥰
HAE. I loved how they were bonded in every possible way. Anchor,witchbond,marriage. 🥰
He wore the marriage sigil scar proudly 🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
Trigger warning? Yes! Found at the end of the book.
Safety?
No OW/OM.
Neither are virgins.
Any extra notes?
Absolutely. Love. This. Book.
I am the person who used to (heyo trauma teaching me to repress my tears) cry when someone would yell at me, so reading about Zia who is the same way healed a part of myself. To then read about how absolutely obsessed and besotted Harlan is with her made this book even better.
There’s something healing about a FMC being able to express her emotions, and it being accepted by the characters around her. I love how curvy she is, and how obsessed he is with her. I LOVE how he stuck up for her to her mother. Loved it so hard. I love how they both pined after each other for a year. I love how his ass was knocked out by bonding with his witch, there is something endearing about it. Like this big-and-tough-used-to-work-for-the-mafia man was knocked clean out for an entire night by bonding with his witch.
There were so many things that I love about Harlan and Zia. I feel like I can’t possibly list all of them.
Safety?
No OW/OM.
Neither are virgins.
Any extra notes?
Absolutely. Love. This. Book.
I am the person who used to (heyo trauma teaching me to repress my tears) cry when someone would yell at me, so reading about Zia who is the same way healed a part of myself. To then read about how absolutely obsessed and besotted Harlan is with her made this book even better.
There’s something healing about a FMC being able to express her emotions, and it being accepted by the characters around her. I love how curvy she is, and how obsessed he is with her. I LOVE how he stuck up for her to her mother. Loved it so hard. I love how they both pined after each other for a year. I love how his ass was knocked out by bonding with his witch, there is something endearing about it. Like this big-and-tough-used-to-work-for-the-mafia man was knocked clean out for an entire night by bonding with his witch.
There were so many things that I love about Harlan and Zia. I feel like I can’t possibly list all of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2024
“Good, pet,” he murmured, soothing away the sting with delicate, teasing touches. She whimpered, thighs trembling, when he bent down to lick a path down her neck to her breasts. “Rule number one, sweet little anchor, is always do as I say.”
Zia’s thighs spasmed. “There… there are rules?”
“Yes, pet.” He breathed against the taut skin of her nipple. “Do you like rules?”
There was not even a moment of hesitation before she answered, “I love rules.”
Of course his witch loved rules. It was practically plastered over her forehead and across every record he found. No one who never even missed a day of college hated rules. It was a good thing he loved to make them.”
I’m so happy! I found a new author I gel with! I liked all three of the books I’ve read! All in a row!!
I expected this one to be a novella but actually it was a full story. I don’t know why it’s 1.5 in series and not just book 2? It seems to have been published before 2 as well? And it’s not like this series has an overarching plot that I can detect. I read book 5 first! They’re all have been pretty self contained so far.
Anyways, this was a very nice vampire romance. The creativity of the world and the creatures in it continue in this book. There are some interesting quirks about vampires in this universe that I liked. It’s sweet that they can have kids!
I really liked the heroine. She is not the typical tough heroine and that’s a very nice change. There also was some pretty good dialogue. It wasn’t always perfect but once in a while it would really hit for me and make me happy.
Zia’s thighs spasmed. “There… there are rules?”
“Yes, pet.” He breathed against the taut skin of her nipple. “Do you like rules?”
There was not even a moment of hesitation before she answered, “I love rules.”
Of course his witch loved rules. It was practically plastered over her forehead and across every record he found. No one who never even missed a day of college hated rules. It was a good thing he loved to make them.”
I’m so happy! I found a new author I gel with! I liked all three of the books I’ve read! All in a row!!
I expected this one to be a novella but actually it was a full story. I don’t know why it’s 1.5 in series and not just book 2? It seems to have been published before 2 as well? And it’s not like this series has an overarching plot that I can detect. I read book 5 first! They’re all have been pretty self contained so far.
Anyways, this was a very nice vampire romance. The creativity of the world and the creatures in it continue in this book. There are some interesting quirks about vampires in this universe that I liked. It’s sweet that they can have kids!
I really liked the heroine. She is not the typical tough heroine and that’s a very nice change. There also was some pretty good dialogue. It wasn’t always perfect but once in a while it would really hit for me and make me happy.
November 20, 2024
A hot ancient retired vampire assassin with a gorgeous mansion and rare rose garden? Sign me the fuck up.
I started this series a long time ago and I think DNFd the second because I was confused or my mood(1st? Idk there was a .5) and was in a vampire mood so I picked this up. Loved it so much that I’m going back to 1 and going to continue on.
The background on the characters was engaging but not overwhelming and while Harlan is over protective, he uses words and compromise instead of bulldozing like I see in a lot of mafia-esque stories. Mid story had a lot of telling while they grew closer and more intimate if I had to knit pick something.
I started this series a long time ago and I think DNFd the second because I was confused or my mood(1st? Idk there was a .5) and was in a vampire mood so I picked this up. Loved it so much that I’m going back to 1 and going to continue on.
The background on the characters was engaging but not overwhelming and while Harlan is over protective, he uses words and compromise instead of bulldozing like I see in a lot of mafia-esque stories. Mid story had a lot of telling while they grew closer and more intimate if I had to knit pick something.
December 12, 2025
I was all for this pining from afar story. Zia was sunny, passionate to the point of obsession about roses, and prone to fantasizing about her mysterious boss. Harlan was grumpy, demanding, possessive, and utterly devoted to Zia. Their relationship progressed quickly once they actually had their first conversation, and it was filled with plenty of physical intimacy. Zia’s scareousal was very appropriate for how dangerous and intense Harlan was. I loved them.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: Violence, murder, kidnapping, organized crime, poisoning, surveillance via side characters, past child abandonment, blood play, discussions of fertility/pregnancy, past child neglect
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: Violence, murder, kidnapping, organized crime, poisoning, surveillance via side characters, past child abandonment, blood play, discussions of fertility/pregnancy, past child neglect
December 5, 2022
OMG. This BOOK? It steam rolled its way in to one of my top favorites of Abigail’s! As soon as the Arc went up I signed up immediately, but I also read most of this early via pay tree on. I love everything Abigail writes. Omg this MMC Harlan- sir. SIR. Vampire ex mob daddy?????? Shut up and take my soaked panties fang daddy🥵. And Zia? Our precious, quirky little witch??? Omg I loved her so much. She was such a perfect innocent sunshine to our night loving Mr. Clawed, Dark, and Broody. I just loved the dynamic of this couple. He hasn’t been a good vampire by any semblance of societal definition of “good”, but he is for her. His complex and difficult backstory just hit me right in the HEART. Holy shit the STEAM AND DARK POSSESSIVENESS that Harlan just OOZES?!?? You ever read a book so hott, you can’t even handle being in your own skin when reading it? That’s this book. That’s me reading this book. So. Incredibly. HOTT. I don’t think there is any Vampire romance I have read that holds a candle to this one, and I’ve read a few. This will absolutely be a yearly re-read. And those hands will haunt my sexy dreams until I die…preferably by said hands and fangs… soI can come back as Harlan’s vampire bride😈.
Want to read
July 5, 2024All the covers for this series are beautiful🙌🏾it’s almost criminal
March 20, 2023
4.3/5 stars
I really loved both Harlan & Zia individually & as a Couple. It was so swoony.
Vampire/witch couple
Steam- 3/5
I really loved both Harlan & Zia individually & as a Couple. It was so swoony.
Vampire/witch couple
Steam- 3/5
November 28, 2023
I received an advance copy of this--and by received I mean that as usual, I begged and pestered until Abigail sent it to me because I am obsessed with this series and its worldbuilding, and I really wanted to see what she did with vampires.
WELL.
I was not disappointed. Abigail Kelly's take on Vampires is both fresh AND grounded in the lore we're all familiar with! Zia and Harlan are both absolutely DELIGHTFUL and Harlan's pining and longing is so good!!!! He wants her so bad!!!! And once Zia shows the slightest reciprocation, the train to sexytown builds a FULL HEAD OF STEAM. Chapter 13 in particular, I felt, was EXTREMELY well done!
I love that Zia never stops being smart and thoughtful and a little bit bad ass, even when she's in over her head. And I love Harlan's little found family, and the way that Abigail Kelly, in every book, delivers us such a fully developed cast of secondary and tertiary characters. Everyone feels REAL and ALIVE, and that's part of what makes this series, for me, really special. Because it feels like these stories are a glimpse into a world that exists--lived in, with all the complexity of ours and then some.
Abigail Kelly's New Protectorate series, in this installment, CONTINUES to be a masterclass in worldbuilding and paranormal/fantasy romance writing, and if you're interested in EITHER, I really extremely urge you to grab them all!!
WELL.
I was not disappointed. Abigail Kelly's take on Vampires is both fresh AND grounded in the lore we're all familiar with! Zia and Harlan are both absolutely DELIGHTFUL and Harlan's pining and longing is so good!!!! He wants her so bad!!!! And once Zia shows the slightest reciprocation, the train to sexytown builds a FULL HEAD OF STEAM. Chapter 13 in particular, I felt, was EXTREMELY well done!
I love that Zia never stops being smart and thoughtful and a little bit bad ass, even when she's in over her head. And I love Harlan's little found family, and the way that Abigail Kelly, in every book, delivers us such a fully developed cast of secondary and tertiary characters. Everyone feels REAL and ALIVE, and that's part of what makes this series, for me, really special. Because it feels like these stories are a glimpse into a world that exists--lived in, with all the complexity of ours and then some.
Abigail Kelly's New Protectorate series, in this installment, CONTINUES to be a masterclass in worldbuilding and paranormal/fantasy romance writing, and if you're interested in EITHER, I really extremely urge you to grab them all!!
January 11, 2023
I really liked this book. He is a vampire assassin (retired) and she is a greenwitch who likes to grow things.
He is her boss and she's worked for him over a year and never met him. She doesn't even know what he looks like. But she likes to fantasize about him and pretend he has a crush on her too.
What she doesn't know is that he also has a crush on her. He watches her whenever he's awake and she's working and he has sensors outside of her home so he knows she is safe inside. He thinks his dark past means he is not worthy of her.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
He finds out one night she came back to the estate and never left. He thinks she fell down and is hurt somewhere. It turns out she got locked in and since the number one rule of his estate is don't be here after sundown she didn't want to get fired. So she decides to hide in her greenhouse overnight until morning and just pretend she got to work early, so she won't get fired.
He finds her in the greenhouse, they have a drink in his kitchen, and she goes home. But now he's decided he'll woo her to be his "anchor" (his mate).
He takes her out to a fancy restaurant and they fool around in the private dining room. Then we are told in 1 paragraph about all the other cool dates and gifts he bought her.
I was disappointed the author barely mentioned the other dates. The heroine had said she didn't know if she wanted anything permanent and needed to think about it on their first date and she wanted romance and nice dates.
I took off 1 star for the heroine being stupid. He told her they were in danger because his former employers were at war. He told her not to go anywhere without his guards. They were at a hotel after visiting her family and she decides to buy him the good fake blood so he won't be hungry. Even though her guards are right in the room next door she doesn't get any of them, since it's a five minute walk to the store.
She gets kidnapped. Dumb decision.
He rescues her, they live happily ever after with 2 kids.
He is her boss and she's worked for him over a year and never met him. She doesn't even know what he looks like. But she likes to fantasize about him and pretend he has a crush on her too.
What she doesn't know is that he also has a crush on her. He watches her whenever he's awake and she's working and he has sensors outside of her home so he knows she is safe inside. He thinks his dark past means he is not worthy of her.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
He finds out one night she came back to the estate and never left. He thinks she fell down and is hurt somewhere. It turns out she got locked in and since the number one rule of his estate is don't be here after sundown she didn't want to get fired. So she decides to hide in her greenhouse overnight until morning and just pretend she got to work early, so she won't get fired.
He finds her in the greenhouse, they have a drink in his kitchen, and she goes home. But now he's decided he'll woo her to be his "anchor" (his mate).
He takes her out to a fancy restaurant and they fool around in the private dining room. Then we are told in 1 paragraph about all the other cool dates and gifts he bought her.
I was disappointed the author barely mentioned the other dates. The heroine had said she didn't know if she wanted anything permanent and needed to think about it on their first date and she wanted romance and nice dates.
I took off 1 star for the heroine being stupid. He told her they were in danger because his former employers were at war. He told her not to go anywhere without his guards. They were at a hotel after visiting her family and she decides to buy him the good fake blood so he won't be hungry. Even though her guards are right in the room next door she doesn't get any of them, since it's a five minute walk to the store.
She gets kidnapped. Dumb decision.
He rescues her, they live happily ever after with 2 kids.
January 9, 2023
Grim’s Tits! This is one fantastic book!
When I saw an opening to be an ARC reader for this book, I jumped at the opportunity. The summary alone pulled me in, and I was as excited as ever to get into it.
Empire: (The New Protectorate Stories: Volume Two) by Abigail Kelly is a cosy monster romance novel featuring Zia North, a cheerful, nurturing green witch and Harlan Bounds, a guarded ex-crime associate vampire. Zia is the diligent rosarian of his estate, and Mr Bounds is her boss. Imagine the unlikely pair together! Zia is a relatable character; she’s vulnerable but confident and uses her strengths to her advantage. Zia harbours an unfaltering passion for cultivating roses and her vampiric boss. Unbeknownst to Miss North, Mr Bounds feels the same way on a cellular level. Harlan is intense, stubborn and loves to give commands but what makes him charming is his brazen need for her.
Regarding his desire for the little witch, he will not hesitate and stop at nothing to see her happy and safe. His fierce adoration goes beyond desire, and the biological need to sink his fangs into her luscious flesh grows by the day. All it would take is a moment in her presence, and he would forever be changed.
Empire features excellent development and steady progression from the onset of their relationship. Kelly tells her story with eloquent vocabulary and detailed descriptions, providing a vivid image and a top-tier reading experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The push and pull of their personalities complement each other well and make for an enjoyable read.
All I can say is I need me a Mr Bounds to bound my ass down for life. Where can I sign up?
January 23, 2023
If you enjoy a "touch-her-and-you-die" vampire romance then this is a good one for you. It was entertaining and pretty light reading, but a little bit too fluffy for my tastes. I'm also not entirely sure why the book has been titled "Empire" and how it ties into the story? Overall, it is worth a read.
January 18, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
July 16, 2023
This world is incredible, the writing is impeccable, and the characters are infinitely lovable. Zia and Harlan just fit together in the best way and are precious and wonderful.
Read
October 19, 2024*soft dnf* ~50% (ch.13)
nothing wrong with this one - i actually liked what i’ve read so far… but life + my mood changed and i couldn’t give it my attention anymore
nothing wrong with this one - i actually liked what i’ve read so far… but life + my mood changed and i couldn’t give it my attention anymore
December 21, 2025
Bleh, did not like this one. It was okay to start, but seriously, the FMC is aware of the risk and danger but then goes out alone?! Like c’mon
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
It was okay. I have nothing bad to say about it. It just didn't amaze me and that's okay.
December 27, 2022
I’ve read my fair share of vampire romances and this is one of my favorites. literally. if you’re wanting twilight this book is not it. nor is it vampire diaries. it’s so much better, literally, i’m saying that and i love me some TVD 😌.
Abigail Kelly really blew me out of the water with Empire’s world building and lore. it wasn’t high fantasy like GOT or FBAA, instead it was simple (it fit so well in this world).
Zia North, a “silly” little witch rosarian who obviously loves the estate’s garden, breaks the most important rule of her job & bumps into the mysterious Mr. Bounds one night.
Harlan Bounds, a retired mob assassin vampire is utterly obsessed with his rosarian. What better way to make Zia his than to save her from the coldest night of the year.
Empire was spicy by all means the lore helped significantly. i think i was crossing my legs every time spicy steam came on the page (*cough* that’s not the only thing that came *cough*🤭) the AFTERCARE daddy H gives Zia is a mix of hot, steamy and sweet lord i’m on my knees 🧎🏻♀️ praying to become an anchor to a vampire daddy.
I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us next!!! 👀 will it be Felix and Dahlia ? 🫣
nobody knows….xoxo 😘
(pls tell me you understood that reference 🥲)
adding to this review bc it’s sooo close to the release date & no one has talked ab it enough 😌
✨I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC, all thoughts i’ve conveyed in this review is my own✨
Abigail Kelly really blew me out of the water with Empire’s world building and lore. it wasn’t high fantasy like GOT or FBAA, instead it was simple (it fit so well in this world).
Zia North, a “silly” little witch rosarian who obviously loves the estate’s garden, breaks the most important rule of her job & bumps into the mysterious Mr. Bounds one night.
Harlan Bounds, a retired mob assassin vampire is utterly obsessed with his rosarian. What better way to make Zia his than to save her from the coldest night of the year.
Empire was spicy by all means the lore helped significantly. i think i was crossing my legs every time spicy steam came on the page (*cough* that’s not the only thing that came *cough*🤭) the AFTERCARE daddy H gives Zia is a mix of hot, steamy and sweet lord i’m on my knees 🧎🏻♀️ praying to become an anchor to a vampire daddy.
I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us next!!! 👀 will it be Felix and Dahlia ? 🫣
nobody knows….xoxo 😘
(pls tell me you understood that reference 🥲)
adding to this review bc it’s sooo close to the release date & no one has talked ab it enough 😌
✨I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC, all thoughts i’ve conveyed in this review is my own✨
March 24, 2023
Really enjoyed the world this author created! And the little spin on vampires in general. Zia was a cute character albeit a little up in the clouds, but cute.
November 24, 2024
this book really surprised me! picked it up on a whim and am glad to have done so. i did not like the mmc calling the fmc "pet" but that's my only beef. i haven't read a good vampire book in a hot minute so this was fun. will definitely check out this author's other work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews