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The Vampire & The Rose
🌹A love that defies death. A bond that burns eternal. 🩸
✨ Prepare to be seduced by a dark and enthralling tale of love, power, and sacrifice.
When the radiant Empress Arabella Rose Wolfe succumbs to a mysterious illness, her advisors turn to the unthinkable. A deal with the vampire lord, Luca Ash, a creature of darkness who haunts the mountain shadows. But salvation comes at a cost. Her life is spared, but her heart and destiny are bound to the enigmatic vampire in a union forged in blood and secrets.
What would you sacrifice to survive?
Arabella awakens, stronger than ever, but the fire that ignites between her and Luca threatens to consume her. Their bond is as irresistible as it is dangerous, pulling them closer with every breath. As Empress, Arabella must navigate a treacherous world of political intrigue and deadly alliances. As a woman, she battles the raw desire for the creature who both saved and ensnared her.
Fated Mates. Enemies to Lovers. Morally Grey Villains.
Set in a lush, gothic world of decadent ballrooms, dark forests, and moonlit balconies, The Vampire & The Rose delivers heart-stopping romance, fiery passion, and a love that challenges the boundaries of time and fate.
Will Arabella embrace the darkness within herself to protect her people? Can Luca win her trust while battling the beast inside him? Or will their bond unravel as forces beyond their control threaten to tear them apart?
One Empress. One Vampire Lord. An empire on the brink.
🔥Perfect for fans of:
Brooding, seductive vampires
Strong heroines with steel in their spines
Dark gothic romance
Dangerously intense chemistry
🖤 Step into the world of The Vampire & The Rose 🖤
Will you surrender to the darkness?
✨ Prepare to be seduced by a dark and enthralling tale of love, power, and sacrifice.
When the radiant Empress Arabella Rose Wolfe succumbs to a mysterious illness, her advisors turn to the unthinkable. A deal with the vampire lord, Luca Ash, a creature of darkness who haunts the mountain shadows. But salvation comes at a cost. Her life is spared, but her heart and destiny are bound to the enigmatic vampire in a union forged in blood and secrets.
What would you sacrifice to survive?
Arabella awakens, stronger than ever, but the fire that ignites between her and Luca threatens to consume her. Their bond is as irresistible as it is dangerous, pulling them closer with every breath. As Empress, Arabella must navigate a treacherous world of political intrigue and deadly alliances. As a woman, she battles the raw desire for the creature who both saved and ensnared her.
Fated Mates. Enemies to Lovers. Morally Grey Villains.
Set in a lush, gothic world of decadent ballrooms, dark forests, and moonlit balconies, The Vampire & The Rose delivers heart-stopping romance, fiery passion, and a love that challenges the boundaries of time and fate.
Will Arabella embrace the darkness within herself to protect her people? Can Luca win her trust while battling the beast inside him? Or will their bond unravel as forces beyond their control threaten to tear them apart?
One Empress. One Vampire Lord. An empire on the brink.
🔥Perfect for fans of:
Brooding, seductive vampires
Strong heroines with steel in their spines
Dark gothic romance
Dangerously intense chemistry
🖤 Step into the world of The Vampire & The Rose 🖤
Will you surrender to the darkness?
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2025
9 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Davies
14 books143 followersMelanie Davies began writing when she was in her early teens, starting off first in vampire role play forums, she began to learn her voice and teach herself how to write creatively.
She looks forward to bringing more fictional worlds and characters to you. Writing has always been a dream of hers and one she is excited to achieve.
Be sure to follow her on social media to keep up to date with her future books.
She looks forward to bringing more fictional worlds and characters to you. Writing has always been a dream of hers and one she is excited to achieve.
Be sure to follow her on social media to keep up to date with her future books.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 3, 2025
This was utterly enchanting. I loved it from start to finish, with all the political intrigue, the gothic atmosphere, the slow burn tension, and the Empress's keen wit, intelligence, command and compassion.
I adored the bond between Luca and Arabella, and how their unexpected circumstances drew their fates together.
Their slow burn romance is filled with curiosity, desire, hostility and passion. I enjoyed his seductive nature, v's Arabella's fierce and no nonsense attitude. They are the perfect pairing.
I liked the suspense and danger from their secret relationship, and learning about Luca's past including his sire.
There are several characters that are lovable, and several that are easy to hate, so it keeps you on edge guessing their schemes throughout.
I thought it was heading for a nice resolution then that ending hit so hard. Will 100% be reading book 2.
✨ "He wasn't a demon. He was something. Much darker than that"
✨ "I am no one's property...least of all a vampire's!"
✨ "We were not empress and enigma. We were simply Arabella and Luca- surrendering to a passion that transcended time, duty and mortality itself"
I adored the bond between Luca and Arabella, and how their unexpected circumstances drew their fates together.
Their slow burn romance is filled with curiosity, desire, hostility and passion. I enjoyed his seductive nature, v's Arabella's fierce and no nonsense attitude. They are the perfect pairing.
I liked the suspense and danger from their secret relationship, and learning about Luca's past including his sire.
There are several characters that are lovable, and several that are easy to hate, so it keeps you on edge guessing their schemes throughout.
I thought it was heading for a nice resolution then that ending hit so hard. Will 100% be reading book 2.
✨ "He wasn't a demon. He was something. Much darker than that"
✨ "I am no one's property...least of all a vampire's!"
✨ "We were not empress and enigma. We were simply Arabella and Luca- surrendering to a passion that transcended time, duty and mortality itself"
March 12, 2025
This book was stunning, and I need everyone to read it immediately!
I am so happy I was able to beta-read it!!
Melanie Davies is a favorite author of mine, and her books are truly so beautifully written especially this one!
The details in this book really made you feel like you were in the world with the characters. The main characters, Arabella and Luca, were stunning, and the chemistry was so good! The first chapter really grabs your attention and just hooks you immediately. I honestly couldn't put this book down. I had to read it a second time just to appreciate the beauty of it. Also, can we talk about that ending????
This book is perfect if you are a fan of these tropes:
Brooding and seductive vampires
Gorgeous romantic chemistry
Arranged marriage
Morally grey FMC
Forced Proximity
Gothic romance
Thank you again to Melanie for allowing me to beta read! This was stunning, and I can't wait for the next book!
I am so happy I was able to beta-read it!!
Melanie Davies is a favorite author of mine, and her books are truly so beautifully written especially this one!
The details in this book really made you feel like you were in the world with the characters. The main characters, Arabella and Luca, were stunning, and the chemistry was so good! The first chapter really grabs your attention and just hooks you immediately. I honestly couldn't put this book down. I had to read it a second time just to appreciate the beauty of it. Also, can we talk about that ending????
This book is perfect if you are a fan of these tropes:
Brooding and seductive vampires
Gorgeous romantic chemistry
Arranged marriage
Morally grey FMC
Forced Proximity
Gothic romance
Thank you again to Melanie for allowing me to beta read! This was stunning, and I can't wait for the next book!
March 8, 2025
Arc review
Ok, first of all, go add this to your TBR, go on, I’ll wait. Done? Great let’s go.
When Arabella, the perfect portrayal of a strong empress, succumbs to an illness her advisors are forced to do the unthinkable, make a deal with a vampire lord. Luca agrees to help but as always everything comes with a price.
🥀 Fated Mates
🥀 Enemies to Lovers
🥀 Marriage of Convenience
Arabella is a head strong ruler who will do anything and everything to protect her kingdom and her people, even if that means making a deal with a vampire.
Luca is centuries old and despite what people may think, he has a heart, and it beats for her.
“Don’t let your doubts cloud what you already know. Luca would burn this world to the ground before he let anything happen to you”
Mel writing is exceptional and breathtaking. You can picture every single scene perfectly with the way she incorporates descriptions into her story, the empire, the clothing, the characters, every single thing. The plot was perfect and so many times had me gripping the edge of my seat waiting for things to unfold. The romance was perfect and didn’t overshadow the plot of the book.
The ending had me gasping despite my previous laughter throughout the book, I thought I’d got it wrong with what I was expecting, the ending has me wishing time away for the next book.
Ok, first of all, go add this to your TBR, go on, I’ll wait. Done? Great let’s go.
When Arabella, the perfect portrayal of a strong empress, succumbs to an illness her advisors are forced to do the unthinkable, make a deal with a vampire lord. Luca agrees to help but as always everything comes with a price.
🥀 Fated Mates
🥀 Enemies to Lovers
🥀 Marriage of Convenience
Arabella is a head strong ruler who will do anything and everything to protect her kingdom and her people, even if that means making a deal with a vampire.
Luca is centuries old and despite what people may think, he has a heart, and it beats for her.
“Don’t let your doubts cloud what you already know. Luca would burn this world to the ground before he let anything happen to you”
Mel writing is exceptional and breathtaking. You can picture every single scene perfectly with the way she incorporates descriptions into her story, the empire, the clothing, the characters, every single thing. The plot was perfect and so many times had me gripping the edge of my seat waiting for things to unfold. The romance was perfect and didn’t overshadow the plot of the book.
The ending had me gasping despite my previous laughter throughout the book, I thought I’d got it wrong with what I was expecting, the ending has me wishing time away for the next book.
April 2, 2025
I can never say enough good things about Mel's books. I have never read anything of hers that I haven't LOVED. I can tell she tried out something new, and I really hope she continues with it because I think this is my favorite book so far, and it is because of the new style.
March 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Because in all of those lifetimes, I have never met anyone quite like you. And no amount of land, riches, or power would ever come close to this,’
“To having you.”
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
5 star read, I was hooked from page 1!
I loved every second of it, so much detail went into literally every part of this story! I was constantly in awe with how beautifully enchanting it all was.
I loved Arabella and Luca, together aswell as in their own rights, the slow burn tension between them both was beautifully done, and then the deep raw passion that grew from their bond😍 chefs kiss… our FMC is bad ass, we love a strong independent queen (or Empress) and I can’t wait to see her go Ham in the next book!! As for our main man, well who doesn’t love a brooding, dangerous Vampire who would burn the world down for his Woman?!
That ending though… I had a bad feeling I knew something was coming, but even so, I still shot up with a very loud gasp 😧 honestly I’m still not over it, (no spoilers) but it hits hard, and our FMC is going to have a lot to handle in the next book..
Beautiful work as always from Mel🥰 I 1 million % recommend this to all Fantasy/ Romantasy fans, especially those with a kink for the good ol’ Vamps. Romance, betrayal, forbidden love, political intrigue, slow burn, high tension, Dark gothic atmosphere… it has it all🌹
‘Perhaps, just perhaps, this bond was more than a risk. Perhaps it was worth fighting for. And perhaps… it could even be worth falling for.’
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Because in all of those lifetimes, I have never met anyone quite like you. And no amount of land, riches, or power would ever come close to this,’
“To having you.”
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
5 star read, I was hooked from page 1!
I loved every second of it, so much detail went into literally every part of this story! I was constantly in awe with how beautifully enchanting it all was.
I loved Arabella and Luca, together aswell as in their own rights, the slow burn tension between them both was beautifully done, and then the deep raw passion that grew from their bond😍 chefs kiss… our FMC is bad ass, we love a strong independent queen (or Empress) and I can’t wait to see her go Ham in the next book!! As for our main man, well who doesn’t love a brooding, dangerous Vampire who would burn the world down for his Woman?!
That ending though… I had a bad feeling I knew something was coming, but even so, I still shot up with a very loud gasp 😧 honestly I’m still not over it, (no spoilers) but it hits hard, and our FMC is going to have a lot to handle in the next book..
Beautiful work as always from Mel🥰 I 1 million % recommend this to all Fantasy/ Romantasy fans, especially those with a kink for the good ol’ Vamps. Romance, betrayal, forbidden love, political intrigue, slow burn, high tension, Dark gothic atmosphere… it has it all🌹
‘Perhaps, just perhaps, this bond was more than a risk. Perhaps it was worth fighting for. And perhaps… it could even be worth falling for.’
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
March 2, 2025
ARC Review ✨️
♡Enchantingly Dark and Beautiful♡
The Empress Arabella Rose Wolfe is at the end of her life when a mysterious illness completely overtakes her. Desperate to save her, her advisors turn to a very powerful creature of the night that lurks in the shadows, Luca Ash. Now she's saved, but she's bound to Luca, a vampire.
I'm obsessed with vampires, and I'm always a sucker for a dark romance featuring a vampire MMC🙌😍 The author delivered the perfect dark and delicious, gothic romance 🖤🖤
The details in the scenery were breathtaking, and every time I turned the page, I felt like I was stepping right into their world. Oh, how I wish I could, I bet it would be amazing 🙌✨️
The writing was highly intriguing and so captivating with every word. The author is oh so very talented no matter what genre she's writing💞
I highly recommend this story to any fans of vampires, strong heroines, dark gothic aspects, and some sizzling chemistry 🙌😍
Tropes:
🖤Dark gothic romantasy
✨️Vampire x humans
🖤Forced proximity
✨️Morally grey FMC
🖤Arranged marriage
Thanks so much to the author for the ARC!
♡Enchantingly Dark and Beautiful♡
The Empress Arabella Rose Wolfe is at the end of her life when a mysterious illness completely overtakes her. Desperate to save her, her advisors turn to a very powerful creature of the night that lurks in the shadows, Luca Ash. Now she's saved, but she's bound to Luca, a vampire.
I'm obsessed with vampires, and I'm always a sucker for a dark romance featuring a vampire MMC🙌😍 The author delivered the perfect dark and delicious, gothic romance 🖤🖤
The details in the scenery were breathtaking, and every time I turned the page, I felt like I was stepping right into their world. Oh, how I wish I could, I bet it would be amazing 🙌✨️
The writing was highly intriguing and so captivating with every word. The author is oh so very talented no matter what genre she's writing💞
I highly recommend this story to any fans of vampires, strong heroines, dark gothic aspects, and some sizzling chemistry 🙌😍
Tropes:
🖤Dark gothic romantasy
✨️Vampire x humans
🖤Forced proximity
✨️Morally grey FMC
🖤Arranged marriage
Thanks so much to the author for the ARC!
March 7, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect since I haven't read anything from this author before, but omg this book was AMAZING!! It has everything you could want in a story - you have plot and romance be equal parts of the story and they compliment each other, the world building and politics add more layers to the story, and the characters themselves are unique. That ending though killed me, and now I am eagerly waiting for the next book. Add this to your TBR ASAP!
March 10, 2025
This was a juicy fantasy romance read. It's told in dual pov and follows the MCs Arabella and Luca. She is a dying empress and he is a vampire with a high priced cure. I love the marriage of convenience trope, so I ate this up! The MCs made this so enjoyable. They had great chemistry and their slow burn style romance really built up the tension especially with the forbidden love aspect and keeping their relationship a secret. This is an open door romance with streamy scenes. Those were a yum for me. I enjoyed both the MCs. Arabella’s character, she was passionate and bold while Luca, was the McDreamy of Vampires with his seductive allure. They originally were supposed to enter into a marriage of convenience, but what fun would it be if things went as planned?
I was captivated by this read from start to finish! The dark atmospheric setting, gothic vibes, and angsty storyline were chef's 💋. This book had great world building, vivid imagery, and political intrigue with threatens their happy union. This book does end on heck of a cliffhanger. Y’all, I wasn’t ready! However, I am beyond excited for the sequel! This is a TBR must for the vampire peeps.
Themes & Tropes:
❤️Paranormal Gothic Romance
🖤Brooding Seductive Vampires
🤍Strong Heroines with Steel in their Spines
❤️Betrayal & Shifting Alliances
🖤Marriage of Convenience
🤍Forbidden Love
❤️Fated Mates
Overall, Loved this read!❤️
March 3, 2025
Wow - this book caught me by suprise! If you're a fan of historical romance with a paranormal twist, The Vampire & The Rose is a must-read. From the very first page, this book had me hooked with its dark, gothic atmosphere and intricate world-building. Melanie Davies' writing style is captivating, making it impossible to put the book down.
Tropes:
🖤Arranged marriage🖤
🖤Morally grey FMC🖤
🖤Dark gothic romantasy🖤
🖤Vampire x humans🖤
🖤Forced proximity🖤
The blend of historical romance and supernatural elements felt seamless, creating a truly immersive experience.
And that ending? It left me absolutely mad! I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t realize how close I was to the final pages. Now, I’m desperate for book two to see how everything plays out.
If you love tropes like dark gothic romantasy, vampire x human dynamics, forced proximity, morally grey heroines, and arranged marriages, this book will be right up your alley. Highly recommend for fans of intense, addictive storytelling!
Tropes:
🖤Arranged marriage🖤
🖤Morally grey FMC🖤
🖤Dark gothic romantasy🖤
🖤Vampire x humans🖤
🖤Forced proximity🖤
The blend of historical romance and supernatural elements felt seamless, creating a truly immersive experience.
And that ending? It left me absolutely mad! I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t realize how close I was to the final pages. Now, I’m desperate for book two to see how everything plays out.
If you love tropes like dark gothic romantasy, vampire x human dynamics, forced proximity, morally grey heroines, and arranged marriages, this book will be right up your alley. Highly recommend for fans of intense, addictive storytelling!
March 3, 2025
Empress Arabella is at deaths door when desperate her little brother finds the only person who can save her, and her empire. A vampire. But that comes at a cost, his condition for saving her life, she must become his wife and give him an heir. What started as a marriage of convenience of sorts turns into something more. They must keep their love and marriage a secret to avoid the consequences and a possible war..
If you love touch her and die vibes then this is for you. You will fall in love with lord Luca and empress Arabella
If you love touch her and die vibes then this is for you. You will fall in love with lord Luca and empress Arabella
March 1, 2025
“One Empress, One Vampire lord and an empire on the brink.”
I was able to read this before others and let me tell you it had me hook from start to finish..characters, plot, details absolutely beautiful.
Morally grey fmc, forced proximity, arranged marriage, humans and vampires, duet pov, dark gothic fantasy romance, it’s everything you could want. There is spice so beware if spice isn’t your thing.
Fantastic for the fans of
Brooding and seductive vampire
intense character chemistry
Dark gothic romance
Strong heroines.
I was able to read this before others and let me tell you it had me hook from start to finish..characters, plot, details absolutely beautiful.
Morally grey fmc, forced proximity, arranged marriage, humans and vampires, duet pov, dark gothic fantasy romance, it’s everything you could want. There is spice so beware if spice isn’t your thing.
Fantastic for the fans of
Brooding and seductive vampire
intense character chemistry
Dark gothic romance
Strong heroines.
March 4, 2025
I loved this book!! Melanie always manages to truly capture a reader's attention throughout the pages of her books and this one is honest to god no different...
A dying empress and a bored vampire who makes demands for her hand in exchange for healing her... a tempestuous love story built from the ground up and despite pushing back seems to only ever be pulling them closer together.. full of political scheming and hidden agendas together they navigate an ever-darkening storm with a malevolent Emporer and an awakened sire...
With more questions and secrets than answers and that ending that literally made me throw my Kindle in despair (but in a good way) I couldn't put this book down.
For now, I must patiently await whatever comes next!
A dying empress and a bored vampire who makes demands for her hand in exchange for healing her... a tempestuous love story built from the ground up and despite pushing back seems to only ever be pulling them closer together.. full of political scheming and hidden agendas together they navigate an ever-darkening storm with a malevolent Emporer and an awakened sire...
With more questions and secrets than answers and that ending that literally made me throw my Kindle in despair (but in a good way) I couldn't put this book down.
For now, I must patiently await whatever comes next!
March 9, 2025
What is a trend that should never die?
⠀
In my opinion is vampire books. And I completely and wholeheartedly support Mel Davies as in her acknowledgements for The Vampire & The Rose says that vampires were never a phase for her. I too love vampires and have loved them ever since I read Twilight.
⠀
The Vampire and The Rose is a fantasy novel set on Navaria. Arabella its her empress and she is sick, so sick that she is about to die, so the people on her court go to ask a dark creature, a vampire, to save her. But this vampire, Lord Luca has a condition, he is to marry the empress in exchange for her life. And this only brings political intrigue and a bunch of complications for the empire creating an entertaining tale.
⠀
I have quite a lot to say about this book so let’s star unraveling all the things.
⠀
In one hand I did really enjoyed reading about Luca. The book is told in a dual POV in the first person and his chapters were really compelling. He is a morally grey character, but on the best way possible. He has a dark pass and even when he wants to do good things, he sees himself mixed with some dark things.
⠀
And on the other hand, I did not enjoy Arabella as much. I did like the plot and overall the whole way in which the story is directed because of her. But she is so self righteous that she kind of gets on my nerves. I think that she is what the story needs however. And as the book progresses she has a good development and she is not that annoying to me. I think that after the ending of this book and what it is to come she has a lot of potential. But that being said, I think that her personality plays a part on the story as it’s a very good way to present her as young as he is as opposed to the rest of the characters and it contributes to her naive personality in a way.
⠀
Plot wise the book is funny and it’s good for those readers, who like myself enjoy reading about court intrigue and political maneuvers. I cannot say that much without getting into spoilers territory, but once you have read the book, just send me a DM and we can discuss it.
⠀
The world building was really interesting and as usual one of the things that I did enjoy the most. Even when we are taking vampires as a start and they are well stablished and well loved creatures, in this story they are done in a very intriguing way. They have some differences that make me want to know more. And the cool thing is how we are learning all of it. We are doing it on a way in which even when we have a character that has most of the information, as having secrets is part of his personality, is more like in an unreliable narrator kind of way.
⠀
Overall it was a fun read. And I do recommend to check it for those who like me are dying to read more about vampires and all their lore.
⠀
In my opinion is vampire books. And I completely and wholeheartedly support Mel Davies as in her acknowledgements for The Vampire & The Rose says that vampires were never a phase for her. I too love vampires and have loved them ever since I read Twilight.
⠀
The Vampire and The Rose is a fantasy novel set on Navaria. Arabella its her empress and she is sick, so sick that she is about to die, so the people on her court go to ask a dark creature, a vampire, to save her. But this vampire, Lord Luca has a condition, he is to marry the empress in exchange for her life. And this only brings political intrigue and a bunch of complications for the empire creating an entertaining tale.
⠀
I have quite a lot to say about this book so let’s star unraveling all the things.
⠀
In one hand I did really enjoyed reading about Luca. The book is told in a dual POV in the first person and his chapters were really compelling. He is a morally grey character, but on the best way possible. He has a dark pass and even when he wants to do good things, he sees himself mixed with some dark things.
⠀
And on the other hand, I did not enjoy Arabella as much. I did like the plot and overall the whole way in which the story is directed because of her. But she is so self righteous that she kind of gets on my nerves. I think that she is what the story needs however. And as the book progresses she has a good development and she is not that annoying to me. I think that after the ending of this book and what it is to come she has a lot of potential. But that being said, I think that her personality plays a part on the story as it’s a very good way to present her as young as he is as opposed to the rest of the characters and it contributes to her naive personality in a way.
⠀
Plot wise the book is funny and it’s good for those readers, who like myself enjoy reading about court intrigue and political maneuvers. I cannot say that much without getting into spoilers territory, but once you have read the book, just send me a DM and we can discuss it.
⠀
The world building was really interesting and as usual one of the things that I did enjoy the most. Even when we are taking vampires as a start and they are well stablished and well loved creatures, in this story they are done in a very intriguing way. They have some differences that make me want to know more. And the cool thing is how we are learning all of it. We are doing it on a way in which even when we have a character that has most of the information, as having secrets is part of his personality, is more like in an unreliable narrator kind of way.
⠀
Overall it was a fun read. And I do recommend to check it for those who like me are dying to read more about vampires and all their lore.
March 3, 2025
I dont usually read something like this however I really enjoyed it
Melanie's writing style is really good a well written story flowed well
medium burn
4 star
Melanie's writing style is really good a well written story flowed well
medium burn
4 star
March 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this book!!!!!
March 8, 2025
HOLY F@&$#!!!
A proper review is coming soon, I have to digest what I just read.
A proper review is coming soon, I have to digest what I just read.
March 13, 2025
A sumptuous, gothic read as Arabella's life is saved by vampire Luca. Their relationship grew so beautifully. Loved Arebella, so strong and fierce, and Luca was so seductive. A fabulous story full of political intrigue, passion and suspense with a shocking cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next book.
February 26, 2025
I am normally not one to pick up a historical romance, but with the twist of the paranormal, this story really kept my interest. I was so into it I didn't realize the end was so close, and that ending had me mad. I can't wait to see what happens in book two. Nothing will prepare you for the triangle, which is historical romance.
March 18, 2025
The Vampire and the Rose: Where can I begin with this book? There are no words that I have, but this book is absolutely fantastic. It feeds my love for vampires that I still have to this day. Thank you, Melanie Davies, for writing this fantastic book! If you have a love for vampires, go check this book out!
April 3, 2025
I have to recover from this reading that I found nothing short of enchanting... I loved it from the beginning it intrigued me not a little with all the political intrigues and not, but also for the Gothic atmosphere that I love to madness. But you will also love the Slo bur burn that will intrigue you to the stars here. What I loved most... The bond between Luca and Arabella, because it is a bond full of desire, passion But also quarrels... the character I loved to madness is undoubtedly Luca, you will love to discover his past... Some characters trust you will hate them... The ending surprised me so much that I will definitely read the second book.
"We were not empress and enigmatic. We were simply Arabella and Luca, surrendered to a passion that transcended time, duty and mortality itself."
"We were not empress and enigmatic. We were simply Arabella and Luca, surrendered to a passion that transcended time, duty and mortality itself."
March 28, 2025
I was craving a vampire book (I always say that!). There is something mysterious to vampires. The power, the control, the mesmerizing glance (I will not mention the hunger because … well, that may not be always nice ;) although, sometimes it may be… ok). Please read “The Vampire & The Rose” and please follow the series!
Our main characters come to an arrangement that seem to benefit only Empress Arabella. After Luca agrees to heal her illness, they agree on marrying in secret, with him becoming her consort. They did not expect to have such an intense connection. It was supposed to be just agreement, preferably temporarily. But their connection is undeniable and the more they spend time together, the less they want to be apart. With enemies lurking in the shadows, court politics and even rules if the vampire world, Arabella and Luca have a pretty unsteady path to navigate.
Luca has been around for a lot of years. He knows how the empire came to be ruled by Arabella’s ancestors and he’s not willing to uncover the past. I loved his patience, his wise advice and simply how he let her shine and behave as a true empress. He is the perfect gentleman (or gentlevampire… you get it). His feelings are his biggest weakness. He tries to keep his hunger and violent side in check and he’s made it clear he is no saint. Arabella is a wise ruler. Her concern for her people is genuine and she knows very well that she has allies, as well as enemies. She knows how diplomacy should be conducted. They are so good together. Their relationship is not based solely on attraction, but also confidence and respect.
We have a strong woman in a position of power. Men try to take her for granted but she does not allow it. The author has created such a great image of how a woman should keep her dignity intact. There are choices Luca has to make for his friend and loyal subject, which can be questionable, but it’s interesting to see how he protected him so many times. Friendship, trust and respect are core values in the book and it was refreshing to find them so valued in a book.
The writing is beautiful and evocative. The plot has the perfect pace to keep us entertained. When you think you’ll get bored of the same old things, there’s the twist. It surprising and, again, refreshing. I have become a fan Melanie Davies’s writing!
All in all, this was such a great story! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Please read it!!!! Please?
Our main characters come to an arrangement that seem to benefit only Empress Arabella. After Luca agrees to heal her illness, they agree on marrying in secret, with him becoming her consort. They did not expect to have such an intense connection. It was supposed to be just agreement, preferably temporarily. But their connection is undeniable and the more they spend time together, the less they want to be apart. With enemies lurking in the shadows, court politics and even rules if the vampire world, Arabella and Luca have a pretty unsteady path to navigate.
Luca has been around for a lot of years. He knows how the empire came to be ruled by Arabella’s ancestors and he’s not willing to uncover the past. I loved his patience, his wise advice and simply how he let her shine and behave as a true empress. He is the perfect gentleman (or gentlevampire… you get it). His feelings are his biggest weakness. He tries to keep his hunger and violent side in check and he’s made it clear he is no saint. Arabella is a wise ruler. Her concern for her people is genuine and she knows very well that she has allies, as well as enemies. She knows how diplomacy should be conducted. They are so good together. Their relationship is not based solely on attraction, but also confidence and respect.
We have a strong woman in a position of power. Men try to take her for granted but she does not allow it. The author has created such a great image of how a woman should keep her dignity intact. There are choices Luca has to make for his friend and loyal subject, which can be questionable, but it’s interesting to see how he protected him so many times. Friendship, trust and respect are core values in the book and it was refreshing to find them so valued in a book.
The writing is beautiful and evocative. The plot has the perfect pace to keep us entertained. When you think you’ll get bored of the same old things, there’s the twist. It surprising and, again, refreshing. I have become a fan Melanie Davies’s writing!
All in all, this was such a great story! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Please read it!!!! Please?
May 13, 2025
This multi-POV fast-paced romantasy dives straight into the action, has all the political intrigue and doesn't let up until the devastating cliffhanger. Set in a world of warring kingdoms, our FMC Empress Arabella has contracted a mystery illness and is on the brink of death when her advisors make the risky decision to plead with the mysterious Count Luca (MMC) for assistance. They don’t know what evil lurks in his castle, but they know it is there only hope. But nothing in life is free and, as Luca will find out, no good deed goes unpunished. Buckle up for an arranged marriage, spicy vampire lust, and all the deadly politics from the rival ruler who considers Arabella his.
Arabella is feisty, independent and reacts to the situation in a rational and strong way – which is so refreshing. Meanwhile, I am in love with Luca. He has all the good bits of Matthew Clairmont and Raihn Ashraj wrapped in a mystery we have only just started to unpick. I did not expect to pick up a new book boyfriend from this ARC but, oh boy, did I.
My favourite thing about this story (other than the swoon-worthy spice 😉) is the ending. Brace yourself for the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers. I did manage to work out who would be involved, but the what was just insane!
I do have two small issues with this story. The first is my usual muttering that this is yet another romantasy where a lot of the problems come from miscommunication and secrets between the FMC and MMC. The second is that in its haste to get straight into the action, it has no intention of being slowed down by details and world building at the start. You do learn about this world as the story progresses, but I did feel a yearning for more information throughout – particularly about Luca’s maker and coven. Both of these are personal preference and do not impact the wider appeal of the story.
Overall, this is a fast-paced romantasy perfectly suited for lovers of multi-POV, arranged marriages, hidden motives and morally grey love interests.
For transparency, I was delighted to receive an e-ARC copy of this book for review and look forward to supporting the rest of the series.
Arabella is feisty, independent and reacts to the situation in a rational and strong way – which is so refreshing. Meanwhile, I am in love with Luca. He has all the good bits of Matthew Clairmont and Raihn Ashraj wrapped in a mystery we have only just started to unpick. I did not expect to pick up a new book boyfriend from this ARC but, oh boy, did I.
My favourite thing about this story (other than the swoon-worthy spice 😉) is the ending. Brace yourself for the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers. I did manage to work out who would be involved, but the what was just insane!
I do have two small issues with this story. The first is my usual muttering that this is yet another romantasy where a lot of the problems come from miscommunication and secrets between the FMC and MMC. The second is that in its haste to get straight into the action, it has no intention of being slowed down by details and world building at the start. You do learn about this world as the story progresses, but I did feel a yearning for more information throughout – particularly about Luca’s maker and coven. Both of these are personal preference and do not impact the wider appeal of the story.
Overall, this is a fast-paced romantasy perfectly suited for lovers of multi-POV, arranged marriages, hidden motives and morally grey love interests.
For transparency, I was delighted to receive an e-ARC copy of this book for review and look forward to supporting the rest of the series.
March 24, 2025
Fans of Filthy Rich Fae & A Curse of Wings and Darkness will love this book!
The slow burn between Luca and Arabella is palpable! Luca’s intense desire to claim Arabella, coupled with his fierce need to protect her, makes him utterly captivating. With fiery red hair & dark, vampire-like features, he’s a dangerous blend of allure and mystery. Arabella, a brilliant and strategic Empress, is always three steps ahead of her rivals. And yet, she’s torn between duty & her growing connection with Luca. She struggles to balance her responsibilities with the desire for personal happiness. Both Luca and Arabella have built walls around their hearts in an attempt to keep themselves safe. What started as a reluctant agreement transforms into something far more dangerous—and far more real.
The slow burn between Luca and Arabella is palpable! Luca’s intense desire to claim Arabella, coupled with his fierce need to protect her, makes him utterly captivating. With fiery red hair & dark, vampire-like features, he’s a dangerous blend of allure and mystery. Arabella, a brilliant and strategic Empress, is always three steps ahead of her rivals. And yet, she’s torn between duty & her growing connection with Luca. She struggles to balance her responsibilities with the desire for personal happiness. Both Luca and Arabella have built walls around their hearts in an attempt to keep themselves safe. What started as a reluctant agreement transforms into something far more dangerous—and far more real.
March 26, 2025
3.5🌟
☕ARC Review
It was fine! I did enjoy it at first but I also felt like I was trudging through it. That could just be a me issue and it totally might be!!
But I was struggling to get fully immersed, and it could be partially because the copy had the email at the end of every chapter and so when I got into it I was /immediately/ taken out of it, haha!!
I also feel it was particularly info-dumpy at the start? A bit info-dumpy while also being quite fast-paced.
🕯
I will say I had just started a new job at the time of reading and so my review of it as it stands may differ if I go back to it a few months later!!
All in all, just not my cup of tea as of right now, but I feel if I give myself time maybe I'll enjoy it more.
☕ARC Review
It was fine! I did enjoy it at first but I also felt like I was trudging through it. That could just be a me issue and it totally might be!!
But I was struggling to get fully immersed, and it could be partially because the copy had the email at the end of every chapter and so when I got into it I was /immediately/ taken out of it, haha!!
I also feel it was particularly info-dumpy at the start? A bit info-dumpy while also being quite fast-paced.
🕯
I will say I had just started a new job at the time of reading and so my review of it as it stands may differ if I go back to it a few months later!!
All in all, just not my cup of tea as of right now, but I feel if I give myself time maybe I'll enjoy it more.
March 4, 2025
Wow wow wow, where do I start with this book?!
Absolutely incredible writing, the story is incredibly gripping, full of twists and turns!
I absolutely love the characters in this and seeing how they develop were brilliantly written. The fierce leader Arabella who runs her empire like the boss lady that she is! And the Vampire who sweeps her off her feet, yet adds so much to their relationship to strengthen her is incredible!
And I'm sorry what was that cliffhanger 😱😱 I'm absolutely shook!
Can not wait for the 2nd book! I'm hooked!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC this incredible book! *All opinions are of my own*
Absolutely incredible writing, the story is incredibly gripping, full of twists and turns!
I absolutely love the characters in this and seeing how they develop were brilliantly written. The fierce leader Arabella who runs her empire like the boss lady that she is! And the Vampire who sweeps her off her feet, yet adds so much to their relationship to strengthen her is incredible!
And I'm sorry what was that cliffhanger 😱😱 I'm absolutely shook!
Can not wait for the 2nd book! I'm hooked!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC this incredible book! *All opinions are of my own*
March 13, 2025
Mel has done it again 😍 The Vampire and The Rose is an intoxicating fantasy that draws you in from the first page! The story follows the beautiful Arabella who is searching for a cure to her mysterious ailment. Desperate, her brother seeks out Luca, whom rumour has it, is not of this world. Luca agrees to help Arabella, but under his terms only... Absolutely gripping, and oozing with lustful tension. Absolutely loved this Mel, can't wait for the next book!
March 11, 2025
This book will have you hooked from the first chapter and have you needing to read the rest of the book to find out what happens.
This book has:
🖤 Vampires
🖤Romance
🖤Marriage of convenience
🖤Fated Lovers
🖤Morally grey MMC
🖤Politics
Mel, once again, has written a book that made me feel I was in the world with the characters. If you haven't read any of her book before, give them a go. They are easy and enjoyable reads which I will reread again and again.
This book has:
🖤 Vampires
🖤Romance
🖤Marriage of convenience
🖤Fated Lovers
🖤Morally grey MMC
🖤Politics
Mel, once again, has written a book that made me feel I was in the world with the characters. If you haven't read any of her book before, give them a go. They are easy and enjoyable reads which I will reread again and again.
March 7, 2025
This is my second book by this author. I liked this book and I can’t wait for more books to come out. Every book I liked it is short for me and same goes for this book.
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