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Bride of Brutal Hearts
Two vicious kings. One captive bride. Their magic should have destroyed me.
Instead, it made them mine.
When my sister’s name is called for the vampires’ harvest, I step forward. It’s a death sentence, but she has a family, a future. All I have is a dusty bookshop, an ailing body, and a fate that always ends in fangs.
As the only volunteer, I’m claimed as the newest Mortal Bride—a living sacrifice to their two wicked kings.
The Conqueror, ruthless and imposing, his icy demeanor concealing his fiery intensity.
The Butcher, charming and capricious, his divine beauty disguising his cruel desires.
The kings intend to drain my lifeforce to fuel the spell securing their reign. But when the ceremony goes awry, we’re all ensnared in an obsessive bond… one not even death can break.
The Conqueror and the Butcher now hunger for more than my blood. They want all of me, forever.
I should resist them. I should hate them. They are the monsters who devour my people.
But no matter how brutal their hearts, I crave them just as fiercely.
Bride of Brutal Hearts is a dark fantasy villain romance and the first book in the Bloodborne Court series. It features a slow burn romance with high heat between two morally black vampires and their captive bride. This book contains dark elements, graphic violence, and themes some may find disturbing. Readers can find more information in the Author’s Note and a detailed list on the author's website.
Bride of Brutal Hearts is the first book in a planned quartet and some storylines will remain unresolved until the finale. While the series will end with a happily-ever-after, there will be plenty of trauma, death and groveling beforehand.
762 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2025
2703 people are currently reading
8855 people want to read
About the author
Kate Stevens
11 books256 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Kate Stevens has been devouring romance novels and absorbing every detail since she was far too young to be reading them. With a passion for sci-fi and fantasy, she loves nothing more than a captivating villain, a touch of angst, and endless groveling. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her cute-but-demanding pets and a hoard of books.
She's the author of Bloodborne Court, a dark fantasy romance series. Prior to that, she published sci-fi romances including Archlord of Exile and the Bride to an Alien Prince series. Her work was featured in the Claimed Among the Stars anthology, which hit #42 on the USA Today Bestseller List in 2022.
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She's the author of Bloodborne Court, a dark fantasy romance series. Prior to that, she published sci-fi romances including Archlord of Exile and the Bride to an Alien Prince series. Her work was featured in the Claimed Among the Stars anthology, which hit #42 on the USA Today Bestseller List in 2022.
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/kateste...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katestevens...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katestevensb...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 718 reviews
May 30, 2025
Where do I even start with this book.
I don't think I have ever hated an FMC as much as this one. She could barely spare a thought for her fellow humans/thralls being tortured by her vampire lovers. Nessa also spent alot of time constantly whining about why these hot vamps would want her when she is boring, plain, unattractive, etc. These "husbands" are the murderous vampires who constantly torture their thralls and all you can think about is why would they want your dumb ass? Nessa would have moments where I thought she was going to show some backbone and fight back, but she would immediately roll over and submit because orgasms are great right? She could literally end these two aholes by offing herself but then she wouldn't get more orgasms.
And now Luc and Jules. I have seen morally grey characters and I love a good dark romance, but Luc and Jules are just disgusting monsters. They have brief moments of caring for Nessa, followed by causing her immense pain and torment and laughing it off because they say they are monsters. I wanted to see their conflict but all I got was them enjoying making humans suffer in front of their wife/property. I don't see anything redeeming them and hope they burn in a huge fire pit in the next book.
This book is also 80% spicy scenes, which is fine if that is all this book wanted to be. But there is supposed to be a real story here, but it's so broken up by nonstop bloody sex scenes I gave up and skipped past it all by midway through the book just to get to some actual story content.
I wish I could go back to who I was before I read this book. Now I'm just full of rage and want to toss my Kindle across the room.
I don't think I have ever hated an FMC as much as this one. She could barely spare a thought for her fellow humans/thralls being tortured by her vampire lovers. Nessa also spent alot of time constantly whining about why these hot vamps would want her when she is boring, plain, unattractive, etc. These "husbands" are the murderous vampires who constantly torture their thralls and all you can think about is why would they want your dumb ass? Nessa would have moments where I thought she was going to show some backbone and fight back, but she would immediately roll over and submit because orgasms are great right? She could literally end these two aholes by offing herself but then she wouldn't get more orgasms.
And now Luc and Jules. I have seen morally grey characters and I love a good dark romance, but Luc and Jules are just disgusting monsters. They have brief moments of caring for Nessa, followed by causing her immense pain and torment and laughing it off because they say they are monsters. I wanted to see their conflict but all I got was them enjoying making humans suffer in front of their wife/property. I don't see anything redeeming them and hope they burn in a huge fire pit in the next book.
This book is also 80% spicy scenes, which is fine if that is all this book wanted to be. But there is supposed to be a real story here, but it's so broken up by nonstop bloody sex scenes I gave up and skipped past it all by midway through the book just to get to some actual story content.
I wish I could go back to who I was before I read this book. Now I'm just full of rage and want to toss my Kindle across the room.
May 21, 2025
What a fucking ride…..I am so fucking dead after that ending, I have no words, just me sitting here staring off into the void of nothingness. (And yes I’m keeping to the theme of the book with the amount of fucks I use 😉). I’m actually scared for book 2 as I don’t know how much more my heart can take from these 3.
I knew Luc and Jules were the villains but I loved them instantly. And unfortunately I still love them at the end of the book. But man am I mad at them. Fuck me they were hot most of the book tho I will say. I loved the relationship between our two kings and how it grew and getting little tidbits of their past. Oh my poor Lucey, I get why he is like the way he is but man, I need him to overcome his hatred. And Jules is just a perfect mix of charming, flirty and psychotic. It’s great! Love him!
Nessa, poor Nessa. I love the poor girl and want to become her best friend and give her hugs and tell her she is enough! Ugh this girl has now been through it! Waiting to see her rage moment will come in book 2 cause girl deserves to destroy everybody, and I mean everybody!
The twists and turns in this book kept me on the edge of my seat and I really did not want to put this book down. The emotions I went throughout and this story is just 😮💨! It’s dark, it’s morally black, it’s fucking amazing!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I knew Luc and Jules were the villains but I loved them instantly. And unfortunately I still love them at the end of the book. But man am I mad at them. Fuck me they were hot most of the book tho I will say. I loved the relationship between our two kings and how it grew and getting little tidbits of their past. Oh my poor Lucey, I get why he is like the way he is but man, I need him to overcome his hatred. And Jules is just a perfect mix of charming, flirty and psychotic. It’s great! Love him!
Nessa, poor Nessa. I love the poor girl and want to become her best friend and give her hugs and tell her she is enough! Ugh this girl has now been through it! Waiting to see her rage moment will come in book 2 cause girl deserves to destroy everybody, and I mean everybody!
The twists and turns in this book kept me on the edge of my seat and I really did not want to put this book down. The emotions I went throughout and this story is just 😮💨! It’s dark, it’s morally black, it’s fucking amazing!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
June 10, 2025
Bride of Brutal Hearts is pure unadulterated vampire smut, with epic world building, and a tumultuous ride for the emotions. Welcome to the Azarasian Empire where Vampires rule and humans serve. Nessa volunteers at the harvest to save her pregnant sister of becoming a vampire’s blood thrall. She’s always known she’d become a thrall because of her age and illness. Nessa finds herself the focus of two vampire lords. She learns that these two aren’t just any lords but the King of Dusk, Luc, and King of Dawn, Jules, the Imperium. More commonly known as The Conquerer and The Butcher. She struggles with who and what they are and the connection she is starting to feel. They show her a kindness she has never gotten from her family and they use their magic to help take away the pain from her illness. Nessa isn’t going to be just a thrall, but because she volunteered, she is their Mortal Bride. She will be the vessel of the Covenant, a spell that binds all Azarasians to a shared magical system. After the ceremony they learn she is their soulbond and heartmate. You will love the Jules’, smirk and his mischievous eyes. You’ll fall for Luc’s intense stare and rare smiles. But you will also hate them. There is debauchery aplenty and the spice is top notch. I found the magical system interesting, with how they would draw runes in the air or on their skin to cast. You will be captivated by the amazing descriptions of the scenery.As their connection and soulbond grows they learn how a soulbond happened. Let me tell you, I was surprised at how the story unraveled. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating. This cliffhanger left me reeling and questioning everything.
Thank you to Kate Stevens for the privilege to read an advanced copy of Bride of Brutal Hearts.
5⭐️
4🌶️
🚩Be sure to read author’s note and content warning before reading.
📚ARC Review All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
Thank you to Kate Stevens for the privilege to read an advanced copy of Bride of Brutal Hearts.
5⭐️
4🌶️
🚩Be sure to read author’s note and content warning before reading.
📚ARC Review All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
June 8, 2025
DETAILED REVIEW OF- Bride of brutal hearts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - my FIRST 5 pepper rating!
●📖 # 829 Pages
●# Single POV
●Release date- May 22 2025
●Plot or Character driven? CHARACTER
●Series Name-Bloodborne Court #1 (not a standalone)
●Genre: Dark fantasy villain romance
●Avaiable OK KU? ✅️
●Any representation? YES- Chronic Illness, plus size ladies, mental health anxiety and panic attacks
●TROPES
🔥Dark villain romance
🩸MMF throuple
🖤Fast burn spice but slow burn romance
💥Repressed FMC gets her world rocked
⛓️Captive/captors
🩸Forced proximity
🖤Only soft for her
❤️They fall first... eventually
🥰Found family
⚠️Morally black and Possessive MMCs
🔥Plus size FMC
🩸Bookworm FMC
🖤Chronic illness
☠️ possessive MMCs / Touch her and..
☠️CHECK THE TW!
● Graphic violence, torture, and murder
● cannibalism and blood drinking
● alcohol and drug use
● kidnapping, captivity, and slavery
● forced marriage
● forced pregnancy and childbirth (witnessed only)
● childhood and religious trauma
● chronic illness, infertility, and miscarriage
● death of a pregnant person (not a mc)
● depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
● explicit sex scenes with dubious consent
● MMF polyamory (no cheating)
● sexual assault and rape (witnessed only)
🌍World building, Writing, and Pacing:
This was one well though out plot! The world building just snuck up on you, what I mean is there's no ling dreary paragraphs that you need to skim through it just appears naturally! If that's possible? It's the first time I've EVER read a book with this level of world building that I didn't actually notice... I would just be reading along and they mention a place and I knew what it looked like and didn't realise how! (I actually had to skim back the first few times to see if I was making up places in my head but nope- it's all there, right under your nose!)
The writing style was beautiful, my only issue with the writing was that with soulbond pairs they can read each other's thoughts- well the thoughts were always in italics but I still got confused over who was saying/thinking these things. And the author has added interludes along the way where we get to dip into the mmc's minds and again I just couldn't quite keep up- however in my defence I can be an idiot and I was loving this book so much that I was reading fast NEEDING to know what was coming next!
The pacing was brilliant, it really kept you on your toes, it's med-fast paced as it's steady and then oh my somethings happening and we shift gears for quite a while.
🧝♂️Characters:
Vampires! Hellbeasts! Demons! Thralls (humans)! Witches! A cute hellhound!
Characters were well written, you loved them or hated them, it was easy to pick sides! There were plenty of side characters to love, some back story/ history to learn and then there's all the main characters who go on a journey throughout the book and they all do change and grow (just not enough for my personal taste)
💀WHY NO 5 STARS?
It was so close but I just could give it the full 5 (although I will round up where needed)
I was so invested in the characters and I'd seen the ads offering us Elijah & Klaus that I was just expecting one of them to be really sweet and loving and into her and just making life about her... and that didn't really happen. However tge ads do say this happens EVENTUALLY so I'm guessing book 2.
The guts say they want her but In my opinion she was never truly accepted as their equal in the bond at all, they just lusted for her and wanted her body, but nothing was ever really said or done about knowing her mind or her personality.
(Nessa even brings this up herself so I thought ah, this is where it will be addressed... nope)
Nessa is such a feisty girl, she has dealt with being put down, put out, passed over, looked down upon and still has fight in her, and although she can stand up to our kings, she never stands up for herself! Which annoyed me because all the background and groundwork and growth her character goes through it felt natural for her to be able to stand up and voice her opinions on how they're treating her, she does mention that she wants to get to know them and they don't know anything about her but it then gets dropped and she starts to feel worse, her mental heath takes a nose dive and just when she needs a kind, caring king to reassure her she gets more treatment of we want your body, we need you now...
It got me really upset for her a few times, especially as the book went on because I thought they would become closer and yet they just used her more and more for their please- hense the dub con- she knows her body wants them, she feels the need to climb them, but she tells us her brain is screaming at her NO! This isn't right... and after she regrets it again.
It just really upset me because I was so invested in her and i wanted to see her happy!
Also, on the flip side, the kings knew her reservation and they did little to help her, they didn't accommodate for her needs at all and I was expecting one of them to break out of this bad boy attitude and SEE HER!
But there's always book 2.
💯Would I re-read and Recommend?
Yes to both! Definitely! It's just a personal issue I have with females being treated like shit and it not coming good for them- not a book problem so HELL YES!
🪧Final thoughts:
It's full of I hate you but I want you energy so there's a lot of spice in here! And the plot just kept getting deeper, I was shocked at a few things, I did predict a kind of main Twist but it wasn't a dissapointment there just was no other explanation for it..
GO READ IT NOW! ITS FREE ON KU and if you like dark, tension, forboding, defiant fmcs and filthy mmcs then seriously, stop reading my rubbish and go read this book NOW!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
***********************
My Rating Systems:
⭐️ DNF
⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another authors hands
⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish i didn't start this one as It didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetative writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about a little more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance imo! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending to all!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!
🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable, even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action
🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times
🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, play rooms, and more darker / taboo fantasies and realities.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - my FIRST 5 pepper rating!
●📖 # 829 Pages
●# Single POV
●Release date- May 22 2025
●Plot or Character driven? CHARACTER
●Series Name-Bloodborne Court #1 (not a standalone)
●Genre: Dark fantasy villain romance
●Avaiable OK KU? ✅️
●Any representation? YES- Chronic Illness, plus size ladies, mental health anxiety and panic attacks
●TROPES
🔥Dark villain romance
🩸MMF throuple
🖤Fast burn spice but slow burn romance
💥Repressed FMC gets her world rocked
⛓️Captive/captors
🩸Forced proximity
🖤Only soft for her
❤️They fall first... eventually
🥰Found family
⚠️Morally black and Possessive MMCs
🔥Plus size FMC
🩸Bookworm FMC
🖤Chronic illness
☠️ possessive MMCs / Touch her and..
☠️CHECK THE TW!
● Graphic violence, torture, and murder
● cannibalism and blood drinking
● alcohol and drug use
● kidnapping, captivity, and slavery
● forced marriage
● forced pregnancy and childbirth (witnessed only)
● childhood and religious trauma
● chronic illness, infertility, and miscarriage
● death of a pregnant person (not a mc)
● depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
● explicit sex scenes with dubious consent
● MMF polyamory (no cheating)
● sexual assault and rape (witnessed only)
🌍World building, Writing, and Pacing:
This was one well though out plot! The world building just snuck up on you, what I mean is there's no ling dreary paragraphs that you need to skim through it just appears naturally! If that's possible? It's the first time I've EVER read a book with this level of world building that I didn't actually notice... I would just be reading along and they mention a place and I knew what it looked like and didn't realise how! (I actually had to skim back the first few times to see if I was making up places in my head but nope- it's all there, right under your nose!)
The writing style was beautiful, my only issue with the writing was that with soulbond pairs they can read each other's thoughts- well the thoughts were always in italics but I still got confused over who was saying/thinking these things. And the author has added interludes along the way where we get to dip into the mmc's minds and again I just couldn't quite keep up- however in my defence I can be an idiot and I was loving this book so much that I was reading fast NEEDING to know what was coming next!
The pacing was brilliant, it really kept you on your toes, it's med-fast paced as it's steady and then oh my somethings happening and we shift gears for quite a while.
🧝♂️Characters:
Vampires! Hellbeasts! Demons! Thralls (humans)! Witches! A cute hellhound!
Characters were well written, you loved them or hated them, it was easy to pick sides! There were plenty of side characters to love, some back story/ history to learn and then there's all the main characters who go on a journey throughout the book and they all do change and grow (just not enough for my personal taste)
💀WHY NO 5 STARS?
It was so close but I just could give it the full 5 (although I will round up where needed)
I was so invested in the characters and I'd seen the ads offering us Elijah & Klaus that I was just expecting one of them to be really sweet and loving and into her and just making life about her... and that didn't really happen. However tge ads do say this happens EVENTUALLY so I'm guessing book 2.
The guts say they want her but In my opinion she was never truly accepted as their equal in the bond at all, they just lusted for her and wanted her body, but nothing was ever really said or done about knowing her mind or her personality.
(Nessa even brings this up herself so I thought ah, this is where it will be addressed... nope)
Nessa is such a feisty girl, she has dealt with being put down, put out, passed over, looked down upon and still has fight in her, and although she can stand up to our kings, she never stands up for herself! Which annoyed me because all the background and groundwork and growth her character goes through it felt natural for her to be able to stand up and voice her opinions on how they're treating her, she does mention that she wants to get to know them and they don't know anything about her but it then gets dropped and she starts to feel worse, her mental heath takes a nose dive and just when she needs a kind, caring king to reassure her she gets more treatment of we want your body, we need you now...
It got me really upset for her a few times, especially as the book went on because I thought they would become closer and yet they just used her more and more for their please- hense the dub con- she knows her body wants them, she feels the need to climb them, but she tells us her brain is screaming at her NO! This isn't right... and after she regrets it again.
It just really upset me because I was so invested in her and i wanted to see her happy!
Also, on the flip side, the kings knew her reservation and they did little to help her, they didn't accommodate for her needs at all and I was expecting one of them to break out of this bad boy attitude and SEE HER!
But there's always book 2.
💯Would I re-read and Recommend?
Yes to both! Definitely! It's just a personal issue I have with females being treated like shit and it not coming good for them- not a book problem so HELL YES!
🪧Final thoughts:
It's full of I hate you but I want you energy so there's a lot of spice in here! And the plot just kept getting deeper, I was shocked at a few things, I did predict a kind of main Twist but it wasn't a dissapointment there just was no other explanation for it..
GO READ IT NOW! ITS FREE ON KU and if you like dark, tension, forboding, defiant fmcs and filthy mmcs then seriously, stop reading my rubbish and go read this book NOW!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
***********************
My Rating Systems:
⭐️ DNF
⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another authors hands
⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish i didn't start this one as It didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetative writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about a little more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance imo! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending to all!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!
🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable, even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action
🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times
🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, play rooms, and more darker / taboo fantasies and realities.
May 6, 2025
“Welcome to the Azarasian Impire!!”
Vampires! Hellbeasts! Murder! Thralls! Lots of blood! Witches!
Nessa is no stranger to pain but she would like to have some peace and comfort. So it was no surprise that she volunteers for the harvest in place of her pregnant sister. She still can’t decide if it was a mistake or not. Come to find out she will be the “Bride” to the Butcher King and the Conqueror King. That responsibility comes with much more than the title’s meaning.
Nessa battles with her emotions constantly. The verbal abuse spat at her all her life, the chronic pain, whether she can believe the kind words the kings say to her and so much more. What she does know is that her story is not like her favorite book “The Soulbourne Queen.” Or is it?
Her life is flipped upside down when certain discoveries are made and secrets held even before her birth are revealed. This all just makes her feel more broken. The kings all of sudden question whether they can trust her.
Story is full of passion and so much 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a morally black dark villain romance. My emotions are all over the place after reading this. I cried for Nessa more than once.
🖤Dark villain romance
🩸MMF throuple
🖤Fast burn spice but slow burn romance
🩸Repressed FMC gets her world rocked
🖤Captive/captors
🩸Forced proximity
🖤Only soft for her
🩸They fall first... eventually
🖤Found family
🩸Morally black and Possessive MMCs
🖤Plus size FMC
🩸Bookworm FMC
🖤Chronic illness
That is all I will say because I don’t want to give anything away. This book will consume you and you should let it.
Thank you to the author for this gifted ARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Vampires! Hellbeasts! Murder! Thralls! Lots of blood! Witches!
Nessa is no stranger to pain but she would like to have some peace and comfort. So it was no surprise that she volunteers for the harvest in place of her pregnant sister. She still can’t decide if it was a mistake or not. Come to find out she will be the “Bride” to the Butcher King and the Conqueror King. That responsibility comes with much more than the title’s meaning.
Nessa battles with her emotions constantly. The verbal abuse spat at her all her life, the chronic pain, whether she can believe the kind words the kings say to her and so much more. What she does know is that her story is not like her favorite book “The Soulbourne Queen.” Or is it?
Her life is flipped upside down when certain discoveries are made and secrets held even before her birth are revealed. This all just makes her feel more broken. The kings all of sudden question whether they can trust her.
Story is full of passion and so much 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a morally black dark villain romance. My emotions are all over the place after reading this. I cried for Nessa more than once.
🖤Dark villain romance
🩸MMF throuple
🖤Fast burn spice but slow burn romance
🩸Repressed FMC gets her world rocked
🖤Captive/captors
🩸Forced proximity
🖤Only soft for her
🩸They fall first... eventually
🖤Found family
🩸Morally black and Possessive MMCs
🖤Plus size FMC
🩸Bookworm FMC
🖤Chronic illness
That is all I will say because I don’t want to give anything away. This book will consume you and you should let it.
Thank you to the author for this gifted ARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 6, 2025
5 Stars — Obsessed!!!
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of Bride of Brutal Hearts and WOW… I’m absolutely hooked. I devoured this in just 3 days because I literally could not put it down. The banter, the tension, the back and forth—everything about this book was magnetic. Kate has such a sharp, addictive writing style that had me flipping pages like mad just to see what would happen next.
The chemistry between the main characters? Off the charts. The world-building? So vivid. The plot? Fast-paced and completely engrossing. And don’t even get me started on that ending… I NEED the next book ASAP.
If you’re into dark romance with biting wit and intense dynamics, this one is for you. Highly recommend—this book has me in a chokehold and I don’t want to be released.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of Bride of Brutal Hearts and WOW… I’m absolutely hooked. I devoured this in just 3 days because I literally could not put it down. The banter, the tension, the back and forth—everything about this book was magnetic. Kate has such a sharp, addictive writing style that had me flipping pages like mad just to see what would happen next.
The chemistry between the main characters? Off the charts. The world-building? So vivid. The plot? Fast-paced and completely engrossing. And don’t even get me started on that ending… I NEED the next book ASAP.
If you’re into dark romance with biting wit and intense dynamics, this one is for you. Highly recommend—this book has me in a chokehold and I don’t want to be released.
August 20, 2025
As a chronically ill almost 30 year old bookworm I loved this book from the start. It’s also maybe one of the darkest romances I’ve ever read and I do wish Nessa got a little more happiness and respect. This is like if Erik Bloodsinger in the Ever King had actually tortured Livia. I love a villain romance but this was not for the faint of heart. Def read the TWs. I feel torn cause this might be the first villain romance I’ve read where the romantic interests are actually legit the villains of the story and not misunderstood. I will def be waiting with bated breath for the 2nd book and I will be reading this book many times.
Spice level 4/5 at least?
Spice level 4/5 at least?
May 4, 2025
4.5 stars
I absolutely devoured this book. I could not put it down. I would highly recommend for anyone who loves a good dark vampire romance. It is quite dark and there are quite a few trigger warnings so definitely would suggest checking those before reading.
I loved all three of the main characters and am so happy this is a MMF/throuple situation not a love triangle (I knew from the dedication this was going to be a great time). This book has lots of spice and also lots of world building without ever feeling bogged down with it.
I'll be counting down the days once book two's release date is announced as I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
Thank you to Kate Stevens for the ARC!
I absolutely devoured this book. I could not put it down. I would highly recommend for anyone who loves a good dark vampire romance. It is quite dark and there are quite a few trigger warnings so definitely would suggest checking those before reading.
I loved all three of the main characters and am so happy this is a MMF/throuple situation not a love triangle (I knew from the dedication this was going to be a great time). This book has lots of spice and also lots of world building without ever feeling bogged down with it.
I'll be counting down the days once book two's release date is announced as I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
Thank you to Kate Stevens for the ARC!
August 25, 2025
I AM IN SHOCK. WOW.
i so went into this book expecting a dark romance that was okay expectations and was thinking the book would drag do to its length but WOW.
idk what this is, but it’s my favourite genre. i LOVE dark romantasy with actual GOOD twists and plot!!!!! this book deserves so much hype cs wtf?? i cried sm cause i need the whole series immediately please kate stevens i need all four books nowwwww😭😭😭 my heart is breaking cs wth is that cliffhanger just give me all the books now i beg write a million books😭
i so went into this book expecting a dark romance that was okay expectations and was thinking the book would drag do to its length but WOW.
idk what this is, but it’s my favourite genre. i LOVE dark romantasy with actual GOOD twists and plot!!!!! this book deserves so much hype cs wtf?? i cried sm cause i need the whole series immediately please kate stevens i need all four books nowwwww😭😭😭 my heart is breaking cs wth is that cliffhanger just give me all the books now i beg write a million books😭
May 25, 2025
oh ok
I’m tired of stories with weak female main characters. Why are you being fooled so easily bc the [redacted] is good and the men are attractive. Like she literally got bamboozled bc of pleasure and lust…..stand up!
I’m tired of stories with weak female main characters. Why are you being fooled so easily bc the [redacted] is good and the men are attractive. Like she literally got bamboozled bc of pleasure and lust…..stand up!
August 24, 2025
That was freaky as hell but I enjoyed it
May 22, 2025
✨✨✨🔥⚔️🌶️I BEG YOU TO READ THIS BOOK 🥵 💦✨✨✨
I am so obsessed with this book. Please read it! The queer representation? Delicious. The characters? So well written! So interesting! This book feels so original. I was shocked by every twist and turn.
I cared so much about Nessa, Jules, and Luc. I wept for Nessa. Not in a poor her way- but I felt like I was with her on this journey. She's someone to root for. She's the plus size, book loving, smart, brave and lovely baddie that deserves all the worship. THE ENDING. I AM FERAL FOR THE NEXT BOOK. It was 700+ pages and I was having such a good time the whole read. This might be one of my favorite books. The spice was spicy. The chronic illness representation made me feel so seen.
This book is as close to a perfect dark vampire romance one can get. Congratulations to the INCREDIBLE Kate Stevens for this incredible story.
I received an ARC for this book and my opinions are my own.
I am so obsessed with this book. Please read it! The queer representation? Delicious. The characters? So well written! So interesting! This book feels so original. I was shocked by every twist and turn.
I cared so much about Nessa, Jules, and Luc. I wept for Nessa. Not in a poor her way- but I felt like I was with her on this journey. She's someone to root for. She's the plus size, book loving, smart, brave and lovely baddie that deserves all the worship. THE ENDING. I AM FERAL FOR THE NEXT BOOK. It was 700+ pages and I was having such a good time the whole read. This might be one of my favorite books. The spice was spicy. The chronic illness representation made me feel so seen.
This book is as close to a perfect dark vampire romance one can get. Congratulations to the INCREDIBLE Kate Stevens for this incredible story.
I received an ARC for this book and my opinions are my own.
May 7, 2025
“Why have one gorgeous, homicidal vampire boyfriend when you can have two?”
A book about not just one vampire boyfriend but two? Yes please 🙂↕️
This is a dark fantasy villain romance with two spicy vampires and a captive bride. There is pain, there is blood and there is a whole lot of spice. 🥵 The betrayal and twists that happened throughout this book made it impossible for me to put down and I loved it. It may have taken my heart and stomped on it multiple times and I am HURTING from that ending but it was so good.
I would highly recommend if you like:
🖤 Dark villain romance
🖤 MMF
🖤 Fast burn spice with slow burn romance
🖤 Captive
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Only soft for her
🖤 Villain’s get the girl
🖤 They fall first
Of course, also check the trigger warnings.
Thank you to the author, Kate Stevens, for an ARC for my honest review. 🫶🏼
A book about not just one vampire boyfriend but two? Yes please 🙂↕️
This is a dark fantasy villain romance with two spicy vampires and a captive bride. There is pain, there is blood and there is a whole lot of spice. 🥵 The betrayal and twists that happened throughout this book made it impossible for me to put down and I loved it. It may have taken my heart and stomped on it multiple times and I am HURTING from that ending but it was so good.
I would highly recommend if you like:
🖤 Dark villain romance
🖤 MMF
🖤 Fast burn spice with slow burn romance
🖤 Captive
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Only soft for her
🖤 Villain’s get the girl
🖤 They fall first
Of course, also check the trigger warnings.
Thank you to the author, Kate Stevens, for an ARC for my honest review. 🫶🏼
July 5, 2025
I need 3-5 business days to process this 🥹 Review coming soon
July 1, 2025
Vampires, MMF and dark dark characters, it's unputdownable.
July 15, 2025
May this love never find me.
May 19, 2025
Thank you to Kate Stevens for an ARC copy of Bride of Brutal Hearts!!! 4.5 stars 🫶
This book was so fun! Definitely a bit different than my usual read but I love vampires and I love morally grey characters. In this book, Kate herself describes the MMCs as morally black. This is actually my first dark romance! It is definitely dark, but I didn’t think this book was TOO dark. But that is just my opinion - definitely read the trigger warnings before picking this up! It is full of lots of dark tropes and themes. This is also hands down the spiciest book I have read. Take that with a grain of salt because I typically can take or leave spice in my books so I might not be the best basis for this assessment. Dark romance connoisseurs may not think it is too crazy but like I said, this is my first dark romantasy!
Our main characters are multifaceted and interesting. We learn so much about the kings over the course of the book even though they present themselves as stone cold (Luc) and more than a little crazy for blood (Jules). As the story progresses and Nessa begins to learn more about them we get a much deeper look into who they are beneath the facades they present. We also learn a TON about Nessa, and you can tell from the beginning that there is something special about her.
The worldbuilding is so good. This was one of my favorite parts of the book. I truly felt immersed in the world of the Azarasian Impire. I really commend Kate for this because it must have taken so long to come up with all the names of places, magic system, character names and personalities, types of creatures, everything, and actually make it come together so well! There is even a 16 page glossary at the end of the book which is SO helpful. You do get thrown into the world, but it’s not overwhelming. It was super engaging and easy to understand and make sense of.
Another thing about this book is that it is LONG. It is almost 850 pages! I will say a bit of Nessa’s inner dialogue and her turmoil over her morals and her desires was a tad bit repetitive. This is the only reason I’m giving it 4.5 stars instead of 5.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I will definitely be reading the rest of the series as it comes out. For potential readers, again, check the content warnings before diving in, but if you don’t mind the dark themes mentioned then I think this is well worth a read!
Thank you again to Kate for an ARC copy of this book, can’t wait for the next one!
This book was so fun! Definitely a bit different than my usual read but I love vampires and I love morally grey characters. In this book, Kate herself describes the MMCs as morally black. This is actually my first dark romance! It is definitely dark, but I didn’t think this book was TOO dark. But that is just my opinion - definitely read the trigger warnings before picking this up! It is full of lots of dark tropes and themes. This is also hands down the spiciest book I have read. Take that with a grain of salt because I typically can take or leave spice in my books so I might not be the best basis for this assessment. Dark romance connoisseurs may not think it is too crazy but like I said, this is my first dark romantasy!
Our main characters are multifaceted and interesting. We learn so much about the kings over the course of the book even though they present themselves as stone cold (Luc) and more than a little crazy for blood (Jules). As the story progresses and Nessa begins to learn more about them we get a much deeper look into who they are beneath the facades they present. We also learn a TON about Nessa, and you can tell from the beginning that there is something special about her.
The worldbuilding is so good. This was one of my favorite parts of the book. I truly felt immersed in the world of the Azarasian Impire. I really commend Kate for this because it must have taken so long to come up with all the names of places, magic system, character names and personalities, types of creatures, everything, and actually make it come together so well! There is even a 16 page glossary at the end of the book which is SO helpful. You do get thrown into the world, but it’s not overwhelming. It was super engaging and easy to understand and make sense of.
Another thing about this book is that it is LONG. It is almost 850 pages! I will say a bit of Nessa’s inner dialogue and her turmoil over her morals and her desires was a tad bit repetitive. This is the only reason I’m giving it 4.5 stars instead of 5.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I will definitely be reading the rest of the series as it comes out. For potential readers, again, check the content warnings before diving in, but if you don’t mind the dark themes mentioned then I think this is well worth a read!
Thank you again to Kate for an ARC copy of this book, can’t wait for the next one!
September 25, 2025
Wow, just wow! I recently took on the daunting task of reading a 700+ page book, and let me tell you, every single dark and unhinged page was consumed with insatiable eagerness. This thrilling tale of love, betrayal, and blood, centered around the heart-wrenching journey of a broken and lonely sacrificial lamb named Nessa, had me hooked from the start.
Nessa sacrifices so much for two brutal and powerful vampire kings, and her world quickly plunges into darkness. My heart absolutely shattered for her every time she faced betrayal from those she trusted. Having longed for love her entire life, she endures ridicule and hatred simply for being different. Honestly, how can one not root for her as she navigated her impossible circumstances with such strength and bravery. I think her determination to maintain her spirit stems from the unbearable physical pain she faced.
Enter Julian “The Butcher” Roche, the King of Dawn, and Lucero “The Conqueror” Azaras, the King of Dusk. These vampires are terrifying, cruel, and never hesitate to sacrifice human thralls at a moment’s notice. One is playful yet merciless, while the other is stony and ruthless. Their lives take a twisted turn when they meet Nessa. She volunteers to accompany them on a quest to save her sister, unknowingly becoming their Mortal Bride. Little did they know, Nessa was about to turn their world upside down!
The thrilling action and suspense surrounding Nessa’s mysterious heritage kept me on the edge of my seat, but let me just say the raw and wicked intimacy between the three lovers is a rollercoaster all on its own. Holy cow! Talk about gasping for breath! Not to mention the bloody vampire battles are absolutely savage! If you’re picking up this read, proceed with caution.
Ms. Stevens flawlessly brings her characters to life, expertly unraveling their strengths, vulnerabilities, and dark desires. Throughout the journey, my feelings for Nessa wavered from sheer delight to sheer horror as she faced unimaginable trials at the hands of the kings. And can we just take a moment to talk about that freakin’ cliffhanger? Ugh! I was left reeling!
Don’t be intimidated by the length of this book. Seriously, it will draw you in like a magic spell and pierce your heart when you least expect it.
Thank you to Ms. Stevens for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
Nessa sacrifices so much for two brutal and powerful vampire kings, and her world quickly plunges into darkness. My heart absolutely shattered for her every time she faced betrayal from those she trusted. Having longed for love her entire life, she endures ridicule and hatred simply for being different. Honestly, how can one not root for her as she navigated her impossible circumstances with such strength and bravery. I think her determination to maintain her spirit stems from the unbearable physical pain she faced.
Enter Julian “The Butcher” Roche, the King of Dawn, and Lucero “The Conqueror” Azaras, the King of Dusk. These vampires are terrifying, cruel, and never hesitate to sacrifice human thralls at a moment’s notice. One is playful yet merciless, while the other is stony and ruthless. Their lives take a twisted turn when they meet Nessa. She volunteers to accompany them on a quest to save her sister, unknowingly becoming their Mortal Bride. Little did they know, Nessa was about to turn their world upside down!
The thrilling action and suspense surrounding Nessa’s mysterious heritage kept me on the edge of my seat, but let me just say the raw and wicked intimacy between the three lovers is a rollercoaster all on its own. Holy cow! Talk about gasping for breath! Not to mention the bloody vampire battles are absolutely savage! If you’re picking up this read, proceed with caution.
Ms. Stevens flawlessly brings her characters to life, expertly unraveling their strengths, vulnerabilities, and dark desires. Throughout the journey, my feelings for Nessa wavered from sheer delight to sheer horror as she faced unimaginable trials at the hands of the kings. And can we just take a moment to talk about that freakin’ cliffhanger? Ugh! I was left reeling!
Don’t be intimidated by the length of this book. Seriously, it will draw you in like a magic spell and pierce your heart when you least expect it.
Thank you to Ms. Stevens for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
May 22, 2025
I really enjoyed the whole world created in this, it was a different take on the usual vampire/demon trope and it defintely worked to keep me intrigued.
It is always refreshing reading a MC that isn't perfect, her body fights against her and she has relatable struggles. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the MMCs had a POV as it is hard to connect as much with the MMCs as you mainly see them how she does...cruel, impossibly beautiful, vampires. Whilst you do get a little glimpse into the MMCs, I just wanted something that made them more relatable to connect with by seeing and feeling their emotions more.
I did find this a very long read, and there is a lot of over-explaining and a little repetition that I think wasn't needed and would have made this flow better for me as there were parts I wanted to skim to get to dialogue or plot. I think I also wanted the FMC to care a bit more, there was a lot of awful things happening around her that she would highlight and feel some sort of emotion over initially but then she seemed to just brush it all off and was more interested in desiring the Kings. Even if she was unable to hate them, I wanted more raw pain and empathy for those suffering around her as it felt like I was more distraught than the FMC was.
I do think this was a really interesting read, and I am very much invested in the whole world created as I found it different and compelling. The relationship between the MCs is very much like having whiplash and whilst it felt frustrating to read, I also loved it! Currently I can't see how the MMCs can be redeemable, as they are cruel, but I am hoping the next in the series will have them groveling and working HARD to earn her forgiveness.
FYI there is a twist with a cliff hanger ending, and it has left me very much wanting to know what happens next.
It is always refreshing reading a MC that isn't perfect, her body fights against her and she has relatable struggles. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the MMCs had a POV as it is hard to connect as much with the MMCs as you mainly see them how she does...cruel, impossibly beautiful, vampires. Whilst you do get a little glimpse into the MMCs, I just wanted something that made them more relatable to connect with by seeing and feeling their emotions more.
I did find this a very long read, and there is a lot of over-explaining and a little repetition that I think wasn't needed and would have made this flow better for me as there were parts I wanted to skim to get to dialogue or plot. I think I also wanted the FMC to care a bit more, there was a lot of awful things happening around her that she would highlight and feel some sort of emotion over initially but then she seemed to just brush it all off and was more interested in desiring the Kings. Even if she was unable to hate them, I wanted more raw pain and empathy for those suffering around her as it felt like I was more distraught than the FMC was.
I do think this was a really interesting read, and I am very much invested in the whole world created as I found it different and compelling. The relationship between the MCs is very much like having whiplash and whilst it felt frustrating to read, I also loved it! Currently I can't see how the MMCs can be redeemable, as they are cruel, but I am hoping the next in the series will have them groveling and working HARD to earn her forgiveness.
FYI there is a twist with a cliff hanger ending, and it has left me very much wanting to know what happens next.
May 30, 2025
Readers are as broken down and rebuilt as Nessa and her men are
Nessa spends the first nine years of her life cared for by a loving mother - and the 20 subsequent years, she’s virtually abandoned after her mother is harvested to the vampires. Her father remarries and her stepmother is anything but caring toward her stepdaughter. Knowing she’s essentially infertile, Nessa chooses not to bother trying to avoid the harvest by meeting the minimum childbirth quota.
But when her pregnant half-sister, the only person in the world to give her love and affection, is chosen for the harvest, Nessa steps in to take her sister’s place - granting the girl another year of respite from servitude to the vampires. Nessa, however, finds that as volunteer, she’s to become Mortal Bride to the Conqueror and the Butcher - THE vampire kings. Something goes awry, however, and Nessa isn’t just the Mortal Bride, she’s soul bonded to the kings for eternity.
The social and legal structure of this world is very much reminiscent of the African slave trade that forced the migration of thousands of Africans to the world’s empires, including the USA. Social stratification of Vampiric society also echoes those of the monarchies and landed gentry of that period of history. This world, however, is nothing like ours: demonspawn are the children of fallen godstars, and they and their descendants are in control of the world— at least the parts of the world we’ve seen up to now.
Following that logic, humans have little in the way of rights. They’re treated like cattle, sold and traded - or killed - as their vampiric masters choose. Through they are sentient, they have next to no choices in life. That’s especially true for Nessa, who’s never really fit in and has spent her short life wanting to belong, to be cherished.
Poor Nessa learns that not much has changed in her station in life as wife to her Vampiric King husbands. The more she learns about the world outside of her “hometown” in Mabon, the more her reality and identity are forcefully pulled apart. She’s rebuilt by sheer grit and necessity — and, in a real sense, so are her husbands. We learn very quickly that there are no heroes, only greater and lesser villains. Just as there are no truly innocents - all play a role in continuing the workings of this dark, bloody, and unbalanced world.
And yet, this is definitely a romance. Readers are as broken down and rebuilt by this Dark Romantasy as Nessa and her men are. And though I loathe cliffhangers, I’d gladly read this book again. And probably will while impatiently awaiting book two. Five stars!
Here’s hoping book two comes soon! Major CWs for this book, including forced pregnancy, slavery, dubcon, etc. Please heed the content warnings, y’all!
Nessa spends the first nine years of her life cared for by a loving mother - and the 20 subsequent years, she’s virtually abandoned after her mother is harvested to the vampires. Her father remarries and her stepmother is anything but caring toward her stepdaughter. Knowing she’s essentially infertile, Nessa chooses not to bother trying to avoid the harvest by meeting the minimum childbirth quota.
But when her pregnant half-sister, the only person in the world to give her love and affection, is chosen for the harvest, Nessa steps in to take her sister’s place - granting the girl another year of respite from servitude to the vampires. Nessa, however, finds that as volunteer, she’s to become Mortal Bride to the Conqueror and the Butcher - THE vampire kings. Something goes awry, however, and Nessa isn’t just the Mortal Bride, she’s soul bonded to the kings for eternity.
The social and legal structure of this world is very much reminiscent of the African slave trade that forced the migration of thousands of Africans to the world’s empires, including the USA. Social stratification of Vampiric society also echoes those of the monarchies and landed gentry of that period of history. This world, however, is nothing like ours: demonspawn are the children of fallen godstars, and they and their descendants are in control of the world— at least the parts of the world we’ve seen up to now.
Following that logic, humans have little in the way of rights. They’re treated like cattle, sold and traded - or killed - as their vampiric masters choose. Through they are sentient, they have next to no choices in life. That’s especially true for Nessa, who’s never really fit in and has spent her short life wanting to belong, to be cherished.
Poor Nessa learns that not much has changed in her station in life as wife to her Vampiric King husbands. The more she learns about the world outside of her “hometown” in Mabon, the more her reality and identity are forcefully pulled apart. She’s rebuilt by sheer grit and necessity — and, in a real sense, so are her husbands. We learn very quickly that there are no heroes, only greater and lesser villains. Just as there are no truly innocents - all play a role in continuing the workings of this dark, bloody, and unbalanced world.
And yet, this is definitely a romance. Readers are as broken down and rebuilt by this Dark Romantasy as Nessa and her men are. And though I loathe cliffhangers, I’d gladly read this book again. And probably will while impatiently awaiting book two. Five stars!
Here’s hoping book two comes soon! Major CWs for this book, including forced pregnancy, slavery, dubcon, etc. Please heed the content warnings, y’all!
dnf
May 29, 2025It hurts my heart to DNF this at 85% but honestly I just can’t do it anymore. I’m 630 pages in and I swear the same things have just happened over and over again. I get it, you don’t want to fuck them but you have to because of the bond but you secretly like it. I’m all for not all FMCs being a badass because that’s fair, not everyone is like that. But this FMC could at least have a tiny bit of a backbone instead of just glaring at them.
Erg I’m just mad because I did enjoy the first 40% of the book, the story was interesting and I was invested but there is only so many times you can read the internal monologue struggle every other paragraph.
I’m also mad because reading 630 pages and not finishing the book is such a waste.
I will say, I loved Jules and how he called Luc ‘Lucey’ that made my heart happy.
Erg I’m just mad because I did enjoy the first 40% of the book, the story was interesting and I was invested but there is only so many times you can read the internal monologue struggle every other paragraph.
I’m also mad because reading 630 pages and not finishing the book is such a waste.
I will say, I loved Jules and how he called Luc ‘Lucey’ that made my heart happy.
May 15, 2025
As soon as I read the blurb and tantalizing tropes for Bride of Brutal Hearts, I knew that as a dark romance and vampire lover, I would devour and love this book, and I did and do. In fact, this is the best vampire novel I've read in a long time, in part because all the vampires, the MMCs included, act and think like vampires should, which I respect for its realism (as realistic as such beautiful but bloodthirsty monsters can be). I find that it adds significant conflict to the story and should give the MCs room to grow as individuals and together over the series.
As the first of four books, Bride of Brutal Hearts necessarily introduces Kate Stevens's fascinating world-building and interesting, if not relatable, characters. While MMCs Luc "the Conqueror" and Jules "the Butcher" are less relatable for what should be obvious reasons, FMC Nessa is so relatable to me because I suffer from similar chronic pain, experience self-doubt all the time, and would also rather read a book than do almost anything else. While reading her story, I saw myself in her, and it was nice to feel seen and understood. I love how Luc and Jules look at Nessa and see her as nothing less than beautiful and worthy of their affection and attention.
As for Nessa's relationship with the vampire kings, it's complicated and sometimes dark. As a human in a vampire-ruled world, Nessa is on the wrong side of an insurmountable power imbalance and must do as Luc and Jules tell her at all times or suffer, which is frustrating, to say the least. When Kate says her MMCs are morally black, believe her; they are. They may even be too morally black for some readers to believe that Bride of Brutal Hearts is a romance, but they should try to remember that this is only the beginning of a romance, and a good story needs dynamics between its characters. When a story is this dark, it can only get lighter, and I have faith that Kate will find a way to make everyone love these characters as I do. So far, the banter and chemistry between Nessa, Luc, and Jules are fun and sizzling, and their relationship is full of potential (for groveling, mutual respect, true love, and so much more).
Overall, Kate Stevens has written an engaging dark vampire romance with lots of heart, heat, humor, and violence, not to mention several shocking twists and turns, with Bride of Brutal Hearts. Putting the book down for even a few hours to sleep at night was challenging, and I'm excited to see what happens next after that brutal cliffhanger left me wanting more even after reading this beast of a book.
As the first of four books, Bride of Brutal Hearts necessarily introduces Kate Stevens's fascinating world-building and interesting, if not relatable, characters. While MMCs Luc "the Conqueror" and Jules "the Butcher" are less relatable for what should be obvious reasons, FMC Nessa is so relatable to me because I suffer from similar chronic pain, experience self-doubt all the time, and would also rather read a book than do almost anything else. While reading her story, I saw myself in her, and it was nice to feel seen and understood. I love how Luc and Jules look at Nessa and see her as nothing less than beautiful and worthy of their affection and attention.
As for Nessa's relationship with the vampire kings, it's complicated and sometimes dark. As a human in a vampire-ruled world, Nessa is on the wrong side of an insurmountable power imbalance and must do as Luc and Jules tell her at all times or suffer, which is frustrating, to say the least. When Kate says her MMCs are morally black, believe her; they are. They may even be too morally black for some readers to believe that Bride of Brutal Hearts is a romance, but they should try to remember that this is only the beginning of a romance, and a good story needs dynamics between its characters. When a story is this dark, it can only get lighter, and I have faith that Kate will find a way to make everyone love these characters as I do. So far, the banter and chemistry between Nessa, Luc, and Jules are fun and sizzling, and their relationship is full of potential (for groveling, mutual respect, true love, and so much more).
Overall, Kate Stevens has written an engaging dark vampire romance with lots of heart, heat, humor, and violence, not to mention several shocking twists and turns, with Bride of Brutal Hearts. Putting the book down for even a few hours to sleep at night was challenging, and I'm excited to see what happens next after that brutal cliffhanger left me wanting more even after reading this beast of a book.
May 13, 2025
I absolutely LOVED every second of Bride of Brutal Hearts, and I’m very grateful to have received an ARC to review.
A lush and unforgettable dark fantasy romance ❤️🔥
Bride of Brutal Hearts by Kate Stevens is a triumph of fantasy romance—bold, heartfelt, and achingly human even as it sweeps readers into a world ruled by vampires, magic, and merciless power. This story had its fangs in me from the first chapter and didn’t let go (pun intended!)
At its heart is Nessa, a plus-sized, chronically ill heroine who is refreshingly real and powerfully complex. Living with endometriosis and infertility in a world that worships reproduction, Nessa’s journey is deeply personal and strikingly resonant. Raised by a cruel stepmother and uncaring father while quietly battling low self-worth and daily pain, she escapes into books—until reality comes crashing down when her beloved sister is selected in a brutal vampire harvest. Nessa’s self-sacrificing choice to take her sister’s place sets off a chain of events that intertwines her fate with two ancient vampire kings, rulers of the courts of Dusk and Dawn.
Stevens crafts her world with cinematic beauty and emotional depth. The Azarasian Impire is a haunting and vivid setting, equal parts ethereal and terrifying. The lore is richly imagined, and the historical aspects of the demon sires and Godsfall adds a delicious layer of intrigue.
But it’s the emotional undercurrents that truly elevate this novel—grief of a life stolen, loneliness, self-worth, and the slow, hard-won maintenance of self-identity in a world that offers our heroine nothing but pain and disaster. The romance is dark, magnetic, and gorgeously nuanced. The two vampire kings are as brutal as they are compelling, and their dynamic with Nessa never slips into cliché. There is a complexity that weaves power imbalance, consent, trauma, and vulnerability for the three main characters as they are all forced into a bond together that none of them wanted or expected.
Nessa is a heroine readers will root for—not because she’s perfect, but because she’s real. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next with Nessa and her kings.
If you love your fantasy romance fierce, and dripping with tension, Bride of Brutal Hearts is not to be missed. Kate Stevens has delivered a masterpiece, and I hope it goes on to get the praise it deserves!
A lush and unforgettable dark fantasy romance ❤️🔥
Bride of Brutal Hearts by Kate Stevens is a triumph of fantasy romance—bold, heartfelt, and achingly human even as it sweeps readers into a world ruled by vampires, magic, and merciless power. This story had its fangs in me from the first chapter and didn’t let go (pun intended!)
At its heart is Nessa, a plus-sized, chronically ill heroine who is refreshingly real and powerfully complex. Living with endometriosis and infertility in a world that worships reproduction, Nessa’s journey is deeply personal and strikingly resonant. Raised by a cruel stepmother and uncaring father while quietly battling low self-worth and daily pain, she escapes into books—until reality comes crashing down when her beloved sister is selected in a brutal vampire harvest. Nessa’s self-sacrificing choice to take her sister’s place sets off a chain of events that intertwines her fate with two ancient vampire kings, rulers of the courts of Dusk and Dawn.
Stevens crafts her world with cinematic beauty and emotional depth. The Azarasian Impire is a haunting and vivid setting, equal parts ethereal and terrifying. The lore is richly imagined, and the historical aspects of the demon sires and Godsfall adds a delicious layer of intrigue.
But it’s the emotional undercurrents that truly elevate this novel—grief of a life stolen, loneliness, self-worth, and the slow, hard-won maintenance of self-identity in a world that offers our heroine nothing but pain and disaster. The romance is dark, magnetic, and gorgeously nuanced. The two vampire kings are as brutal as they are compelling, and their dynamic with Nessa never slips into cliché. There is a complexity that weaves power imbalance, consent, trauma, and vulnerability for the three main characters as they are all forced into a bond together that none of them wanted or expected.
Nessa is a heroine readers will root for—not because she’s perfect, but because she’s real. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next with Nessa and her kings.
If you love your fantasy romance fierce, and dripping with tension, Bride of Brutal Hearts is not to be missed. Kate Stevens has delivered a masterpiece, and I hope it goes on to get the praise it deserves!
June 21, 2025
This was a 760 page car crash and I just couldn’t tear my eyes away. But when I did, I realised how dumb it was. The writing was quite repetitive. The world building was confusing. The main character was a door mat. The two love interests were awful to her the whole book. And it was unnecessarily gory it made me feel a bit sick at times. This was all just a bit of a mess to be honest. However what it did have was that addictive quality that some books have to keep you reading even though you’re questioning every second of it.
June 2, 2025
Brutal is a pretty good word for this book. the two main male characters just never stopped being brutal. I keep waiting and waiting for them to have some compassion, but it never happened. I don't care if they are "heartmates" or "soulbound." I don't see how the way they have treated the main female could EVER be forgiven. It only got worse as worse as the book went on.
Obviously, I don't recommend it.
Obviously, I don't recommend it.
May 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance / Villain Romance
Tropes: Captive bride, enemies to lovers, MMF triad, morally grey kings, forced proximity, trauma bonding
Content Warnings: Chronic illness, emotional abuse, religious trauma, graphic violence, blood play, coercion, body dysmorphia, PTSD, infertility, purity culture, and more (see katestevensbooks.com for full list)
Pairings: MF, MMF (some MM on-page between kings), background polyamorous pairings and frequent sex scenes
POV: Mostly Nessa, with dynamic perspective changes (some beautifully chaotic)
📖 Synopsis (non-spoiler)
Nessa volunteers to take her sister’s place in the vampire harvest, sacrificing herself to the monsters who’ve terrorized her people. But instead of being drained and discarded, she becomes the chosen Mortal Bride of two terrifying vampire kings—Lucien, the cold and commanding King of Dawn, and Jules, the charming but unhinged King of Dusk. Their magic should’ve destroyed her… instead, it bonds them in a way none of them expected. And it’s deliciously devastating.
⚠️ Spoilers Below! ⚠️
🧨 Full Spoilery Summary
Nessa sacrifices herself to save her pregnant sister, stepping into the role of the “Mortal Bride,” expecting death. What she gets instead is a brutal ceremony gone wrong—where instead of being sacrificed, she’s bound by an ancient blood ritual to the two kings. This tether creates a bond not just of power, but obsession.
Luc and Jules are polar opposites—one cold and calculating, the other wild and seductive—but they’re both deadly, and now they both want Nessa. Her chronic illness and frailty make her seem like an odd choice, but it’s her resilience and sharp tongue that keep her alive. The kings are supposed to drain her life to fuel their rule, but their magic latches onto her instead.
As the triad grows closer, the dynamic turns tender… until betrayal, secrets, and the haunting politics of the Azarasian Empire rip them apart. One minute Nessa is their queen in everything but name, the next she’s broken, bleeding, and left wondering if love can survive the kind of monsters she’s bound to.
The book ends on a brutal cliffhanger—just as we start to believe in their love, the world tears them apart. The final chapters had me yelling, crying, and gripping my Kindle like it owed me answers.
❤️ What I Loved
Nessa. She’s soft and broken, but so brave. I adored having a chronically ill heroine who wasn’t just strong physically but emotionally resilient.
Luc & Jules. The “cold/commanding + seductive/chaotic” king dynamic was absolute perfection. And the mmf tension? Chef’s kiss.
The POV shifts. Some of them hit mid-scene and made the emotion land even harder. Especially when we get the kings' inner chaos.
The banter, the spice, the hurt/comfort. It's peak villain romance.
That one scene in the bathhouse… if you know, you know. 🔥
😤 What Hurt My Soul (But I Still Loved It)
The CLIFFHANGER. I feel personally attacked.
Just when I started to really believe in the three of them as a unit, the rug was pulled out from under me—and I’m still not over it.
Some of the background characters were so vivid I wanted their POVs too. (Looking at you, the chaos twins.)
🔥 Final Thoughts
Bride of Brutal Hearts is everything I want in a dark fantasy romance: vicious kings, a soft but strong heroine, magic gone wrong, unrelenting spice, and the kind of emotional damage I pay money to experience.
It’s not for everyone—read the content warnings—but if you love morally gray lovers, chaotic poly relationships, and villain redemption arcs soaked in blood and lust, you’ll eat this up.
I'm already counting the days for book two. This story better be leading to a brutal, bloody, HEA or I will riot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance / Villain Romance
Tropes: Captive bride, enemies to lovers, MMF triad, morally grey kings, forced proximity, trauma bonding
Content Warnings: Chronic illness, emotional abuse, religious trauma, graphic violence, blood play, coercion, body dysmorphia, PTSD, infertility, purity culture, and more (see katestevensbooks.com for full list)
Pairings: MF, MMF (some MM on-page between kings), background polyamorous pairings and frequent sex scenes
POV: Mostly Nessa, with dynamic perspective changes (some beautifully chaotic)
📖 Synopsis (non-spoiler)
Nessa volunteers to take her sister’s place in the vampire harvest, sacrificing herself to the monsters who’ve terrorized her people. But instead of being drained and discarded, she becomes the chosen Mortal Bride of two terrifying vampire kings—Lucien, the cold and commanding King of Dawn, and Jules, the charming but unhinged King of Dusk. Their magic should’ve destroyed her… instead, it bonds them in a way none of them expected. And it’s deliciously devastating.
⚠️ Spoilers Below! ⚠️
🧨 Full Spoilery Summary
Nessa sacrifices herself to save her pregnant sister, stepping into the role of the “Mortal Bride,” expecting death. What she gets instead is a brutal ceremony gone wrong—where instead of being sacrificed, she’s bound by an ancient blood ritual to the two kings. This tether creates a bond not just of power, but obsession.
Luc and Jules are polar opposites—one cold and calculating, the other wild and seductive—but they’re both deadly, and now they both want Nessa. Her chronic illness and frailty make her seem like an odd choice, but it’s her resilience and sharp tongue that keep her alive. The kings are supposed to drain her life to fuel their rule, but their magic latches onto her instead.
As the triad grows closer, the dynamic turns tender… until betrayal, secrets, and the haunting politics of the Azarasian Empire rip them apart. One minute Nessa is their queen in everything but name, the next she’s broken, bleeding, and left wondering if love can survive the kind of monsters she’s bound to.
The book ends on a brutal cliffhanger—just as we start to believe in their love, the world tears them apart. The final chapters had me yelling, crying, and gripping my Kindle like it owed me answers.
❤️ What I Loved
Nessa. She’s soft and broken, but so brave. I adored having a chronically ill heroine who wasn’t just strong physically but emotionally resilient.
Luc & Jules. The “cold/commanding + seductive/chaotic” king dynamic was absolute perfection. And the mmf tension? Chef’s kiss.
The POV shifts. Some of them hit mid-scene and made the emotion land even harder. Especially when we get the kings' inner chaos.
The banter, the spice, the hurt/comfort. It's peak villain romance.
That one scene in the bathhouse… if you know, you know. 🔥
😤 What Hurt My Soul (But I Still Loved It)
The CLIFFHANGER. I feel personally attacked.
Just when I started to really believe in the three of them as a unit, the rug was pulled out from under me—and I’m still not over it.
Some of the background characters were so vivid I wanted their POVs too. (Looking at you, the chaos twins.)
🔥 Final Thoughts
Bride of Brutal Hearts is everything I want in a dark fantasy romance: vicious kings, a soft but strong heroine, magic gone wrong, unrelenting spice, and the kind of emotional damage I pay money to experience.
It’s not for everyone—read the content warnings—but if you love morally gray lovers, chaotic poly relationships, and villain redemption arcs soaked in blood and lust, you’ll eat this up.
I'm already counting the days for book two. This story better be leading to a brutal, bloody, HEA or I will riot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
Well, I think I may actually be speechless! This book, well, this book was EVERYTHING!
We follow Nessa, who takes her sister's place in the vampires' harvest. As the only volunteer, she is then claimed as the mortal bride, a living sacrifice to the two wicked and morally black, vampire kings.
The ceremony doesn't quite go as planned and Nessa is now linked to both kings.
There are so many plot twists, secrets, lies and hidden identities, that I think I got whiplash. The same goes for my feelings for the two kings (The Conquerer and The Butcher). Neither of these MMCs are good, neither are redeemable and they are both absolutely despicable, but, I couldn't help falling for them, then hating them, then loving them, and then hating them again!
They most definitely grow to hold affection for Nessa, but even then, they still do absolutely awful things, to her and to the other humans who are thralls in their kingdom. They are not the traditional morally grey MMCs who have redeeming qualities or who become more emphatic because of their relationship with the FMC, they are the villains through and through, and this doesn't change throughout the book!
This book is long and there is an immense amount of world-building and references to other kingdoms, past events and hints about things to come. I loved every minute. I loved Nessa as an FMC, plagued with a mystery illness, all she has ever known was pain and isolation. After being taken by the kings, she then has the moral dilemma that even if she is treated with a little more kindness as the mortal bride, all around her, humans are tortured, used and discarded without so much as a second thought from the vampires, she is powerless to help them and powerless to help herself.
This book is dark, and I mean dark, so I would advise you to check your trigger warnings before reading, it is also spicy 🥵 so if that isn't your thing, this book won't be for you, obviously I lapped it up!
We follow Nessa, who takes her sister's place in the vampires' harvest. As the only volunteer, she is then claimed as the mortal bride, a living sacrifice to the two wicked and morally black, vampire kings.
The ceremony doesn't quite go as planned and Nessa is now linked to both kings.
There are so many plot twists, secrets, lies and hidden identities, that I think I got whiplash. The same goes for my feelings for the two kings (The Conquerer and The Butcher). Neither of these MMCs are good, neither are redeemable and they are both absolutely despicable, but, I couldn't help falling for them, then hating them, then loving them, and then hating them again!
They most definitely grow to hold affection for Nessa, but even then, they still do absolutely awful things, to her and to the other humans who are thralls in their kingdom. They are not the traditional morally grey MMCs who have redeeming qualities or who become more emphatic because of their relationship with the FMC, they are the villains through and through, and this doesn't change throughout the book!
This book is long and there is an immense amount of world-building and references to other kingdoms, past events and hints about things to come. I loved every minute. I loved Nessa as an FMC, plagued with a mystery illness, all she has ever known was pain and isolation. After being taken by the kings, she then has the moral dilemma that even if she is treated with a little more kindness as the mortal bride, all around her, humans are tortured, used and discarded without so much as a second thought from the vampires, she is powerless to help them and powerless to help herself.
This book is dark, and I mean dark, so I would advise you to check your trigger warnings before reading, it is also spicy 🥵 so if that isn't your thing, this book won't be for you, obviously I lapped it up!
May 19, 2025
The Conqueror
Cold. Calculated. Commanding.
Lucero Azaras rules the Azarasian Impire with an iron will and a mind sharpened by centuries of war. He doesn’t bend. He doesn’t yield.
The Butcher
Beautiful. Bloodthirsty. Unpredictable.
Julien Roche wears his charm like a blade, sharp and deceptive. He smiles as he slaughters, kisses as he kills.
Their Bride
Quiet. Curious. Defiant.
Nessa Halloran has spent her life hiding in the shadows… until she’s claimed as the sacrificial Mortal Bride to the ruthless Imperium.
If you like your MMCs unapologetic black not morally grey BUT PITCH BLACK and you like your FMCs smart, sassy but not necessarily a fighter.. think 30 year old book worm then this is absolutely the book for you.
There are no heros in this story, they are the villains in her story and maybe always will be (definitely are through the entire of book 1) but the bond wants what the bond wants and her mind & body will betray her at every turn.
Bride of Brutal Hearts is one of the most uniquely original fantasy / vampire books I have read in a while. Great paced world building that doesn't delay the on page action both sexual or otherwise. There is no slow build up to the plot it gets straight into the action and I loved that!
The Butcher and the Conqueror are the bad ass villainous original vampire characters yivie come to know and love... but darker, cold calculating, unapologetic about their desire for bodies and blood, devastatingly beautiful and equally as brutal. They take no prisoners and let no enemies live, well not without a reason to continue to watch them suffer for all eternity. Read your trigger warnings because these guys are as dark as they come but are they soft for their bride?
Tropes
They fall first
MMF why choose
Queer representation
Touch her/ look at her and ☠️
Bookworm FMC
Witches
Unique magic system
Vampires
Chronic illness representation
@katestevensbooks
Cold. Calculated. Commanding.
Lucero Azaras rules the Azarasian Impire with an iron will and a mind sharpened by centuries of war. He doesn’t bend. He doesn’t yield.
The Butcher
Beautiful. Bloodthirsty. Unpredictable.
Julien Roche wears his charm like a blade, sharp and deceptive. He smiles as he slaughters, kisses as he kills.
Their Bride
Quiet. Curious. Defiant.
Nessa Halloran has spent her life hiding in the shadows… until she’s claimed as the sacrificial Mortal Bride to the ruthless Imperium.
If you like your MMCs unapologetic black not morally grey BUT PITCH BLACK and you like your FMCs smart, sassy but not necessarily a fighter.. think 30 year old book worm then this is absolutely the book for you.
There are no heros in this story, they are the villains in her story and maybe always will be (definitely are through the entire of book 1) but the bond wants what the bond wants and her mind & body will betray her at every turn.
Bride of Brutal Hearts is one of the most uniquely original fantasy / vampire books I have read in a while. Great paced world building that doesn't delay the on page action both sexual or otherwise. There is no slow build up to the plot it gets straight into the action and I loved that!
The Butcher and the Conqueror are the bad ass villainous original vampire characters yivie come to know and love... but darker, cold calculating, unapologetic about their desire for bodies and blood, devastatingly beautiful and equally as brutal. They take no prisoners and let no enemies live, well not without a reason to continue to watch them suffer for all eternity. Read your trigger warnings because these guys are as dark as they come but are they soft for their bride?
Tropes
They fall first
MMF why choose
Queer representation
Touch her/ look at her and ☠️
Bookworm FMC
Witches
Unique magic system
Vampires
Chronic illness representation
@katestevensbooks
May 12, 2025
From the moment I read the Authors notes I KNEW I would fall in love with this story. And fall I did. Hard, fast, and full knowledge that this book with likely ruin me. Kate Stevens’ writing is not just beautiful, her FMC Nessa is not simply relatable, but truly enthralling. The moment I began reading I knew I was obsessed. The story follows Nessa, a human bookworm with chronic illness and soft body, slated for the life of a Thrall on her 30th birthday. However, fate is not so easily anticipated in its decisions. In an interesting twist, she finds herself at the mercy of her Vampire overlords far sooner than expected. Her journey begins in an intriguing journey spent with two of them most GORGEOUSE vampires she has ever had the displeasure of laying eyes on. What follows is a twisting, enchanting story of the magic that binds and manipulates them all.
Bride of Brutal Hearts is my top read of the year and I do not foresee that changing. I felt every emotion that flitted through Nessa’s head. Thought every thought that circled and festered. Even wept at the grave injustices that befell our peach of a FMC. While I generally adore any ‘Fated Mate’ trope, Kate’s story took it a few steps further. Still fitting within the trope, but far more interesting and complex than I could have ever expected. I encourage any perspective reader to heed the Trigger Warnings, and thoroughly read through the Aurthor’s notes. While the book is beautiful in every way possible, the story is as scandalous and dark as a true Dark Romantasy should be.
I can not recommend this book ENOUGH. Though it caused a few tears and twinges of pain, Bride of Brutal Hearts has easily become my new comfort read. Good luck~
Bride of Brutal Hearts is my top read of the year and I do not foresee that changing. I felt every emotion that flitted through Nessa’s head. Thought every thought that circled and festered. Even wept at the grave injustices that befell our peach of a FMC. While I generally adore any ‘Fated Mate’ trope, Kate’s story took it a few steps further. Still fitting within the trope, but far more interesting and complex than I could have ever expected. I encourage any perspective reader to heed the Trigger Warnings, and thoroughly read through the Aurthor’s notes. While the book is beautiful in every way possible, the story is as scandalous and dark as a true Dark Romantasy should be.
I can not recommend this book ENOUGH. Though it caused a few tears and twinges of pain, Bride of Brutal Hearts has easily become my new comfort read. Good luck~
June 3, 2025
When this book first showed up on my FYP, the tropes and synopsis immediately caught my attention. I noted the release date, genuinely excited to check it out.
And when I say I devoured this book (well, up to a point, but we’ll get to that), I truly mean it. It hooked me right away, and for a few days, all I wanted to do was read. I tore through it and reached the 80% mark in just three days, thoroughly enjoying most of it.
That said, I did have a few minor issues early on. I wish the FMC had more of a backbone, and her internal monologue started to feel repetitive. Still, I was invested. I went in knowing the MMCs were going to be morally black, but I trusted the author’s assurances: "they’re soft but only for her" and "they fall first and hard."
So when they tortured her, broke her fingers, even knowing she wasn’t lying… it felt like a slap in the face. I understood that Luc and Jules have deep-seated hatred for witches, and I even understood their trauma, but this scene shattered everything I thought this romance was meant to be. It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over my enthusiasm.
This moment completely contradicted the tropes and promises I’d been sold. After that, I couldn’t root for the romance anymore. In fact, the only outcome I could stomach was one where the FMC doesn’t end up with them, which kind of defeats the entire point of the book and series. How am I supposed to believe in this love story after that?
I skimmed ahead and saw that after everything, they end up having sex again. Luc even saying Jules only breaking her fingers was a kindness. And that was it for me, I stopped reading. I skipped to the end, read the twist, and just felt... hollow. I could already tell Luc and Jules were going to keep being horrid to her, and I can't stomach how far it might go in the next book.
Yes, I knew they were villains. I was prepared for a dark romance and was willing to suspend disbelief. But I also believed that Nessa would be their exception. Apparently, she wasn’t. I understand Luc and Jules' pasts and what shaped them, but it doesn’t make it any easier to accept this as a romance I’m supposed to root for. Maybe it’s just me, and others might not mind, but even in a dark romance, I don’t want to read about abuse.
In the end, while I genuinely enjoyed the world-building, the character dynamics, and even the romance, up to a point, the story ultimately lost me. What began with so much promise left me feeling disappointed and unable to root for the relationships I was supposed to believe in. Based on what the author has said about the sequel being “darker,” I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series. After what happened in this book, I know it’s just not for me.
And when I say I devoured this book (well, up to a point, but we’ll get to that), I truly mean it. It hooked me right away, and for a few days, all I wanted to do was read. I tore through it and reached the 80% mark in just three days, thoroughly enjoying most of it.
That said, I did have a few minor issues early on. I wish the FMC had more of a backbone, and her internal monologue started to feel repetitive. Still, I was invested. I went in knowing the MMCs were going to be morally black, but I trusted the author’s assurances: "they’re soft but only for her" and "they fall first and hard."
So when they tortured her, broke her fingers, even knowing she wasn’t lying… it felt like a slap in the face. I understood that Luc and Jules have deep-seated hatred for witches, and I even understood their trauma, but this scene shattered everything I thought this romance was meant to be. It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over my enthusiasm.
This moment completely contradicted the tropes and promises I’d been sold. After that, I couldn’t root for the romance anymore. In fact, the only outcome I could stomach was one where the FMC doesn’t end up with them, which kind of defeats the entire point of the book and series. How am I supposed to believe in this love story after that?
I skimmed ahead and saw that after everything, they end up having sex again. Luc even saying Jules only breaking her fingers was a kindness. And that was it for me, I stopped reading. I skipped to the end, read the twist, and just felt... hollow. I could already tell Luc and Jules were going to keep being horrid to her, and I can't stomach how far it might go in the next book.
Yes, I knew they were villains. I was prepared for a dark romance and was willing to suspend disbelief. But I also believed that Nessa would be their exception. Apparently, she wasn’t. I understand Luc and Jules' pasts and what shaped them, but it doesn’t make it any easier to accept this as a romance I’m supposed to root for. Maybe it’s just me, and others might not mind, but even in a dark romance, I don’t want to read about abuse.
In the end, while I genuinely enjoyed the world-building, the character dynamics, and even the romance, up to a point, the story ultimately lost me. What began with so much promise left me feeling disappointed and unable to root for the relationships I was supposed to believe in. Based on what the author has said about the sequel being “darker,” I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series. After what happened in this book, I know it’s just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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