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Their Vampire Queen Returns #1
Queen's Crusade
Shara Isador’s back for justice… and Blood.
Her first match with the queen of Rome might have temporarily ended in a draw, but she has plenty of other battles brewing. Taking her seat at the Triskeles Triune brings immense new power to House Isador.
And for a vampire queen, with great power comes great hunger.
To sustain and feed her new power, she needs more Blood. Desperately. Before the Dauphine can attack her nest again.
She already turned Shara’s dead mother into a walking zombie to send a nasty message. Now it’s her turn to send a message to the Dauphine—and anyone who messes with her family. In the brutal game of queens, Shara plays for love.
What this queen takes, she loves, and what she loves, she keeps for all time.
Don’t mess with her loved ones. Because she will protect them. No matter the cost.
The Dauphine can’t escape this time.
House Isador rides to war, and the last Templar knight carries Shara Isador on the greatest crusade this world has ever known.
Her first match with the queen of Rome might have temporarily ended in a draw, but she has plenty of other battles brewing. Taking her seat at the Triskeles Triune brings immense new power to House Isador.
And for a vampire queen, with great power comes great hunger.
To sustain and feed her new power, she needs more Blood. Desperately. Before the Dauphine can attack her nest again.
She already turned Shara’s dead mother into a walking zombie to send a nasty message. Now it’s her turn to send a message to the Dauphine—and anyone who messes with her family. In the brutal game of queens, Shara plays for love.
What this queen takes, she loves, and what she loves, she keeps for all time.
Don’t mess with her loved ones. Because she will protect them. No matter the cost.
The Dauphine can’t escape this time.
House Isador rides to war, and the last Templar knight carries Shara Isador on the greatest crusade this world has ever known.
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First published May 3, 2024
270 people are currently reading
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About the author
Joely Sue Burkhart
118 books2,011 followersI write books. Sometimes I even finish them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 8, 2024
I'm glad there's more to Shara's story, because while the original series did reach a satisfying conclusion, it was an "okay for now" situation, with a lot of scary players still on the board and a toxic vampire society that desperately needs reshaping. You could see the glimmer of how Shara would reimagine it, rooted in love, but that work has barely begun when the series ended.
This picks up right where things left off, and the first order of business is the Dauphine. I enjoyed it very much.
I will say that the ratio of smut to plot is still a bit skewed for me (my preference is like 70% plot, at minimum, and I'd be surprised if this was more than 50%). I like the story enough to live with it, though I'm skimming the blood orgies a bit of I'm being honest. I do wish she hadn't picked up yet more Blood in this book. I get it, in terms of battle forces. But can't she just pick up more sibling queens and they all go to war together? Because a harem of... what did it land at, 14 Blood now?... is just too much for any of them to be real, enfleshed characters that get decent page time. They're kind of reduced to like "oh, tentacle guy" or "I think this is the sadist guy" as they each get a token interaction with her. I just finished a re-read of the original series last week, prepping for this release, and even despite the recent refresh, I didn't remember all these guys. I also feel like the author is trying to find a line by getting progressively more extreme, because, like, a cannibal, really? Really?
Anyway, it was still fun, so 3.5 stars from me.
This picks up right where things left off, and the first order of business is the Dauphine. I enjoyed it very much.
I will say that the ratio of smut to plot is still a bit skewed for me (my preference is like 70% plot, at minimum, and I'd be surprised if this was more than 50%). I like the story enough to live with it, though I'm skimming the blood orgies a bit of I'm being honest. I do wish she hadn't picked up yet more Blood in this book. I get it, in terms of battle forces. But can't she just pick up more sibling queens and they all go to war together? Because a harem of... what did it land at, 14 Blood now?... is just too much for any of them to be real, enfleshed characters that get decent page time. They're kind of reduced to like "oh, tentacle guy" or "I think this is the sadist guy" as they each get a token interaction with her. I just finished a re-read of the original series last week, prepping for this release, and even despite the recent refresh, I didn't remember all these guys. I also feel like the author is trying to find a line by getting progressively more extreme, because, like, a cannibal, really? Really?
Anyway, it was still fun, so 3.5 stars from me.
October 28, 2024
Wooo for over-the-top wild bloodplay orgies and an army of a harem. Shara continues to gain more OP Blood in this series, and it was quite smutty and action-packed from beginning to end. I didn't expect anything less....
Romance:
Romance:
May 5, 2024
Usually when a series is 4+ books long, I get bored because it tends to be repetitive, but not with Shara. This series is one I can’t get enough of. Shara and her Blood will never cease to entertain me. Hell, this whole universe is so good, I need more. This author is an underrated Queen for giving us this series.
April 22, 2024
I need more!! I love this series 🥰 I have been following this series since the beginning. This author has a way of writing that I’ve never seen before, plus it’s not a cliffhanger just a there’s room for more books in the series. But definitely check the trigger warnings. This series is not for the faint of heart 🖤 it is a monster vampire romance. With lots of blood 🩸 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ has one FMC and she is with multiple men and a woman. But the world this author builds, the vampire’s/monsters is so different from anything else out there.
January 8, 2025
I've enjoyed this series for a while. And I will continue to follow Sharas journey.
I've usually been listening to the audiobook. So actually reading it was a change. And it irked me how much the f word was used. A wopping 567 times, which in my opinion is overkill.
I also sadly didn't like the smut in this book🥲
I've usually been listening to the audiobook. So actually reading it was a change. And it irked me how much the f word was used. A wopping 567 times, which in my opinion is overkill.
I also sadly didn't like the smut in this book🥲
April 26, 2024
So glad to see Shara back in action and growing in herself and her power. I love the depth characters and how the plot has developed around the mysteries of the Triune. I almost gave this a 4 instead of a five because of one HUGE petpeve. There was frequent use by members of Shara's Blood of the 'new/young person' use of the word Bet. I found this to be ridiculously distracting from the characters, their age, experience, and relationships. None of her Blood interact with the generation that uses that phrase, or any humans outside of Shara's circle, so this use doesn't stay consistent with their world. Other than that language use, I loved the story and look forward to riding onward with Shara. Long Live House Isador!
July 8, 2024
✨Shara & her bloods are back!✨
This is a Reverse Harem romance with lots of M/M & a F/F, paranormal + fantasy elements, vampires, shapeshifters & creatures of the myths! Plenty of emotions, violence, gore & kinky times 😉. Cute pets too!
If you've read Their Vampire Queen, you know the drill!
I'd wanted to check the new series out after finding out it existed (how was I so late?!). Then 20 chapters in, ya ain't no way was I stopping! I did gloss over couple lore heavy scene as I haven't read the original series (fully) but they're lil in face of the behemoth of this 60 chapters THICC book. I was enamored & DEVOURED it in 2 days!
It starts from the end of previous series which is great as Shara & bloods HAVE A LOT TO FACE! I loved that we got many POVs here. Ooh plus 2 new bloods, that are powerful & mythological af. There are 14 total now & more to come still. Holy fuck hah!
Poor Daire shouldn't've to chose between his love of Rik & Shara 🤧. Those scenes hit close. Shara's fear of neglecting bloods as there's many now is so real. I was happy to see it both addressed. We got some fun personal times ❤️🥺. I hope for more of them, also between bloods, I love to see all the dynamics! Ezra & Mehen are moods 🤣. The kitty shifters, omg 😅. Sekh + Mehen/Shara = 🥵. Vore, poor guy, he's so haunted but sweet.
With many bloods, there's insecurities, fears & chances of sexy times! There's vulnerability, tears 😭, sweetness & downright gore. Ah, bloodsuckers 😉! The smut is HOT 🔥 but never overpowers the interesting story. I'M SO HAPPY SHARA GOT HER REVENGE!!! What a climax!! But the cost? 😅 I guess, they can't go all hardcore anymore.
It ends on a HFN not a cliffhanger, yay ❤️. So excited for more in this series!
Story ratings: (Enjoyed—> 5+/5)
POV: 1st person, Multiple POVs
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) The feels: 😋🥺😯😩🧐😁😬😅😆🥰🤯😓😭🤧😏😤😍🥵🏝️😳😈😄
3) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 5/5
4) Levels: Moderate to Mild Angst, Sweetly Cute, Moderate Dark
5) World & Style: ~5/5
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This is a Reverse Harem romance with lots of M/M & a F/F, paranormal + fantasy elements, vampires, shapeshifters & creatures of the myths! Plenty of emotions, violence, gore & kinky times 😉. Cute pets too!
If you've read Their Vampire Queen, you know the drill!
I'd wanted to check the new series out after finding out it existed (how was I so late?!). Then 20 chapters in, ya ain't no way was I stopping! I did gloss over couple lore heavy scene as I haven't read the original series (fully) but they're lil in face of the behemoth of this 60 chapters THICC book. I was enamored & DEVOURED it in 2 days!
It starts from the end of previous series which is great as Shara & bloods HAVE A LOT TO FACE! I loved that we got many POVs here. Ooh plus 2 new bloods, that are powerful & mythological af. There are 14 total now & more to come still. Holy fuck hah!
Poor Daire shouldn't've to chose between his love of Rik & Shara 🤧. Those scenes hit close. Shara's fear of neglecting bloods as there's many now is so real. I was happy to see it both addressed. We got some fun personal times ❤️🥺. I hope for more of them, also between bloods, I love to see all the dynamics! Ezra & Mehen are moods 🤣. The kitty shifters, omg 😅. Sekh + Mehen/Shara = 🥵. Vore, poor guy, he's so haunted but sweet.
With many bloods, there's insecurities, fears & chances of sexy times! There's vulnerability, tears 😭, sweetness & downright gore. Ah, bloodsuckers 😉! The smut is HOT 🔥 but never overpowers the interesting story. I'M SO HAPPY SHARA GOT HER REVENGE!!! What a climax!! But the cost? 😅 I guess, they can't go all hardcore anymore.
It ends on a HFN not a cliffhanger, yay ❤️. So excited for more in this series!
Story ratings: (Enjoyed—> 5+/5)
POV: 1st person, Multiple POVs
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) The feels: 😋🥺😯😩🧐😁😬😅😆🥰🤯😓😭🤧😏😤😍🥵🏝️😳😈😄
3) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 5/5
4) Levels: Moderate to Mild Angst, Sweetly Cute, Moderate Dark
5) World & Style: ~5/5
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July 5, 2024
I’m so happy the author decided to return to this world and expand Sharas story.
I think it’s also insanely impressive how Burkhart created a harem of 15 and has managed to still make all the characters individually interesting. While Shara is the center of the story and certain characters in the harem have more character development, everyone is fleshed out pretty well.
And the sex scenes? Also impressively written.
I just can’t get over how the author was able to keep all the characters straight.
Definitely worth reading, but go read the first series first or you’ll be insanely confused.
I think it’s also insanely impressive how Burkhart created a harem of 15 and has managed to still make all the characters individually interesting. While Shara is the center of the story and certain characters in the harem have more character development, everyone is fleshed out pretty well.
And the sex scenes? Also impressively written.
I just can’t get over how the author was able to keep all the characters straight.
Definitely worth reading, but go read the first series first or you’ll be insanely confused.
May 23, 2024
Excited for more of Shara and her Blood!
We get to see much more of each Blood's personalities, and the friction caused by new Blood answering Shara's call makes for a bumpy ride at times. I do wish we could have more time with Vivian since she's the only female Blood, but their scene toward the end was great.
I was on the edge of my seat during the resolution with the Dauphine, and that whole event was amazing and creative on the author's part. It'll be pleasant anticipation while we wait for the next installment!
We get to see much more of each Blood's personalities, and the friction caused by new Blood answering Shara's call makes for a bumpy ride at times. I do wish we could have more time with Vivian since she's the only female Blood, but their scene toward the end was great.
I was on the edge of my seat during the resolution with the Dauphine, and that whole event was amazing and creative on the author's part. It'll be pleasant anticipation while we wait for the next installment!
May 5, 2024
I look forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully, 🤞 it won’t be such a lengthy wait.
October 1, 2025
“The game of queens is the hardest game of all."
It feels so good to be back with Shara and her Blood. I'm glad Joely is continuing this saga. This next chapter in the Their Vampire Queen universe promises to be filled to the brim with even higher stakes than we've seen previously, which means Queen's Crusade doesn't disappoint in setting everything up.
This queen. Who’d ended my eternal watch and called me to her side. Who’d made me a living, breathing being with the formidable strength of her will alone. She’d danced and bathed in my blood like the goddess who made me. Goddess fucking incarnate, graced with beauty and strength.
This book is action packed, emotional, and tense as fuck at times. Shara's ongoing conflict with the Dauphine finally comes to a head and one of the Triunes convenes for the first time in decades, and the ramifications are wild. There's a twist at the climax that I can't believe I didn't see coming, but I absolutely freaking loved it! And while I will always be Team Isador and will never complain about Shara powering up with each new Blood she acquires or foe she defeats, we see another set of consequences to her actions that I suspected was coming but even once it did, it felt like a punch to the gut.
But as she has proclaimed time and again - through both words and deeds - the safety and happiness of those she loves is more important than any power she could possibly possess.
I'm so excited to see where we go from here! Joely has been expanding this universe with other spin-offs and tie-ins and I can't wait to see how all of these threads end up connecting together!
Absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next one!
“A queen must make terrible choices to continue her lineage and protect her house. To keep her goddess’ sacred blood alive in this filthy, sacrilegious, undeserving world. But a queen mother…” She let out a ragged, unpleasant laugh that had me turning back to see her face. She smiled, a fierce, sharp baring of glistening cobra fangs. “I’m the kind of mother who’ll destroy the entire fucking world to make sure you stay alive another day. My death. My Bloods’. Your Bloods’. Whatever it takes. If it’s within my power, you will stay alive until a time of your own choosing. If you choose now, this very moment, to end your life, it was always worth it. Every. Fucking. Move.”
September 10, 2025
4 ⭐️/4 🌶️—A good continuation of the original six(ish) book series. Is this great literature? Absolutely not. But it is so entertaining and I like many of the characters. The challenge is that Burkhart keeps adding more MMCs, which makes sense according to the world building; however, I’m worried there will just be too many love interests and the characterization will thin.
May 4, 2024
Shara motherfucking Isador is back with a vengeance 🔥 I think this might just be my new favourite book in this incredible world, and I can’t wait to see what else Joely has in store 🫶🏽
May 12, 2024
Queen’s Crusade by Joely Sue Burkhart
“Your mother whispered orders to each of us before she broke the bonds. They may have died in the years since she passed, but I believe they’re still out there waiting.’
“Where? Waiting for what?”
He blinked, the failing stars in his eyes burning out into complete darkness. “For you, my queen.”
TL/DR: Definitely worth the wait! By far the most complex and intriguing story in the series with the Triune plot development and the emotional rollercoaster this book provides.
Shara is back in this new addition of the House Isador series! In my opinion, this book had all the vibes I look for when reading about these Joely’s characters. The dynamics among the Blood provided much needed comic relief, and some of the new plot information had me in such a choke hold. I fully didn’t expect to be laughing one moment and crying the next. It was a pleasant surprise! Due to the emotional journey it took me on, I would have to say that this was by far the best book of the series so far.
Pros:
-The new Blood dynamics are *chef’s kiss*
-I enjoyed getting to learn more about the Triune and its inner workings especially regarding the dynamics among the different queens.
-Shara really starts to flex the more authoritative side of her role as a queen and I so appreciated this character growth!
-As stated before, the humor, the tears, and the drama kept me enthralled while reading this book. The pacing was well done!
Cons:
-Sometimes the Blood are written in a more youthful manner. For example, it took me out of the book when some of the characters said “bet” or other more modern slang. I could 100% see Daire saying bet, but Mehen, G, or Xin? No way.
-Mehen’s character, in particular, seemed to regress in character development. I think this is mainly due to him saying similar statements, whenever someone addresses him, that it made him seem more one dimensional than what we saw in the other books. You’ll see what I mean. This is by far a minor complaint though, and not too damaging to his overall character arch.
Overall, I loved this addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next books to come out!
Genre: Why choose paranormal romance
Rating: 4.5 stars due to it keeping my attention and all the vibes I look forward to in this series were there ten-fold.
Spice: Explicit on-page scenes
Series or Stand Alone: Series (with more books on the way!)
“Your mother whispered orders to each of us before she broke the bonds. They may have died in the years since she passed, but I believe they’re still out there waiting.’
“Where? Waiting for what?”
He blinked, the failing stars in his eyes burning out into complete darkness. “For you, my queen.”
TL/DR: Definitely worth the wait! By far the most complex and intriguing story in the series with the Triune plot development and the emotional rollercoaster this book provides.
Shara is back in this new addition of the House Isador series! In my opinion, this book had all the vibes I look for when reading about these Joely’s characters. The dynamics among the Blood provided much needed comic relief, and some of the new plot information had me in such a choke hold. I fully didn’t expect to be laughing one moment and crying the next. It was a pleasant surprise! Due to the emotional journey it took me on, I would have to say that this was by far the best book of the series so far.
Pros:
-The new Blood dynamics are *chef’s kiss*
-I enjoyed getting to learn more about the Triune and its inner workings especially regarding the dynamics among the different queens.
-Shara really starts to flex the more authoritative side of her role as a queen and I so appreciated this character growth!
-As stated before, the humor, the tears, and the drama kept me enthralled while reading this book. The pacing was well done!
Cons:
-Sometimes the Blood are written in a more youthful manner. For example, it took me out of the book when some of the characters said “bet” or other more modern slang. I could 100% see Daire saying bet, but Mehen, G, or Xin? No way.
-Mehen’s character, in particular, seemed to regress in character development. I think this is mainly due to him saying similar statements, whenever someone addresses him, that it made him seem more one dimensional than what we saw in the other books. You’ll see what I mean. This is by far a minor complaint though, and not too damaging to his overall character arch.
Overall, I loved this addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next books to come out!
Genre: Why choose paranormal romance
Rating: 4.5 stars due to it keeping my attention and all the vibes I look forward to in this series were there ten-fold.
Spice: Explicit on-page scenes
Series or Stand Alone: Series (with more books on the way!)
May 3, 2024
This is an ARC review.
How could I possible rate this book any lower than 5 spectacular stars?
What this queen takes, she loves, and what she loves, she keeps for all time.
Shara FUCKING Isador is back! And she is hotter and more powerful than ever! If you ever want to read a RH with a badass effing QUEEN who takes no shit and puts her men in their place when need be. Look no further, this series really is RH <- emphasis on the Harem portion as everyone in the Harem is completely and utterly dedicated to just an inch of Shara's skin!
Tensions are high and Dauphine's reckoning is coming closer and closer. She has to pay for her transgressions against House Isador and Shara wants to take no prisoners. This book wraps up that plot line and sets up to go into the storyline that has been set up through her side stories.
There is a new lore to focus on now, a new final conflict. Shara must find other queens and unite before the world collapses as we know it. Unfortunately after the showdown with Dauphine Shara looses something that is very much closer to her... and this made me sad.
TW: no one dies. She doesn't loose a person BUT the loss will definitely be felt by every reader. Sometimes I am in awe of Joely Sue Burkhart. How does she even manage to cook up such intricate stories and lores from ALL AROUND THE WORLD?
And guess what? This time we have a trans-queen representation! And I love it! For a series that treats gender and sexuality as completely fluid and has almost ALL the representation of LGBTQ+, I'm so glad we're adding more representation! Looking forward to more ♥️
How could I possible rate this book any lower than 5 spectacular stars?
What this queen takes, she loves, and what she loves, she keeps for all time.
Shara FUCKING Isador is back! And she is hotter and more powerful than ever! If you ever want to read a RH with a badass effing QUEEN who takes no shit and puts her men in their place when need be. Look no further, this series really is RH <- emphasis on the Harem portion as everyone in the Harem is completely and utterly dedicated to just an inch of Shara's skin!
Tensions are high and Dauphine's reckoning is coming closer and closer. She has to pay for her transgressions against House Isador and Shara wants to take no prisoners. This book wraps up that plot line and sets up to go into the storyline that has been set up through her side stories.
There is a new lore to focus on now, a new final conflict. Shara must find other queens and unite before the world collapses as we know it. Unfortunately after the showdown with Dauphine Shara looses something that is very much closer to her... and this made me sad.
TW: no one dies. She doesn't loose a person BUT the loss will definitely be felt by every reader. Sometimes I am in awe of Joely Sue Burkhart. How does she even manage to cook up such intricate stories and lores from ALL AROUND THE WORLD?
And guess what? This time we have a trans-queen representation! And I love it! For a series that treats gender and sexuality as completely fluid and has almost ALL the representation of LGBTQ+, I'm so glad we're adding more representation! Looking forward to more ♥️
October 13, 2024
Joely never disappoints me with her Their Vampire Queen books.
I will be waiting in anticipation for the next books in this Their Vampire Queen Returns series.
I am so glad that we get to see the return of Shara and get to see her come into her power even more than we saw before. Some loose ends end up being tied together by the end of this book, but in true vampire society, even though the loose ends from the previous books have been taken care of it ends up opening up a whole new set of dangers for Shara and her Blood.
My only 'meh' point with this book (it's not really a complaint because it didn't effect my star rating) is the spicy scenes felt more detailed in the other books versus what we were given in this one, don't get me wrong it was still delicious, but there was so much more in the other books it felt very anti-climatic almost. Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a sucker for good plot execution and good detailed spice in a book together and that's one of the reasons I loved the Their Vampire Queen series it hit all my points when it comes to what I like in my spicy romances, this one was there but not quite all the way.
Long Live House Isador.
I will be waiting in anticipation for the next books in this Their Vampire Queen Returns series.
I am so glad that we get to see the return of Shara and get to see her come into her power even more than we saw before. Some loose ends end up being tied together by the end of this book, but in true vampire society, even though the loose ends from the previous books have been taken care of it ends up opening up a whole new set of dangers for Shara and her Blood.
My only 'meh' point with this book (it's not really a complaint because it didn't effect my star rating) is the spicy scenes felt more detailed in the other books versus what we were given in this one, don't get me wrong it was still delicious, but there was so much more in the other books it felt very anti-climatic almost. Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a sucker for good plot execution and good detailed spice in a book together and that's one of the reasons I loved the Their Vampire Queen series it hit all my points when it comes to what I like in my spicy romances, this one was there but not quite all the way.
Long Live House Isador.
May 9, 2024
Shara is back! First, if you have not read the previous books, do NOT start here.
The blood-and-sex orgy that starts the book is utterly wild. And, damn, that group can go through beds.
This book is longer and with more world information that any individual book the preceding works. We learn more about how the Goddesses interact with each other and with the Aima. We also learn how the Goddesses balancing each other and making demands keeps the queen-vs-queen warfare from completely turning into Highlander. (OK, some of that definitely feels like retconning, but a needed retconning.) We also learn much more about how a Triune meeting works. Damn -- that was an amazing scene.
The plot progression is great. I am sure we will see the latest new Blood more in the next book, and I am looking forward to it. I assume somewhere in that book or the next the rest of the Triskele triune will get filled.
As others have noted, we are getting very close to not having enough page space to do justice to each Blood. Adding more will certainly cause issues at some point.
Anyways, Long Live House Isador!
The blood-and-sex orgy that starts the book is utterly wild. And, damn, that group can go through beds.
This book is longer and with more world information that any individual book the preceding works. We learn more about how the Goddesses interact with each other and with the Aima. We also learn how the Goddesses balancing each other and making demands keeps the queen-vs-queen warfare from completely turning into Highlander. (OK, some of that definitely feels like retconning, but a needed retconning.) We also learn much more about how a Triune meeting works. Damn -- that was an amazing scene.
The plot progression is great. I am sure we will see the latest new Blood more in the next book, and I am looking forward to it. I assume somewhere in that book or the next the rest of the Triskele triune will get filled.
As others have noted, we are getting very close to not having enough page space to do justice to each Blood. Adding more will certainly cause issues at some point.
Anyways, Long Live House Isador!
May 19, 2024
O...kay
Shara's tale has been heading down a darker path for a couple books now. But S's arrival took ur straight into nightmare quality. That scene with Mehen was completely unnecessary and disgusting. It was r*pe. Flat out. S was smug and an a** to Daire. Daire was whiny and not himself. Although the last couple books he took the best thing too far. Rik got shook. Okeanas faded into the background. Her Blood have become unwieldy large. Trying to get all the POV is becoming a struggle. Poor V was given the Okeanas treatment: brought in right at the end and barely any screen time before the fade to black. I'm not sure who or how those Triune seats are going to be filled. It can't be sibs, and all the queens Shara knows are either her sibs or enemies. Well, I'm not sure about Karmen, didn't read her books. I got enough from Hel's to avoid them for my mental health. Although, I this one definitely needs trigger warnings, too. Because that scene was an epic book destroyer for me.
Shara's tale has been heading down a darker path for a couple books now. But S's arrival took ur straight into nightmare quality. That scene with Mehen was completely unnecessary and disgusting. It was r*pe. Flat out. S was smug and an a** to Daire. Daire was whiny and not himself. Although the last couple books he took the best thing too far. Rik got shook. Okeanas faded into the background. Her Blood have become unwieldy large. Trying to get all the POV is becoming a struggle. Poor V was given the Okeanas treatment: brought in right at the end and barely any screen time before the fade to black. I'm not sure who or how those Triune seats are going to be filled. It can't be sibs, and all the queens Shara knows are either her sibs or enemies. Well, I'm not sure about Karmen, didn't read her books. I got enough from Hel's to avoid them for my mental health. Although, I this one definitely needs trigger warnings, too. Because that scene was an epic book destroyer for me.
August 13, 2024
Queen turns the tables
Oh my goddess! I love this book. This is the second series in what I hope will be a long story, so people should read the Their Vampire Queen books before diving into this leg of the adventure. It's still a pretty bloody, steamy, magical, vampiric, reverse harem fantasy. There's some more Ancient Egyptian mythology added to this Queen's Blood, as well as a fascinating Japanese addition.
I'm so impressed that Joely Sue Burkhart kept the style consistent with the previous Vampire Queen books. The characters are still fabulous and I adore the cast of characters. I especially love the introduction to Sekh and the Army of Sekhmet! Sekhmet is probably the first vampire ever, so I was wondering if she would appear in this series.
It's been a long wait for Shara Isador's new series, but it was worth the wait. I just hope the next book will be released in less time than Queen's Crusade.
Several typos, and some signature grammar issues. But nothing distracted me from this breathtaking story.
Oh my goddess! I love this book. This is the second series in what I hope will be a long story, so people should read the Their Vampire Queen books before diving into this leg of the adventure. It's still a pretty bloody, steamy, magical, vampiric, reverse harem fantasy. There's some more Ancient Egyptian mythology added to this Queen's Blood, as well as a fascinating Japanese addition.
I'm so impressed that Joely Sue Burkhart kept the style consistent with the previous Vampire Queen books. The characters are still fabulous and I adore the cast of characters. I especially love the introduction to Sekh and the Army of Sekhmet! Sekhmet is probably the first vampire ever, so I was wondering if she would appear in this series.
It's been a long wait for Shara Isador's new series, but it was worth the wait. I just hope the next book will be released in less time than Queen's Crusade.
Several typos, and some signature grammar issues. But nothing distracted me from this breathtaking story.
May 6, 2024
Crusade
A phenomenal novel. I have loved every one of these books. They are all well thought out. Yes there's a lot of sex but it does not take away from the story at all. Sex is an integral part of these novels. The stories are well woven, the sex is a major part of the story because the power needed comes from blood and sex. It's special. These are not just slam bam thank you ma'am scenes. They communicate love and trust throughout. There's definitely a lot of darkness that happens in these books but it's because of love and protection. At times it feels like therapy. There are so many needs met and worked through it's unreal. There is laughter and love, trust, a complete support system, and the need to do what it takes to protect each other whether by the sword or a loving hand. These books are filled with violence, there's a lot of suspense. It's everything else into one. They are well written.
A phenomenal novel. I have loved every one of these books. They are all well thought out. Yes there's a lot of sex but it does not take away from the story at all. Sex is an integral part of these novels. The stories are well woven, the sex is a major part of the story because the power needed comes from blood and sex. It's special. These are not just slam bam thank you ma'am scenes. They communicate love and trust throughout. There's definitely a lot of darkness that happens in these books but it's because of love and protection. At times it feels like therapy. There are so many needs met and worked through it's unreal. There is laughter and love, trust, a complete support system, and the need to do what it takes to protect each other whether by the sword or a loving hand. These books are filled with violence, there's a lot of suspense. It's everything else into one. They are well written.
May 6, 2024
All the gang are back but that last battle cost them: Shara needs new Blood to maintain her position. But she’s still adamant she won’t take anyone she doesn’t love. Which means new characters for us.
I’ll admit, I don’t recall who all of her existing Blood are, and she definitely has favourites. But monsters need love too.
There’s more political manoeuvring in this one and we get a lot of backstory and history of Shara’s mother. As usual, this series like to push the taboo, and it’s running out of things to shock us. So obviously it has to find some more.
This is not a series I think you can just jump off from this point and make sense of, you really need to have read the original books first. Some of the side ones you can get away with skipping, but there’s so much backstory at this point you need that base.
I’ll admit, I don’t recall who all of her existing Blood are, and she definitely has favourites. But monsters need love too.
There’s more political manoeuvring in this one and we get a lot of backstory and history of Shara’s mother. As usual, this series like to push the taboo, and it’s running out of things to shock us. So obviously it has to find some more.
This is not a series I think you can just jump off from this point and make sense of, you really need to have read the original books first. Some of the side ones you can get away with skipping, but there’s so much backstory at this point you need that base.
May 7, 2024
Loved!
I missed this series, so glad I got to read this book!!
Shara still hasn't formally claimed her Triune seat yet. She needs to deal with the Dauphine first. But finding her is the tricky part. When one of Esetta's old Blood shows up the in NYC tainted with the Dauphine's taint, Shara is at a loss. Thierry was just needs of her mother's most important Blood , his gift is stopping time. But he's past being a thrall now, yet he refuses to die. He knows that she'll need him to defeat the Dauphine.
When 3 Skolos Queens are planning a meeting in Texas, Shara's ready to go to war. But it's a trap one Queen orchestrated without the others being aware of.
Can she survive this?
A must read, can't wait for the next book!!
I missed this series, so glad I got to read this book!!
Shara still hasn't formally claimed her Triune seat yet. She needs to deal with the Dauphine first. But finding her is the tricky part. When one of Esetta's old Blood shows up the in NYC tainted with the Dauphine's taint, Shara is at a loss. Thierry was just needs of her mother's most important Blood , his gift is stopping time. But he's past being a thrall now, yet he refuses to die. He knows that she'll need him to defeat the Dauphine.
When 3 Skolos Queens are planning a meeting in Texas, Shara's ready to go to war. But it's a trap one Queen orchestrated without the others being aware of.
Can she survive this?
A must read, can't wait for the next book!!
May 8, 2024
Long Live House Isador! Long Live Shara Isador!
Incredible.
Outstanding.
I laughed, i cried, i cheered with glee.... What a rollercoaster of emotions.
Joely sue Burkhart has done it yet again... She Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole damn time! But that ending 😍
This time around we learn much, much more about the game pieces Sharas Birth mother put in place long before Shara was even born. We see the blood struggle with the dynamics of things and with how quickly everything is changing. Some are still as stubborn as ever while others struggle to figure out their place among the other blood. Shara learns more than ever about the powers at play. She suffers heartbreak and loss but also gains so much in the process.
Incredible.
Outstanding.
I laughed, i cried, i cheered with glee.... What a rollercoaster of emotions.
Joely sue Burkhart has done it yet again... She Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole damn time! But that ending 😍
This time around we learn much, much more about the game pieces Sharas Birth mother put in place long before Shara was even born. We see the blood struggle with the dynamics of things and with how quickly everything is changing. Some are still as stubborn as ever while others struggle to figure out their place among the other blood. Shara learns more than ever about the powers at play. She suffers heartbreak and loss but also gains so much in the process.
May 20, 2024
"Queen’s Crusade" received FOUR stars.
It’s been a while since I wanted to start rereading a book as soon as I finished. So good!
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
It’s been a while since I wanted to start rereading a book as soon as I finished. So good!
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
August 18, 2024
Its never ending
"Though when I closed my eyes, I felt a whisper. A tug somewhere in the night. Too far away for me to tell a direction. At least one more Blood was still out there somewhere. Waiting for me. I’m coming, my Blood. I’ll find you as soon as I can." ...
I really liked this story even if it seems to be the story that never ends!! Honestly there is just always another book to read. There is so much more story to tell. I love the characters and the plot. I did however have to take a break because again, I wasn't ready for this story to keep going and adding more to it.
"Though when I closed my eyes, I felt a whisper. A tug somewhere in the night. Too far away for me to tell a direction. At least one more Blood was still out there somewhere. Waiting for me. I’m coming, my Blood. I’ll find you as soon as I can." ...
I really liked this story even if it seems to be the story that never ends!! Honestly there is just always another book to read. There is so much more story to tell. I love the characters and the plot. I did however have to take a break because again, I wasn't ready for this story to keep going and adding more to it.
August 25, 2025
Now THIS is the book that should have wrapped up the first series 🙌🏻 It’s still a HFN/ongoing story but it was definitely more of what a ‘last in series’ should feel like.
There’s def more MM in this book than in most of the first series! Sadly, so little FF tho 😢 We were also apparently deprived of a Shara/Mayte/Vivian scene??? 😩😩
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Series
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Their Vampire Queen Returns
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Dual narration
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: Shara’s current count is at 12M + 1F 😂
𝗛𝗘𝗔/𝗛𝗙𝗡: HFN/ongoing
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🏳️🌈
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: ✅ + 🏳️🌈 (with MM & FF)
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
♥︎ monster • paranormal romance
♥︎ vampires x shifters
♥︎ slow build harem
𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦:
♥︎ blood play
♥︎ dp
♥︎ lots of group scenes
There’s def more MM in this book than in most of the first series! Sadly, so little FF tho 😢 We were also apparently deprived of a Shara/Mayte/Vivian scene??? 😩😩
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Series
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Their Vampire Queen Returns
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Dual narration
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: Shara’s current count is at 12M + 1F 😂
𝗛𝗘𝗔/𝗛𝗙𝗡: HFN/ongoing
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🏳️🌈
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: ✅ + 🏳️🌈 (with MM & FF)
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
♥︎ monster • paranormal romance
♥︎ vampires x shifters
♥︎ slow build harem
𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦:
♥︎ blood play
♥︎ dp
♥︎ lots of group scenes
May 3, 2024
Queen Crusade
Welcome back Shara and all her Blood!!! So happy and excited to be back in this amazing and decadent world. Shara once again finds herself placed in the position of doing a Goddess’s bidding…and also having to realize that the rules that she has been working with are changing.
Grab a nice bottle of wine, order the family a pizza, then 🏃♀️ and find your favorite spot to read in. This book grabs you by the hand and takes you on the perfect journey!!!!! You’re going to laugh, cry, and need a cold, cold drink for all the fireworks this book has to offer.
Welcome back Shara and all her Blood!!! So happy and excited to be back in this amazing and decadent world. Shara once again finds herself placed in the position of doing a Goddess’s bidding…and also having to realize that the rules that she has been working with are changing.
Grab a nice bottle of wine, order the family a pizza, then 🏃♀️ and find your favorite spot to read in. This book grabs you by the hand and takes you on the perfect journey!!!!! You’re going to laugh, cry, and need a cold, cold drink for all the fireworks this book has to offer.
June 16, 2025
There is such a thing as too much. I was prepared for the usual blood orgies and ready to skim through them, but this goes beyond that. Even if you've read the earlier books about Shara and you kinda know what you're getting into, I feel like I deserved a trigger warning for these scenes that honestly resembles snuff. So warning, if you're not into reading about inner organs being ripped out during sex scenes, you might want to skip this. I think I'm done with this author. Also, the plot is maybe 30%, the rest is just "sex", if you can call it that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
Shara is back and things are about to get bloody. She is out to right the wrongs done to her and her family and none of her enemies are safe. Shara still loves all of her blood and will do anything for them. She ends up with new blood who changes things in many ways. Nothing is ever going to be the same again as they continue to play the queens game to the finish. Absolutely loved this book. I missed Shara and her blood. Can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.
May 4, 2024
SHE’S BACKKKK
I was so excited to get more of Shara’s story and boy did this chapter not disappoint!! The story is so addictive. With plot twists that are so emotional they threaten to break you as much as the characters. And the spice- there was still a high number of spicy scenes between Shara and her mates!
I’m excited to see what happens next, as well as finishing the other Queens stories! This expansive world is one I will never get enough of!
I was so excited to get more of Shara’s story and boy did this chapter not disappoint!! The story is so addictive. With plot twists that are so emotional they threaten to break you as much as the characters. And the spice- there was still a high number of spicy scenes between Shara and her mates!
I’m excited to see what happens next, as well as finishing the other Queens stories! This expansive world is one I will never get enough of!
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