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The Eternal Muse

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Isabel's life is ordinary—until a trip to the Louvre changes everything. Staring back at her from a centuries-old painting is a woman with her face. As if that isn't unsettling enough, the artist behind the exhibit, the enigmatic and dangerously captivating Sebastian, seems to know more about her than he lets on.

Drawn by an undeniable connection, Isabel follows Sebastian to the rolling hills of Italy. But her romantic getaway turns into a nightmare when she discovers he can pull her into the paintings—and that something dark is hunting her from inside them. Trapped between past and present, she must unravel the truth of the artist's muse, leaving her with the

Would you risk everything for a love painted across lifetimes?

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2025

6 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Chapman

18 books16 followers

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5 stars
12 (25%)
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24 (51%)
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10 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Chasing Silhouettes.
248 reviews25 followers
June 7, 2025
2.75🌟

“Let me find her,” he begged. “I can’t survive eternity without knowing I will eventually see her again. I’ll go mad.” (Pg 21)

Isabel hopped on a plane to Paris to see, for herself, the compelling paintings that depicted a woman who eerily resembled her. She meets Sabastian, and in that moment, a perfect stranger becomes a fascination.

Sabastian has been waiting for her for a very long time, tortured through time, painting her over and over again. Haunted by her, obsessed with her. His muse. When the lure finally hooks her to him, and she stands before his paintings, she is everything he could have hoped for and more.

When Isabel heads back to the United States, she ponders the possibilities and makes long arrangements toward visiting Italy... and Sabastian's castle. They forge a strange friendship through correspondence - writing letters. He makes a confession, but she reads it as a joke, that is, until she's with him again, and he shows her the truth of his words.

Time is never on their side and gets shorter with every new meeting... with every new chronic illness. Will there come a moment when time runs out for them? Or will they find a way to make it everlasting this time?

“Okay, yes, that was definitely weird. Especially when you licked me…was that entirely necessary?" (Pg 153)

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In my opinion, Sabastian's letters and tone of speech didn't seem to quite fit his character's persona. It was a little less elegant and a little on the corny side than I would have imagined. More modern with a hint of slang. Even though it seemed like the author was trying to portray that air of agelessness and isolation, his speech just didn't come off as believable for me.

Loved the premise of this book, but it really fell short for me. There were many times when I debated whether to DNF just because I wasn't feeling engaged enough with it and the characters. There was a part about a 3rd of the way through that gave me goosebumps, though 🤷‍♀️

eARC
Profile Image for Melanie Endicott.
70 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
Thank you to the author for allowing me to arc read this. This was such a good vampire book. But I felt like the characters were just a tiny bit whinny but it all ended good. I’m glad they got their HEA. 4/5*. Would recommend!
Profile Image for Sandra Gonzalez.
80 reviews
May 4, 2025
The concept of this book is what intrigued me. Art historical images and vampire tales in one. The author brings the scenery to you as the story unfolds.

I do feel the author fell short on bringing the romance between the two MC’s to life as the fmc felt way to distant and cold even after the return of crucial life details arise.

The story sorta ends abruptly with no further details to their futures but that leaves that part to each readers imagination.
36 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2025
I recently got to ARC read Ashley Chapman's "The Eternal Muse," and I am so thrilled I did! If you're looking for a vampire story that truly stands out, this is it. The creativity that went into crafting this book is just beautiful. The plot and storyline had me completely hooked from beginning to end. It’s such a refreshing, sweet, and wonderfully different take on the vampire stories we're all used to reading.
"Eternal Muse" isn't just another vampire book, it's uniquely written and plunges deep into a love story spanning centuries, filled with obsession and magic. This magic of the MMC is fascinating, both a blessing that keeps bringing his love back, and a curse, binding them in an endless cycle with consequences.

Now, about the romance: it’s definitely there, but it’s not the main event. There’s no big focus on building up the romance, and if you’re looking for spice, you won't find it here (as in, zero!). But honestly, don't let that sway you from reading this! The creativeness in every other aspect of this book more than makes up for it.

I will say, I was left with a few lingering questions. There were some story points brought up that I felt could have been explored with more detail, which would have made them even more impactful to the story. And the ending…Well, it kind of just... ended. I literally kept swiping my Kindle screen thinking it was frozen, only to realize that was it! It didn't leave off on a cliffhanger, but it didn't really offer closure either.
My biggest hope is that this means there's more to come from Ashley Chapman! This book has SO much potential to bloom into an amazing series. Seriously, I'd sprint to grab a prequel and a sequel if they were released. There's just so much ground here for "The Eternal Muse" to become the next big vampire series. For me, it's a 4 out of 5 stars!
Profile Image for Dolly.
132 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2025
American born Isabel learns of paintings of her face are in the Louvre in Paris. She feels the intense pull to go see them. There, she meets an italian painter named Sebastian (the actual artist of the paintings) and spends the day with him in the museum.
Once she returns home, she begins exchanging letters with Sebastian and learns more about him (most of which she's sure he's joking - especially about being a vampire).
With the help of her family, she takes the chance to go visit him in Italy. And this is where things start getting strange. She learns that he really is a vampire and the subject of his paintings is actually her - or the many reincarnations of her. He doesn't realize that every time he paints her, it steals a little bit of her soul, causing every incarnation to lead to an early demise (this current incarnation is currently in remission from lukemia).
He doesn't want to lose her again, so he goes to find out how he can save her.
But can he? Can he end the curse for his love that transcends centuries?
I very much enjoyed this story. Especially the chapter where they spoke to each other through letters. I had a giggle over how honest and clueless he is about the modern world - "the Google" conversation was amusing.
I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kayla Smith.
96 reviews
June 6, 2025
3.5⭐️
5❤️
0🌶️

This story is hauntingly beautiful and unlike anything I’ve read before. 🖼️🕰️💫

Isabel has spent her short life facing battles—especially with her health 💔🩺. But when she discovers a series of paintings that seem to mirror her soul, something deep inside pushes her to seek answers. So, she sets off on a journey that’s as emotional as it is mysterious ✈️🎨🔍

Enter Sebastian… an immortal artist who has spent centuries mourning the loss of his muse—his love—again and again. Until one day, something urges him to revisit his work… and there she is. Isabel. 💌🧑‍🎨💔

Letters exchanged across oceans 🌊✉️ bring them together, rekindling a bond neither fully understands, yet both feel in their bones. But just when things begin to align, a dark presence begins to stir…

🖤 A mysterious shadow
🧠 Forgotten memories
😱 A twist you won’t see coming

This is a story of soulmates, second chances, and a love that truly transcends time. It’s emotional, ethereal, and zero spice—but the passion and longing? 100%. 🫶⏳💭
Profile Image for Judith .
18 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2025
This is not normally my go to genre but I must admit I was intrigued when I came across the ARC opportunity. The Eternal Muse isn’t your usual Vampire story. I did enjoy that the author spotlighted Sebastian’s Magic over highlighting what we usually read about (drinking blood, changing someone or being out in the sun)

The start was a bit slow so it took a little to get me in the grove of the storyline. Sebastian is your super sweet loving MMC doting on his every lifetime love Isabel. When her life is in danger, he is set on getting answers. I didn’t get the strong romance connection from the two. Isabel felt quite distant to me. Given, she’s processing a lot throughout the book so maybe that’s why.

This book is not spicy which makes it tween/teen friendly. I could actually see this being a nice gateway book into this genre. I do wish I loved the book but again this isn’t my go to genre so I’m not totally surprised. It’s a quick read with all the feels. 3.5/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for LiteraryHouse .
45 reviews
June 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐
This was a cute story and a quick read. It has all the makings of a cozy paranormal romance, and while I enjoyed it overall, it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression.

One thing I did really like was the vampire lore it was fun and well-woven into the story. I think part of why I wasn’t totally wowed is the emotional and romantic tension just wasn’t there for me. I kept waiting for that sense of yearning, of forbidden desire—especially from Sebastian. There was such an opportunity to explore his struggle with wanting to touch or be close to her while knowing he shouldn’t or couldn’t, and it was kind of glossed over.

Everything tied up nicely, and there’s nothing wrong with the story but it was missing that je ne sais quoi, that extra layer of angst or chemistry to really make it memorable.

If you're looking for a light and sweet paranormal romance with vampires, this might be your thing.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Allison.
19 reviews
May 8, 2025
Sebastian is a master painter, but he only paints one subject. The woman is so lifelike you'd think she was watching you...or maybe she is. Isabel becomes transfixed by his paintings at the Louvre, not because of the realism, but because the woman looks just. like. her. Sebastian and Isabel learn the hard way what it means to have eternal love, strong familial bonds, and the humbleness to admit you've screwed up.

Chapman's The Eternal Muse brings a fresh take to vampire romance, focusing less on blood drinking and more on the unique magic among them. Just how much of a blessing vs. a curse that magic is, however, ends up being the real question.

I loved the creativity behind Sebastian's ability, and the setting descriptions were wonderfully detailed. The story flowed from start to finish and had a solid wrap-up, but it could easily be continued with a sequel. Vlad Tepes, anyone?
Profile Image for TheLiterary Mug.
208 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2025
A cozy comfort read, beautifully written about a deep love that extends beyond centuries. Sebastian (Vampire) living an eternal life yearning and searching for his dark Raven haired love (Mirabel) Isabel.
It’s completely sweet and sinful the way Sebastian and Isabel intertwine, strangers in this lifetime with a strong magic element holding the threads of fated encounters and unforeseen dangers. (Giving me Dracula vibes)
As Isabel is drawn to Sebastian like a lifeline to her own heart beat, feeling complete and torn as she fights her own illnesses threatening her finally found happiness and to resist Isabel is to defy Sebastians very nature, but to surrender is to risk everything Sebastian holds dear, and losing her again is not an option. This new twist on a Vampire story is delightful.




Profile Image for Daniya.
36 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2025
🎨 e-ARC Review 🎨

Rating - 3.5/5

This one left me with mixed feelings. I really liked the atmosphere soft, romantic, and a little sad in a beautiful way. The "we've known each other in another life" angle was super intriguing, and there were a few emotional moments that genuinely stuck with me.

That said, I didn't always feel fully pulled in. The pacing dragged at times, and some scenes felt repetitive or like they were just there to fill space. It's one of those books where I liked the idea more than how it actually played out.

Still, I don't regret reading it. It had heart, a few standout moments, and I can see why others might love it more than I did. Not a favorite, but worth a read if you're into slow, fate-tied romance.

Thank you Ashley for giving me the opportunity to read this Arc.
33 reviews
May 4, 2025
The Forever Muse takes some familiar tropes (vampires and fate) and gives them a new twist. I enjoyed reading a fresh take on the vampire genre.
And while it does center around a love story, the 🌶️ level is minimal…The kind of book you wouldn’t mind talking to your mother about.
Slight spoiler possibility…
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The ending is really abrupt, like it feels like it is missing an epilogue.

I received an ARC (thanks, Ashley!) so it may be an error? Not sure.

It’s fun, it’s different from other vampire stories just enough to feel fresh. You could read aloud to most children old enough for vampire stories.
It left me feeling like ginger on a sushi plate- a great palate cleanser from what I’ve been reading.
Profile Image for Patsy.
405 reviews20 followers
May 10, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book literally had me at the word werewolf. Renall, our MMC, is defiant in all of the best ways and very protective of our FMC, Autumn. We should all have a Renall in our lives. He is protective without being all consuming.

The FMC Autumn was not only surprised that there were werewolves but she had so much to discover about herself. Her path beginning with pain set the tone for this story. My heart brole for her in the beginning and cheered for her half way through to the end.

I got fantasy and romance as well as intrigue and action in this book. I devoured this book in three days. I definitely want to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Hannah.
870 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2025
This PNR takes the vampire legend and adds an interesting spin - each vampire has a unique magical ability. For some, it’s a healing ability. For Sebastian, it’s the ability to paint using magic.

He paints his Muse, Isabel, over centuries. They have loved each other in every life she has lived…but this life will be the one to break the cycle, for good or bad.

The magic painting was a unique touch to a much-used theme. It’s a closed door book with some interesting side characters and international travel. I don’t know if there are plans for more in this world, but there’s certainly room to explore other characters.

I didn’t connect particularly well with the relationship between Sebastian and Isabel. It was an easy read, but I’m not sure I’d read more if it became a series.
Profile Image for Katie.
11 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2025
I had the lovely experience of being able to be an ARC reader for this book. This is definitely a book that is outside of what I normally read. However this book caught my attention because of what it was about.
-Vampires (check)
-Love story (check)

The love story between Sebastian and Isabel was one I feel like I will remember. The book has a bit of a slow start so it took me a little while to get into the book but once i started getting further into the book it got better. One of my favorite scenes is the letter writing between the main characters. I also love that it is dual POV which gives you an insight to both characters thoughts during the book.
Profile Image for Lynda Malone.
123 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2025
Eternal Muse

This was such a good read. I devoured it in one sitting.

I was hesitant at first, when I realised that it was another vampire story but man, I loved it. It had such a unique storyline.

Isabel and Sebastian are so well written and their story transcends time. Learning about this world along with Isabel gives you a front row seat and it lets you feel everything. Sebastian is one fine vampire who loves Isabel completely and has to wait for her to remember. His pain and frustration is felt throughout the whole story and the ending keeps you guessing till the final page.

Well done Ashley, this is a brilliant book
Profile Image for FN.
320 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2025
A tale of love, guilt, and redemption, as the MMC grapples with his past choices, and of course it involves unique magic to its kind. A haunting, slow burn emotional journey that explores the cost of immortality and the power of sacrifice. I love how the vampire community are being described here, I would never look at them the same again.

But the ending though...felt too abrupt and like there's more to it. Overall it has been an enjoyable read.

Thank you for the ARC opportunity and im leaving this review voluntarily.
4 reviews
May 19, 2025
This vampiric romance puts a new spin on immortality; it was fun to read about a different perspective on soul mates and the afterlife. It starts off a bit slow, but the attention to detail and descriptions make sense later in the book. Definitely a good intro for someone starting to explore the genre, clean and tween-friendly.The story has a bit of an abrupt ending following such detail early on that left me wanting more. The story ended with a setup for another novel that I would read to see where the characters go once they conquered their biggest obstacle.
Profile Image for ⋆。‧˚ʚ Chantal ɞ˚‧。⋆.
142 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2025
I thought this was an okay book. The beginning was promising, but it sorta went in a different direction.
I definitely would rate it around 3.25/5, if I'm being honest.

❌:
• The dialogue was a bit cheesy (especially with the older vampires)
• The FMC is in her late 20's but acted kinda childish at times
• I didn't feel a romantic connection between the two MCs tbh (despite them being lovers for centuries/in every lifetime)

✔️:
• Reincarnation trope
• How vampires function/how their venom works
• The magic aspect
• The vampire coven/their loyalty
Profile Image for Angiewagg.
289 reviews26 followers
May 2, 2025
When you read the book you will understand the title better.
Isabel is just an ordinary girl until a trip to the market.
Then she sees a art exhibit which she finds very intriguing.
She meets Sebastian and decides to throw her life out the window and follow him.
But, what are the secrets that he hides in Italy? Is LOVE really worth it?
Well written and very easy to read.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
54 reviews6 followers
May 3, 2025
This was a cute little read! Not something I typically pick up but it was worth it! Think a tale as old as time, and something to swoon over... Old magic, ancient libraries, a romance that sweeps you off your feet. The Princess Bride meets vampires, with a vampiric take that I haven’t really seen before! My heart achedddd for Sebastian, I couldn’t not imagine losing the love of your life multiple times or multiple lifetimes.
Profile Image for Erika.
138 reviews26 followers
May 31, 2025
This is a great little book with a really cool plot! It was unique in that the couple is/has been together already, but the FMC doesn’t retain her past life memories immediately. At times I felt the dialogue was ill-suited, and the story could be a little more fleshed out (though I always appreciate a digestible fantasy!). Overall, however, it was a pleasure to read a novel of a local to me author!
Profile Image for Tammy.
31 reviews5 followers
June 6, 2025
This is a good story however I felt the connection between Sebastian and Isabel could have been more intense when she received her memories back. Even the connection beforehand was a little ehh.

There isn’t any spice so this would be a good book for a tween/teen.

Chapman did do a different take on the whole vampire story that we are used to reading about. Which was refreshing.

I rounded up the stars to 4. It is a cute story and it would be good to read more from Chapman.
Profile Image for Allie.
60 reviews24 followers
June 7, 2025
🖤arc review🖤

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Would you risk everything for a love painted across lifetimes?

Being a huge vampire fan, I was truly excited to read this book. Right from the beginning I was locked in!
This is one of the most romantic things I've read 😍 Everything about this book is wonderful!
Vampires are so dramatic and this definitely touches that with a few of the characters.

Definitely one for the TBR list you guys🖤
Profile Image for Jessica Long.
65 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2025
I wasn't very happy at the beginning of the book bc the relationship between the FMC and MMC. However, the further along the book went the more I understood why. This ended up being a favorite for me and I really hope that the author writes a second book because it feels like this book was left on a huge cliffhanger. While it read like a romance, I really liked the dark atmosphere and the mystery that were tied into the book.
Profile Image for Courtney Gittins.
73 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2025

Sebastian is a vampire searching for his soulmate who is reincarnated each lifetime ends. But they never get a long life together so he is forever searching. The story had a unique premise, with an interesting narrative. It was easy to read and follow, however, I didn't feel any deep connection to the characters. I did enjoy it enough to want to know how it ends and I found I read it quite quickly. The ending really snuck up on me and it felt like it ended abruptly, to the point where I checked to ensure I wasn't missing any end pages.

Thank you to the author for gifting me this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shana Brown.
4 reviews
April 30, 2025
This is like The Princess Bride for vampires. It’s so sweet and romantic.

I smile out loud the whole time.

There’s also lost ancient magic and long forgotten ancient libraries. How romantic. 😍 I binged this in one day.

Pros: This book doesn’t overtly slap you in the face with scenes just to force shock and aw but rather builds emotion.
7 reviews
May 3, 2025
Was blessed to be an ARC reader for this book! The book started out slow but once you get the back story you are brought in! If you love a good romance story with some vampires and a little of historical timelines this is the story for you! Was a little sad how the story ended……is this a hint that there will be another book maybe on Remus?!!!??!
Profile Image for Teri Shaver.
48 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2025
The first Chapter of The Eternal Muse sucks you in with its weaving of a mysterious woman and what she means to the main character Sebastian. Watching the plot develop and learning more about the history and art that he creates and how it ties into the love and backstory of his and the FMC’s lives really blends the mystery and romance together.

Profile Image for Maren Campbell .
19 reviews
June 24, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It was so different from any other vampire story I’ve ever read and I’m honored to have read this ARC! While I received this as an ARC, all opinions are my own.

I absolutely love the idea of finding your soulmate again and again in each life, especially when one of them is a vampire and the other is human. This book definitely has that, but also has art, family, and drama! That and all the complications you can think of that would come with vampiric magic and an eternal life spent trying to find your muse and soul mate in each of her lives.

I highly recommend this love story!
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