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Fated Seasons #2
Blood Slumber
Her revenge depends on waking her enemy from his hundred-year sleep...
Former princess Celandine is plotting to bring down the men who stole her throne. She needs help from someone even more the immortal who battled her ancestors. With his fangs and dark magic, he can destroy her present-day enemies, and then she'll double cross the ancient creature to complete her victory. But when she wakes him with a drink of her blood, his bite ignites desire in her that could bring her careful plan crashing down.
Troi wakes to find that everyone he once loved is gone. With nothing left to live for but vengeance, he agrees to help Celandine infiltrate the summer solstice ball by posing as her husband. He knows he can't trust the scheming descendant of his sworn enemies, and yet the taste of her blood makes him feel like she's really his.
Can he tempt her to abandon her devious plot, or will her betrayal destroy them both?
Blood Slumber is a romantasy with an HEA for fans of spicy, enemies-to-lovers romance and fanged twists on fairy tales. This standalone novella is set in the epic fantasy world of the Best of #BookTok Amazon top 15 bestseller Blood Mercy.
Former princess Celandine is plotting to bring down the men who stole her throne. She needs help from someone even more the immortal who battled her ancestors. With his fangs and dark magic, he can destroy her present-day enemies, and then she'll double cross the ancient creature to complete her victory. But when she wakes him with a drink of her blood, his bite ignites desire in her that could bring her careful plan crashing down.
Troi wakes to find that everyone he once loved is gone. With nothing left to live for but vengeance, he agrees to help Celandine infiltrate the summer solstice ball by posing as her husband. He knows he can't trust the scheming descendant of his sworn enemies, and yet the taste of her blood makes him feel like she's really his.
Can he tempt her to abandon her devious plot, or will her betrayal destroy them both?
Blood Slumber is a romantasy with an HEA for fans of spicy, enemies-to-lovers romance and fanged twists on fairy tales. This standalone novella is set in the epic fantasy world of the Best of #BookTok Amazon top 15 bestseller Blood Mercy.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2025
38 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Vela Roth
17 books650 followersGet a free book when you sign up for Vela's mailing list at vroth.co/signup!
Vela Roth manifested unstable writing powers at a young age, and many of her early experiments had unintended results. As she grew, a curriculum of fantasy novels with kickass heroines helped her learn to control and wield her abilities.
Eventually she dared pursue the knowledge inside the most forbidden tomes: romance novels. She's been practicing the dark arts of fantasy romance ever since, but she strives to use her novels only for good.
She lives in a solar-powered writer's garret at the foot of the mountains. Her familiar is a rescue cat with a missing fang and a huge heart. When not typing furiously at her manuscript, she can usually be found gaming on her home-built PC or trying to grow roses in the desert.
She loves hearing from readers and hopes you'll visit her at velaroth.com.
Vela Roth manifested unstable writing powers at a young age, and many of her early experiments had unintended results. As she grew, a curriculum of fantasy novels with kickass heroines helped her learn to control and wield her abilities.
Eventually she dared pursue the knowledge inside the most forbidden tomes: romance novels. She's been practicing the dark arts of fantasy romance ever since, but she strives to use her novels only for good.
She lives in a solar-powered writer's garret at the foot of the mountains. Her familiar is a rescue cat with a missing fang and a huge heart. When not typing furiously at her manuscript, she can usually be found gaming on her home-built PC or trying to grow roses in the desert.
She loves hearing from readers and hopes you'll visit her at velaroth.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 20, 2025
Good lord, I love this world/universe so incredibly much; it's a joy every time I read something in it. As I slowly but surely make my way through the Blood Grace series, I've been having so much fun reading all the novellas about side characters that are interesting and dynamic and have their own important stories that tie into the larger series so seamlessly.
Hesperine Troi and former princess Celandine team up to overthrow the oppressive bloodline that thrust them out of their destinies and in the process, learn a lot about trust, love, and setting forth on a new path. These are two characters who suffered more than most could endure but allowed themselves to open up and lean on each other for the sake of the bigger picture even though they were technically enemies as well.
This is a Sleeping Beauty reimagining where the male main character is the one who has been asleep for 100 years, and I really enjoyed this twist on that classic tale. Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite fairy tales so I am a bit biased and often love reimaginings/retellings of the tale, but this was genuinely so captivating to read and masterfully executed.
Vela's vision for this series and the life she breathes into these characters never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat. As always, the writing was lyrical, beautiful, and exciting. Her skill for writing strong, intelligent women who take no nonsense and (vampire) men who are consent kings who would probably follow their women around on their knees if they could ate as usual. Also, Celandine is 34 and acts that way, I win!
Side note: the spice was so incredible I actually cannot speak about it or I will burst into flames.
Thank you to Vela Roth and behindthepagesPR for providing me with an ARC!
5 ⭐️s
2 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date 06/21/25
Hesperine Troi and former princess Celandine team up to overthrow the oppressive bloodline that thrust them out of their destinies and in the process, learn a lot about trust, love, and setting forth on a new path. These are two characters who suffered more than most could endure but allowed themselves to open up and lean on each other for the sake of the bigger picture even though they were technically enemies as well.
This is a Sleeping Beauty reimagining where the male main character is the one who has been asleep for 100 years, and I really enjoyed this twist on that classic tale. Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite fairy tales so I am a bit biased and often love reimaginings/retellings of the tale, but this was genuinely so captivating to read and masterfully executed.
Vela's vision for this series and the life she breathes into these characters never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat. As always, the writing was lyrical, beautiful, and exciting. Her skill for writing strong, intelligent women who take no nonsense and (vampire) men who are consent kings who would probably follow their women around on their knees if they could ate as usual. Also, Celandine is 34 and acts that way, I win!
Side note: the spice was so incredible I actually cannot speak about it or I will burst into flames.
Thank you to Vela Roth and behindthepagesPR for providing me with an ARC!
5 ⭐️s
2 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date 06/21/25
June 15, 2025
Okay, I’ve only read the novellas in this universe so far, but at this point? I need to dive into the full series immediately. Vela Roth has this sorcery-level ability to cram world-building, character dynamics, spice, and plot into less than 150 pages without it feeling rushed. It shouldn’t work, and yet it does. Every time.
This one is no different. The lore continues to tease something epic happening behind the scenes, and I was completely hooked by the idea of awakening a centuries-old immortal to use him as a weapon. And then getting tangled up in something much messier (and spicier). The awakening scene is amazinggg.
This novella is light and fast. It's romantic, spicy, and layered with just enough emotional depth and political scheming to make it feel grounded. Vela’s enemies-to-lovers game is strong here, and Troi and Celandine have the kind of tension that practically begs for disaster… or a very satisfying HEA.
Highly recommend if you’re craving a bite-sized romantasy with fangs. I had a blast.
Thank you so much to the author and Behind the Pages for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This one is no different. The lore continues to tease something epic happening behind the scenes, and I was completely hooked by the idea of awakening a centuries-old immortal to use him as a weapon. And then getting tangled up in something much messier (and spicier). The awakening scene is amazinggg.
This novella is light and fast. It's romantic, spicy, and layered with just enough emotional depth and political scheming to make it feel grounded. Vela’s enemies-to-lovers game is strong here, and Troi and Celandine have the kind of tension that practically begs for disaster… or a very satisfying HEA.
Highly recommend if you’re craving a bite-sized romantasy with fangs. I had a blast.
Thank you so much to the author and Behind the Pages for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
June 22, 2025
This was a cute novella, set in the world of Blood Mercy but hundreds of years before its events. I really enjoy these meet cutes of different Hesperines and the dangerous ladies that capture their hearts.
If you haven’t yet read Blood Mercy, what are you doing read it asap. But if you are intimidated by a nine book with no end in sight series, maybe try out this novella to see if you like the style of writing and the world building. Be aware it is a novella and not that long in length so the pace of the story is very quick. It’s like an appetizer for those who haven’t read it and a dessert for those who have and miss the world.
I absolutely adore Blood Mercy and this is a Romeo and Juliet X Gender-bent Sleeping Beauty version of it and I LOVED it. Please do give it a try if you are on the fence! Can’t wait for any other morsels Vela Roth gives me!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you haven’t yet read Blood Mercy, what are you doing read it asap. But if you are intimidated by a nine book with no end in sight series, maybe try out this novella to see if you like the style of writing and the world building. Be aware it is a novella and not that long in length so the pace of the story is very quick. It’s like an appetizer for those who haven’t read it and a dessert for those who have and miss the world.
I absolutely adore Blood Mercy and this is a Romeo and Juliet X Gender-bent Sleeping Beauty version of it and I LOVED it. Please do give it a try if you are on the fence! Can’t wait for any other morsels Vela Roth gives me!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2025
Blood Slumber is the second Vela Roth novella I've read and enjoyed. Vela manages to pack so much into a short page count without it being detrimental to the story being told. We still get character history and development, world-building, romance, and a satisfying conclusion. You could read this along with other stories in this world, or as a standalone and it wouldn't harm your experience. This is a skill that not every writer possesses. I really enjoyed the main characters in this novella and wouldn't mind reading more about them!
Thanks to Vela and Behind the Pages for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
Thanks to Vela and Behind the Pages for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
July 3, 2025
Love this vampire take on Sleeping Beauty with mf role reversal. Very fun short in Vela Roth’s Blood Grace universe.
July 9, 2025
Meh a nice and sexy novella. I couldn't really grasp this fantasy world but the characters were engaging enough that I didn't worry about truly understanding the world building.
June 21, 2025
Happy Release Day to Vela Roth’s Blood Slumber! I was so lucky to get an ARC of this novella and have been a big fan of Vela’s work for years so I’m really excited for more of her work!
This novella was a quick and SPICY read! I love the chemistry between these two and I absolutely adore them individually. Celandine has a strong head on her shoulders and knows exactly what she wants and isn’t around for games. Troi has a great balance of being aloof and then super direct. 😂 We also have an appearance of my favorite Hespy so I’m gonna pretend Vela did that for me. 😤
If you like socialist, powerful, and sweet vampires that do WORK against the Patriarchy and very much have ‘touch my person and die’ energy then this novella and this world is for you.
This novella was a quick and SPICY read! I love the chemistry between these two and I absolutely adore them individually. Celandine has a strong head on her shoulders and knows exactly what she wants and isn’t around for games. Troi has a great balance of being aloof and then super direct. 😂 We also have an appearance of my favorite Hespy so I’m gonna pretend Vela did that for me. 😤
If you like socialist, powerful, and sweet vampires that do WORK against the Patriarchy and very much have ‘touch my person and die’ energy then this novella and this world is for you.
January 15, 2026
3.70 ⭐️
Very short read that was, for me, a bit too spicy (and by spice, I mean fang bang (vamp) spice), but still really enjoyable and sweet!
Very short read that was, for me, a bit too spicy (and by spice, I mean fang bang (vamp) spice), but still really enjoyable and sweet!
January 15, 2026
There’s a heavier, more intense tone this time around that really worked for me. The character dynamics grow more complex, the atmosphere feels thicker, and the slow build makes the payoff feel earned.
June 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are a fan of Vela Roth and her Blood Grace series, you will love this short and spicy novella. If you haven’t read Vela or any of the Blood Grace books, what are you waiting for?! This is the perfect novella to introduce you to this world and the amazing storytelling abilities that Vela possesses.
In this quick, but wonderful book, you will find yourself thrown into a beautiful universe where vengeance is the main goal. The amount of information, world building, character development, and spice that Vela fits into a book just over 100 pages is a testament to her abilities as an author. I will never get tired of reading her or about this world that she has created. I never feel as if anything is missing or rushed through, while knowing each story ties into the overall series beautifully.
Celandine is out for revenge and she knows the perfect partner to help her obtain it. With a plan to awaken an immortal and then double cross him, she is confident in her plan. Troi has been asleep for over 100 years and upon drinking from Celandine, not only is he awakened, but desires burn deep within him as well. He too wants revenge on those who took away everyone and everything he once loved. Neither of them trust each other, but neither can deny the pull they feel towards each other.
As Celandine and Troi begin their journey together, I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry, witty banter, and their fight to give in to their feelings. And while I was ready for their romance to combust, their individual stories of becoming like they are is still told and captivating. I didn’t want their story to end. I easily could and would read a full length novel about these two and maybe, just maybe, that is the future for this series.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🩸Close Proximity
💋One Bed
🩸Enemies to Lovers
💋Spinning Magic
🩸Sleeping Beauty Gender Swap Vibes
💋Sleeping Beauty Reimagined
🩸Fake Relationship
💋Novella
If you are a fan of Vela Roth and her Blood Grace series, you will love this short and spicy novella. If you haven’t read Vela or any of the Blood Grace books, what are you waiting for?! This is the perfect novella to introduce you to this world and the amazing storytelling abilities that Vela possesses.
In this quick, but wonderful book, you will find yourself thrown into a beautiful universe where vengeance is the main goal. The amount of information, world building, character development, and spice that Vela fits into a book just over 100 pages is a testament to her abilities as an author. I will never get tired of reading her or about this world that she has created. I never feel as if anything is missing or rushed through, while knowing each story ties into the overall series beautifully.
Celandine is out for revenge and she knows the perfect partner to help her obtain it. With a plan to awaken an immortal and then double cross him, she is confident in her plan. Troi has been asleep for over 100 years and upon drinking from Celandine, not only is he awakened, but desires burn deep within him as well. He too wants revenge on those who took away everyone and everything he once loved. Neither of them trust each other, but neither can deny the pull they feel towards each other.
As Celandine and Troi begin their journey together, I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry, witty banter, and their fight to give in to their feelings. And while I was ready for their romance to combust, their individual stories of becoming like they are is still told and captivating. I didn’t want their story to end. I easily could and would read a full length novel about these two and maybe, just maybe, that is the future for this series.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🩸Close Proximity
💋One Bed
🩸Enemies to Lovers
💋Spinning Magic
🩸Sleeping Beauty Gender Swap Vibes
💋Sleeping Beauty Reimagined
🩸Fake Relationship
💋Novella
June 21, 2025
Title: Blood Slumber (Blood Grace)
Author: Vela Roth
Synopsis: Her revenge depends on waking her enemy from his hundred-year sleep...
Former princess Celandine is plotting to bring down the men who stole her throne. She needs help from someone even more the immortal who battled her ancestors. With his fangs and dark magic, he can destroy her present-day enemies, and then she'll double cross the ancient creature to complete her victory. But when she wakes him with a drink of her blood, his bite ignites desire in her that could bring her careful plan crashing down.
Troi wakes to find that everyone he once loved is gone. With nothing left to live for but vengeance, he agrees to help Celandine infiltrate the summer solstice ball by posing as her husband. He knows he can't trust the scheming descendant of his sworn enemies, and yet the taste of her blood makes him feel like she's really his.
Can he tempt her to abandon her devious plot, or will her betrayal destroy them both?
Review: I feel incredibly lucky that I was able to read this as an arc!! The way the whole novella started felt almost like reading a fairytale! Her writing is impeccable and it fits this whole she has created perfectly! I need to know how does she created creators and world in such a short amount of pages? What sorcery is this? I loved learning about Celandine and Tori’s story! I sympathized with what has happened to them to make them into the person who they are! I couldn’t believe it when I finished it because I kept checking to see if there was another chapter! I didn’t want it to end! If you liked this novella or you want to read it you can start with this book as an introduction into the world of the blood grace series! You will not regret!
Author: Vela Roth
Synopsis: Her revenge depends on waking her enemy from his hundred-year sleep...
Former princess Celandine is plotting to bring down the men who stole her throne. She needs help from someone even more the immortal who battled her ancestors. With his fangs and dark magic, he can destroy her present-day enemies, and then she'll double cross the ancient creature to complete her victory. But when she wakes him with a drink of her blood, his bite ignites desire in her that could bring her careful plan crashing down.
Troi wakes to find that everyone he once loved is gone. With nothing left to live for but vengeance, he agrees to help Celandine infiltrate the summer solstice ball by posing as her husband. He knows he can't trust the scheming descendant of his sworn enemies, and yet the taste of her blood makes him feel like she's really his.
Can he tempt her to abandon her devious plot, or will her betrayal destroy them both?
Review: I feel incredibly lucky that I was able to read this as an arc!! The way the whole novella started felt almost like reading a fairytale! Her writing is impeccable and it fits this whole she has created perfectly! I need to know how does she created creators and world in such a short amount of pages? What sorcery is this? I loved learning about Celandine and Tori’s story! I sympathized with what has happened to them to make them into the person who they are! I couldn’t believe it when I finished it because I kept checking to see if there was another chapter! I didn’t want it to end! If you liked this novella or you want to read it you can start with this book as an introduction into the world of the blood grace series! You will not regret!
June 23, 2025
▸Sleeping beauty gender swap
▸Enemies to lovers
▸Forced proximity
▸Fake relationship
▸Vampires
▸Revenge
▸Forbidden magic
▸Spice with fangs
▸Spin-off novella
Celandine and Troi families have been enemies for centuries but they both shared the same enemy—Rixor I stole Troi's throne, then centuries later his descendant, Rixor IV stole Celandine's throne. Celandine needs Troi's fang and dark magic to reclaim her throne, but she must first wake Troi who has been sleeping for more than a century since he was turned into a Hesperine
I will read any Vela Roth book that thrown at me. I am so happy to be back in Hesperine's world!🥰 I miss Lio and Cassia so much❣ this book set in the same universe as the Blood Grace series and there are some characters in Blood Grace mentioned in this book. a novella with light conflict, intriguing plot, and strong characters make this book impossible to put down, I read it in one sitting! highly recommended!✨
♥️Thank you so much Vela Roth for the gifted copy, I'm so very grateful for the opportunity♥️
▸Enemies to lovers
▸Forced proximity
▸Fake relationship
▸Vampires
▸Revenge
▸Forbidden magic
▸Spice with fangs
▸Spin-off novella
"A Pavo princess brought low in the Temple of Chera," he mused.
"Almost as humiliating as a Taurus prince turned into a Hesperine."
Celandine and Troi families have been enemies for centuries but they both shared the same enemy—Rixor I stole Troi's throne, then centuries later his descendant, Rixor IV stole Celandine's throne. Celandine needs Troi's fang and dark magic to reclaim her throne, but she must first wake Troi who has been sleeping for more than a century since he was turned into a Hesperine
"You can take a Pavo princess out of her court," he said, "but you cannot take the courtier out of a Pavo princess."
She replied, "You can take a Taurus prince off his battlefield, but you cannot take the fight out of a Taurus prince."
"I see we understand each other."
I will read any Vela Roth book that thrown at me. I am so happy to be back in Hesperine's world!🥰 I miss Lio and Cassia so much❣ this book set in the same universe as the Blood Grace series and there are some characters in Blood Grace mentioned in this book. a novella with light conflict, intriguing plot, and strong characters make this book impossible to put down, I read it in one sitting! highly recommended!✨
♥️Thank you so much Vela Roth for the gifted copy, I'm so very grateful for the opportunity♥️
June 21, 2025
He who slumbers for a century will wake with an ancient appetite…
She who was silenced will spin more than broken tales from a stolen victory…
In this fanged twist on a beloved fairy tale that is held within the gentle touch of a Hesperine’s love, Troi and Celandine unite under the name of Vengeance to form a dangerous liaison that will either challenge their enemies or destroy them both.
Blood Slumber was an absolutely enchanting novella about two hungry souls stolen from their lives who return to reclaim broken legacies but find in their vengeance that those tethered together for the sake of revenge may be bound by something greater and infinitely more terrifying.
In this stunning addition to the Blood Grace world, enchantments are slyly spun to weave a tale about devoted reclamation and the love that is found when certain spells are cast and left to be undone. Another gorgeous work from Vela Roth, this novella stands as both the perfect compliment to the immersive world of BG while also standing independent in the love story that is so completely and charmingly gifted to readers!
Vela Roth is incapable of delivering anything but a beautiful work of literature, and this newest novella stands as a perfect testament to her ability to create so much magic in just over 100 pages. I have already reread this novella and will begin a third read of it as soon as this review is posted ✌🏼
She who was silenced will spin more than broken tales from a stolen victory…
In this fanged twist on a beloved fairy tale that is held within the gentle touch of a Hesperine’s love, Troi and Celandine unite under the name of Vengeance to form a dangerous liaison that will either challenge their enemies or destroy them both.
Blood Slumber was an absolutely enchanting novella about two hungry souls stolen from their lives who return to reclaim broken legacies but find in their vengeance that those tethered together for the sake of revenge may be bound by something greater and infinitely more terrifying.
In this stunning addition to the Blood Grace world, enchantments are slyly spun to weave a tale about devoted reclamation and the love that is found when certain spells are cast and left to be undone. Another gorgeous work from Vela Roth, this novella stands as both the perfect compliment to the immersive world of BG while also standing independent in the love story that is so completely and charmingly gifted to readers!
Vela Roth is incapable of delivering anything but a beautiful work of literature, and this newest novella stands as a perfect testament to her ability to create so much magic in just over 100 pages. I have already reread this novella and will begin a third read of it as soon as this review is posted ✌🏼
June 7, 2025
Blood Slumber
Author: Vela Roth
Pub Date: June 21, 2025
Stars Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Scoville Spice Scale 🌶🌶¾
Blood Slumber💤, a novella, is set in Vela Roth's Blood Grace Universe - a Vampiric Magical world of Hespirines (the beings who are vampiric) and the human counterparts some of whom yield their own magic (mages). This story reverses the roles of Sleeping Beauty. Celandine plays our Princess who is definitely not sleeping and Troi is our sleeping cutie, a Prince become Hesparine who has been trapped in a hundred year long slumber.
Vela has taken these two characters and her side characters and given them so much life in a novella. I adored watching the Enemies (in this case, Pavo vs. Taurus) become lovers. We find out just how cruel the orders can be to the less dedicated members of their order. Troi, in preparation for their big plot, becomes more and more enamored with Celandine as he dances with her. They both open up about their past and learn a great deal about what they knew was wrong. But they both have vendettes to carry out. Will they get lost in their individual vendettas or see it through together?
Reader, go pre-order this book now! You won't want to miss it!
Thank you to the author who gifted me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
#bloodslumber #bloodgrace #velaroth #vampire #sleepingbeauty #fairytaleretellings
Author: Vela Roth
Pub Date: June 21, 2025
Stars Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Scoville Spice Scale 🌶🌶¾
Blood Slumber💤, a novella, is set in Vela Roth's Blood Grace Universe - a Vampiric Magical world of Hespirines (the beings who are vampiric) and the human counterparts some of whom yield their own magic (mages). This story reverses the roles of Sleeping Beauty. Celandine plays our Princess who is definitely not sleeping and Troi is our sleeping cutie, a Prince become Hesparine who has been trapped in a hundred year long slumber.
Vela has taken these two characters and her side characters and given them so much life in a novella. I adored watching the Enemies (in this case, Pavo vs. Taurus) become lovers. We find out just how cruel the orders can be to the less dedicated members of their order. Troi, in preparation for their big plot, becomes more and more enamored with Celandine as he dances with her. They both open up about their past and learn a great deal about what they knew was wrong. But they both have vendettes to carry out. Will they get lost in their individual vendettas or see it through together?
Reader, go pre-order this book now! You won't want to miss it!
Thank you to the author who gifted me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
#bloodslumber #bloodgrace #velaroth #vampire #sleepingbeauty #fairytaleretellings
June 9, 2025
I received a free ARC copy of this short story.
Ah! It felt good to be back in this world while we wait for the next Blood Grace novel. Reading Vela's decadent prose always feels like sinking into a warm bath, and this was no exception. A little Sleeping Beauty, a little B&tB, and a little Romeo and Juliet all combine for a delicious experience.
This has all the Vela staples - a capable and clever female protag with goals and agency, a gentlemanly vampire hottie, worldbuilding, female empowerment, magic, spice...what more could you ask for? I especially loved the look into Chera magic, since this is something I don't think we've really explored in the mainline books. I loved the weaving aspect, the feel of it synced up really well with the Hesperine veils and such. I think we're supposed to get a cameo from these two in the future, and I look forward to it!
My one complaint would be the MCs voices aren't particularly unique - if you chopped off the dialogue tags and pet names, I'd probably get them mixed up with any other novella protags. They're as witty and sharp as all of Vela's other MCs. But that's a small quibble.
Overall, if you like the Hesperine world and are looking for a quick fix, or just want to get your toes wet and see if the longer series is your vibe, this is a perfect place to start.
Ah! It felt good to be back in this world while we wait for the next Blood Grace novel. Reading Vela's decadent prose always feels like sinking into a warm bath, and this was no exception. A little Sleeping Beauty, a little B&tB, and a little Romeo and Juliet all combine for a delicious experience.
This has all the Vela staples - a capable and clever female protag with goals and agency, a gentlemanly vampire hottie, worldbuilding, female empowerment, magic, spice...what more could you ask for? I especially loved the look into Chera magic, since this is something I don't think we've really explored in the mainline books. I loved the weaving aspect, the feel of it synced up really well with the Hesperine veils and such. I think we're supposed to get a cameo from these two in the future, and I look forward to it!
My one complaint would be the MCs voices aren't particularly unique - if you chopped off the dialogue tags and pet names, I'd probably get them mixed up with any other novella protags. They're as witty and sharp as all of Vela's other MCs. But that's a small quibble.
Overall, if you like the Hesperine world and are looking for a quick fix, or just want to get your toes wet and see if the longer series is your vibe, this is a perfect place to start.
June 21, 2025
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀:⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲:🌶️🌶️.5
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Vela Roth
𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 119
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Standalone Novella
𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲: HAE
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: Dual POV
"𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵"
"𝘚𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘴."
Okay, I'm not saying you should read this... but if you haven’t read Vela Roth’s Blood Grace series yet, you might just be tempted to dive in after this. And by might, I mean you absolutely will.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve already devoured Lio and Cassia’s story—and this novella will definitely keep that craving at bay until Vela blesses us with book nine. (Seriously, when’s that happening? Asking for a friend 👀)
Celadine and Troi were such a delight to read! My only complaint? As with all of Vela’s novellas, it was over way too soon.
I can’t recall if Celadine and Troi have been mentioned in the Blood Grace series before (and frankly, I’m not dedicated enough to go dig through eight books 😅), but if they haven’t, I really hope we get to see them again before the series wraps up.
Find more Reviews and Bookish Things at:📝I’m Literary Anxious Blog📝 or my 📖📚Bookstagram📚📖
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲:🌶️🌶️.5
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Vela Roth
𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 119
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Standalone Novella
𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲: HAE
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: Dual POV
"𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵"
"𝘚𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘴."
Okay, I'm not saying you should read this... but if you haven’t read Vela Roth’s Blood Grace series yet, you might just be tempted to dive in after this. And by might, I mean you absolutely will.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve already devoured Lio and Cassia’s story—and this novella will definitely keep that craving at bay until Vela blesses us with book nine. (Seriously, when’s that happening? Asking for a friend 👀)
Celadine and Troi were such a delight to read! My only complaint? As with all of Vela’s novellas, it was over way too soon.
I can’t recall if Celadine and Troi have been mentioned in the Blood Grace series before (and frankly, I’m not dedicated enough to go dig through eight books 😅), but if they haven’t, I really hope we get to see them again before the series wraps up.
Find more Reviews and Bookish Things at:📝I’m Literary Anxious Blog📝 or my 📖📚Bookstagram📚📖
June 21, 2025
Celandine Pavae, Princess of Aligera, was deceived in the most despicable way imaginable by individuals who had been in her inner circle since she was a child.
After ten years, she decided to combine the useful with the pleasant by using the most powerful weapon in the hands of the mages of Anthros🔥
What she never expected was that awakening the most powerful person in his enemy camp could backfire; Troi Taurus is immediately reluctant to help the maiden after discovering her identity. However, he cannot forget those who kept him quiet and under a spell for over a century!
Thus begins a carefully planned but brief session to claim her throne and finally exact the revenge they have both been plotting all along.
However, they never expected their close cooperation and proximity to lead to forbidden feelings developing so quickly. After all, all's fair in love and war🤭
I would have preferred the novella to be a little longer, so as to deepen certain aspects of the lives of Troi and Celandine, as well as the relationship between the Hesperines and Cordium, before the fall and the deception towards the heir Taurus👀
I hope to meet them again and get to know them better in the main Blood Grace series. Get the chance to read it, and you won't regret it😍
It's a must-read✨
After ten years, she decided to combine the useful with the pleasant by using the most powerful weapon in the hands of the mages of Anthros🔥
What she never expected was that awakening the most powerful person in his enemy camp could backfire; Troi Taurus is immediately reluctant to help the maiden after discovering her identity. However, he cannot forget those who kept him quiet and under a spell for over a century!
Thus begins a carefully planned but brief session to claim her throne and finally exact the revenge they have both been plotting all along.
However, they never expected their close cooperation and proximity to lead to forbidden feelings developing so quickly. After all, all's fair in love and war🤭
I would have preferred the novella to be a little longer, so as to deepen certain aspects of the lives of Troi and Celandine, as well as the relationship between the Hesperines and Cordium, before the fall and the deception towards the heir Taurus👀
I hope to meet them again and get to know them better in the main Blood Grace series. Get the chance to read it, and you won't regret it😍
It's a must-read✨
June 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this short and sweet novella inspired by sleeping beauty with the roles reversed. It was quick and to the point so the plot moved along swiftly leaving no room for dull moments.
Celandine is a princess whose kingdom was stolen from her by the man who betrayed her whom she seeks vengeance on in this novella. She needs the help of a Hesperine who has been cursed to sleep for a hundred years and so she forms a plan to infiltrate his guarded home to wake him so they can work together to take down a mutual enemy. However, they both come from family lines they are also enemies, throwing in some enemies-to-lovers tension that kept me hooked.
Though a short read I couldn’t help but enjoy both Celandine and Troi, as well as their interactions with one another which were both spicy and sweet. It’s easy to fly through this read in one sitting because it throws you into the story immediately and things move along so fast that putting it down is not an option.
I really enjoyed this short story in the Hesperine world, and also enjoyed the appearance of a familiar face which was a pleasant surprise. I definitely recommend this novella for Blood Grace fans and newbies alike!
Celandine is a princess whose kingdom was stolen from her by the man who betrayed her whom she seeks vengeance on in this novella. She needs the help of a Hesperine who has been cursed to sleep for a hundred years and so she forms a plan to infiltrate his guarded home to wake him so they can work together to take down a mutual enemy. However, they both come from family lines they are also enemies, throwing in some enemies-to-lovers tension that kept me hooked.
Though a short read I couldn’t help but enjoy both Celandine and Troi, as well as their interactions with one another which were both spicy and sweet. It’s easy to fly through this read in one sitting because it throws you into the story immediately and things move along so fast that putting it down is not an option.
I really enjoyed this short story in the Hesperine world, and also enjoyed the appearance of a familiar face which was a pleasant surprise. I definitely recommend this novella for Blood Grace fans and newbies alike!
June 22, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a wonderful novella! I have enjoyed everything that expands the Blood Grace universe that series takes place in. I did like the spin of sleeping beauty that Vela put on the story. This novella was has been by far the most interesting one so far because our FMC is apart of the mage orders. Celandine and Troi have endured a lot. Celandine from being betrayed and put into the Mage Orders where the women weren’t well at all and will backstab each other just to get in a better placement. Troi waking up a hundred years where everyone he loved are gone and dealing with some regrets from his human life. The tension between these two was delightful because the enemies to lovers due to their bloodlines to them eventually opening up to each other and realizing that they can rely on each other for support while achieving their revenge.
This is a fast pace book due to it being a novella but it’s the best to devour in one day.
I think this is a food place to start your journey into the Blood Grace universe if tackling the main series is daunting or revisiting the world under a different couple while we wait for the next installment in the series. I highly recommend reading this.
This was a wonderful novella! I have enjoyed everything that expands the Blood Grace universe that series takes place in. I did like the spin of sleeping beauty that Vela put on the story. This novella was has been by far the most interesting one so far because our FMC is apart of the mage orders. Celandine and Troi have endured a lot. Celandine from being betrayed and put into the Mage Orders where the women weren’t well at all and will backstab each other just to get in a better placement. Troi waking up a hundred years where everyone he loved are gone and dealing with some regrets from his human life. The tension between these two was delightful because the enemies to lovers due to their bloodlines to them eventually opening up to each other and realizing that they can rely on each other for support while achieving their revenge.
This is a fast pace book due to it being a novella but it’s the best to devour in one day.
I think this is a food place to start your journey into the Blood Grace universe if tackling the main series is daunting or revisiting the world under a different couple while we wait for the next installment in the series. I highly recommend reading this.
June 16, 2025
A gender bent Sleeping Beauty retelling set in the beautiful world of Akanthia.
.
This betrayed princess has the only magic in a 100 years that can get her through the wards to the fabled sleeping heretic prince, and she'll wake him with her blood because she needs his immortal (vampire) strength to exact revenge on her enemies.
.
I absolutely loved the genius way elements of the original story were worked into this, but also what a unique spin it was still given.
.
This might be a novella but it's packed full of all the wonderful things! The romance is swoony and steamy, and the revenge isn't easy. Celandine and Troi will have you either kicking your feet or sitting on the edge of your seat. (Omg, so much rhyming just happened, I swear it wasn't on purpose 🤣).
.
The Blood Grace series is my Roman Empire. I love every book I this world, and this novella is a stunning edition to it! It's set a loooong time before the main series so it can be read as a standalone and is an excellent introduction to the world.
**but for those that have read/ are reading the main series, there might be a cameo of a certain fiery haired prince! 😁😁😁**
.
This betrayed princess has the only magic in a 100 years that can get her through the wards to the fabled sleeping heretic prince, and she'll wake him with her blood because she needs his immortal (vampire) strength to exact revenge on her enemies.
.
I absolutely loved the genius way elements of the original story were worked into this, but also what a unique spin it was still given.
.
This might be a novella but it's packed full of all the wonderful things! The romance is swoony and steamy, and the revenge isn't easy. Celandine and Troi will have you either kicking your feet or sitting on the edge of your seat. (Omg, so much rhyming just happened, I swear it wasn't on purpose 🤣).
.
The Blood Grace series is my Roman Empire. I love every book I this world, and this novella is a stunning edition to it! It's set a loooong time before the main series so it can be read as a standalone and is an excellent introduction to the world.
**but for those that have read/ are reading the main series, there might be a cameo of a certain fiery haired prince! 😁😁😁**
June 9, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4/5
Despite not being the biggest fan of novellas in general, I really did enjoy my time with this one. Of course I would have loved for it to be longer but that's only because I would have loved more time with these characters. You don't have to have read any of the books in the Blood Grace series to read this one (though I highly recommend you do), and I think it makes for a fast and sweet palate cleanser to read between some other heftier stories. I loved being in this world again and truly did eat up the romance we were given. I also really enjoyed our two main characters and was very intrigued by our FMC, Celandine's powers. This author has created a world that's so comforting and hopeful to me, despite dealing with some heavier topics. She always manages to engage me from the very first page and devastate me when I realise it's the end, I never want to leave!
Please check the trigger warnings before reading!
Rating: 4/5
Despite not being the biggest fan of novellas in general, I really did enjoy my time with this one. Of course I would have loved for it to be longer but that's only because I would have loved more time with these characters. You don't have to have read any of the books in the Blood Grace series to read this one (though I highly recommend you do), and I think it makes for a fast and sweet palate cleanser to read between some other heftier stories. I loved being in this world again and truly did eat up the romance we were given. I also really enjoyed our two main characters and was very intrigued by our FMC, Celandine's powers. This author has created a world that's so comforting and hopeful to me, despite dealing with some heavier topics. She always manages to engage me from the very first page and devastate me when I realise it's the end, I never want to leave!
Please check the trigger warnings before reading!
June 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
This was a quick and wonderful read and if you are looking for a good way to dip your toes into the Blood Grace world this is a good way to do it. I really loved the MCs of this book, Celandine and Troi. I could have read more of these two. Which doesn’t surprise me because Roth creates such wonderful and interesting characters it’s hard to part from them. I also really enjoyed being back in the Blood Grace world, this setting and the lore of the world is so cool. It’s been fun getting the little pockets of it in the novellas Roth has put out.
The plot was fantastic. I loved the two rival families coming together to take revenge on a common enemy. Also the Sleeping Beauty vibes were *chef’s kiss*. Even though this story is shorter the pacing and conclusion to the story felt satisfying. Also some fantastic spice as a cherry on top! Overall had a wonderful time with this story!
Thank you to Vela Roth and Behind the Pages for providing me with an ARC.
This was a quick and wonderful read and if you are looking for a good way to dip your toes into the Blood Grace world this is a good way to do it. I really loved the MCs of this book, Celandine and Troi. I could have read more of these two. Which doesn’t surprise me because Roth creates such wonderful and interesting characters it’s hard to part from them. I also really enjoyed being back in the Blood Grace world, this setting and the lore of the world is so cool. It’s been fun getting the little pockets of it in the novellas Roth has put out.
The plot was fantastic. I loved the two rival families coming together to take revenge on a common enemy. Also the Sleeping Beauty vibes were *chef’s kiss*. Even though this story is shorter the pacing and conclusion to the story felt satisfying. Also some fantastic spice as a cherry on top! Overall had a wonderful time with this story!
Thank you to Vela Roth and Behind the Pages for providing me with an ARC.
June 21, 2025
Blood Slumber is a steamy romance novella set within the Blood Grace world and brings together Princess Celandine and Hesperine immortal Troilus who has been trapped in a very long and cursed sleep.
Though their ancestors may have been enemies for Celandine to win back her stolen throne she needs Troi’s Hesperine power, and with just the right incentive to offer for his help, sets her plans into motion.
This perfect enemies-to-lovers story fueled by a princesses determination to regain her stolen throne unfolds and becomes the perfect little interlude before the next main course in the storyline is served.
Loved this reversed version of sleeping beauty that filled the pages with lyrical writing, imaginative world building, magic, and delightfully crafted wickedness.
A wonderfully entertaining read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Though their ancestors may have been enemies for Celandine to win back her stolen throne she needs Troi’s Hesperine power, and with just the right incentive to offer for his help, sets her plans into motion.
This perfect enemies-to-lovers story fueled by a princesses determination to regain her stolen throne unfolds and becomes the perfect little interlude before the next main course in the storyline is served.
Loved this reversed version of sleeping beauty that filled the pages with lyrical writing, imaginative world building, magic, and delightfully crafted wickedness.
A wonderfully entertaining read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
July 10, 2025My only complaint was that I needed MORE!
The spice level, chemistry, tension, all of it
left me utterly spellbound! Every novel/novella
Vela releases is a masterful weaving of her trademark Hesperine magic, love and nail-biting, high-stakes danger.
I loved getting to explore the lore of Corona and Chera’s magic-Celandine wielding it with a distaff and spindle that unraveled the threads was a brilliant tribute to Sleeping Beauty! Her magic complemented Troi’s own Hesperine magic. As they danced around their goals and each other, I became more enthralled in their story as they fell in love (Vela, if you see this review, please give these two their own full-length novel!! Haha)
Overall, I loved this gender-swapped sleeping beauty retelling novella with so many of my favorite tropes spun into its pages (Pun intended.) It is yet another perfect entry to the Blood Grace series and I can’t wait for the next one!
The spice level, chemistry, tension, all of it
left me utterly spellbound! Every novel/novella
Vela releases is a masterful weaving of her trademark Hesperine magic, love and nail-biting, high-stakes danger.
I loved getting to explore the lore of Corona and Chera’s magic-Celandine wielding it with a distaff and spindle that unraveled the threads was a brilliant tribute to Sleeping Beauty! Her magic complemented Troi’s own Hesperine magic. As they danced around their goals and each other, I became more enthralled in their story as they fell in love (Vela, if you see this review, please give these two their own full-length novel!! Haha)
Overall, I loved this gender-swapped sleeping beauty retelling novella with so many of my favorite tropes spun into its pages (Pun intended.) It is yet another perfect entry to the Blood Grace series and I can’t wait for the next one!
June 16, 2025
What To Expect:
- enemies to lovers
- fake marriage
- sleeping beauty retelling (gender swapped)
- vampires and mages
- standalone novella
- romantasy
4.5⭐️ so i rounded up
okay now this was a really fun novella!! i loved the reverse sleeping beauty curse/gender swap of sleeping beauty. it was such a fun little mix up that i dont think i have ever read/seen before.
celandine and troi were great characters, they were so much fun and i really loved their story. going into this book i knew it was a novella but i honestly wished it was longer. i needed it to be a full on book. i just didnt want it to end.
i havent read any of the blood grace universe books and now i need to because i want to go back to the world that vela roth created.
thank you so much vela and behind the pages llc for gifting me this e-arc!
- enemies to lovers
- fake marriage
- sleeping beauty retelling (gender swapped)
- vampires and mages
- standalone novella
- romantasy
4.5⭐️ so i rounded up
okay now this was a really fun novella!! i loved the reverse sleeping beauty curse/gender swap of sleeping beauty. it was such a fun little mix up that i dont think i have ever read/seen before.
celandine and troi were great characters, they were so much fun and i really loved their story. going into this book i knew it was a novella but i honestly wished it was longer. i needed it to be a full on book. i just didnt want it to end.
i havent read any of the blood grace universe books and now i need to because i want to go back to the world that vela roth created.
thank you so much vela and behind the pages llc for gifting me this e-arc!
June 9, 2025
standalone romantasy novella set in the same world as Bl00d Mercy. This is a unique take on a fairy tale classic.
🦇 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Reverse Sleeping Beauty Curse
🦇 Vampires
🖤 Mages
🦇 Fake Marriage
🖤 Fairytale Mash-Up
I loved Vela's unique take on the fairytale classic, Sleeping Beauty and mashing it with some Romeo and Juliet and B&B. The story is focused around our two MC's Celandine and Troi. Troi, our fellow prince and vampire, was placed under a sleeping curse and is only awoken after drinking from Celandine. Troi and Celandine are from rival kingdoms the Taurus and Pavo.
Overall this is a fun and fast paced novella.
Thank you vela and behind the pages for the e-arc. My thoughts and review are my own.
🦇 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Reverse Sleeping Beauty Curse
🦇 Vampires
🖤 Mages
🦇 Fake Marriage
🖤 Fairytale Mash-Up
I loved Vela's unique take on the fairytale classic, Sleeping Beauty and mashing it with some Romeo and Juliet and B&B. The story is focused around our two MC's Celandine and Troi. Troi, our fellow prince and vampire, was placed under a sleeping curse and is only awoken after drinking from Celandine. Troi and Celandine are from rival kingdoms the Taurus and Pavo.
Overall this is a fun and fast paced novella.
Thank you vela and behind the pages for the e-arc. My thoughts and review are my own.
June 15, 2025
Received an ARC copy of Blood Slumber for review. This was my first Vela Roth book but I can guarantee it won't be my last!
Blood Slumber is a novella set in her Blood Grace universe. Admittedly it took me a bit to get into it since wasn't familiar with the world (Hesperines=Vampires) or these characters but I was soon hooked. Anyone familiar with the series shouldn't have any issue devouring this book, pun intended!
I desperately want to know more about Celandine and Troi as I was captivated by their story. Troi is our reverse sleeping beauty and is awakened by Celandine's blood after a 100 year sleep. Their banter is good, the spice is spicy, and the story is interesting. What more can you ask for?
Blood Slumber is a novella set in her Blood Grace universe. Admittedly it took me a bit to get into it since wasn't familiar with the world (Hesperines=Vampires) or these characters but I was soon hooked. Anyone familiar with the series shouldn't have any issue devouring this book, pun intended!
I desperately want to know more about Celandine and Troi as I was captivated by their story. Troi is our reverse sleeping beauty and is awakened by Celandine's blood after a 100 year sleep. Their banter is good, the spice is spicy, and the story is interesting. What more can you ask for?
June 22, 2025
Alrighty!! I was graced by the lovely Vela Roth and Behind the Pages with an eARC of Blood Slumber.
Let me be upfront by saying I am a dedicated fan of all entries into the Blood Grace world. And this novella is NO EXCEPTION.
Celandine and Troi make a wonderful addition to the universe! Celandine being a sorceress that uses a spindle for her casting is sick, and this former princess was determined to take back what was hers! And wont put in a quote but her short monologue as she found Troi was SO badass. And I am purposefully leaving out my cheers for Troi because I NEED YOU TO READ AND EXPERIENCE THEIR STORY SO BAD!!!
Seriously, if you were every thinking about dipping your toe into the Blood Grace world this novella would be a wonderful place to start.
Let me be upfront by saying I am a dedicated fan of all entries into the Blood Grace world. And this novella is NO EXCEPTION.
Celandine and Troi make a wonderful addition to the universe! Celandine being a sorceress that uses a spindle for her casting is sick, and this former princess was determined to take back what was hers! And wont put in a quote but her short monologue as she found Troi was SO badass. And I am purposefully leaving out my cheers for Troi because I NEED YOU TO READ AND EXPERIENCE THEIR STORY SO BAD!!!
Seriously, if you were every thinking about dipping your toe into the Blood Grace world this novella would be a wonderful place to start.
June 23, 2025
I was deep in a book slump before picking up this novella — emphasis on was. This short story was exactly what I needed to pull me out of it. It was the perfect bite-sized return to the rich world of the Blood Mercy series. I especially loved getting to explore new corners of the world and seeing Rudhira in action, saving wayward Hesperines.
Even though it was short, it didn’t lack depth or emotion — it was beautifully written and packed with all the feels. I appreciated that the love story didn’t need to be long and drawn out to be powerful; it proved that even a brief tale can be just as compelling.
If you’re a fan of the Blood Mercy series, I highly recommend giving this a read. It’s the perfect story to tide you over while waiting for the next installment.
Even though it was short, it didn’t lack depth or emotion — it was beautifully written and packed with all the feels. I appreciated that the love story didn’t need to be long and drawn out to be powerful; it proved that even a brief tale can be just as compelling.
If you’re a fan of the Blood Mercy series, I highly recommend giving this a read. It’s the perfect story to tide you over while waiting for the next installment.
June 24, 2025
This is a fast-paced, spicy romantasy novella that completely pulled me in. I loved the twist on Sleeping Beauty; this time, it’s the immortal vampire hero who’s been asleep for a hundred years. Celandine, a former princess seeking revenge, awakens him to harness his power, but their chemistry is instant and intense. I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers tension, the magic system, and how both characters are dealing with deep loss and betrayal. Despite her initial manipulations, Celandine grows into someone Troi can trust, and watching their connection build was incredibly satisfying. The worldbuilding is rich, the spice level hits just right, and it’s a great intro to the Blood Grace universe. I devoured it in one sitting!
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