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Nexus Crest
Blood. Secrets. Power.
A darkness that refuses to stay buried.
At Nexus Crest University, power and privilege are the currencies of survival. Gabrielle Vadala, bloodborne daughter of the prestigious Dean, only wants to keep her head down, excel in her studies, and avoid the treacherous world of vampire politics. But when a series of mysterious murders shake the campus, her world begins to crumble.
Every question leads to more lies, and every truth brings her closer to him—Michael Malec. Arrogant, magnetic, and lethal, Michael’s flirtations are a dangerous game. Yet the real danger is much darker. There’s a blood trafficking circle operating right under their noses, and Gabrielle finds herself entangled in it.
As bodies continue to pile up, Gabrielle must decide who to trust and who to destroy. Because if she doesn’t act quickly, the monsters lurking in the shadows won’t just claim her life. They’ll claim her soul.
A darkness that refuses to stay buried.
At Nexus Crest University, power and privilege are the currencies of survival. Gabrielle Vadala, bloodborne daughter of the prestigious Dean, only wants to keep her head down, excel in her studies, and avoid the treacherous world of vampire politics. But when a series of mysterious murders shake the campus, her world begins to crumble.
Every question leads to more lies, and every truth brings her closer to him—Michael Malec. Arrogant, magnetic, and lethal, Michael’s flirtations are a dangerous game. Yet the real danger is much darker. There’s a blood trafficking circle operating right under their noses, and Gabrielle finds herself entangled in it.
As bodies continue to pile up, Gabrielle must decide who to trust and who to destroy. Because if she doesn’t act quickly, the monsters lurking in the shadows won’t just claim her life. They’ll claim her soul.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2025
17 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 19, 2025
This book had me hooked. I seen a TikTok of it and immediately purchased.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love vampires, spice, and a good plot that keeps you thinking and wanting more PLEASE read this book.
The author is also super kind! Very excited to see what the next books hold in this series.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love vampires, spice, and a good plot that keeps you thinking and wanting more PLEASE read this book.
The author is also super kind! Very excited to see what the next books hold in this series.
October 19, 2025
I am absolutely blown away by this book. GE Strohl is a new author but you would never know it. Her writing and story building is exquisite!
This book explodes into action and violence from the very first page which is a bit of a shocker and a glimpse to how this story is going to progress.
However despite the first pages, the first third or more of this book is very much world and character building and GE Strohl has written an incredible world of vampires, their history and the 3 laws that must be adhered to. The vampire politics are deep rooted, however there is corruption and Gabrielle a Bloodborne vampire heir,becomes entangled in this corruption.
Nexus Crest is the name of the college that centres around this story and where Gabrielle is a student and her father is the Dean.
There is a lot going on in this book. Gabrielle has loyal friendship circle but there is some unspoken violent history between her and a friend that I am intrigued to learn more about.
There is a romance element to this book which involves some erotic scenes but there is lots of mystery around this love interest.
The finale of this book had me on the edge of my seat and desperate for more! The violent scenes are written so vividly and in so much detail. In fact the detailed writing in this book is incredibly well done that is totally draws you in.
This is going to be a memorable series and is already up there as one of my favourites, I can't wait for more.
This book explodes into action and violence from the very first page which is a bit of a shocker and a glimpse to how this story is going to progress.
However despite the first pages, the first third or more of this book is very much world and character building and GE Strohl has written an incredible world of vampires, their history and the 3 laws that must be adhered to. The vampire politics are deep rooted, however there is corruption and Gabrielle a Bloodborne vampire heir,becomes entangled in this corruption.
Nexus Crest is the name of the college that centres around this story and where Gabrielle is a student and her father is the Dean.
There is a lot going on in this book. Gabrielle has loyal friendship circle but there is some unspoken violent history between her and a friend that I am intrigued to learn more about.
There is a romance element to this book which involves some erotic scenes but there is lots of mystery around this love interest.
The finale of this book had me on the edge of my seat and desperate for more! The violent scenes are written so vividly and in so much detail. In fact the detailed writing in this book is incredibly well done that is totally draws you in.
This is going to be a memorable series and is already up there as one of my favourites, I can't wait for more.
January 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Smut starts on PAGE ONE, Y’ALL 🙌🏼 And let me tell you, it was short, but it was easily one of the sexiest bloody sex scenes I’ve read in a while. And it doesn’t end there!
There is so much mystery to unravel and I have SO MANY QUESTIONS!! I’m hoping we’re getting a book 2?? Nexus Crest was violent and dark. The romance was there and it was 🔥 (Michael 🥵) but it wasn’t in-your-face front and center, this book actually has a plot. A good one! There’s murder, blood trafficking, enemies-to-lovers, campus drama, secrets and romance!
The writing is beautifully done, it’s almost kind of poetic. I got (graphic) Vampire Academy/Discovery of Witches energy, but like an 1800’s novel (Wuthering Heights?) meets Sylvia Plath/HP Lovecraft.
There was A LOT of info to take in. It was a bit overwhelming at times. But overall, I throughly enjoyed it. The characters were engaging and kept me interested. Gabrielle was easy to connect with. The world building was insanely detailed, which I loved. I’m a vibe reader and Nexus Crest University was giving major Italian Gothic Horror. The perfect setting for the mystery elements of the story. I found the vampires history, lore and politics to be incredibly interesting, and could probably read an entire book on just that!
Thank you to the author for a complementary copy of Nexus Crest in exchange for a review! I look forward to book 2 🤞🏼
There is so much mystery to unravel and I have SO MANY QUESTIONS!! I’m hoping we’re getting a book 2?? Nexus Crest was violent and dark. The romance was there and it was 🔥 (Michael 🥵) but it wasn’t in-your-face front and center, this book actually has a plot. A good one! There’s murder, blood trafficking, enemies-to-lovers, campus drama, secrets and romance!
The writing is beautifully done, it’s almost kind of poetic. I got (graphic) Vampire Academy/Discovery of Witches energy, but like an 1800’s novel (Wuthering Heights?) meets Sylvia Plath/HP Lovecraft.
There was A LOT of info to take in. It was a bit overwhelming at times. But overall, I throughly enjoyed it. The characters were engaging and kept me interested. Gabrielle was easy to connect with. The world building was insanely detailed, which I loved. I’m a vibe reader and Nexus Crest University was giving major Italian Gothic Horror. The perfect setting for the mystery elements of the story. I found the vampires history, lore and politics to be incredibly interesting, and could probably read an entire book on just that!
Thank you to the author for a complementary copy of Nexus Crest in exchange for a review! I look forward to book 2 🤞🏼
February 12, 2026
Thank you to the author G.E. Strohl who let me read this book for an honest review!
This book centers around Gabby, a 20 something year old vampire. She’s just starting university, Nexus Crest, the school her vampire family runs. Early on you get a feeling that something is not quite right, and that Gabby carries secrets. Not only does she carry deadly secrets of her own, she seems to have stumbled upon some very deep, dark and twisted secrets of a trafficking organization. Unsure of who to trust Gabby sets out to bring them down.
I really like the premise of this book, it was off to a strong start and pulled me in; the academic vibes, dorm life, fresh start, and right off the bat we are introduced to some of Gabby’s personal struggles.
I’m not really sure why and how Gabby got involved in taking down the trafficking organization, and her drive to stop this is because she saw a video online - I hope we get a closer look at what’s driving her in book 2! 👀
*In my opinion*, the story could have been shorter and more concise, but! The book ended on a really strong note, from around 70% when the focus was on mysticism, Gabby’s internal struggles, the relationships she juggles, a crazy cult and people you thought you could trust being the worst of them all. Something also shifted in the way of writing. It was a sort of calm that crept onto the pages. This is when Strohl’s writing is at its best, the intense high stakes scenes. Where mysticism meets the monster within. Dark themes and doom. It is great to get to experience Gabby exploring her darker side, her alter, The Killer of killers.
This book centers around Gabby, a 20 something year old vampire. She’s just starting university, Nexus Crest, the school her vampire family runs. Early on you get a feeling that something is not quite right, and that Gabby carries secrets. Not only does she carry deadly secrets of her own, she seems to have stumbled upon some very deep, dark and twisted secrets of a trafficking organization. Unsure of who to trust Gabby sets out to bring them down.
I really like the premise of this book, it was off to a strong start and pulled me in; the academic vibes, dorm life, fresh start, and right off the bat we are introduced to some of Gabby’s personal struggles.
I’m not really sure why and how Gabby got involved in taking down the trafficking organization, and her drive to stop this is because she saw a video online - I hope we get a closer look at what’s driving her in book 2! 👀
*In my opinion*, the story could have been shorter and more concise, but! The book ended on a really strong note, from around 70% when the focus was on mysticism, Gabby’s internal struggles, the relationships she juggles, a crazy cult and people you thought you could trust being the worst of them all. Something also shifted in the way of writing. It was a sort of calm that crept onto the pages. This is when Strohl’s writing is at its best, the intense high stakes scenes. Where mysticism meets the monster within. Dark themes and doom. It is great to get to experience Gabby exploring her darker side, her alter, The Killer of killers.
February 16, 2026
There was so many twists and turns in this book…I really enjoyed it. You had your naturally born vampires, humans that became vampires, and the blood donors going to the same school. We all know a good vampire story has to have the bad boy…are we sure World Ender is the bad boy? We read about gruesome killings on the school grounds, blood trafficking, bloodline hatred towards each other. The storyline that kept me really interested is the blood trafficking and the ones involved. How is it possible that he knew where you were? Has he been following you all this time? Is he the one behind the campus murders? At the end you are left with so many questions and possible scenarios going through your head. Please bring on the next book…I am so ready for some questions to be answered.
November 15, 2025
Vampire
Academia
Spice
Slow Burn
Gabrielle wants to keep her head down and excel. Her father is the Dean of Nexus Crest University.
Her friendship with her best friend has unspoken violence which I need to know more of.
The story line is superb and the world building and the descriptions is amazing. Dark and amazing.
If you love vampires and spice grab this book. I cannot wait for the next book.
Also Michael 🥵🥵🫠🫠
Academia
Spice
Slow Burn
Gabrielle wants to keep her head down and excel. Her father is the Dean of Nexus Crest University.
Her friendship with her best friend has unspoken violence which I need to know more of.
The story line is superb and the world building and the descriptions is amazing. Dark and amazing.
If you love vampires and spice grab this book. I cannot wait for the next book.
Also Michael 🥵🥵🫠🫠
January 26, 2026
Talk about intense and forbidden love. This was so good and almost, almost tragic. I loved the relationship between Michael and Gabriela, sweet and forbidden but full of spice. The plot was full of surprises. The ending seemed a little bit rushed but I was so into it, it had me a little scared momentarily. This Dark Vampire Academia Romance was full of action and a little twisty. I need to know what happens in book 2 ASAP!
February 16, 2026
was very gripping and had me unable to stop reading till the end.
September 27, 2025
Really good! Very detailed descriptions make the story immersive. Would recommend :) hopefully there’s a part two
November 10, 2025
this was a good book, but I do feel like it was pretty slow & I'm still left with a lot of questions. how did Michael know where she was at the end?
October 8, 2025
Dark, gritty and spicy, it was great for the moody season. Pretty sure I'll grab the second book to see where the story is going.
October 4, 2025
ARC review.
Absolutely in love with this book. Had me hooked from the first chapter.
Well realised and thought provoking with just the right amount of spice. Move over Vampire Academy Lovers this book is everything you always wished that series could be and more!
Who doesn't love a morally grey hero?
Spice rating 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Book ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟.5
Thank you so much for letting me devour this novel.
Absolutely in love with this book. Had me hooked from the first chapter.
Well realised and thought provoking with just the right amount of spice. Move over Vampire Academy Lovers this book is everything you always wished that series could be and more!
Who doesn't love a morally grey hero?
Spice rating 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Book ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟.5
Thank you so much for letting me devour this novel.
October 24, 2025
Dnf at 40%. I started "speed reading" early in the book due to boredom, hoping it would pick-up. It didn't.
February 2, 2026
Loved! I would give a 4.5 if I could! Love vampires and there’s a blood trafficking ring! The full dark academia vibe! Highly recommend if you are a dark academia fan!
November 23, 2025
A dark, addictive paranormal mystery set at Nexus Crest University, where power plays and buried secrets rule every corridor. Gabrielle Vadala just wants to study—not get dragged into campus murders, vampire politics, or the infuriating pull of Michael Malec. But when a blood-trafficking ring rises from the shadows, she’s forced to choose between survival and sacrifice. Fast-paced, twisty, and drenched in tension, this story delivers danger, heat, and a heroine who refuses to break. Perfect for readers who love dark academia with a vampiric bite. The ending leaves you wanting for more....
November 9, 2025
I'll be honest, it took me a chapter or two to fully get into this one, but once Nexus Crest got going, it completely grabbed me. The story follows Gabby, who's juggling academy life while secretly running around doing what looks like vigilante work. She's teamed up with a vampire who literally knows nothing about her own history, and together they're trying to find and stop a hidden trafficking ring that seems to be targeting humans and looks to be run by the very people that run her world. A string of brutal murders take place on the campus where she and her friends and family live throwing her and everything she thinks she knows into chaos.
I loved the world building in this book. There are a million vampire academy books out there and the way Strohl weaved the lore and culture within the world of her book is so unique and fresh. I really found myself wanting to know more about the culture and histories in the world. The mystery and thriller elements were amazing, by the end I was questioning everything I thought I knew. I have SO many questions and I mean that in the best way. This book threw me for a loop in all the right ways. Its Dark, Twisty, Spicy and I really need the next book to answer ALL of these questions I have rolling around in my brain now!
If your into dark fantasy with morally complicated characters, vampire stories with unique lore and mysteries that keep you guessing definitely give this a read!
Fair warning though, the book has graphic violence and intense scenes, so if that's not your thing, maybe skip this one. Nexus Crest is perfect for anyone who loves dark academia, vampires, great storylines, vampire lore with a twist, thriller vibes and books that make you immediately need the sequel.
I loved the world building in this book. There are a million vampire academy books out there and the way Strohl weaved the lore and culture within the world of her book is so unique and fresh. I really found myself wanting to know more about the culture and histories in the world. The mystery and thriller elements were amazing, by the end I was questioning everything I thought I knew. I have SO many questions and I mean that in the best way. This book threw me for a loop in all the right ways. Its Dark, Twisty, Spicy and I really need the next book to answer ALL of these questions I have rolling around in my brain now!
If your into dark fantasy with morally complicated characters, vampire stories with unique lore and mysteries that keep you guessing definitely give this a read!
Fair warning though, the book has graphic violence and intense scenes, so if that's not your thing, maybe skip this one. Nexus Crest is perfect for anyone who loves dark academia, vampires, great storylines, vampire lore with a twist, thriller vibes and books that make you immediately need the sequel.
September 26, 2025
Nexus Crest is an ambitious dark fantasy that blends supernatural politics, romance, and thriller elements into a single, fast-moving story. The world is well built, with detailed information on the society of bloodborns, nocturnals, and humans, each with their own rules, privileges, and tensions. The campus setting at Nexus Crest University becomes a stage where power struggles, secrets, and dangers collide.
At first, the atmosphere feels reminiscent of "Vampire Academy" — a young woman navigating her place in a supernatural academic world. But it quickly shifts into something far more graphic and adult, closer to the tone of “True Blood” where violence, lust, and power dynamics are presented without filters. This makes the novel heavier, more intense, and distinct from lighter paranormal academy fare.
The storyline that begins with murders and human trafficking eventually turns into something more serious and far-reaching. Gabrielle’s investigation uncovers not just crime but deeper corruption and truths that test her own strength and morality. Combined with her “unique” needs as a bloodborn, the mystery evolves into a layered exploration of survival, justice, and identity. The dark romantic passion threaded throughout adds a lot of spice, intensifying both the danger and the allure of the story.
For readers who enjoy dark academia infused with vampire lore, morally gray romance, and a mystery that escalates with real bite, Nexus Crest delivers a bold, graphic, and atmospheric start to what promises to be a memorable series.
At first, the atmosphere feels reminiscent of "Vampire Academy" — a young woman navigating her place in a supernatural academic world. But it quickly shifts into something far more graphic and adult, closer to the tone of “True Blood” where violence, lust, and power dynamics are presented without filters. This makes the novel heavier, more intense, and distinct from lighter paranormal academy fare.
The storyline that begins with murders and human trafficking eventually turns into something more serious and far-reaching. Gabrielle’s investigation uncovers not just crime but deeper corruption and truths that test her own strength and morality. Combined with her “unique” needs as a bloodborn, the mystery evolves into a layered exploration of survival, justice, and identity. The dark romantic passion threaded throughout adds a lot of spice, intensifying both the danger and the allure of the story.
For readers who enjoy dark academia infused with vampire lore, morally gray romance, and a mystery that escalates with real bite, Nexus Crest delivers a bold, graphic, and atmospheric start to what promises to be a memorable series.
January 27, 2026
ARC Review
Rounded up from a 3.5 star
This book is a dark, atmospheric dive into vampire politics, forbidden romance, and gothic academia. If you love vampires with bite it is perfect. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, it is blending elite vampire society, ancient family rivalries, and a university setting. The distinction between bloodborne and nocturnal vampires adds a fresh layer to the lore, and the hierarchy and tension between the families (especially the Vadala vs. Malec feud) is deliciously dramatic.
The book follows Gabrielle Vadala, a bloodborne vampire and the Dean’s daughter at a prestigious vampire university, where she’s trapped between her family’s legacy and her own rebellious instincts. When she stumbles upon a dark network trading in blood and bodies, she risks everything to uncover the truth, even as her own body betrays her with mysterious headaches and violent cravings. Along the way, she clashes with professors, reconnects with old friends, and locks horns (and lips) with Michael Malec, a brooding, cursed vampire from a rival family.
Nexus Crest is worth a read! Even with a couple of stumbles over a couple pacing issues and unresolved plot threads. The question is... will these unresolved plots get resolved in a next book?
Rounded up from a 3.5 star
This book is a dark, atmospheric dive into vampire politics, forbidden romance, and gothic academia. If you love vampires with bite it is perfect. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, it is blending elite vampire society, ancient family rivalries, and a university setting. The distinction between bloodborne and nocturnal vampires adds a fresh layer to the lore, and the hierarchy and tension between the families (especially the Vadala vs. Malec feud) is deliciously dramatic.
The book follows Gabrielle Vadala, a bloodborne vampire and the Dean’s daughter at a prestigious vampire university, where she’s trapped between her family’s legacy and her own rebellious instincts. When she stumbles upon a dark network trading in blood and bodies, she risks everything to uncover the truth, even as her own body betrays her with mysterious headaches and violent cravings. Along the way, she clashes with professors, reconnects with old friends, and locks horns (and lips) with Michael Malec, a brooding, cursed vampire from a rival family.
Nexus Crest is worth a read! Even with a couple of stumbles over a couple pacing issues and unresolved plot threads. The question is... will these unresolved plots get resolved in a next book?
February 26, 2026
Currently in a gothic, horror erotica book reading phase and Nexus Crest hit that sweet spot perfectly for me. From page one it was hot, it was hungry, and it was downright delightful. Strohl’s writing style truly is captivating, poetic and paints a perfect picture using words.
Gabrielle was such an interesting character to me. Deans daughter, part of the original families, but goes against everything she’s been taught — and is a total animal of a killer!? I LOVE IT. And Michael…. HOW DID HE KNOW!? I NEED MORE. Holy sh!!!t. The Malecs definitely are the keys to something and I can’t wait for a second book to find out.
Total random point but when Gab first got caught in the room with men while they FTed Jacek and the human goes to shoot her but ends up killing himself… I laughed out loud. There are many unintentional laughs to be had throughout reading this.
Gabrielle was such an interesting character to me. Deans daughter, part of the original families, but goes against everything she’s been taught — and is a total animal of a killer!? I LOVE IT. And Michael…. HOW DID HE KNOW!? I NEED MORE. Holy sh!!!t. The Malecs definitely are the keys to something and I can’t wait for a second book to find out.
Total random point but when Gab first got caught in the room with men while they FTed Jacek and the human goes to shoot her but ends up killing himself… I laughed out loud. There are many unintentional laughs to be had throughout reading this.
October 16, 2025
Obsessed! This book hooked me instantly.
Nexus Crest is an adrenaline-fueled dark fantasy blending supernatural politics and a thriller-level mystery with a scorching morally gray romance. The world-building is sharp, set on the dangerous Nexus Crest University campus.
The plot is gripping, moving from murders to a massive conspiracy. Michael Malec is the magnetic, brooding anti-hero—the perfect half of an explosive enemies-to-lovers dynamic that practically sizzles on the page.
If you love dark academia and vampire lore with real bite and spice, read this now. A must-read for fans who felt let down by the Vampire Academy series—this is what you were waiting for.
Nexus Crest is an adrenaline-fueled dark fantasy blending supernatural politics and a thriller-level mystery with a scorching morally gray romance. The world-building is sharp, set on the dangerous Nexus Crest University campus.
The plot is gripping, moving from murders to a massive conspiracy. Michael Malec is the magnetic, brooding anti-hero—the perfect half of an explosive enemies-to-lovers dynamic that practically sizzles on the page.
If you love dark academia and vampire lore with real bite and spice, read this now. A must-read for fans who felt let down by the Vampire Academy series—this is what you were waiting for.
February 22, 2026
There is SO much going on in this novel & the descriptive writing is on point. There is violence & action from the start. The epilogue was so spicy I was ready to dive in! The world and character building was so in depth, there is vampire politics and a different view of their social structure than the norm. Mystery around love interests. So many secrets. The violent scenes are so vivid. I just ate it all up. And the ending had me wishing I knew when the sequel was being released!!! As a debut author, G.E. Strohl did amazing work on this novel and I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
September 14, 2025
Nexus Crest had me hooked from the very first page. The blend of vampire politics, campus drama, and chilling murder mystery was absolutely addictive. Strohl’s world-building feels rich and atmospheric, pulling you into a university where every shadow hides a secret. Gabrielle is a relatable protagonist you feel her struggle between wanting to stay invisible and being forced into impossible choices. By the time I reached the last page, I was already desperate for the sequel.
September 14, 2025
This book is everything I want in a dark fantasy romance. Michael Malec is the perfect brooding anti-hero arrogant, magnetic, and impossible to resist. The chemistry between him and Gabrielle practically leaps off the page. But what I loved most is that the romance didn’t overshadow the plot; the murder mystery and blood trafficking storyline kept me constantly guessing. A must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers with teeth.
September 14, 2025
From the first murder to the shocking revelations at the end, Nexus Crest is a wild ride. I loved the mix of danger, romance, and intrigue. The writing is vivid, you can practically feel the cold stone halls of Nexus Crest University and hear the whispers in the dark corners. It’s rare to find a book that balances romance, mystery, and horror so perfectly. This is one of those rare gems that deserves all the hype.
September 14, 2025
The pacing of Nexus Crest is phenomenal. Every chapter ends with a twist that makes you want to keep going. Strohl doesn’t shy away from the darker side of vampire society, and it makes the stakes feel very real. I particularly loved how Gabrielle wasn’t just a passive character, she’s intelligent, brave, and willing to make hard decisions. Easily one of my favorite vampire novels in years.
September 14, 2025
I’ve read my fair share of vampire books, but Nexus Crest stands out. The university setting feels fresh, the politics are layered, and the murder mystery gives it a sharp edge. Strohl balances atmospheric writing with fast-paced action, making it perfect for readers who love both gothic vibes and thrilling plots. If you enjoyed A Discovery of Witches or Crave, this will be your next obsession.
Read
September 18, 2025DNF @ 4%, nor feeling the MFC.
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