The Vampire Lord

by K.E. Beale

When I killed the tyrant who ruled our coven, I thought my torment was over.

I was wrong.

My name is Ava Monroe, a scorpion shifter and witch’s familiar, and when my mistress is visited by a group of demons, I realise my nightmare has only just begun. With supernatural hunters closing in, I’m sent to the Vampires’ Nest to recruit allies, guided by my long-suffering vampire boyfriend.

The only vampire willing to help us is the infuriatingly handsome and outrageous flirt, Hieronymus Blackford, promising us an army if he wins the upcoming election against the Nest’s alluring but deadly Liege Lady. But there’s a complication. Not only is Hieronymus my boyfriend’s ex, he also has a seductive smile that clouds my better judgement.

But the Nest’s darkest secret will force me to choose between my mission and my heart, and the fates of my coven and loved ones hang in the balance.

***

Content

The Vampire Lord contains ‘on-page’ panic attacks, body-shaming/ bullying, gory violence, injury detail, explicit sex scenes, imprisonment, abuse during pregnancy*, and substance abuse.
It also contains ‘off-page’ rape*, forced breeding*, domestic violence, child abuse, and references to torture, homophobia, and suicide.

* Not to the main character

Future instalments may deal with other triggering themes. Reader discretion advised.

Genres: Demons, Found Family, Forced Proximity, Fantasy, Dark Romance, Dark, Romantasy

371 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2025

Reviews

[Little Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been so excited for this book to come out since I finished the first book, The Vampire and The Scorpion. This is a series that needs to be read in order. Personally it had been a little while since reading the first book so I think it would have been nice having a little recap at the beginning. However I was soon pulled back into the story. This was a wild ride of romance, fantasy, action and maybe a tad of horror. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Shelley O’Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

KE Beale is such a fab author. I’ve been lucky enough to read book one and the novella as an arc reader. And similar to them, I have gobbled this up! It is well written and so binge worthy. I couldn’t put it down yet again.

I loved reading the development of Ava and Len’s relationship, as well as finding out more about the vampire world. Yes, they do have soul suckers which was just scary!!

The twist was refreshing and hooked me to the end. And let’s not talking about that ending! I need book 3 NOW!

[Tehmeena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content Warnings;
Please take note of the trigger warnings.

~Thank you, the author, K.E. Beale, for the free Arc of this book. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.~

Tropes;
🩸🖤𝓥𝓪𝓶𝓹𝓲𝓻𝓮 𝔁 𝓗𝓾𝓶𝓪𝓷
🖤🩸𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓼𝔂
🩸🖤𝓘𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭
🖤🩸𝓢𝓾𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓪𝓵
🩸🖤𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼/𝓓𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓼
🖤🩸𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼/𝓕𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓪𝓻𝓼
🩸🖤𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓫𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
🖤🩸𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝔁𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝔂
🩸🖤𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓼
🖤🩸𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂
🩸🖤𝓢𝓵𝓸𝔀-𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷/𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🖤🩸𝓑𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭 & 𝓖𝓸𝓻𝓮
🩸🖤𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻

I need me a Mollifier to calm me down, because that ending...?

Anyways.

Ava, our FMC, accompanies Madigan, the MMC, to the Vampire's Nest and on the way there encounter his ex, Hiero (Hieronymus). Ava realises there's indeed a lot she doesn't know about her man. And of course, things don't go as planned, plots and twists occur, but will they manage to get through them at the Nest? Will they defeat the Hallows...?

This is book two of the "Blood and Venom Saga." Once again, I'm grateful to receive another arc by the author! I find it much, much darker than the first book, "The Vampire And The Scorpion," and I recommend reading the prequel, too. Now, reading the sequel, I am simply obsessed. I enjoyed it so much! K.E. Beale truly has a talent for pulling the reader into whatever she writes and makes it extremely immersive. It's written very well! I absolutely fell in love with characters from the first book and now also new ones, brilliant additions! And we learn a lot about Vampire norms and customs, which are very original and unique indeed. The details/descriptions are vivid, the pacing is perfect, and it doesn't drop you attention, and the world building is too good. Very well done. A lot of blood/gore, keep in mind.

If you're into dark supernatural romances with fantasy that's embroiled with blood, gore, and adventure, then this one is for you! We meet demons, witches, and all sorts of supernatural beings. Full of magic, darkness, and allure! It's a brilliant follow-up from the first book - enigmatic, otherworldly, and spicy! It's very mysterious, too. The plot-twist took me way off guard, like what? HELLO? Love it. It does leave us on a cliff-hanger, and I can't wait to find out more in the third installment. Also there's banter and chemistry, an unforeseen villain, a tension filled plotline and amazing spice, soul-suckers and blood-moon moths, tension and intrigue, action and magic, a world of beauty you do not want to miss. All I'm saying is, if they made this saga into a tv series, I'd binge watch it like a wh*re on cr*ack.


Out of Fives;
🖤🩸𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓: ✨✨✨✨✨
🩸🖤𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🖤🩸𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆: 🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
🩸🖤𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 💥💥💥💥💥
🖤🩸𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
🩸🖤𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
🖤🩸𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
🩸🖤𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅/𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒆: 🩸🩸🩸🩸
🖤🩸𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 🎲🎲🎲🎲
🩸🖤𝑴𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 : 🥛🥛🥛🥛
🖤🩸𝑨𝒗𝒂 𝑭𝑴𝑪: 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
🩸🖤𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝑴𝑪: 🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
🖤🩸𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆: 🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
🩸🖤𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳
🖤🩸𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🩸🖤𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌍🌏🌍🌍🌏
🖤🩸𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
🩸🖤𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑽𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒎 𝑺𝒂𝒈𝒂, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑻𝒘𝒐.
🖤🩸𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 369.
🩸🖤𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 32.
🖤🩸𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚.
🩸🖤𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆: 7 𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒃𝒆𝒓 2025.
🖤🩸𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🩸🖤𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Tânia Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vampire Lord picks up right after The Vampire and the Scorpion, following Ava’s journey with Madigan to the vampires’ nest and all the dangers they face along the way.

In this book, we get a better look into this rich supernatural world, where the mix of vampires, shifters, witches, familiars, and demons continues to feel unique. This time we dive deeper into the vampire world, especially their customs and politics, which quickly became one of my favorite parts. It really felt fresh and well thought out.

Apart from familiar faces, we’re also introduced to new ones that help raise the stakes and add tension to the group dynamics, making everything feel more unpredictable. I especially enjoyed seeing more of Ava and Madigan’s relationship, which was something I felt was missing in the first book. Their dynamic had much more depth this time, and the chemistry between them (and Hiero) really came through.

The writing continues to be easy and fun to read, with a nice balance between action, emotion, and magic. The story felt more fast paced this time, with more tension building through both the actions and the characters’ choices. I also really liked how much darker this book was compared to the first. It is definitely bloodier and more intense, which fits perfectly with the world and the characters’ development.

And that final twist completely caught me off guard! It was chaotic in the best way and left me immediately wanting the next book. Overall, The Vampire Lord is a strong continuation of the series: darker, sharper, and more emotionally layered than the first. I can’t wait to see where Ava’s journey goes next.

Thank you to K.E. Beale for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Migla M · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, just WOW. I enjoyed arc reading this book even more that the first one!!!!!

First of all - wtf with that ending??? The tension, plot twists coming up so suddenly that I just couldn't put this book down. It was so interesting and well written, I got immersed very quickly. Honestly, I was so happy about the main storyline here, that I did manage to forget to look for hidden clues and whispers, and what happened at the ending truly left me speechless for a while. I really did not expect that to happen. That is one of the biggest things why I loved this book so so much.

The other is the main fmc and mmc relationship. So pure, beautiful, amazing and full of delicious tension and banter. Their admiration, respect and love for each other is so perfect, they truly are made for each other.

But that character, who's name we cannot say, is ugh, disgusting. I do understand why that character started doing all that, cause to get that kind of news and be helpless to do anything is cruel, but to dealt that same cruelty to others is disgusting... I'm honestly disappointed in that character so so much. And that person was so so promising.

I'm very excited for the next book of this series. Really can't wait to know what's going to happen in the future.

[Mikaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally book 2!!

I love that The Vampire Lord is darker than The Vampire And The Scorpion.

Take a look at the triggers before reading, since it’s darker than book 1, so you know what you’re getting in to.

Me personally, I loved that it’s dark and twisted. K.E. Beale has a talent in the way she writes.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but Madigan (Len/Leonard) is going to the vampires nest, and Ava wants to follow. Eventually she gets to go with him.

On the way there they meet Madigan’s ex Hiero (Hieronymus).
Let’s just say everything doesn’t go as planned, and at the nest there is new setbacks. Will everything eventually get a solution, or will it all go to hell?

I can’t describe how good this book is in words. If you like romantasy and/or dark books and isn’t afraid of blood? This is a must read!

I can’t recommend this book enough!! This is my second time reading it (since I got the opportunity to beta read) and I love it just as much this second time, can’t wait for the next book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Vampire Lord! The story pulled me in right from the start and kept a perfect pace all the way through — never dragging, but giving enough time for the plot and relationships to really develop. The characters were fantastic; Ava, Madigan, and Hiero each brought something different and compelling to the story, and their chemistry was off the charts.

The twists and turns throughout really helped build the anticipation and kept me eagerly turning the pages. I especially loved how the tension built between the three of them. That said, I do wish the spicy scene between Madigan, Hiero, and Ava had been a little more detailed, or that there had been one or two more scenes exploring that dynamic — it felt like there was definitely room for more!

Still, this was such a strong, engaging read overall, and I’m already counting down the days until the next instalment. I can’t wait to see if Ava finds Madigan again and where their story goes next.

Thanks to author K.E. Beale for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Liana Van Doren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Vampire Lord by K.E. Baele, and once again I’m impressed by the rich fantasy world the author has created. I still absolutely adore the characters from book one, and the introduction of some fantastic new ones made the story even more engaging.

The writing style remains easy, fun, and straightforward—something I really enjoy. And I have to mention the MMF exploration in this installment was very interesting. The spicy scene was incredibly well done and definitely a highlight for me.

That said, I personally found this book a little less exciting than book 1. It didn’t captivate me quite as much for most of the journey. However, the major plot twist completely turned that around—I was literally gaping at the page in shock when the revelations came. Total chaos in the end. Love it!

Overall, this was a strong continuation of the series, and I can’t wait to see where things go from here!

[Scarby Doo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vampire Lord is a wonderfully crafted story of love, revenge, betrayal and deception, with vampires, witches, and shifters. It is a slow burn book with explicit spice.

The story follows Ava, a shifter, and her vampire partner, Madigan as they journey to the vampire nest to recruit for an upcoming battle against supernatural hunters. I love the chemistry between Ava and Madigan, especially the sarcasm and banter they share. When Hiero, Madigan’s ex, enters the picture and the flirting between the three of them begins. I really enjoyed the personalities and the depth of the side characters, Red, Myla, Max and Franziska.

I think this is a wonderful continuation of The Vampire and The Scorpion, and I love how the main characters and the world have been fleshed out as the story develops. This book truly is for anyone who loves supernatural elements, gory violence, and spicy MMF moments. The ending is so painful that I cannot wait to see what comes next.

[neus.dreamybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 so you must read The Vampire and The Scorpion first to really understand how Ava and Madigan (Len/Leonard) work as a couple. This is a dark paranormal romance series and with each book it's darkness grows.

Madigan has to go to the vampire's nest and finally Ava gets to go with him. On their way there, they meet Madigan's ex Hiero (Hieronymus) who thought him dead for the last 20 years.

Let's just say that being in the nest isn't as easy as Ava thought and the tension between her, Madigan and Hiero is off the charts but will it be real or just some glamour playing tricks?

This book ends in a cliffhanger so we must wait some time to know how their story ends but I'm not complaining because I'm excited to know what the demons have planned because I'm positive they will be important in the next book.

-ARC read-

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wild, emotional ride this book took me on is unsurprising. As the second book in the series, it picks up right where book one left off and plunges into a beautiful tailspin. I know many will review the plot of this book, giving details about the romance, the spice, and the gritty world of vampires and supernaturals, but I want to talk about this author’s superb writing style. She takes a world and genre many of us love and are familiar with and turns it upside down. She shakes what we know and gives us something unexpected and addictive.
I loved this book even more than book one and the prequel. The vampire nest is terrifying, the world harrowing, and yet, the visuals she creates are nothing short of magnificent.
I will be following this author and anything she writes from here into eternity.

[Emily Leggat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words, I just have no words. I was lucky enough to be able to read Book 1 and for me it was an absolute hit and I loved every single second. The characters are amazing, the plot is amazing & it is such a good read. I now have had the opportunity to read Book 2 and my mind is blown. I closed my kindle and had to sit there and actually process what just happened in that ending.. it also made me cry as I was NOT expecting it! The twists and turns in Book 2 kept me hooked the whole time, I could not put this one down at all - I NEED BOOK 3 LIKE YESTERDAY! 🙈

If you’re in to dark paranormal romances that contain forbidden romance, vampire x human & slow burn then definitely get this series in your hands and read it!

[Abi Taberer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the blood and venom saga follow Ava Monroe in her journey from human familiar to shifter. Her love life continues to be complicated in book 2 and the drama that seems to follow her escalates in a much more deadly manner. This book is filled with blood and gore and the author is not joking when they warned that the story gets darker, its not horrendously dark- for a book about vampires i would say the darkness level is expected. The underlying romance in book 2 has an old school chivalry feel to it which is sweet but ramps up in chapter 20 ;) and then all the romance seems to take a step back as the blood and gore takes centre stage again. I really enjoyed this story and finished it in a couple of days. Interested to find out what's next for Ava in book 3.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, the second installment of this book was exactly why they told Ava she didn't want to go to the Nest. Whilst I guessed part of a story line, but then second guessed it, this book is by no means predictable.

I loved the Ava and Madigan moments and how their story has grown from the first book. We also get to find out so much more about our side characters from book 1 and meet some new ones that hopefully can help guide Ava and help the coven in defeating the hallows. I want to say so much more but fear it will give things away that need to be experienced by reading the book.

This book does have dark themes, although i think book 1 was darker and it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts so I really need to know what will and how this can be made right.

[emmaz.bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★♾️


Thank you so much, K. E. Beale, for gifting me an e-ARC to review 🖤

The Vampire Lord is the second book in the Blood and Venom saga, and I was so excited to read it. I loved the first book!! And this one is even better and i truly I couldn’t put it down! This time Eva travels with Madigan to the vampires’ nest, on the way there they run into Hiro, Madigan’s ex-boyfriend..

I adored the banter and tension between all three of them. They had such good chemistry!! The writing and the spice were absolutely amazing! I also loved meeting the new characters and learning more about the vampires’ customs. It was all so interesting and felt very unique.

The ending and cliffhanger tho!! That truly surprised and broke my heart 😭. I need book three right now aahh!!

[Printessan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a fun and intense continuation where the world of vampires, witches, and shifters gets darker and more interesting. I was hooked right from the start, and I love how both the external threats and the main character’s inner struggles keep building up. One of the things I enjoyed was the unique vampire customs and norms. The book starts off strong, the relationships grow in ways that are both surprising and emotional, and there’s a great mix of action, feelings, and magic.

Thank you so much K.E for letting me be a part of your team. ❤️🌺

[OrchidMantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, K.E. Beale doesn’t disappoint. The world she spins is glorious and pulls you in effortlessly. Her characters are glorious and I adore her main couple Ava and Madigan. This book surprised me and I totally did not see it coming. Neither the development or the ending of it. It was absolutely wonderful and I devoured it. I am eager to do so again. It is heavier than the original book in themes and in content but don’t let that discourage you.
I am already dying for book 3 and to see the characters again.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a rollercoaster that was!
This second book is much darker then the first one, from the stomach churning details in chapter 2 🤢🫣 to the chaus going on in the "nest".. and that one "HOT" scene oh my! Kat I did not know you had that in you 😉🥵

But that cliff hanger, that was so mean, you best hurry up and bring the next one out!
I loved reading this, thank you for letting me.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing second in series! Though this definitely not for the squeamish, beware of gore. Be prepared for vampires and their society as you have never imagined them. This is a beautifully unique system of magic that emerged fully fledged in this heart stopping series. The characters are unforgettable and the action will have you cringing, crying and panting!

[Vonnies Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked by the author if I wanted to read an Arc of this book. I was like yes, I am pleased I did.
Loved it, great twists and an unexpected villain, if you know you know.
Grr to the cliff hanger but makes me really excited for the next instalment.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone that likes their stories dark and twisty

[Suzie Boswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

K.E. Beale is such an amazing author. I have absoltely devoured anything she has written! I really enjoyed book one, the novella and absolutely ate up book two!

Being October meant this was a perfect themed read to start off the month!

Following on immediately from The Vampire and the Scorpion we are thrown once again into Ava's story and what journey she must endure next.

A ton of new characters are throne into the mix but who can she trust? What will happen in her plight to save her coven? I don't want to give any spoilers so you will just have to read it for yourself and find out.

Ready and eagerly awaiting book three! 😊 xx

[Midgrahun · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

While I found Ava annoying in the first Book, this Book made me fall in love with her!
Her whole journey in this Book was such a good read, we finally get to know more about other characters and the whole chemistry in this Book was amazing.

With the ending being a cliffhanger, I hope we get Book 3 soon!

[Tanya Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the pleasure to receive an e-Arc for this book. It is the first one I've read from this author. I loved the banter and chemistry between the characters. I would highly recommend checking trigger warnings but overall it was a great read

[Mette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic follow-up to the first book. Its dark, mysterious and spicy. Its a true page turner and hard to put down. I for one loved the story and will be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the continuation of Ava’s story!

[Bronte Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. Loved the use of different types of vampires and the plot twist who the true bad guy was. Hope we get a HEA in the next book after this one left on a cliff hanger

[Alison McWha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this, especially when they bump into Madigan’s old friend. The banter between them was on point. I am really glad I got to read this as an Arc. Definitely recommend reading them. I love how different the vampires are in this series makes it very unique

[Jacqualine Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book had an amazing storyline, terrific characters and out of this world world building. I would definitely recommend it. It is a must read definite page Turner.

[Jess Beale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this down!
Well worth a read- it's been a long time since I read a book that quickly.
Can't wait for the third installment now!

[Nebulous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Madigan are going to visit the vampires! Political intrigue, former lovers and contests of strength and will await. Gritty and deadly, the plot continues to thicken as our MCs navigate this ancient and deadly culture. Amazing world building.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely takes a darker turn and I loved every minute of. Would say this was more gripping than the first book. Really can’t wait for more