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Acropolis

Jason has spent his existence as a vampire chasing one goal; and nowhere in that plan was there room for a human pet. Especially one with a stubborn streak and a steely glare he knows will get her killed.

Her whole adult life has been spent avoiding capture by the trappers who hunt down humans to sell to vampires and shifters alike. But when that luck runs out, she finds herself with a collar around her throat and death breathing down her neck.

As much as she'd like to kill him while he sleeps, just as she'd planned, he is nothing like she imagined. Behind closed doors, he has more interest in the maps and documents sprawled across his desk.

In public, he has only one play the part.

As a human, she knows safety isn't promised, but Jason arms her with a blade of her own, and worse, teaches her to use it.

But when reminders of her old life begin appearing in unmarked envelopes, it begs the If following the rules doesn't guarantee her safety, then what will?

And when her new owner's secrets come to light, painting a big red target on her back, can that blade protect her?

Can he?

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2025

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Veronica Hess

1 book4 followers

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5 stars
11 (37%)
4 stars
3 (10%)
3 stars
6 (20%)
2 stars
7 (24%)
1 star
2 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle Strona.
171 reviews14 followers
September 22, 2025
If you’re a fan of The Vampire Diaries and always wished Elena could have had both Stefan and Damon…then this book is for you!

The story follows our fierce and resilient FMC, Pet, known in the slave trade as Deliah. She’s a human trying to survive in a brutal world that’s ruled by vampires and shifters, where humans are nothing more than property. Deliah has spent her life avoiding capture, but her luck runs out when she is caught and thrown into the slave trade, and then she’s sold to a vampire named Jason. But Jason isn’t the monster she expected. Unlike her cruel previous owners, Jason is kind. He gives her shoes, which are an unheard-of luxury for a slave, and he doesn’t force her to wear a leash. He treats her like a person, but her freedom comes at a cost. Jason needs her help to find a rare flower… and they’re being hunted by Deliah’s former owner, Le, who refuses to let her go without a fight. Now, Deliah, Jason, and Henry have to fight with each other and find what Jason is looking for, but also stay out of the way of Le, whom they can’t seem to get rid of.

I loved Jason and Henry! As their journey begins, Deliah begins to see another side of Jason and of his companion, Henry. Jason is gentle, thoughtful, and protective. Henry, on the other hand, is tough, challenging, and unafraid to push Deliah out of her comfort zone. Both men care for her in their own ways, and as their walls start to come down and their trust begins to grow, Deliah finds herself torn between her desire for freedom and the undeniable connection that she’s forming with both of them.

The world-building in this book is immersive and rich with tension. You feel like you’re right there beside Deliah, navigating this dark, complex world. The pacing was solid, and while I wish for a few more scenes from our antagonists, the ending more than made up for it. The final scene with Le and all of the main characters was so vividly written; I felt like I could see every moment like it was playing in front of me. Overall, the plot felt fresh, original, and the emotional journey was just as compelling as the action! This book had everything from romance, danger, a complex world, and an FMC that you can root for!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend! 5/5 stars!
Profile Image for Smut S Sisters.
77 reviews64 followers
Read
October 4, 2025
This book is for all those needing a 'why choose' vampire romance. Fantasy, mystery, romance, and hot spice. Plus a bunch of teasing banter and a smart-mouthed FMC. Both male main characters are sure to make your book boyfriend list. This is a must add to your TBR.

Read this for:

-romantasy
-vampires/shifters/humans
-why choose/mmf
-shadow daddy
-shadow binding
-slow burn to hot spice
-'touch her & die'
-'good girl'

"No one above punishment, should they so much as lay a finger on you. Death herself would drop to her knees before my blade."
Profile Image for Samantha M.
16 reviews
October 25, 2025
I liked the idea of this book, and there were some great parts. But the plot just fell flat for me. There wasn’t any significant conflict, the pacing was off and the storyline didn’t flow well. I think the characters and their dynamics needed to be fleshed out more. The reader was never really given a reason to care about the characters IMO. Also a lot of grammatical/spelling errors that I found distracting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Allie DeMars.
362 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
🌶️.5

Acropolis is a beautifully written story that pulled me in with from the start with the rich world building and emotionally driven characters. One of the strongest aspects of this book is how vivid the scenery is described. Veronica Hess does a fantastic job painting scenes that feel immersive and cinematic, making it easy to fall into the world she’s created.

The characters were another highlight for me. They were easy to love and felt genuine, with real emotions and personal connections to the other characters within the story. I especially enjoyed the slow burn between Amelia, Jason, and Henry. Their relationship was developed with care and nuance, and the romantic tension was handled beautifully. I can’t be the only one who loves a vampire why choose, RIGHT?!

The author really nailed the balance between emotional depth and physical chemistry, with tasteful spice that felt well timed and earned. The mystery surrounding Henry’s identity also added a nice layer of suspense. It complemented the story line well and tied back in to the ending.

That said, there were some spelling and editing errors throughout, which is understandable in indie publishing, but still noticeable.

I also found the pacing to be slightly uneven. While the character development and romance were strong, I was hoping for higher stakes or a clearer central conflict. Amelia’s stalker adds a compelling backstory, but I felt the plot could have pushed further in terms of urgency or danger to elevate the tension overall.

Despite those minor notes, Acropolis is a strong debut with a lot of heart. Veronica Hess has created a cast of characters and a world that readers will want to return to. I cannot wait to see what comes next!

Thank you Veronica Hess for the ARC copy of Acropolis!
Profile Image for Krissey P.
355 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2026
I only made it to chapter 31 before I DNF. I really tried to go back multiple times. Its not terrible, I love the premise! This could be soooo good. I really see the potential!!
I just felt like no one proof read this book before it was published.

There's no real threat or drama in this book so it just became really boring 😴 plus this far into the book I would expect at least a kiss and some kind of passion. The yearning is not yearning for me.
****spoilers****





I would have loved if the FMC and the initial MMC had a fling or lots of kissing and inappropriate touching before his hubby came home so that her whole feeling bad about liking him would feel more potent. Then she could cry about that and feeling shitty about some kind of cheating. I didn't understand why she threw a fit over just thinking hes hot and crushing, they didn't have any other real connection.

The word "Umber" is stated 49 times. In a 400+ page book; you would think it might not sound like a lot but it feels very repetitive when reading about this man's eyes every other page. When you already state things about his umber eyes looking at you, I dont need the reiterating of umber for another eye movement. I already know they are umber!

The phrase "pulled my lips between my teeth" was stated 13 times. This wasn't as bad initially but then became redundant when this was stated again but slightly different (Pulled, Suck, Tucking ect...before statement of lips lol) 💋 on the next page again. I already know shes doing this, she doesn't need to state that shes doing it again.
Profile Image for szreads.
391 reviews22 followers
October 19, 2025
4.5 stars

Really well written and interesting concept! I’ve never read a book with this pet idea and was pleasantly surprised.

I’d only change a few things which is why it’s not 5 stars

- The books name doesn’t fit into the story other than the one city. Maybe the seeker or something more catchy?

- There are a few spelling errors (wrong their)

- they’re vampires but there’s barely any blood drinking from her men!!

- His shadows and hands shifting need more explanation

- she finds their fun drawer but never uses them. I wanted the drawer and toy she took used.
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 4 books8 followers
June 22, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved the twist of humans as pets to the vampires and shifters. I loved the many different twists and consistent themes regarding love, ones humanity and integrity being a choice everyone gets to make or not make. The tension was great, the softness sprinkled on was not overly done where it became saccharine.
It literally was SUPER enjoyable and a wonderful pick for our book club book of the month for June!
RUN, don’t walk, to get your copy!
EXCELLENT READ!!
P.S. There better be a second book coming out!! LOL
Profile Image for Nikki Filippone.
1 review2 followers
August 22, 2025
Dark, gripping, and beautifully written — Acropolis pulls you into a dangerous world of power, survival, and forbidden connections. Veronica’s writing is vivid and immersive, with tension that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. A must-read for fans of dark fantasy and slow-burn intrigue.
1 review
October 6, 2025
This book is incredible. Well written and hooked me in the first page. I have read several books with the lead character being female...and this on outdoes all the rest! Loved the vampire to human interactions in the story. Do yourself a favor, grab some free time, and dive into this awesome literary masterpiece!
1 review
August 16, 2026
I really loved Acropolis! I couldn’t put it down once I got into it, and I was completely invested in the characters and their relationships. The romance, drama, and twists kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next, and there were definitely a few moments that caught me off guard. I loved the darker vibe of the story and one I’d recommend!
Profile Image for Kasi.
179 reviews
March 26, 2026
Solid 3.5.

interesting world, though tracking the world building was a little convoluted at times. the ebook edition has many many typos and grammatical errors, which pulled me out of the story. the ending was abrupt and anticlimactic

we love a good standalone.
Profile Image for Eyvette.
100 reviews
May 26, 2026
This was an enjoyable read and it helped me out of a reading slump! The Love between the characters was the most intense love and im here for it! The ending was shoking and I wasn't expecting it at all. 3.5 🌟
1 review
July 22, 2026
Acropolis is a must read for those who grew up loving Twilight. It is definitely more geared towards grown ups and the vampires feel more realistic as opposed to the fantasy characters we grew up with. A quick and easy read that easily captures its readers attention and keeps you wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews