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In the Veins of Monsters : An Enemies-to-Lovers Dark Fantasy Romance
An assassin sent to end a Warlord.
A Warlord intent on destroying a system.
But she’s becoming the very monster he means to destroy.
And he might lose his heart in the race to save her.
Throne of Glass meets The Walking Dead in this gripping, dark romantasy about an assassin determined to win her freedom, an immortal warlord intent on denying it, and the monsters inside them threatening to tear them both apart.
When Seren Caelara is sent on her final mission to kill the warlord who destroyed her village, she never expected to discover that Kiaan Valcorsan cannot die, or that her life might be the key to breaking his immortality.
Forced into a blood bond that entwines their lives, their fates, and their unwanted desire, Seren begins to uncover the truth behind Kiaan’s long campaign of ruin. And cursed with her own deadly blood disease, she soon realizes she is transforming into the very creature at the heart of his war.
But Kiaan may also be the only one who understands the darkness growing inside her.
As her humanity slips and the monster rises, Seren must confront the secrets of her bloodline, the truth of her past, and the terrifying fate overtaking her—before her heart surrenders to the man she was meant to destroy.
★★★★★ “Wow! What an impressive debut novel—I couldn’t put it down.” — RedFireLady.
★★★★ “For readers who crave morally gray chaos, assassin angst, and a romance that burns through ruin.” — TomeafterTome Tess
★★★★½ “Descriptive, horror-themed, and heartbreakingly slow-burn.” — Natasha.
★★★★★ “Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brandon Sanderson will love this dark romantic fantasy.” — Jamie De.
Perfect for readers who
• Enemies-to-lovers tension that burns slow and explodes hot
• Ruthless warlords & defiant heroines
• Blood curses, betrayal, and brutal redemption
• Forced proximity, one bed, and fated bonds
A Warlord intent on destroying a system.
But she’s becoming the very monster he means to destroy.
And he might lose his heart in the race to save her.
Throne of Glass meets The Walking Dead in this gripping, dark romantasy about an assassin determined to win her freedom, an immortal warlord intent on denying it, and the monsters inside them threatening to tear them both apart.
When Seren Caelara is sent on her final mission to kill the warlord who destroyed her village, she never expected to discover that Kiaan Valcorsan cannot die, or that her life might be the key to breaking his immortality.
Forced into a blood bond that entwines their lives, their fates, and their unwanted desire, Seren begins to uncover the truth behind Kiaan’s long campaign of ruin. And cursed with her own deadly blood disease, she soon realizes she is transforming into the very creature at the heart of his war.
But Kiaan may also be the only one who understands the darkness growing inside her.
As her humanity slips and the monster rises, Seren must confront the secrets of her bloodline, the truth of her past, and the terrifying fate overtaking her—before her heart surrenders to the man she was meant to destroy.
★★★★★ “Wow! What an impressive debut novel—I couldn’t put it down.” — RedFireLady.
★★★★ “For readers who crave morally gray chaos, assassin angst, and a romance that burns through ruin.” — TomeafterTome Tess
★★★★½ “Descriptive, horror-themed, and heartbreakingly slow-burn.” — Natasha.
★★★★★ “Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brandon Sanderson will love this dark romantic fantasy.” — Jamie De.
Perfect for readers who
• Enemies-to-lovers tension that burns slow and explodes hot
• Ruthless warlords & defiant heroines
• Blood curses, betrayal, and brutal redemption
• Forced proximity, one bed, and fated bonds
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2025
11 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 1, 2025
Wow! What an impressive debut novel! This book definitely grabbed ahold of me from the start, and I could not put it down! I really enjoyed this book, fell in love with the characters and and the plot pulled me in deep.
✅️ Enemies to lovers
✅️ Slow burn
✅️ He's falls first
✅️ Forced bond
✅️ One bed
✅️ Captor/Captive
✅️ Strong FMC
Seren is an assassin sent to kill Kiaan, the murderous warlord that destroyed her village and killed her family. When she tries to complete her mission, she finds out, too late, that he is immortal. Kiaan captures her and forces fher into a blood bond to have Seren help him break his immortality curse. With no trust between them and goals that do not align, they set off on an adventure that leads to self-discovery, a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance and Seren finding out that everything she has ever known may not be as it seems.
This book had me laughing at the banter and definitely pulled me into the story. I loved watching Seren and Kiaans story unfold. The world and characters are well developed, and the plot was think and twisty. I was never really sure what was going to happen next.
And that cliffhanger ending?!?! Waiting for the next book is going to be torture!
✅️ Enemies to lovers
✅️ Slow burn
✅️ He's falls first
✅️ Forced bond
✅️ One bed
✅️ Captor/Captive
✅️ Strong FMC
Seren is an assassin sent to kill Kiaan, the murderous warlord that destroyed her village and killed her family. When she tries to complete her mission, she finds out, too late, that he is immortal. Kiaan captures her and forces fher into a blood bond to have Seren help him break his immortality curse. With no trust between them and goals that do not align, they set off on an adventure that leads to self-discovery, a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance and Seren finding out that everything she has ever known may not be as it seems.
This book had me laughing at the banter and definitely pulled me into the story. I loved watching Seren and Kiaans story unfold. The world and characters are well developed, and the plot was think and twisty. I was never really sure what was going to happen next.
And that cliffhanger ending?!?! Waiting for the next book is going to be torture!
September 3, 2025
This story was action packed, and was a true enemies to lovers. The into to the story really hooks you in, and then it just keeps going from there. I enjoyed the dual POV, and seeing both perspectives of the main characters. The magic system is easy to follow, which is really nice as well. It definitely ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that!
October 17, 2025
In the Veins of Monsters is brilliantly written, terrifyingly thrilling, horrifically captivating, and utterly fascinating. The story bleeds originality. The world of assassins, curses, and monsters feels fresh and alive on every page.
Seren is a powerful, unforgettable heroine: strong, clever, and cursed in ways that pull at both her humanity and her hunger. Kiaan, the immortal bound by tragedy and belief, balances her perfectly. His darkness mirrors hers, and their connection thrums with danger and inevitability.
The writing is sharp and atmospheric, dripping with detail and tension that never lets up. The plot twists are layered and relentless; just when you think you understand the curse, Cate Anne rips the floor out from under you.
And that ending? I did not see it coming. It’s a wicked cliffhanger that left me completely shocked and desperate for book two.
If you love dark fantasy, slow-burn danger, morally gray characters, and romance built on fate and ruin, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
Seren is a powerful, unforgettable heroine: strong, clever, and cursed in ways that pull at both her humanity and her hunger. Kiaan, the immortal bound by tragedy and belief, balances her perfectly. His darkness mirrors hers, and their connection thrums with danger and inevitability.
The writing is sharp and atmospheric, dripping with detail and tension that never lets up. The plot twists are layered and relentless; just when you think you understand the curse, Cate Anne rips the floor out from under you.
And that ending? I did not see it coming. It’s a wicked cliffhanger that left me completely shocked and desperate for book two.
If you love dark fantasy, slow-burn danger, morally gray characters, and romance built on fate and ruin, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
September 12, 2025
In The Veins of Monsters by @Cate Anne.
This book was an absolutely descriptive, horror themed slow burn enemies to lovers romance.
We follow Seren who is a BADDIE FMC. She has a tragic childhood then joined the assassins guild where she did her job with flawless precision.
now she wants to leave. But to do this she has one more mission. ☠️ a warlord named Kiaan, who decides that’s not happening btw. So he does some SHADY stuff.
This is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance that has forced proximity, forced bonded mating, he falls first, horror vibes that are perfect for spooky season.
I hope you love this book as much as I did
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Releases This fall
This book was an absolutely descriptive, horror themed slow burn enemies to lovers romance.
We follow Seren who is a BADDIE FMC. She has a tragic childhood then joined the assassins guild where she did her job with flawless precision.
now she wants to leave. But to do this she has one more mission. ☠️ a warlord named Kiaan, who decides that’s not happening btw. So he does some SHADY stuff.
This is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance that has forced proximity, forced bonded mating, he falls first, horror vibes that are perfect for spooky season.
I hope you love this book as much as I did
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Releases This fall
September 8, 2025
An engaging novel in the romantic fantasy genre. The story and the characters retained my interest and attention all the way through. With a strong feminist character who holds her own in all situations despite many obstacles, she shows the way. A true modern woman in ancient times. Looking forward to the follow up book.
Well done on this debut novel!
Well done on this debut novel!
September 1, 2025
Are you into romantasy with aspects of horror? Yeah.. me too. This book had nearly every trope you could imagine.
Forced proximity, one bed, black cat x black cat, enemies to lovers, he falls first, betrayal.
The list could go on. HIGHLY recommend! Going to be a fantastic series.
Forced proximity, one bed, black cat x black cat, enemies to lovers, he falls first, betrayal.
The list could go on. HIGHLY recommend! Going to be a fantastic series.
October 6, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book! I seriously loved it so much! It's a phenomenal debut novel and I'm so grateful I got the chance to read it!
Seren is on a mission for her freedom tasked to kill the monster that destroyed her family and home. Unknown to her, she's actually becoming the monster he's trying to destroy. Ugh when I tell you I love these two together, I'm so serious. Kiaan had me falling in love him from the moment he was on the page. Seren is an amazing fmc that has you rooting for her the entire time.
I need book 2 to get here asap because I need more of every part of this world.
Seren is on a mission for her freedom tasked to kill the monster that destroyed her family and home. Unknown to her, she's actually becoming the monster he's trying to destroy. Ugh when I tell you I love these two together, I'm so serious. Kiaan had me falling in love him from the moment he was on the page. Seren is an amazing fmc that has you rooting for her the entire time.
I need book 2 to get here asap because I need more of every part of this world.
November 4, 2025
In her debut, Anne drops us into a decaying kingdom where rot spreads faster than mercy, while an assassin’s heartbeat as slowly as the infection crawling under her skin. She serves us world building that is lush, layered, and laced with death— exactly how I like it.
Our FMC, Seren, is sent to kill the immortal King Kiaan… except every step closer to him only binds her tighter to the very man she’s meant to end. Their chemistry simmers beneath blades and betrayal, evolving from enemies to captive and captor to something far more dangerous. A slow burn that hurts, the kind that lives in glances and unspoken confessions.
The true genius here though, The Wane. A zombiefying illness that seeps into the fantasy setting with eerie perfection, a mirror for the moral decay festering beneath the council’s polished lies. Add in a villain like Varic (cruel, cunning, and gloriously unhinged) and you’ve got addictive political intrigue.
If I had one wish, it’s that we lingered longer in the build before that brutal cliff Anne shoves us off (and oh, she full on Spartan kicks). Topping it off with with a twist on top top that introduces your jaw to the floor.
This one’s for the readers who crave morally gray chaos, assassin angst, and a romance that burns through ruin. Infection, betrayal, and an immortal king who just might damn himself for her.
Our FMC, Seren, is sent to kill the immortal King Kiaan… except every step closer to him only binds her tighter to the very man she’s meant to end. Their chemistry simmers beneath blades and betrayal, evolving from enemies to captive and captor to something far more dangerous. A slow burn that hurts, the kind that lives in glances and unspoken confessions.
The true genius here though, The Wane. A zombiefying illness that seeps into the fantasy setting with eerie perfection, a mirror for the moral decay festering beneath the council’s polished lies. Add in a villain like Varic (cruel, cunning, and gloriously unhinged) and you’ve got addictive political intrigue.
If I had one wish, it’s that we lingered longer in the build before that brutal cliff Anne shoves us off (and oh, she full on Spartan kicks). Topping it off with with a twist on top top that introduces your jaw to the floor.
This one’s for the readers who crave morally gray chaos, assassin angst, and a romance that burns through ruin. Infection, betrayal, and an immortal king who just might damn himself for her.
November 30, 2025
In the Veins of Monsters was such a wild, addictive ride…and honestly one of the most unique concepts I’ve read in a while. If you are a fan of Chloe Gong, Maas, and Cassandra Clare- Anne built this world in a way that actually makes sense as you read, which I LOVED. No confusion, no flipping back to see who’s who-she guides you through the magic, the monsters, and the chaos so smoothly, which is something I BEG for.
And the enemies to lovers energy? Ohhhh it is THERE. The tension, the bickering, the “I hate you but also I might die for you” vibes… chef’s kiss. I was fully locked in.
But listen… the two massive plot twists?? They still have me in a chokehold. I gasped. I yelled. I sat there questioning everything. Truly unwell in the best way.
Clare balanced the dark, eerie atmosphere with emotional depth and that slow-burn ache, and I ate it UP. I’m already counting down because I need book two immediately. Not soon..now.
And the enemies to lovers energy? Ohhhh it is THERE. The tension, the bickering, the “I hate you but also I might die for you” vibes… chef’s kiss. I was fully locked in.
But listen… the two massive plot twists?? They still have me in a chokehold. I gasped. I yelled. I sat there questioning everything. Truly unwell in the best way.
Clare balanced the dark, eerie atmosphere with emotional depth and that slow-burn ache, and I ate it UP. I’m already counting down because I need book two immediately. Not soon..now.
February 8, 2026
⚔️ She was becoming the monster he swore to destroy. ⚔️
In the Veins of Monsters is book one in the Veins and Monsters series by Cate Ann.
This book gives you everything from enemies to lovers, blood binds, forced proximity and blood curses. We've got an assassin fmc and a cursed mmc and the slow burn is definitely burning.
The dynamic between Seren and Kiaan was so entertaining, watching the push and pull while they struggled with the bond. I'm so interested in seeing what happens in book two as far as their relationship as well as the progression with a certain withering sickness. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns in this book and the betrayals were insane! I had my theories and was correct about most but that ending had my glabbers absolutely gasted!!
I would definitely recommend reading this book and look forward to continuing the adventure in book two! 🔥
In the Veins of Monsters is book one in the Veins and Monsters series by Cate Ann.
This book gives you everything from enemies to lovers, blood binds, forced proximity and blood curses. We've got an assassin fmc and a cursed mmc and the slow burn is definitely burning.
The dynamic between Seren and Kiaan was so entertaining, watching the push and pull while they struggled with the bond. I'm so interested in seeing what happens in book two as far as their relationship as well as the progression with a certain withering sickness. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns in this book and the betrayals were insane! I had my theories and was correct about most but that ending had my glabbers absolutely gasted!!
I would definitely recommend reading this book and look forward to continuing the adventure in book two! 🔥
August 30, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish! The story line is incredible at no point did I know what was happening next and was constantly on the edge of my seat. I won’t lie it almost had me in tears a few times. Description in this book was top notch, you really feel like you are in the story and watching everything happen in real time. The characters are extremely well written and complex, you won’t know if you should love or hate them. My only complaint is the massive book hangover I’m going to have waiting for the second one to come out after that cliffhanger at the end! This book is definitely worth the read!
February 8, 2026
Seren is an assassin with a blood disease that's going to kill her and Kiaan is the warlord who destroyed everything she loved. When she's sent to kill him she quickly discovers things aren't as they seem.
This is a fantasy romance that starts off feeling reminiscent of Throne of Glass but quickly veers into a unique plot line that is not like anything I've read so far. I enjoyed the political intrigue that drove the story forward and found myself becoming increasingly invested in the characters as the plot progressed.
This is a fantasy romance that starts off feeling reminiscent of Throne of Glass but quickly veers into a unique plot line that is not like anything I've read so far. I enjoyed the political intrigue that drove the story forward and found myself becoming increasingly invested in the characters as the plot progressed.
September 18, 2025
Was Seren sent on a mission to gain her freedom or was she sent as a pawn in a larger game?
Could she be the key or the curse to bring everything down? Freedom to be had, an affliction to manage, and the mysterious cobalt throne.
This story is a wild ride that will have you wondering who you can trust, the Warlord, the Mentor, or the Council.
Could she be the key or the curse to bring everything down? Freedom to be had, an affliction to manage, and the mysterious cobalt throne.
This story is a wild ride that will have you wondering who you can trust, the Warlord, the Mentor, or the Council.
September 28, 2025
Seren, an assassin, is becoming a monster, she’s fought the Wane since childhood. He is a monster who is immortal and unfeeling. When Kiaan encounters Seren, he captures her with a blood magic bond. This story has adventure, betrayal, an epic slow burn, a persecuted race, and political intrigue. Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brandon Sanderson will love this dark romantic fantasy.
February 22, 2026
Thanks to Hype Queen PR for the chance to read this ARC. The cover and dark fantasy romance trope drew me in. You know we love to discuss covers around here, and this one al moody and spooky and purple is all me. The book was definitely moody and dark; quite fitting with my expectations. The two main characters are absolutely enemies - he killed her entire family and she is sent to assassinate him. But not only that, the FMC is sick and is turning into the very creature the MMC has been fighting to wipe out. But... things aren't always as they seem, and I enjoyed the slow unfurling of finding out truths and intentions while unraveling betrayals of people the characters trusted for years. The first half of the book was slow and journey-ish (we were riding horses forever) but the second half was fast paced and full of back and forth betrayals where you honestly didn't know who is to be trusted and who will stab you in the back next. The slow burn finally delivers heat near the end, but we can't have nice things. Be prepared for an abrupt cliffhanger ending. In any romance, the thing I expect the most is the emotional depth and development for each of the characters independently and together. I felt this book could have gone farther in the emotions, because while we get some POV switches, it still felt like we weren't getting into their hearts. I loved that he calls her "little blade" but I also wanted a lot more banter. I live for the banter. Overall a good read, I'm curious to know what happens next because of how it ended, but I'm also not in a rabid hurry.
October 27, 2025
⭐️ 4/5 Stars | 🌶 2.5/5 Spice
In the Veins of Monsters is dark romantasy done right — equal parts gothic horror, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and emotional devastation.
Seren Calaera was raised to kill monsters… until she starts becoming one. And Kiaan, the immortal warlord she’s sworn to destroy, might be the only person who understands what she’s turning into. The push-and-pull between them is pure tension — it’s violent, intimate, and painfully human.
This book doesn’t hold your hand; it drags you through blood and guilt and curses until you can’t tell where hate ends and want begins. The writing is lyrical, sharp, and drenched in atmosphere — all dark stone, firelight, and whispers of something ancient breathing down your neck.
It’s a slow burn (very slow), but the payoff hits deep. The romance simmers under layers of trauma and revelation, and when it breaks through… it’s not soft, it’s desperate.
If you like your fantasy with teeth — monsters that bleed, love that hurts, and characters who are both doomed and divine — this one deserves your full attention.
🩸 Enemies to lovers | Forced proximity | Blood bond | Morally grey everything
⚠️ Violence, body horror, trauma themes, manipulation
In the Veins of Monsters is dark romantasy done right — equal parts gothic horror, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and emotional devastation.
Seren Calaera was raised to kill monsters… until she starts becoming one. And Kiaan, the immortal warlord she’s sworn to destroy, might be the only person who understands what she’s turning into. The push-and-pull between them is pure tension — it’s violent, intimate, and painfully human.
This book doesn’t hold your hand; it drags you through blood and guilt and curses until you can’t tell where hate ends and want begins. The writing is lyrical, sharp, and drenched in atmosphere — all dark stone, firelight, and whispers of something ancient breathing down your neck.
It’s a slow burn (very slow), but the payoff hits deep. The romance simmers under layers of trauma and revelation, and when it breaks through… it’s not soft, it’s desperate.
If you like your fantasy with teeth — monsters that bleed, love that hurts, and characters who are both doomed and divine — this one deserves your full attention.
🩸 Enemies to lovers | Forced proximity | Blood bond | Morally grey everything
⚠️ Violence, body horror, trauma themes, manipulation
November 6, 2025
IN THE VEINS OF MONSTERS
Seren was raised by a man named Varic as a assassin.
She has to has to unalive 10 before she can have her freedom and leave her assassin life behind her.
Having nine unalives. Warwick sent her on her 10th the TARGET is Keean the warlord that destroyed her village unaliving her family and everybody she ever knew.
She finds Ciaan and goes in for the kill but he doesn't unalive .What's going on? She discovers he's immortal and she realises this will be harder than she thought. Ciaan then binds her to him by blood against her will so she has no choice but to follow him on his mission, to break his own curse to try and become human again and save his people.
As they travel together they start to feel what the other feels and both start question if what they know is truth, all the while Seran is struggling to find a cure for her own blood disease before it's too late. Will they find what they are both seeking or will they find something neither of them expected to find ?
*Book by Cate Anne *
Great book kept me interested
Loved the story line
Defiantly go and have a read for yourself
Available on kindle and paperback
Seren was raised by a man named Varic as a assassin.
She has to has to unalive 10 before she can have her freedom and leave her assassin life behind her.
Having nine unalives. Warwick sent her on her 10th the TARGET is Keean the warlord that destroyed her village unaliving her family and everybody she ever knew.
She finds Ciaan and goes in for the kill but he doesn't unalive .What's going on? She discovers he's immortal and she realises this will be harder than she thought. Ciaan then binds her to him by blood against her will so she has no choice but to follow him on his mission, to break his own curse to try and become human again and save his people.
As they travel together they start to feel what the other feels and both start question if what they know is truth, all the while Seran is struggling to find a cure for her own blood disease before it's too late. Will they find what they are both seeking or will they find something neither of them expected to find ?
*Book by Cate Anne *
Great book kept me interested
Loved the story line
Defiantly go and have a read for yourself
Available on kindle and paperback
February 15, 2026
ARC REVIEW!
This book was so interesting that I inhaled it! The plot was unique, was full of secrets taht would unravel very very slowly. The plot twists were very delicious and happened at the right place, the right time. The storyline wasn't rushed, it explored the details, scenery and was quite detailed.
I liked the animosity and hatred between fmc and mmc. They truly were enemies, wanted to use and end each other without any hesitations or lingering feelings. Their way to opening up was very slow, patient and unhurried. Loved this! Also their change in characters, especially fmc, who's world turned 180 degree and everything that she knew turned out to be false and a very well constructed illusion.
Their chemistry and tension was so so amazing and delicious, really waited for their every interaction, the lingering glances, feelings ands hard truths told to one another.
And that cliffhanger?!?!?!?!?! I can't wait to read the second one, because to end the book like that was super not nice (loved it nonetheless;)
This book was so interesting that I inhaled it! The plot was unique, was full of secrets taht would unravel very very slowly. The plot twists were very delicious and happened at the right place, the right time. The storyline wasn't rushed, it explored the details, scenery and was quite detailed.
I liked the animosity and hatred between fmc and mmc. They truly were enemies, wanted to use and end each other without any hesitations or lingering feelings. Their way to opening up was very slow, patient and unhurried. Loved this! Also their change in characters, especially fmc, who's world turned 180 degree and everything that she knew turned out to be false and a very well constructed illusion.
Their chemistry and tension was so so amazing and delicious, really waited for their every interaction, the lingering glances, feelings ands hard truths told to one another.
And that cliffhanger?!?!?!?!?! I can't wait to read the second one, because to end the book like that was super not nice (loved it nonetheless;)
February 23, 2026
In the Veins of Monsters by Cate Anne
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice -🌶️🌶️
This Dark Fantasy Romance offers a captivating experience, enriched by a range of enticing tropes.
⚠️ This book contains numerous themes and scenes that some readers may find distressing or disturbing. Check Trigger Warnings before reading⚠️
Seren is a feisty Assassin who has lost everything and is slowly succumbing to the wain.
Kiann is a warlord cursed with immortality, and as a result, he is perceived by others as a monster.
Our main characters Seren and Kiann, each have their flaws but definitely redeem themselves throughout. I absolutely loved the enemies to lovers aspect and the push and pull of the connection between them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspenseful and gripping journey this book took me on. It had a complex web of deceit and lies, with an ending that genuinely caught me off guard.
I wholeheartedly recommend this beautifully chaotic Romantasy - it's definitely worth the read! I'm eagerly anticipating the release of book 2.🖤🖤
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice -🌶️🌶️
This Dark Fantasy Romance offers a captivating experience, enriched by a range of enticing tropes.
⚠️ This book contains numerous themes and scenes that some readers may find distressing or disturbing. Check Trigger Warnings before reading⚠️
Seren is a feisty Assassin who has lost everything and is slowly succumbing to the wain.
Kiann is a warlord cursed with immortality, and as a result, he is perceived by others as a monster.
Our main characters Seren and Kiann, each have their flaws but definitely redeem themselves throughout. I absolutely loved the enemies to lovers aspect and the push and pull of the connection between them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspenseful and gripping journey this book took me on. It had a complex web of deceit and lies, with an ending that genuinely caught me off guard.
I wholeheartedly recommend this beautifully chaotic Romantasy - it's definitely worth the read! I'm eagerly anticipating the release of book 2.🖤🖤
February 23, 2026
For a Romantasy book that didn’t capture my attention right away, this sure held my attention and kickstarted my overactive imagination in the end!
S/o Cate Anne and Hype Queen PR for providing me this copy to read.
Within this story, we start out with Seren, an orphan turned assassin, turned lethal weapon. She is sent out to end the life of Kiaan Valcorsan, the warlord of Blackhold.
Little does she know, he is expecting her. And little does she expect, her dagger won’t do a damn thing.
In this epic tale of “let’s find out who did this to us” - we are taken all over the continent in search of answers and a cure.
What our merry band of lethal weapons finds is so much bigger than they realize.
In the end, they get their just desserts…. Or do they?!
This was a fabulous read and highly recommend it to all who enjoy a morally grey mmc & fmc, an extensive network of corruption, and don’t mind a few dead bodies along the way.
S/o Cate Anne and Hype Queen PR for providing me this copy to read.
Within this story, we start out with Seren, an orphan turned assassin, turned lethal weapon. She is sent out to end the life of Kiaan Valcorsan, the warlord of Blackhold.
Little does she know, he is expecting her. And little does she expect, her dagger won’t do a damn thing.
In this epic tale of “let’s find out who did this to us” - we are taken all over the continent in search of answers and a cure.
What our merry band of lethal weapons finds is so much bigger than they realize.
In the end, they get their just desserts…. Or do they?!
This was a fabulous read and highly recommend it to all who enjoy a morally grey mmc & fmc, an extensive network of corruption, and don’t mind a few dead bodies along the way.
October 29, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first page. There’s something magnetic about Seren and Kiaan, the way they orbit each other, pulled in by something neither of them can fight. Kiaan fell first, and gods, did he fall hard. Seren tried to resist, but you can only fight gravity for so long before it wins.
The whole story bleeds with tension, dark, dangerous, and beautifully twisted. It’s filled with sharp edges, both in the world and the characters. An assassin and a warlord shouldn’t make sense, but somehow, together, they do. Their connection feels like chaos wrapped in fate, and I couldn’t look away.
It’s not for the faint of heart, there’s killing, grit, and emotion that cuts deep but if you crave stories that walk the line between love and destruction, In the Veins of Monsters will devour you whole.
🖤 Tagline:
“Love doesn’t bloom here, it bleeds.”
The whole story bleeds with tension, dark, dangerous, and beautifully twisted. It’s filled with sharp edges, both in the world and the characters. An assassin and a warlord shouldn’t make sense, but somehow, together, they do. Their connection feels like chaos wrapped in fate, and I couldn’t look away.
It’s not for the faint of heart, there’s killing, grit, and emotion that cuts deep but if you crave stories that walk the line between love and destruction, In the Veins of Monsters will devour you whole.
🖤 Tagline:
“Love doesn’t bloom here, it bleeds.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2026
I finished this book out of spite and the need to not feel like I wasted time on it. That said the first half felt very slow and it was so hard to stay immersed and want to finish it. The second half definitely was more action packed and moved quicker but getting there was a struggle. The POV felt a bit odd sometimes because it was third person but sometimes read like first person inner monologue. There was also some repetition issues, phrases being used again and again or information being given the exact same way multiple times. Just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean it's not for someone else.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2025
Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and betrayal, loved it!
Seren is a trained assassin, who grew up under Varic's care after her village burned down when she was little. She is given one last assignment to fulfill her oath to the assassins' guild and Varic has promised her freedom. Her last assignment, Kiaan - an immortal Warlord, cannot be killed. He binds her in a blood oath to help him break his immortality. She doesn't not want to help him at all but starts to realize she was just a pawn in a larger scheme.
This leaves you on such a CLIFFHANGER! Can't wait for the next one!
Seren is a trained assassin, who grew up under Varic's care after her village burned down when she was little. She is given one last assignment to fulfill her oath to the assassins' guild and Varic has promised her freedom. Her last assignment, Kiaan - an immortal Warlord, cannot be killed. He binds her in a blood oath to help him break his immortality. She doesn't not want to help him at all but starts to realize she was just a pawn in a larger scheme.
This leaves you on such a CLIFFHANGER! Can't wait for the next one!
October 14, 2025
ARC review.
This one surprised me in a good way. In the Veins of Monsters is dark, gritty, and full of tension. Seren is a fierce FMC with a complicated past and plenty of attitude and her dynamic with Kiaan delivers the enemies to lovers energy I was hoping for.
The pacing dragged a little in parts but the world building and atmosphere made up for it. I liked the mix of horror and fantasy elements, it gave the story a unique edge. And that cliffhanger? Brutal. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
This one surprised me in a good way. In the Veins of Monsters is dark, gritty, and full of tension. Seren is a fierce FMC with a complicated past and plenty of attitude and her dynamic with Kiaan delivers the enemies to lovers energy I was hoping for.
The pacing dragged a little in parts but the world building and atmosphere made up for it. I liked the mix of horror and fantasy elements, it gave the story a unique edge. And that cliffhanger? Brutal. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
August 30, 2025
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Wow this story had me on a chokehold! I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't put it down!
It was so easy to fall in love with Seren. She's such a feisty person who gives as much as she takes. She went through absolute hell and still managed to have kindness in her heart.
Kiaan is not who you think he is. There is more than meets the eye. He is just 🫠🔥
The ending also 🤯😭 I have so many questions and can't wait for the second book!
Wow this story had me on a chokehold! I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't put it down!
It was so easy to fall in love with Seren. She's such a feisty person who gives as much as she takes. She went through absolute hell and still managed to have kindness in her heart.
Kiaan is not who you think he is. There is more than meets the eye. He is just 🫠🔥
The ending also 🤯😭 I have so many questions and can't wait for the second book!
September 16, 2025
Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into this book. I love enemies-to-lovers and dark romance, so I was very intrigued to read it. I also really liked the plot, but I just found the book very slow-paced and just very hard not to lose interest in the book. i just don't think the book is for me, but I did love the cover
October 6, 2025
I was not prepared for how emotionally wrecked this book would leave me. Seren and Kiaan’s story is dark, brutal, and achingly beautiful. The enemies-to-lovers tension is chef’s kiss, and the worldbuilding? Absolutely phenomenal. I couldn’t put it down.
October 24, 2025
This book was a great mix of political and sexual tension. A slow burn that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I couldn't wait to find out what happens in the end but didnt want the story to end. Cannot wait for the next book!
November 1, 2025
I love a badass FMC but in a typical romantasy, we usually have to wait for the character to find out how strong and capable she truly is. In Seren we have a character who embodies strength and resilience from the start and I love her for it! Cannot wait for book 2!
September 16, 2025
Outstanding and captivating. Plenty of twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Love this!!! Please have a sequel….
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