The Woman She Craved

Wives of the Vampire Queen #2

by Sophia-Rose Johnson

She expects a monster but finds the immortal woman she could never forget.

Tradition demands a new offering, a woman to serve the merciless vampire king. On the longest night of the year, Anna is chosen from the eligible, but once inside the dark castle, she meets horror and carnage.

And a reclusive, reluctant queen.

Xenia, once a mortal girl who volunteered at the tithing two years before, now hides in shadows and squalor, her immortality a lonely prison. She tries to send Anna away, but Anna will not leave. With nothing but a forced marriage to return to in the village, Anna chooses darkness.

Slowly, Anna draws Xenia from her self-imposed exile, coaxing her back to the life in a world drenched in night. Desire ignites and passion becomes power. But when knowledge of the king's demise spreads, the villagers rise for vengeance, and the castle becomes a battlefield.

The Woman She Craved is steeped in dark fantasy, gothic romance, and horror – perfect for fans of The Beautiful Ones and the Precious Red Pearls. .

Surrender with Anna to sapphic desire. One click now...and lose yourself to the night.

Edited by Susan Stradiotto

Genres: LGBT, Dark Romance, Dark, Vampires, Lesbian

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Sophia-Rose Johnson, who has already written under the pen name S. Johnson, is from Minnesota, USA, and she is a northerner by heart and accent. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2018 with a writing degree, and she argues about commas constantly. While she first published in 2022, she’s been writing since 2011. When not working at her day or night job, she enjoys reading, hanging out with family and friends, playing with her dogs, making sarcastic comments, being a fake blond, chugging energy drinks, and wearing high heels as a tall woman.

Reviews

[Autumn Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skipped the first book because I wasn't at all particularly excited with the themes of why choose with open door MF shenanigans. Besides each book in the series can be treated as standalones with some minimal losses on the back stories.

I guess the author took the literal cliché story about vampires, viz lots of sex and blood. Like when Xenia asks Anna: "Is that all you think about?"

I did of course love the love between the two of them, how they cared for and loved each other.

And I did of course hate the hate of the misogynistic men of the village in their straw hats, wielding their pitch forks and torches.

All in all I did enjoy the plot and flow of the story and would have enjoyed it even more if the focus wasn't too much on the lust factor. But as they say different folks different strokes.

I leave a voluntary review as thanks for the free ebook that I received.

[The Wild Weary Cow Reads Sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman She Craved by Sophia-Rose Johnson

This second book picks up a couple years after Xenia story…. The Queen left lonely in her empty castle.

When Anna is chosen to be sent to The King, whom the villagers have no clue has met his demise, she met with silence and decay.

Hidden in the shadows of the cold, dilapidated castle, Anna finds Xenia, immortal and thirsty!
Xenia wants nothing to do with her and desperately wants her to leave!

But where can Anna go?

Not back to the village, where she will be married to one of the village men, one put her name forward for shirking his advances and marriage proposal!

Not out into the woods where wolves are lying in wait ….

No, Anna is stubborn and attracted to Xenia… She makes up her mind to become a wife to The Queen!

Sometimes a second book leaves you a little disappointed, does quiet hit the same mark as the one before………

BUT THAT IS NOT THIS BOOK!!!!....

The characters are emotionally well developed, you feel their desire for each other, the spicy scenes are well written and you CARE about them as much as they care for each other.

Before Xenia will turn her new love, she sends her back to the village to make her final decision on giving up her life….But has she made a mistake that could risk both their lives?

I’m so happy to have been in the mood for a Vampire book lol

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series with this book, and I can confirm that it can be thoroughly enjoyed without the context of the first book.

Sophia-Rose Johnson has woven a captivating story through gorgeously haunting prose, and fabulous world building. The detail and imagery through out this whole novel (but in particular the beginning) had me fully seated and invested.

The main character Anna, was delightfully stubborn, and the author did a great job of balancing her determination, along with fears. I almost wish there was a little bit more of a transition between one to the other, but each one of the moments felt fully justified with the situation she was in, and experiencing a new way of life that was so vastly different from the one she was used to.

Xenia was not what I was expecting, (having no context before digging in) but I was definitely pleasantly surprised with how she was able to hold onto her humanity despite all she had been through. I enjoyed her character greatly, and I genuinely hope that there is still more to come in this series!

I am so excited to go and read book one to see what I had missed, and to get more of the authors incredible writing style.

There are a quite a few spicy scenes throughout, but be mindful of the trigger warnings!

I was impressed with Sophia-Rose Johnson’s ability to balance the darker aspects with lighter moments.

I sincerely appreciate the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started the series with the first book, which wasn't entirely to my taste because of the aggressive male character, but it was well written and managed to stir my spirit. The second book "The Woman She Craved" in the "Wives of the Vampire Queen" series, is short, also well written, with a high level of spice, an interesting plot, and dynamic development. It tells the story of Anna, a village girl sent as a sacrificial wife to the King-Monster, her fate as the wife of the newly born from Death, Vampire Queen, and their emotional journey. The queen explores her new form of immortality and her newfound thirsts - both for blood and sex (or maybe for love). Having only been mortal a moment ago, she is still struggling to find herself, and the stubborn Anna makes it difficult by tempting her desires. The characters are well developed emotionally and evoke sincere emotions. I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

This is a dark story from the Wives of the Vampire Queen series, so if you have any triggers, take the time to familiarize yourself with the warning the author left at the beginning.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella because it was nice to see Xenia experience some joy, love and deserved happiness. "The Woman She Craved" by Sophia-Rose Johnson is the second novella in the Wives of the Vampire Queen series and it is such a delight! When Anna is sent to the castle as the next offering from the village and met with kindness, gentleness, and encouragement to leave for her own good, I was further endeared to our FMC Xenia. Her choice to greet her so differently to how she was when she arrived and warn her away was in stark contrast to what she experienced. You can't help but like her and relish in the relationship that develops after that with Anna. Expect archaic village superstitions and patriarchal values to be challenged with a side of vengeance dished out as the story progresses. The intimacy is so lovingly developed and explored between Xenia and Anna. So carefully written and it comes across in their devotion and commitment to one another. There are moments of blissful joy and languishing in their story, but there is still plenty of action and plot twists. A worthy continuation from the first novella.

[Corrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Woman She Craved by Sophia-Rose Johnson is the second in the Wifes of the Vampire Queen Series.

When young woman Anna is chosen as the next offering for the vampire king, she expects to face a powerful monster. But instead she comes face-to-face with the immortal queen: Xenia (see her adventures in book one), the woman she once loved and lost.

Now, in the ornate castle where tradition demands servitude, Anna and Xenia must navigate old wounds, new power dynamics, and a bond that refuses to stay buried. As the shadows of the throne stir with danger and desire, Anna must decide if she’ll reclaim her past, risk her future—and claim the woman she truly craves.

I said I’d give it until book two, but it’s clear the character growth and plot depth just didn’t happen. So I’ll part ways with the vampire queen — her harem of wivelets will no doubt keep expanding in the books to come.

3.3 Stars

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Woman She Craved’ is the second book in the series “Wives of the Vampire Queen”. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. I started with this one since I’m not a fan of M/F books, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I never felt out of the loop. Everything is perfectly explained, and the story flows well.

Anna was meant to be a sacrifice for a monstrous king. Once delivered to the doorstep, she’s faced with someone she hadn’t expected — Xenia. One of the previous girls sent to the monster.

Anna is stubborn, sometimes maybe a bit pushy, but a pleasant character. Xenia is more stoic and cautious, but also very likable. The characters balance each other beautifully. I really enjoyed their dynamic.

The book, though short, is a great read. It has a great plot, sense of danger, cute and amusing moments, as well as a deliciously written spice. Definitely recommended!

I received an ARC (thank you!), and this is my honest opinion.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Book one really wasn’t a necessary read if I’m being honest, you could jump in here and be completely fine. We follow Anna as she arrives to the castle to be the King’s new wife but the King has been killed by Xenia. Anna is smitten by Xenia when she sees her at the castle and even though Xenia keeps trying to scare her away Anna refuses to leave. I really like Anna. She’s fiery and passionate and so headstrong. I loved how she stood her ground with Xenia and went for what she wanted. Their chemistry was good and the spice was pretty hot. Xenia feels a bit different than from book one but considering all she’s been through it made sense. Book three is going to be the actual start of the Why Choose portion of this series and I’m excited to read it.

Spice: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥/❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Fisting
Content Warning: Forced marriage, Violence, Murder

[Ashley Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story overall was solid and has the potential for more. I was hoping there would be a lot more backstory, and scene & character development. It was a quick and easy read. The scenes felt like they zipped too quickly from one to another and could have more substance to them. The spicy scenes were okay. It felt like a lot of terminology in the spicy scenes were a little repetitive and had the potential for it being more drawn out instead of a couple paragraphs before going to a different scene. The main character gave me the sense she was a bit co-dependent and it was quick how fast she latched on to the other character and how intensely she became attached. I feel like this story could have more content and scene creations. Overall, I am happy for the opportunity to have been able to read the ARC and I hope the author continues their writing journey.

[Grave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia continues this sapphic gothic novella series with the same stoker feel and dark elements. I love how she manages to balance out the fear and dread within her characters whilst still showing their stubborn determination to bend fate to their will.

Anna is an intriguing character from the jump coming to terms with her situation quickly before pivoting the situation to benefit herself.

Xenia is fighting to keep her grip on her humanity and Anna is a true test of that. Quickly becoming both a dark temptation and a possibility at salvation from her state of mind.

Once again Sophia does a good job of balancing the light and dark elements whilst still giving it that dark gothic feel.

Another fun and immersive read and I’m once again looking forward to the next instalment.

[Jen Betchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book to read and review.

If you like me spent your youth obsessed with vampire books, while also never quite getting the lure of the male love interest (team Alice forever!), then you’re in luck.

This is what we have been waiting for! This second installment had me hooked and glued to my kindle! I loved the Anna and how she isn’t afraid to go after what she wants! Especially a hot ass vampire Queen! I enjoyed seeing a new side of Xenia and the contrast of their personalities and how they fit so well together. Then the spice and the sapphic love topped off with sweet sweet revenge for the silly little men that wronged them. Perfection!

[Rachel Yanosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this novel as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I started The Woman She Craved after reading The Blood She Claimed and I loved how this story continued! I’m really enjoying the sapphic vampire idea more than I thought I would and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I love Sophia-Rose’s writing style, the spicy scenes are delicious and enticing. Even though I read the first book in the series, you truly can read them as a stand alone as the plot from the first book is woven into the plot of this book so you’re not left with questions or feeling like you’re missing something.

[Laura W · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️4

I had the pleasure of receiving a free copy of this book to review. Like the first book in the series, this is a very dark spicy sapphic vampire series with gothic Bram Stoker vibes. I really enjoyed seeing Xenia’s story continue. For a short read, it moved at a good pace and kept me hooked. I especially liked how the author wrapped things up in this second book while also giving a teaser of what’s coming in next book. If you enjoy dark vampire reads, this one is definitely worth adding to your list. Just make sure to check the content warnings before you start.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong sequel in the Wives of the Vampire Queen series, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed how it improved on the previous entry. The characters were everything that I was looking for and was invested in what was going on and was hooked from the first page. I enjoyed the way Sophia-Rose Johnson writes a strong story and thought the character development worked in this story and had that dark fantasy romance concept that I wanted.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The intriguing concept of this dark, gothic, sapphic vampire romance continues in this second instalment. While some of the world-related questions I had from the first book have remained, this story is more solid and was more enjoyable. I also preferred Anna as the narrator and enjoyed her stubborn approach to forging her own path. This series is definitely different from other vampire stories I've read and hearkens back to the origins of this subgenre with a focus on the monstrous and terrible. It's a perspective I certainly appreciate.

[Malany · Rating 5 out of 5]

finished this one a little slower than the first due to just ~life~ but i enjoyed it so much! it did seem a little more fast-paced than the first, however the story was just as good! i do wish we had a little view into xenia and anna's life for those years in between but hopefully we get some flashbacks in the next book!! sophia-rose writes so beautifully and i'm so excited for this series to continue :)

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Wives of the Vampire Queen 2 series and it is 'steeped in dark fantasy, gothic romance, and horror.' Check your triggers.

The characters continue to grow and develope and they are very dark. The world building continues to excel. Plot evolves with the characters. Very suspenseful and well developed. Highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphic vampires.

I like how they took back their freedom so to speak. Anna and Xenia both had lived under the rule of their fathers and the silence of their mothers. Until they both ended up being chosen to be sent to the castle.

Anna got the better deal out of her forced sacrifice. She found Xenia instead of the 'king'. Which worked out fine for her.

Let's see what the next book brings. Will they find what they are looking for?

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sapphic vampires are back! I am loving this series so much - it's dark and bloody but the chemistry is written so well. I felt oddly proud of our original vampire queen, seeing her grow in her self confidence and trust from the point we find her at the beginning of this one. I'm so glad she found the connection she needs, and I felt like it was cleansing (?) for her to be able to re-write another girl's experience of the castle and the 'monster' inside. Super excited to continue the series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elfie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy sapphic vampires? Sign me up!

I read this without knowing much about the first one, but finishing The Woman She Craved definitely made me want to read the first one! It's the perfect read for spooky sapphic season and fell into my lap nicely after a reread of Carmilla.
I'm a sucker for gothic horror, so add some powerful bloodthirsty girlies in with the mix and I'm sold!

[Jessica Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy read. The storyline was different from your typical vampire story and kept me interested throughout. Loved Xenia’s character and I hope to see more of her and her story in the future.

[Mariah Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. This was a great read with a good storyline I finished it in one sitting. I love the relationship that Xenia and Anna had.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xenia has spent a year alone becoming a vampire when the village sends another bride to the castle. Anna is everything Xenia is not. What comes from them is a love eternal