The Crownless King

by Dria Andersen

Survival of the vampires was his duty, and as king, Levi ruled with an iron fist. In his thirst for power, he made one impulsive decision and now madness was dogging his every step. If asked what he would do to keep the Bayi vampires on top, the answer would be easy…ANYTHING.
Including kidnapping a witch who brought peace to the beast inside of him.

Amaya controlled chaos, the very essence of magic, and yet within her it reigned. She had the weight of caring for her ill mother on her shoulders, and was one careless step from complete ruin. If asked what she would do to keep the two of them safe, the answer would be easy…ANYTHING.
Including giving herself to the king of vampires.

Levi thought overcoming his witch’s objections would be his biggest hurdle. But in the shadows others move against him, using their power to not only keep him and Amaya apart but to also topple the Bayi. Little did his enemies know, striking at the king, would bring the rise of a queen.

Genres: Vampires, Romance, Fantasy, Forced Proximity

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Dria Andersen is a full-time photographer, mother of two, and lifelong storyteller. After the birth of her first child, she made a promise to pursue her dreams boldly-starting with writing the kinds of stories she always wanted to see in the world. That leap of faith became her debut novel, and she's been writing ever since.

Dria crafts love stories that center brown girls with heart, strength, and agency. Blending romance with elements of fantasy and wonder, her books invite readers into richly imagined worlds where anything is possible and everyone deserves a happy ending.

Reviews

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocky alpha-hole gold grill wearing vampire. Kidnapped smart mouth plus size witch. He falls first but comes through with sincere apologies and atonement! Fated mates. Sign me up every time!

Levi is a menace and real talk Maya ain’t much better but they were literally perfect for each other! The banter was fun, the plot was entertaining, the humor was well timed, and the vibes were Black af. I can’t think of anything that would have made this better. Because frankly I have a book bae list and then I have a separate one for Dria Andersen MMCs. I honestly can’t think of a non villain man this woman has written, side character or main that I wouldn’t risk it all for! They just be so Southern/country/hood, nasty, and protective. Beloved I am present and accounted for, for this world and very excited to see where things go from here since usually series start with the underlings and move up the ranks. But this goes from 2nd in command to the King. I’m honestly super excited because there was a serious mix of supernaturals subtly introduced and I can’t way to see how they factor in and all the ways the magic works. Welcome to the Southern USA!

[Melise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did Amaya piss me off … ABSOLUTELY but she got herself together and helped pushed this story to the 5 stars it deserved.

[Ebony Essence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Dria for this arc opportunity.

Well Dria you’ve done it again. Love me a good ol BLACK vampire story. Levi and Amaya were perfect for each other. Levi was standing on business in ever sense of the word. My man knew who he was and knew what he wanted. With every page you felt his dominance, swag, and how unhinged his sexy behind is. That man was falling for Amaya but she wasn’t having it. Loved me some her. She was not giving in and talked just as much ish right back to him. She was not to be controlled and that built a respect between them. Honey once that connection was made it was on like butter popcorn. They were cute and funny together.

Dria did an amazing job plotting and building the story, all characters, drama and connections. She makes you fall in love with both her male and female characters. They feel real to me. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. As a southern lady this journey is going to be good. Could be a movie or limited series.

[JazzReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just ok for me. Overall good book for the holiday.

[Antoinette (_literaryaura_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This story was a little different from what I’ve come to expect from Dria, in a good way. A little extra flavor to spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ things up. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Castina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Oh, I had a time!!! Dria continuously gives us storylines that have me locked in from the start. We met Levi in One Night, One Bite, so we already knew what type of time he was on and he did not disappoint. I loved the push and pull between them, and she was literally the perfect match for him. I love a strong FMC who can hold her own.

One thing about Dria, her world-building always hits, and she has a way of bringing everything full circle that makes the story feel complete. I’m also excited to learn more about The South USA!

If you like golds, shiesties, forced proximity, and vampires/witches, this one’s for you! Celebrate spooky season with this dark paranormal romance 💕💕

[bree ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed the cocky king & the witty witches' love story. levi & amaya were a perfect pairing. please know that i am sobbing & sliding down the wall because i will never know what it's like to be loved supernaturally.

[thebookcritic_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

very good

“I’m queen now. And people gon’ feel me behind you.” Kidnapped to lovers. Fated mates. I know that’s right! Levi was down bad from the very beginning. Amaya gave Levi hell and I loved it! A slow build on great chemistry. It wasn’t rushed and was nurtured. They both had good character development and bosses up. A good storyline that I’m very interested to see how the series will progress.

Loved the historical background to the story. Felt like we needed a little more explanation of how vampires worked. Because him and him friends actually grew up and seemed to be born not made? How long did they live? What happened to their family?

[Tangi Trussell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amaya was that girl & I enjoyed the banter between her & King. Levi was funny to say the least. He is the King for a reason. This world was flushed out & gave glimpses into the past to help bring it all together. The twist!! I will definitely be continuing books in the series. It’s always good to see my man & sister wife (Sebastian & Raven). Thanks to Dria for the ARC!!!!! <3

[Weekend Reader_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the epilogue to give you context for the reason Levi and Amaya's relationship might not be a good thing. This is a paranormal romance so you know...🤭

Anyway come for the plot and leave with an unhinged MMC who becomes less unhinged and transitions to protective when he realizes who's dealing with. They both need to rely on their powers (supernatural powers and natural abilities) to make this work. The takeaway is there's always a need for balance, community, and knowing/learning from your history.

I thought there were some pacing issues and wanted a little bit more context to situate myself to the world but I had a good time. There's a lot of strings to pull on this one
• Sebastian and Raven we need a full length of them. I'm sorry! 🤷🏾‍♀️
• Anita and her boo.
• Sophia and Lucas maybe I'm being delusional but I think something is going between them.
• Bronx he needs a little shifter boo thing or maybe Tracy can be that idk .
• The Lathams aka them dragons 🐉. Poppa Latham said mates, so this sounds poly so multiple dragons yeah I want to know. And Khalil has a slink mouth, so yeah, I can't wait for them.

Format: e-ARC
Romance tag: open door with kink
CN: violence (gun and knife), mental health breakdowns (going crazy is part of the magic system), kidnapping 😏, poisoning, manipulation and isolation tactics

[WellReadRuby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!!

Levi, you made me love you just like Amaya! Reading the precursor books, “One Night One Bite” and “One Bite Until Forever”, I just knew Levi wasn't to be trusted, and learning how the Akachi stone was going to turn him crazy, I knew he was going to be trouble. And foul trouble because he was too flirty with Raven for me. Then there is Amaya, who works to provide for her mother and make a reasonable living at the Archive, but life is hard for a Chawi witch. You must always be strong because you are always in control of the chaos. One wrong move by her uncle prompts Amaya to make a decision that marks the beginning of Levi and Amaya’s journey. A Bayi and Chawi were forbidden; they give enemies to lovers, making the man fall harder for the woman. Paranormal, shifter, and vampire elements are all tied together to add a twist, telling a romance with subplots that all get resolved. This book was so good, and I need to sit with it because I feel I may have more thoughts. Highly recommend!!

[Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mad King! Or was he going mad because he needed his queen? My goodness, I’ve waited for Levi’s book since Bas & Red. Learning the origins of the Bayi & Chawi was refreshing, but also had me side-eyeing the menz and them. My girl Amaya said, This ain’t gonna be an easy ride for you. I don’t care if you losing the last piece of your mind. Buckle up, because it’s centuries of lies and buried secrets. I also loved seeing Amaya step into being a true chaos witch yassss, wield that power over those old elders! Just watch your feet when the Baklavas come out and the Vampire King steps on the scene.

[hea booktubes]

DNF 7% I’m actually struggling with the beginning of this book. But besides that I don’t want to read about dementia so I sadly think I’m going to have to pass.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. I liked both MC. I can't wait for more in this world.

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dria Andersen
The Crownless King (Southern USA Book 1)


Bria was a magical being, yet her vulnerability lay in Caden, whose captivating smile and sharp fangs rendered her nearly speechless in his presence. He was her undeniable weakness. The narrative unfolds in the past, introducing Amaya, a devoted daughter making significant sacrifices to care for her mother. Balancing a demanding work schedule at the library, Amaya relies on her uncle, though their arrangement is far from ideal. With no other support available, she faces the challenge of managing her mother’s care alone. Her mother, a striking woman who resembles Amaya, suffers from dementia, leaving Amaya deeply concerned for her well being.

I have a profound appreciation for the author's work. Having followed her for some time and recently delving into the realm of black romance, I find her Faded Mate series featuring alphas to be enlightening expanding my reading horizons. Two of my favorite titles are Declan The Edwards Brothers Book 2 and Chasing Savannah.

Levi is not one to place his trust easily, having only two close friends. His life has been tumultuous since acquiring a meteorite which has left him feeling hunted and wary of those around him.

The chemistry between Levi and Amaya is complex and engaging adding to the story's appeal. I found the narrative truly phenomenal and eagerly anticipate what’s next from this author. She masterfully keeps readers on the edge of their seats, leaving them eager for more. I wholeheartedly recommend this story and all her works you won’t be disappointed. I also want to express my gratitude to the author for providing an advance copy of this story. With a release date of October 10, just in time for the spooky season, this book is sure to become a favorite for 2025. Make sure to prioritize it on your TBR list!

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this expansion into the world of the South USA series. I devoured this book in one day and I personally hope this series goes on for a long time to come. Levi is the cocky alpha male vampire I needed. Amaya is the stubborn (maybe a little too stubborn) headstrong and powerful FMC he needed. Did these two get on my nerves…..yes! Were they perfect for each other and had me rooting for them? Also, yes!

This story was full of action, political intrigue, longing, light drama, and a slow burn romance. Even though this is a slow burn, once the spice got started…..it was top tier!

The characters are well developed and you will kick your feet with giddiness once these two get their act together. I also fell in love with all the side characters. It was so nice to see more of Sebastian and Raven. I missed spending time with them after reading One Night One Bite, and One Night Until Forever. If you haven’t read those two novellas. I recommend you read those first before diving into this book. I’m keeping my fingers crossed the next story in this series will be Lucas and Sophia.

If you love sexy vampires who lean morally grey, action, hot spice, political intrigue, men who will do anything for their woman, and a little bit of humor sprinkled throughout then give this book a try! I give Crownless King 5 fangtastic stars. I can’t wait to read more books set in this world.

#driaanderson #southusa #vampires #paranormalromance #bookstagram #blacklove #witches #paranormal #romancebooks #newbookseries

[LitWithLeia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crownless King by Dria Andersen earned every single star. From the very first page, I was hooked, and by the end, I was left hungry for more.

What I loved:

Characters with fire. Levi is every bit the haunted king you expect—with power, pride, and all the messy layers. Amaya stole my heart. She commands chaos, fights her own demons, carries deep love for her ill mother, and shows strength even when she’s hurting. Their chemistry is raw, electric, and grounded in real struggle.

A gripping plot. The stakes are high. The threat to Bayi, the power struggles within the shadows, and the tension of forbidden love. Everything feels dangerous, urgent, and beautifully woven.

Worldbuilding & magic. Andersen’s lore is lush yet manageable. The vampire society, the witchcraft, the politics, everything feels alive. I appreciated how she balanced action with explanations so I never felt lost.

Emotion & pacing. There were moments I paused, took a breath, and simply admired how Andersen pulled off heartbreak, hope, and triumph. The pacing keeps you turning pages, but it also gives space for emotion to land.

Representation & voice. This is a story with heart in it. It features characters I could root for, flaws and all. Andersen writes with empathy and grit. (Also: it’s just so refreshing to see fantasy with these voices at its core.)

Thank you Dria Anderson for this ARC opportunity

[Shades N Pages]

If a book is about vampires, my interest is already piqued—and this one was no different. Dria did the damn thing with this story, and yes… I ATE IT UP! Levi and Amaya gave me everything: laughs, emotion, vulnerability, and tension. I love a FMC who talks her shit, so I was in heaven. You can’t let these men see you fold too fast, LOL! And Levi? He didn’t let Amaya’s sharp tongue scare him off—in fact, he matched her energy perfectly. A match made in heaven, honestly. The chemistry, banter, and emotional depth between them checked every box for me, and even the side characters added richness to the story. The world-building and overall execution were top-tier and captivating from page one. I could’ve easily read 200 more pages just to dive deeper into Amaya’s magic, flesh out a few key moments, and see how the king and queen adjusted to their new power. Still, this story more than delivered and officially earned its spot as one of my top reads of 2025. If you’re into grill-wearing, possessive, hood alpha vampires who fall first and hard—and a sharp-tongued heroine who makes him work for it—this needs to be on your TBR immediately!

[NayBookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good , I love the plot and characters. Amaya was headstrong , she had to care for her mom who’s health was declining but she tried to seee the good in everything , ofcours the one bad apple out the family in risk which land her in trouble with the head vampire of the coven . The vampire who is also going through a hard time with loosing hisself mentally, fate brings them together & it was just so good to watch , she really made him work for it. The spice was good not to much to overpower the story . It really was like her yin to his yang like they needed each other .. The truth that was revealed . Oh and I liked how the territories the northern part is human & south was overrun with superhuman & indigenous . The buru vampires who were invading the south from Europe I like how she incorporated it in the story and how she spoke on it . This world is full with different supernaturals like , warlocks & witches how they overcame the covenant . I just ate this read up & I’m definitely picking up more by this author . 🔥🫶🏾

[EricaLenise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen Levi is the kang of the vampires and he acts like it every chance he gets 😮‍💨 From the moment he stepped on the page I knew this wasn’t your average paranormal romance. Dria built her own vampire lore and gave it Southern roots that made the story feel alive. You can hear the Georgia drawl in every line and it’s giving country fine with fangs.

Levi, aka Big Daddy Levi, had that mix of charm and chaos. One second, he’s proper, and the next, he’s saying something slick with that accent. His slow descent into madness, whew, I could feel it in my chest. Maya balanced him perfectly, bringing peace to his storm while still holding her own. Their chemistry was that slow burn that makes you want to yell at the page, just kiss already 😩

And don’t get me started on that scene where he said you got my mate, then told her not to get out the car 😭 I felt that.

What I loved most is how it blended vampire lore with Southern culture.

5⭐ because it gave me chills, feelings, and a whole new appreciation for country vampires.

[_SimplyRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a semi newbie to this black paranormal space. I haven’t ready about many witches and vampires since high school, but I think Dria reignited something in me.

This was good and super easy to follow. I took my time reading this one to make sure I fully understood the world she was building and the dynamic of each family.

I loved everything about Levi and Mayas connection. He was a no non sense leader and she was a smart mouth and stood on business and required Levi to level up. Once she got over the initial circumstances of their introduction my girl did not play about her King!

If I could be greedy and ask for anything it would be a small novella surrounding the mom and her mate. I think the way he bossed up on King about Anita deserves a little backstory and I would love to read that.

I felt this story was well structured, and grate pacing and connected the dots to the history of the hybrids very well. I walked away feeling fulfilled and would definitely recommend. Now I’m off to see what other stories Dria has in the paranormal arsenal.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome To The South!!!

LEVI, MY KING! Baby, I wasn't ready for the goodness that this book gave me. Ms. Dria, I need you to come front and center and take a bow because you KILLED this. Amaya and Levi were definitely giving enemies to lovers. Levi was definitely unhinged, and Maya had the mouth of the south. This was a slow burn that turned into a rolling, towering inferno! Even with the questions that are swirling, this book fed my soul. I honestly don't know what the author has planned for this series, but I'm looking forward to seeing more of The King and Queen, Ms. Anita and her mate, Raven and Bas, Lucas and Ms. Sophia - sneaking, Tracy, and I need, NEED a book about our resident wolf, Bronx! I can't wait to see how The Collective changes too. When you step, I step. That's how a Queen should stand next to her King. 😍😍😍 Happy Reading Y'all!💋

[Nikkiplans99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a great time with this story. You like kidnapping... It's in here. You like a "I take walks and talk with your mom because you won't talk to me"... it's in here.

Levi was fully of audacity and smartmouth and Amaya matched his energy every single time. They were both a little out of their minds, and it made for a fun ride.

Levi isn't as sweet as most of Dria's male main characters because he's losing his mind due to a magic stone. He's seeking the power to free other vampires, but the story makes us wonder if the price is worth it. Amaya loves her mom, and you can tell by the decisions she makes, but also we see her realize that she needs help and how it's not a weakness to ask or receive help.

I read an arc exchange for an honest review.

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes and yes. This is black vampires done right. Levi is king of the Bayi. He is arrogant, unhinged and rocking gold fangs. Docile is the last word to describe Amaya. She’s strong, stubborn and got a smart mouth. This had so many components that I love in my books. There’s banter, kidnapping, a debt owed and fated mates. He falls first and he falls harder. That man said “ If you thought I was a problem before I got mated…” It took Amaya a lil bit to get with it but once she accepted her love for Levi she did not play bout him. No cliffhanger. Absolutely loved it. I do wish they got to help the other women from Amaya’s covenant cuz them women were suffering. Dria if you thinking about a novella with them having a baby I wouldn’t be mad at that.

[BookTalesTink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaya the Chaos witch and Levi the Vampire

Paranormal forbidden love??? Yes, please! This was a new to me author and trope, and listen I had a grand ole time reading this. Amaya truly had no idea how strong she really was. The backstory with the witches and vampires was briefly touched on in the beginning, and we later find out it connects to Levi’s great grandmother. The heart wants what it wants, and Levi instantly knew Amaya was his mate she almost drove him insane! Amaya was spicy and stood on business she was exactly who she thought she was. The lies told just to control the women were wild. I’m so glad Amaya’s mom’s mate found her. This was such a good read… and I definitely need more!

[Epiphany Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 Stars. I want more!!!!!!! *sigh Dria Anderson does it again*. This book was so unpredictable in the best way. These forbidden yet fated mates Amaya and Levi are a force within their own right, but when they come together you get to see their tension, banter, spice and so much more. I have no more words if you are a fan of vampires, witches, and or, fated mated you must pick up this book. Moreover, Dria Anderson gives us both old school paranormal lore with new school flare that just hits! I love this book I would have given it 5 stars, but due to my personal picky preferences I took away.3.
I can't wait for the rest of the series.

[perfectlyamberb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amaya and the King!

I couldn't put this down, but what did I expect from a Dria Andersen book? Levi and Amaya's chemistry was flawless. I loved that she gave him a run for his money. She didn't cower at his power or the fact that she was at a disadvantage. Levi, for his part, is all BDE and fangs, but he has a soft spot for his girl, and he worked to show her that. I would have loved some more insight into Amaya's family and the curse, but otherwise I was thoroughly entertained

[Tonee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alternate Outcome

Andersen creates a world where the end of chattel slavery and the Civil War in the United States brings about two nations - the Northern US and the Southern US. The description says that this is book one of one, but I could see this being a series. While the book does not end on a cliffhanger, there are unresolved plot points that could be developed in further books. The book does feel a little rushed and could’ve been broken into more than one to give time to explore some of the world building. There is medium heat and some violence.

[Naee.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi is, in fact, King!! 👏🏽👏🏽

Dria literally doesn’t miss. Never has. & may I say she once again knocked it out the park with this one!! I’ve been waiting to see more of Levi and whewwww this book was everything and then some extra!! The world building, the character development, the main quests and side quests… literally perfect. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. We’ve got Bas & Levi mated. Maybe Lucas will be next? 👀👀

[Detra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Damnnnnnnnn

Ok first off I’m a huge fan of Dria. I’ve bought every book she has available. I had been waiting on this story and man did she deliver. I couldn’t stand Amaya at first and I was wishing the story kinda of mimicked her other stories but man am I happy she doesn’t think like me. This story with all the information, protectiveness and just straight fire writing was well worth every emotion I went through. Can’t wait for the other books. Let’s goooo!!!