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Her Fangs in My Heart #4
A Vow Cold and Kindled
A vampire knight. A fated princess. Twelve Nights of Yule to fall in love.
Princess Ilyra was never meant to rule, let alone become the heart of a sacred pact older than the crown she wears. As the youngest daughter of the royal line, she expected to spend Yule tucked into palace corners, left to her quiet studies. But when the vampire envoy arrives cloaked in crimson and kneels before her alone, Ilyra is thrust into a ritual bond that demands courtship, protection… and something dangerously close to devotion.
Ser Virelle is the last blood-knight of a dying house, ancient beyond reckoning and sent to the Halden Court in service of an ancient truce. She came for duty, not desire—but the moment she meets Ilyra, something stirs. The princess bears the scent of covenant, marking her as Virelle’s fated mate. And Virelle? She is bound to her now, by blood and vow, until the final Yule fire burns to ash.
Together, they must navigate a court glittering with candlelight and deception—where the Twelve Nights of Yule are as perilous as they are enchanting.
As desire builds beneath snow and silk, one question Can love survive the fire lit by fate, or will it consume them both?
♥ ♥ ♥
A Vow Cold and Kindled is a standalone steamy sapphic vampire romantasy novella with a full arc and a HEA. It's part of an interconnected world, but can be enjoyed on its own. Some tropes you'll find
Fated MatesVampire Knight/Human PrincessMasc/FemmeForbidden RomanceProtective FMCYule SettingTouch-starved Vampire Falls FirstCourt IntrigueSpicy Scenes + Magical Strap
Princess Ilyra was never meant to rule, let alone become the heart of a sacred pact older than the crown she wears. As the youngest daughter of the royal line, she expected to spend Yule tucked into palace corners, left to her quiet studies. But when the vampire envoy arrives cloaked in crimson and kneels before her alone, Ilyra is thrust into a ritual bond that demands courtship, protection… and something dangerously close to devotion.
Ser Virelle is the last blood-knight of a dying house, ancient beyond reckoning and sent to the Halden Court in service of an ancient truce. She came for duty, not desire—but the moment she meets Ilyra, something stirs. The princess bears the scent of covenant, marking her as Virelle’s fated mate. And Virelle? She is bound to her now, by blood and vow, until the final Yule fire burns to ash.
Together, they must navigate a court glittering with candlelight and deception—where the Twelve Nights of Yule are as perilous as they are enchanting.
As desire builds beneath snow and silk, one question Can love survive the fire lit by fate, or will it consume them both?
♥ ♥ ♥
A Vow Cold and Kindled is a standalone steamy sapphic vampire romantasy novella with a full arc and a HEA. It's part of an interconnected world, but can be enjoyed on its own. Some tropes you'll find
Fated MatesVampire Knight/Human PrincessMasc/FemmeForbidden RomanceProtective FMCYule SettingTouch-starved Vampire Falls FirstCourt IntrigueSpicy Scenes + Magical Strap
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
12 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Moira Darling
6 books76 followersHi! I'm Moira Darling (she/her), and I write sapphic romantasy full of slow-burning love that refuses to die quietly. A Hunger Soft and Wild is my debut novel, born from a lifelong obsession with gothic forests, tragic monsters, and women who would burn the world for each other.
I live in a tiny yellow house with my favorite person and too many mugs. When I’m not writing emotionally wounded sword lesbians and their feral vampire girlfriends, I’m probably drinking coffee, making dramatic playlists, or pretending my TBR isn’t glaring at me from the corner of the room.
Thanks for being here—it’s an honor to share my stories with you!
I live in a tiny yellow house with my favorite person and too many mugs. When I’m not writing emotionally wounded sword lesbians and their feral vampire girlfriends, I’m probably drinking coffee, making dramatic playlists, or pretending my TBR isn’t glaring at me from the corner of the room.
Thanks for being here—it’s an honor to share my stories with you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 1, 2025
Moira. Darling. I know I said it with the last book, but A Vow Cold and Kindled is officially my new favorite. It's gorgeous and lyrical, reverent and atmospheric, sexy and sensual. It's poetry in novel form, and I loved every line.
Unlike the first three books in Her Fangs in My Heart, which are standalone novels with threads woven throughout that make it better to read all of them in order, this one really is a standalone. It's the story of Princess Ilyra, youngest daughter of the Halden Court, and Ser Virelle, vampire knight who has come to fulfill a centuries-old pact and maintain peace between the vampire and human courts. Told through 24 chapters that take place over the 12 days of yule, it alternates perspective, with the first half of each day told through Princess Ilyra's mind, and the second half of the same day, picking up right where the previous chapter left off but through Virelle's.
Ilyra is quiet and reserved, preferring to hide away in corners, overlooked by others (except for Lord Myrren, who she's been promised to but doesn't love). She's always followed the conventions of court, but inside her is a bit of rebellion. When Virelle shows up and chooses her instead of her eldest sister as expected, Ilyra starts to imagine a world where she's free to choose for herself.
Virelle is quiet and reserved, but she immediately recognizes Ilyra for what she is: her fated mate. This isn't a typical fated mates trope, though. Virelle is determined to give Ilyra the space to determine her own destiny, even if it means she doesn't choose Virelle, and it is a beautiful thing to behold. And when Ilyra does? Oh, honey, the spice is SPICING.
I know this isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea. If you don't like vampires, or fated mates, or slow, lush language then it may not be yours, but me? Give me all of it and then some.
I received a free ARC from the author, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
Unlike the first three books in Her Fangs in My Heart, which are standalone novels with threads woven throughout that make it better to read all of them in order, this one really is a standalone. It's the story of Princess Ilyra, youngest daughter of the Halden Court, and Ser Virelle, vampire knight who has come to fulfill a centuries-old pact and maintain peace between the vampire and human courts. Told through 24 chapters that take place over the 12 days of yule, it alternates perspective, with the first half of each day told through Princess Ilyra's mind, and the second half of the same day, picking up right where the previous chapter left off but through Virelle's.
Ilyra is quiet and reserved, preferring to hide away in corners, overlooked by others (except for Lord Myrren, who she's been promised to but doesn't love). She's always followed the conventions of court, but inside her is a bit of rebellion. When Virelle shows up and chooses her instead of her eldest sister as expected, Ilyra starts to imagine a world where she's free to choose for herself.
Virelle is quiet and reserved, but she immediately recognizes Ilyra for what she is: her fated mate. This isn't a typical fated mates trope, though. Virelle is determined to give Ilyra the space to determine her own destiny, even if it means she doesn't choose Virelle, and it is a beautiful thing to behold. And when Ilyra does? Oh, honey, the spice is SPICING.
I know this isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea. If you don't like vampires, or fated mates, or slow, lush language then it may not be yours, but me? Give me all of it and then some.
I received a free ARC from the author, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
December 1, 2025
If you have a free afternoon and want to get into the holiday spirit, don't miss reading this story!
Even though the story is short, it is full of feelings in true Moira's style. It is the story of a girl who throughout her life followed a script not written by her, much less chosen by her. But once she had a little taste of what love feels like she decided to start choosing for herself going against everyone (don't worry it has a happy ending)
I just wanted to add that the end of chapter 2 reminded me so much of Emili Dikinson's poem “Because I could not stop for death “ – it might be my imagination but it's as if I had read the prose transliteration of the poem. It was a happy if unexpected discovery.
If I haven't convinced you yet, the tropes you'll find in this book definitely will:
Age Gap
First Time
Romantasy
Forced proximity
Fated Mates
Touch her and die
Forbidden Love
Vampire Romance
Holiday Novella
Vampire Knight × Princess
Masc/femme
Protective & Possessive MC
Magical strap
Over all it's a 4⭐ and 3 🔥
CW:wounds - blood - mention of past wars - mention of death -implied loss of a mother
Even though the story is short, it is full of feelings in true Moira's style. It is the story of a girl who throughout her life followed a script not written by her, much less chosen by her. But once she had a little taste of what love feels like she decided to start choosing for herself going against everyone (don't worry it has a happy ending)
I just wanted to add that the end of chapter 2 reminded me so much of Emili Dikinson's poem “Because I could not stop for death “ – it might be my imagination but it's as if I had read the prose transliteration of the poem. It was a happy if unexpected discovery.
If I haven't convinced you yet, the tropes you'll find in this book definitely will:
Age Gap
First Time
Romantasy
Forced proximity
Fated Mates
Touch her and die
Forbidden Love
Vampire Romance
Holiday Novella
Vampire Knight × Princess
Masc/femme
Protective & Possessive MC
Magical strap
Over all it's a 4⭐ and 3 🔥
CW:wounds - blood - mention of past wars - mention of death -implied loss of a mother
December 3, 2025
Atmospheric, poetic, sensual, and creative, A Vow Cold and Kindled by Moira Darling features a frigid vampire knight going through the motions of a traditional Yule ritual to keep the peace with humans until she senses an ancient bond with the youngest daughter of the king. The princess, previously promised to someone she doesn't love, also feels an unexpected and dangerous pull toward the knight.
Darling once again gives a lovely, romantic, and steamy tale of love despite duty. Flowery language and descriptive setting details set the scene for Ser Virelle and Princess Ilyra as they balance the line between desire and responsibility. The tension is palpable as Virelle struggles to contain her overwhelming desire for this inexperienced, technically unavailable woman, who has awakened something within her. For Ilyra's part, she questions whether she will have the courage to choose a path different from the one chosen for her.
This novella has a complete and well-developed plot with a satisfying ending and an epilogue glimpse into the future. It is an insta-love relationship guided by a fated bond, and the interactions between the pair, along with their inner perspectives, help to create a believable relationship.
A Vow Cold and Kindled is the fourth book in the Her Fangs in My Heart series, but it is a standalone. I enjoyed my third read from author Moira Darling, and I will certainly read more of her work.
#princessknight #oppositesattract #icequeen #rayofsunshine #forbidden #vampirehuman #romantic #steamy #queernormative #agegap #firsttime #firsttimewithawoman #virgin #firstkiss #magicalstrap #courtlyintrigue #royalromance #touchheranddie #loveversusduty #lowangst #HEA #epilogue
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Darling once again gives a lovely, romantic, and steamy tale of love despite duty. Flowery language and descriptive setting details set the scene for Ser Virelle and Princess Ilyra as they balance the line between desire and responsibility. The tension is palpable as Virelle struggles to contain her overwhelming desire for this inexperienced, technically unavailable woman, who has awakened something within her. For Ilyra's part, she questions whether she will have the courage to choose a path different from the one chosen for her.
This novella has a complete and well-developed plot with a satisfying ending and an epilogue glimpse into the future. It is an insta-love relationship guided by a fated bond, and the interactions between the pair, along with their inner perspectives, help to create a believable relationship.
A Vow Cold and Kindled is the fourth book in the Her Fangs in My Heart series, but it is a standalone. I enjoyed my third read from author Moira Darling, and I will certainly read more of her work.
#princessknight #oppositesattract #icequeen #rayofsunshine #forbidden #vampirehuman #romantic #steamy #queernormative #agegap #firsttime #firsttimewithawoman #virgin #firstkiss #magicalstrap #courtlyintrigue #royalromance #touchheranddie #loveversusduty #lowangst #HEA #epilogue
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
December 2, 2025
4⭐️ 3🌶
This holiday themed novella is perfect for the season. Yes, this is shorter than the other books in the series, but this Yule tale is still big on what's become this writer's calling card. Do you love slow burning in your FMC's? A story containing attraction and desire in equal parts but rationed at a bite size pace so that you can savor every minute of it? Do you love a brooding and honorable knight? Sir Virelle is the quintessential warrior turned knight, duty is her calling. Taking part in the Yule ceremony that links the vampire kingdom to the human one is her task, but when she's introduced to the 3 human princesses in the kingdom her life gets turned upside down. Enter Ilyra, the youngest of the brood and the fated mate promised to another lord. Each one tries to do their expected duties and fulfill the expectations but magic and mates have a way of being pulled together.
At this point, this author is an automatic read for me, I'd read the phone book if she wrote it.
Tropes: Fated mates, first time, political intrigue, touch her and d1e.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
This holiday themed novella is perfect for the season. Yes, this is shorter than the other books in the series, but this Yule tale is still big on what's become this writer's calling card. Do you love slow burning in your FMC's? A story containing attraction and desire in equal parts but rationed at a bite size pace so that you can savor every minute of it? Do you love a brooding and honorable knight? Sir Virelle is the quintessential warrior turned knight, duty is her calling. Taking part in the Yule ceremony that links the vampire kingdom to the human one is her task, but when she's introduced to the 3 human princesses in the kingdom her life gets turned upside down. Enter Ilyra, the youngest of the brood and the fated mate promised to another lord. Each one tries to do their expected duties and fulfill the expectations but magic and mates have a way of being pulled together.
At this point, this author is an automatic read for me, I'd read the phone book if she wrote it.
Tropes: Fated mates, first time, political intrigue, touch her and d1e.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
Phew I was a jut a little worried there towards the end. Another wonder addition to Moira Darling’s sapphic vampire stories! Ser Virelle is a made vampire and in this world, made vampires cannot go out in the sun/day. She is a Knight and has arrived at Haldon from the Red Moon Court to honor the pact and maintain peace. Upon meeting Princess Ilyra, a covenant bond occurs. You see Ilyra wasn’t suppose to be receiving the vampire, her older sister was. Princess Ilyra is the youngest daughter and promised to another (not her choice).
As the bond grows, choices will arrive, some easy and some just may change everything.
Highly recommend!!
As the bond grows, choices will arrive, some easy and some just may change everything.
Highly recommend!!
December 3, 2025
A super easy 5 stars for me.
This novella is beautifully written with poetry in the words, both cold and hot. The descriptions are deliciously gothic and opulent.
Twelve nights. A quiet, intelligent Princess who just wants to choose for once. A made vampire who is supposed to follow orders and should never want anything. A bound pact pulling them together. Gods!
I love how fluid the story is, how the tension grows and grows between Princess Ilyra and Ser Virelle before cresting on their touches. The devotion and reverence between the two of them was breathtaking. I’m apparently a sucker for “fated mates.” Especially when it’s a masculine vampire (thank you, Darling, for making the butch a vampire this time) shielding their beautiful princess.
The intimacy scene is creative, tender, and steamy all in the same.
All around a lovely story. I’m happy for once that everything is so easy. For a novella, the story packed enough punches and lyric to satisfy. Bravo!
Thank you, as always, to Moira Darling for the ARC.
This novella is beautifully written with poetry in the words, both cold and hot. The descriptions are deliciously gothic and opulent.
Twelve nights. A quiet, intelligent Princess who just wants to choose for once. A made vampire who is supposed to follow orders and should never want anything. A bound pact pulling them together. Gods!
I love how fluid the story is, how the tension grows and grows between Princess Ilyra and Ser Virelle before cresting on their touches. The devotion and reverence between the two of them was breathtaking. I’m apparently a sucker for “fated mates.” Especially when it’s a masculine vampire (thank you, Darling, for making the butch a vampire this time) shielding their beautiful princess.
The intimacy scene is creative, tender, and steamy all in the same.
All around a lovely story. I’m happy for once that everything is so easy. For a novella, the story packed enough punches and lyric to satisfy. Bravo!
Thank you, as always, to Moira Darling for the ARC.
December 1, 2025
5/5
Okay going to start this right out of the gate with this - I am needy and one of my struggles with a novella is the way I need more. A lot of times I’m left feeling like there was just too much I didn’t get to find out, personal problem I know…this one though? I felt fully satisfied with a complete story. This one I could be selfish and say I only WANTED more
Ms. Moira is just out here showing that she just can do it all with her slow burn. Fated mates is my favorite vampire trope and this one was so much better with the added element of choosing one’s own destiny. The courting and passion sizzling between a blood-knight vampire and the Princess who happens to be sister of her actual intended. This one was HAWT too. Quite a few taboo and kinky bits I wasn’t expecting but was indeed very pleased to see.
Someone recently asked me about a sexy fun holiday read - not only do I wish I would have had this one under my belt to recommend but I’m also glad to have had it my first few holiday reads of the season to get me in the mood.
Okay going to start this right out of the gate with this - I am needy and one of my struggles with a novella is the way I need more. A lot of times I’m left feeling like there was just too much I didn’t get to find out, personal problem I know…this one though? I felt fully satisfied with a complete story. This one I could be selfish and say I only WANTED more
Ms. Moira is just out here showing that she just can do it all with her slow burn. Fated mates is my favorite vampire trope and this one was so much better with the added element of choosing one’s own destiny. The courting and passion sizzling between a blood-knight vampire and the Princess who happens to be sister of her actual intended. This one was HAWT too. Quite a few taboo and kinky bits I wasn’t expecting but was indeed very pleased to see.
Someone recently asked me about a sexy fun holiday read - not only do I wish I would have had this one under my belt to recommend but I’m also glad to have had it my first few holiday reads of the season to get me in the mood.
December 4, 2025
In my novella era because I just absolutely love a complete story I can read in 2-3 hours. It’s like the book equivalent of watching an episode of TV vs a movie. Obsessed.
Anyway this was awesome. When I told my roommate I was reading a sapphic vampire holiday romance, she commented that I’ve ended up in some weird sub genres and I couldn’t agree more. I love it.
My shark tank pitch: we as a reader community need to get more into novellas. Let’s keep reading novels obv but let’s also throw in the occasional novella. We deserve a treat for all our hard work! (the hard work being reading books over 200 pages)
TLDR: Get into novellas. Read this, it’s fun and well written. Reading! Is! Fun!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(four stars)
🌶️🌶️(two explicitly scenes and one cut away)
Anyway this was awesome. When I told my roommate I was reading a sapphic vampire holiday romance, she commented that I’ve ended up in some weird sub genres and I couldn’t agree more. I love it.
My shark tank pitch: we as a reader community need to get more into novellas. Let’s keep reading novels obv but let’s also throw in the occasional novella. We deserve a treat for all our hard work! (the hard work being reading books over 200 pages)
TLDR: Get into novellas. Read this, it’s fun and well written. Reading! Is! Fun!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(four stars)
🌶️🌶️(two explicitly scenes and one cut away)
November 30, 2025
A Vow Cold and Kindled by Moira Darling is a cozy, sapphic Yule-season romantasy novella, and despite its short length, it’s a wonderfully full read! As the fourth book in the Her Fangs in My Heart series, it brought everything I love about Moira Darling’s writing - the lush world-building, heartfelt emotion, and a beautiful romance.
The fated-mates bond between the princess and her vampire knight is sweet, warm, and instantly compelling. The chemistry between the two characters is strong, the intimacy and spice is perfectly placed, and the wintery atmosphere wraps the whole story in a magical glow.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series, and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s a quick, beautifully written holiday escape and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to ARC read it early!
The fated-mates bond between the princess and her vampire knight is sweet, warm, and instantly compelling. The chemistry between the two characters is strong, the intimacy and spice is perfectly placed, and the wintery atmosphere wraps the whole story in a magical glow.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series, and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s a quick, beautifully written holiday escape and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to ARC read it early!
November 27, 2025
I got my copy of the book as an ARC
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. Mysterious, emotional, depressing and more.
Granted, I did skip the third installment because it featured a group of kids as the main story point.
Sadly this book didn't live up to the expectations that I had from being from this author. It feels flat with not a lot of suspense. No major character developments either, just a handful of spontaneous decisions where you don't feel a bit impact.
Fated Mates are often done badly, but here it's done well because it doesn't feel forced. There wouldn't be a huge downside of not following it, I liked that
The story itself was solid too
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. Mysterious, emotional, depressing and more.
Granted, I did skip the third installment because it featured a group of kids as the main story point.
Sadly this book didn't live up to the expectations that I had from being from this author. It feels flat with not a lot of suspense. No major character developments either, just a handful of spontaneous decisions where you don't feel a bit impact.
Fated Mates are often done badly, but here it's done well because it doesn't feel forced. There wouldn't be a huge downside of not following it, I liked that
The story itself was solid too
November 30, 2025
I pondered what to write for this review because I adored her 1st two books so much. I loved the story of this book, the characters, the flow, the love 🤓 the only negative I have is that it wasn't long enough. I wanted more of the story and a little more drama and maybe a few more gaspy moments like the hunt scene. But overall another great book from an amazing author. Will always recommend Moira Darling.
December 22, 2025
A Vow Cold and Kindred
Wow! This book! Absolutely amazing. This author has one of the best abilities to paint a storyline, characters and setting that I have seen. I loved this book. The language use, the descriptions, they put the story in your minds eye to perfection. I highly recommend reading this. I am on my way to grab another book of hers now. This is a definite must read!!
Wow! This book! Absolutely amazing. This author has one of the best abilities to paint a storyline, characters and setting that I have seen. I loved this book. The language use, the descriptions, they put the story in your minds eye to perfection. I highly recommend reading this. I am on my way to grab another book of hers now. This is a definite must read!!
November 28, 2025
The writing in this book was absolutely stunning. It was lush, atmospheric, and completely immersive. I was obsessed with Virelle’s devotion and protective nature. Every moment she was on the page I was hooked. Her bond with her fated mate was so intense and steamy and romantic and loyal. This was magical and deeply sensual. I couldn’t get enough.
December 4, 2025
Gorgeous little bijou
Moira's books Never disappoint. This one is especially lovely. Short and sweet and exactly what you want at the holidays, something to take you outside of your life
Moira's books Never disappoint. This one is especially lovely. Short and sweet and exactly what you want at the holidays, something to take you outside of your life
December 2, 2025
Beautifully crafted
This short story is Breathtakingly awesome. The descriptions, the way you get drawn into the words. A perfect fast read with love, magic, possessiveness, wanting, defiance, spice and an HEA!
This short story is Breathtakingly awesome. The descriptions, the way you get drawn into the words. A perfect fast read with love, magic, possessiveness, wanting, defiance, spice and an HEA!
December 2, 2025
She does it again!
Again…she just does it again! I couldn’t put the book down. So good. Start to finish. I keep up to date on her next releases and she never disappoints. Highly recommend yall!
Again…she just does it again! I couldn’t put the book down. So good. Start to finish. I keep up to date on her next releases and she never disappoints. Highly recommend yall!
December 29, 2025
loved
It’s takes courage to follow your heart and fight for the love that is ever lasting. Choosing what you want instead of following what others think you need. Leads to happiness that fulfilling.
It’s takes courage to follow your heart and fight for the love that is ever lasting. Choosing what you want instead of following what others think you need. Leads to happiness that fulfilling.
November 28, 2025
A Fantastic Fantasy. Great Fantasy world. Quirky Characters.
December 2, 2025
So good
Absolutely loved this, but I wish it was longer! This was yearning to the max. This author has such a beautiful way of writing, every line will be your favorite.
Absolutely loved this, but I wish it was longer! This was yearning to the max. This author has such a beautiful way of writing, every line will be your favorite.
December 28, 2025
An atmospheric, spicy, sapphic fantasy novella.
Perfect for curling up with over cosy season.
Thanks to the author for the arc ebook.
Perfect for curling up with over cosy season.
Thanks to the author for the arc ebook.
December 12, 2025
I received this book as an ARC. Here is an honest review.
This was the sapphic, gothic, Christmas novella i didn't know i needed!
Ser Virelle is a Blood Knight. Her presence causes those around her to fall silent in fear and respect. She is here to honor the ancient pact between the vampires and humans. Nothing more...Until she kneels before Ilyra, youngest princess of the kingdom and betrothed to another.
Within the 12 nights of Yule, Virelle and Ilyra find themselves growing closer, for better or worse.
This was a beautifully written novella that mingles the cold frost of winter with the warmth of the season.
I love a fated mates trope and not only did this have beautiful prose and a sweet romance, but it's probably one of Moira's spiciest books to date.
Would definitely recommend if you want a sweet - spicy holiday sapphic romance.
This was the sapphic, gothic, Christmas novella i didn't know i needed!
Ser Virelle is a Blood Knight. Her presence causes those around her to fall silent in fear and respect. She is here to honor the ancient pact between the vampires and humans. Nothing more...Until she kneels before Ilyra, youngest princess of the kingdom and betrothed to another.
Within the 12 nights of Yule, Virelle and Ilyra find themselves growing closer, for better or worse.
This was a beautifully written novella that mingles the cold frost of winter with the warmth of the season.
I love a fated mates trope and not only did this have beautiful prose and a sweet romance, but it's probably one of Moira's spiciest books to date.
Would definitely recommend if you want a sweet - spicy holiday sapphic romance.
December 23, 2025
BOOOMMSHAKALAKAKA YAASS GAAAWWDDD
ABSOLUTE CINEMA
This is hands down one of the best sapphic novellas I've read. The chemistry, the tension is so AUGHFHFHFH
What really stands out is that their relationship doesn't jump the gun. It's slow and takes its own time in an appropriate amount. Unlike the other novellas I've read where I felt that the relationships are too fast, or were just there for the sake of being there, I was really invested between Virelle and Ilyra. Overall, this book is really well-written and I've never felt bored in any of the pages. I personally feel it's nicely paced, without being too fast or too slow. Peak read. Highly recommended. \(ϋ)/♩
ABSOLUTE CINEMA
This is hands down one of the best sapphic novellas I've read. The chemistry, the tension is so AUGHFHFHFH
What really stands out is that their relationship doesn't jump the gun. It's slow and takes its own time in an appropriate amount. Unlike the other novellas I've read where I felt that the relationships are too fast, or were just there for the sake of being there, I was really invested between Virelle and Ilyra. Overall, this book is really well-written and I've never felt bored in any of the pages. I personally feel it's nicely paced, without being too fast or too slow. Peak read. Highly recommended. \(ϋ)/♩
December 23, 2025
Oh my GOD! Absolutely amazing, wonderful, spectacular, 10, 20 stars!
Every line, sentence and paragraph is a poem, written not with ink but yearning, love and obsession. You don’t come here for angst or messy, you do for a warm cup of love and passion, of choices when you had none before. This is my top 3 sapphic romance. I can rave and rant on and on for hours about every page, if you let me!
If I must find a flaw then it will because it’s too short. So amazing prequel, now please give a 500 page book about them in love and doing cute things, please and thank you!
Every line, sentence and paragraph is a poem, written not with ink but yearning, love and obsession. You don’t come here for angst or messy, you do for a warm cup of love and passion, of choices when you had none before. This is my top 3 sapphic romance. I can rave and rant on and on for hours about every page, if you let me!
If I must find a flaw then it will because it’s too short. So amazing prequel, now please give a 500 page book about them in love and doing cute things, please and thank you!
December 9, 2025
magical strap from a hot vampire knight? OH YES FUCKING PLEASE
on a serious note though, i absolutely loved their bond. every word exchanged between these women felt so impactful, like each sentence mattered beyond the usual meaningless banter you usually see in books like these. 12 days seems ridiculously fast to fall in love but it made so much sense for them in particular and i adored every single page
on a serious note though, i absolutely loved their bond. every word exchanged between these women felt so impactful, like each sentence mattered beyond the usual meaningless banter you usually see in books like these. 12 days seems ridiculously fast to fall in love but it made so much sense for them in particular and i adored every single page
December 6, 2025
Another well written piece of work by Moira! I adored this Yule novella very much, the bond, the banter, the tension. I can’t wait to see where she goes next!
November 27, 2025
STARS 5 stars (ABSOLUTELY AMAZING)
SPICE spicy
CHEMISTRY excellent - very undeniable
ANGST medium
SLOW BURN no
CLIFFHANGER no
CHARACTERS Virelle and Ilyra
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
"I look at her and the world ends" - Virelle
My knees bend before I have chosen to kneel. And in that moment, I am not the blood-knight, or the envoy, or the weapon of a dying house. I am only hers - Virelle
...and she still stands between me and the world. Even now. Even wounded. Even monstrous. And I feel safer with her than I ever have with anyone else. - Ilyra
MY THOUGHTS
It’s no secret that I think Moira’s writing exists on an entirely different plane. There’s something so special about the way she crafts a world. How she breathes life into her characters, how she builds stories that feel like they’re unfolding right in front of you. I’m endlessly obsessed with everything she creates, and this book is no exception. I won’t say “better,” because truly, every one of her stories is its own kind of perfection…but this one just felt so special.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
The moment Virelle steps onto the page and meets Ilyra, I completely lost it. That instant drop-to-your-knees moment; the world narrows to one person and nothing else exists. it took my breath away. Their connection is fierce, immediate, and entirely reciprocal. Both of them are willing to risk everything for the other, and watching that devotion grow was intoxicating.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
The winter festival backdrop was perfect for this story, filled with little moments that completely melted my heart. Each day of Yule added something new between them...more trust, more longing, more fire. Their connection kept growing even as the world around them grew tense, and it was so beautiful to watch. The intimate moments they shared. Absolutely special and deliciously spicy. I loved how tender and careful Virelle was with Ilyra’s inexperience it made their closeness feel even more meaningful.
WOULD I HAVE CHANGED ANYTHING
Not a thing. Moira pours her whole heart into her work, and she never, ever fails to deliver.
TROPES
Sapphic, Vampire, Knight, I would burn the world for you, You're Mine, Soul Mate, First Time
SPICE spicy
CHEMISTRY excellent - very undeniable
ANGST medium
SLOW BURN no
CLIFFHANGER no
CHARACTERS Virelle and Ilyra
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
"I look at her and the world ends" - Virelle
My knees bend before I have chosen to kneel. And in that moment, I am not the blood-knight, or the envoy, or the weapon of a dying house. I am only hers - Virelle
...and she still stands between me and the world. Even now. Even wounded. Even monstrous. And I feel safer with her than I ever have with anyone else. - Ilyra
MY THOUGHTS
It’s no secret that I think Moira’s writing exists on an entirely different plane. There’s something so special about the way she crafts a world. How she breathes life into her characters, how she builds stories that feel like they’re unfolding right in front of you. I’m endlessly obsessed with everything she creates, and this book is no exception. I won’t say “better,” because truly, every one of her stories is its own kind of perfection…but this one just felt so special.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
The moment Virelle steps onto the page and meets Ilyra, I completely lost it. That instant drop-to-your-knees moment; the world narrows to one person and nothing else exists. it took my breath away. Their connection is fierce, immediate, and entirely reciprocal. Both of them are willing to risk everything for the other, and watching that devotion grow was intoxicating.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
The winter festival backdrop was perfect for this story, filled with little moments that completely melted my heart. Each day of Yule added something new between them...more trust, more longing, more fire. Their connection kept growing even as the world around them grew tense, and it was so beautiful to watch. The intimate moments they shared. Absolutely special and deliciously spicy. I loved how tender and careful Virelle was with Ilyra’s inexperience it made their closeness feel even more meaningful.
WOULD I HAVE CHANGED ANYTHING
Not a thing. Moira pours her whole heart into her work, and she never, ever fails to deliver.
TROPES
Sapphic, Vampire, Knight, I would burn the world for you, You're Mine, Soul Mate, First Time
November 27, 2025
I loved a Vow Cold and Kindled! It's the perfect holiday read for a cold night when you need something to warm you up. The court of Halden is very elegant and proper, Ilyra is the youngest daughter and her life has already been decided for her, as have her sisters. The court is welcoming a vampire knight to court one of Ilyra's older sisters for the 12 nights of Yule, just to renew the bond that keeps everything threaded together.
But when Virelle, the cold vampire knight arrives and sees Ilyra something ignites in her, and she kneels for Ilyra instead. They begin very formal, but the connection is there and they both feel it. They both know that they already belong to each other, even if the court deems it wrong. Ilyra is already promised to another. It's very slow but somehow the fire burns bright, as the 12 nights they spend together commence they realize that this is a bond neither wants to deny, even if it's wrong.
The Gothic setting is what really stands out in this one. It felt a bit foreboding and darker than Moira's past books, but honestly that's what I loved about it. Virelle needed to find Ilyra to remember that the sun does exist, and Ilyra needed to be able to choose her own life outside of what her family expects. The journey they go on is about trust, love, and following your own heart, even if everyone around you doesn't approve. The burn is steady, it somehow felt like the perfect combination of slow burn and instalove. When Virelle called Ilyra "my dawn" my heart literally melted.
My favorite line from this one was, "For the first time since we met... I see the monster that everyone whispers about. It lives beneath the stillness. Beneath the silence and the discipline and the vow. And I don't look away. I can't. She is terrifying. She is beautiful."
But when Virelle, the cold vampire knight arrives and sees Ilyra something ignites in her, and she kneels for Ilyra instead. They begin very formal, but the connection is there and they both feel it. They both know that they already belong to each other, even if the court deems it wrong. Ilyra is already promised to another. It's very slow but somehow the fire burns bright, as the 12 nights they spend together commence they realize that this is a bond neither wants to deny, even if it's wrong.
The Gothic setting is what really stands out in this one. It felt a bit foreboding and darker than Moira's past books, but honestly that's what I loved about it. Virelle needed to find Ilyra to remember that the sun does exist, and Ilyra needed to be able to choose her own life outside of what her family expects. The journey they go on is about trust, love, and following your own heart, even if everyone around you doesn't approve. The burn is steady, it somehow felt like the perfect combination of slow burn and instalove. When Virelle called Ilyra "my dawn" my heart literally melted.
My favorite line from this one was, "For the first time since we met... I see the monster that everyone whispers about. It lives beneath the stillness. Beneath the silence and the discipline and the vow. And I don't look away. I can't. She is terrifying. She is beautiful."
December 6, 2025
WHAT I LIKED:
I absolutely loved everything about this novella. I really wished it was a full-length novel because I just couldn’t get enough. The chemistry between the two leads was believable and strong even if they had such a short time together.
I loved how the chapters were divided into the twelve nights taking place during Yule.
Virelle may be a cold-blooded vampire, but she’s so sweet towards Ilyra. Ilyra grew up with people forcing choices onto her, but Virelle never once did any of that. The consent between them was the hottest thing ever. And I loved that Virelle was the one who gave Ilyra power and let her be in charge of what was happening between them.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
There wasn’t nothing I disliked.
FAVORITE MOMENTS:
* Lord Myrren, a complete arrogant waste of space, kept trying to take up Ilyra’s time (as if he was a gift to her), and I loved how she always ignored him.
* Ilyra’s sister, Serette, was hilarious and lovely. I would have loved to see more of her.
SPICE: Two very explicit scenes; one semi-public and the second one was smoking hot with a strap on being used.
I absolutely loved everything about this novella. I really wished it was a full-length novel because I just couldn’t get enough. The chemistry between the two leads was believable and strong even if they had such a short time together.
I loved how the chapters were divided into the twelve nights taking place during Yule.
Virelle may be a cold-blooded vampire, but she’s so sweet towards Ilyra. Ilyra grew up with people forcing choices onto her, but Virelle never once did any of that. The consent between them was the hottest thing ever. And I loved that Virelle was the one who gave Ilyra power and let her be in charge of what was happening between them.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
There wasn’t nothing I disliked.
FAVORITE MOMENTS:
* Lord Myrren, a complete arrogant waste of space, kept trying to take up Ilyra’s time (as if he was a gift to her), and I loved how she always ignored him.
* Ilyra’s sister, Serette, was hilarious and lovely. I would have loved to see more of her.
SPICE: Two very explicit scenes; one semi-public and the second one was smoking hot with a strap on being used.
December 2, 2025
I was given an ARC copy of A Vow Cold and Kindled by author Moira Darling. Thank you Moria the chance to be an ARC reader again!
A Vow Cold and Kindled is a sapphic vampire and human holiday romance with forced proximity and forbidden romance. It is another great read that Moira Darling has released. Sir Virelle, a made vampire, comes to Halden Court to fulfill an ancient truce, but in the process something unexpected happens when she meets Princess Ilyra. Princess Ilrya is the youngest of the royal line and was not expected to participate in the ancient truce, but fate has other plans. Since Ilrya has the sent of covenant she takes the place of her sister in the truce and together she and Virelle navigate the ancient ritual. As the nights of Yule pass the two discover more than just an ancient truce, they find love and acceptance in each other.
This story was beautiful in how Ilrya and Virelle learned everything about each other (both good and bad) and realize sometimes love is more important than duty. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to Moira Darling's next book, whatever that might be.
A Vow Cold and Kindled is a sapphic vampire and human holiday romance with forced proximity and forbidden romance. It is another great read that Moira Darling has released. Sir Virelle, a made vampire, comes to Halden Court to fulfill an ancient truce, but in the process something unexpected happens when she meets Princess Ilyra. Princess Ilrya is the youngest of the royal line and was not expected to participate in the ancient truce, but fate has other plans. Since Ilrya has the sent of covenant she takes the place of her sister in the truce and together she and Virelle navigate the ancient ritual. As the nights of Yule pass the two discover more than just an ancient truce, they find love and acceptance in each other.
This story was beautiful in how Ilrya and Virelle learned everything about each other (both good and bad) and realize sometimes love is more important than duty. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to Moira Darling's next book, whatever that might be.
November 28, 2025
“A Vow Cold and Kindled” by Moira Darling grabbed my attention and imagination within the first two chapters. Princess Ilyra and vampire knight Ser Virelle come face to face on the first night of Halden Court’s Twelve Nights of Yule. Virelle is there for the King’s oldest daughter, not his youngest, but fate interferes with that script. Instead there’s “Covenant,” an immediate visceral attraction between Ilyra and Virelle that grows and blossoms during the twelve nights. I found their journey mesmerizing. The author’s writing is always lush and intense at the same time. I didn’t want this novella to end, and I look forward to more of this Her Fangs In My Heart series.
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