A Siren's Hold

by Jude Vanity

Book 1 in the Blood Sea Series

To save her is forbidden. To live without her is impossible.

Ceruleus, Crown Prince of the Blood Sea, has hunted countless threats in the dark waters of his territory, but none like her. Penelope is human. Fragile. Meant to fear him. So why can she hear his song? And worse . . . why does it answer something deep and ancient within him? Certain that his goddess has called him to her for a purpose, Ceruleus defies the laws of his kind and saves her, even if it might cost him everything.

Penelope Carver has spent her life caged in silk and gold. She is beautiful. Obedient. Powerless beneath her father's empire and the marriage arranged by him. On the night before her wedding a violent storm drags her beneath the waves and into the arms of a monster she was never meant to meet.

When forbidden desire ignites between land and sea, law and fate collide. When the siren prince finds his moon, blood will spill, fate will rewrite history, and the sea will not give her back willingly.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2026

Reviews

[Sun-young Peony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Whole New "WET" World. 😇❤️

This was actually my FIRST TIME dipping my toes into a Siren-meets-Human romance and I’m so glad I took the plunge! Honestly, it was such a trip seeing these two worlds collide. It’s basically the ultimate long-distance relationship struggle.... like, how do you make it work when one of you literally needs to be underwater to, you know, breathe? Their lives are a mess. But watching them figure out that "land vs. sea" drama was half the fun.

What I Love:

✅ Ceruleus name. I’m not going to lie. I kept struggling with his name. My brain just wanted to call him "Cereals" the whole time. 😆😆

✅ The storytelling is top-tier. Jude Vanity has a serious gift for diving deep into the emotions and POVs of Ceruleus and Penelope. You really feel the characters' internal struggles and their journeys of self-discovery. Especially their thoughts on how they can possibly bridge the gap between scales and skin without everything falling apart.

✅ This book leans MORE into the plot than the smut, but don't let that fool you—the tension is high.😍🔥 The author builds so much heat between the two (which is impressive considering their world-ending complications).

✅ Insta-Lust? (I mean, I get it now!) I’m usually the first person to roll my eyes at the "Instalove" trope. But hear me out! 😬😬 Once you understand why Penelope falls so fast for her sexy fish prince, it all clicks. And honestly? If I were in her shoes, I’d be a goner too. Penelope is currently engaged to a total asshole (a literal scary, psychotic man). I will personally help her pack her bags and jump off the nearest pier if it means dumping that human trash for a magical merman.

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NOTE: This is my personal opinion about the book. My goal is to share my experience, not to change anyone's perspective. Thank you to Jude Vanity for giving me the opportunity to read this early.

[MJ | fortheloveofbooks01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You are this beautiful, wicked being who has stolen my soul, and I know I will never feel whole again without you.”

I received an ARC of this novella and it is such a fun read! Given its length, it feels like a prequel meant to introduce the characters, set the scene and lure readers into the story, and it was really well done.

I really like the alternative take on Siren lore. So many stories about Sirens are written about females, and I liked that this story focuses on male Sirens with females being coveted and protected in their home. I mean, who doesn’t love a group of males who put themselves in danger before their beloved females?! 😉

This book is written in dual POV, alternating between Penelope and Ceris. I really liked the way that the writing style completely changed between both characters, giving them each a unique feel and making it easy to see them as separate people (or creatures? Hmmm).

This story is clearly a romance above all else, and definitely had me wishing for more interactions between the Penelope and Ceris. This felt like a tiny peek into the world and story, and I am definitely interested in reading the next book in this series to see where the story goes!

Thank you for sharing an ARC with me, Jude 🙏

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Siren’s Hold by Jude Vanity is an engaging blend of romance and fantasy, delivering a tale of forbidden love, danger, and self-discovery beneath the waves.

After a near-drowning incident, Penelope’s life becomes irrevocably tied to Ceris, a siren prince whose world is as dangerous as it is alluring. Their connection is instant and intense, pulling them into an emotional journey that spans both the human realm and a vivid underwater kingdom. As their bond deepens, they must confront the challenges of loving across two very different worlds.

Penelope and Ceris are well-rounded protagonists with relatable struggles. Their growth feels natural and emotionally grounded. The underwater realm is richly imagined, immersing readers in a mystical, atmospheric setting. The chemistry is palpable, striking a satisfying balance between desire, danger, and emotional vulnerability.

Jude Vanity’s debut novella is a captivating read for fans of monster romance and dark fantasy. With its blend of adventure, emotion, and supernatural allure, A Siren’s Hold leaves readers eager for more. If you enjoy forbidden love with a siren-filled twist, this story is absolutely worth diving into.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Siren’s Hold was a standout debut novella that I absolutely devoured in one sitting. It delivered the perfect balance of plot and spice, and I’m already excited to continue exploring this siren-filled world.

The story was romantic, mysterious, and completely addictive. From the beginning, it pulled me in and never let go. I loved the atmosphere, the tension, and the way the romance unfolded — it had that irresistible something that keeps you saying “just one more chapter.”

This book did exactly what a novella should do: hooked me hard and left me wanting more. I can’t wait to see where Jude Vanity takes this world next.

Tropes:
⭐️ Monster Romance (Sirens)
⭐️ Fated Love
⭐️ Touch Her & Die
⭐️ Open Door Spice
⭐️ Worlds Collide

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

A fantastic debut and a must-read if you love monster romance with heart and heat 🖤🌊

[SuzieLeigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Jude, this was quite the tale ! I was definitely drawn in from the first chapter. The storyline was something quite different and kept me interested all the way through the book. MMC being a sexy mer-person added some sparkle and spice to the read. The MFC Penelope was human and reacted to the situations she found herself in the same way most would which made her likeable and believable. When two worlds collide, how can a human and a prince of the sea ever be together, how could this obsession ever work ? A Siren's Hold takes you on the journey of Penelope and Cerus, two hearts that fate has intertwined. I wanted so much more of the story and needed to know what becomes of these two souls. Thank you for allowing me to review this fascinating story. Would recommend to all that love a bit of fantasy in their romances.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Jude, this was quite the tale ! I was definitely drawn in from the first chapter. The storyline was something quite different and kept me interested all the way through the book. MMC being a sexy mer-person added some sparkle and spice to the read. The MFC Penelope was human and reacted to the situations she found herself in the same way most would which made her likeable and believable. When two worlds collide, how can a human and a prince of the sea ever be together, how could this obsession ever work ? A Siren's Hold takes you on the journey of Penelope and Cerus, two hearts that fate has intertwined. I wanted so much more of the story and needed to know what becomes of these two souls. Thank you for allowing me to review this fascinating story. Would recommend to all that love a bit of fantasy in their romances.

[Romantasy Bookbird · Rating 3 out of 5]

💙ARC REVIEW💙

This is a debut novel for this author about sirens. I was pulled in by the synopsis and was intrigued about how this author would write about sirens. This monster romance has decent spice and a few darker themes in play which were enjoyable. I felt the pace in which MCs went from “enemies” to in love was too fast in the sense of it happened over what felt like a couple of days and then weeks went by but with no filler in what actually happened to Penelope in that time when back ashore. Felt slightly rushed and needed some more in depth looks into the themes and the siren aspect.

[nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌊 Fated mates
🌊Sea goddess
🌊Men taking care of women
🌊Tentacles
🌊Mermaid
🌊Open door spice
🌊Words colliding

This was such a pleasant quick read!
Even though it was a short story, the main characters were very well developed, and in a short amount of time, you get attached (and turned on…) by their love story.
The whole universe, the whole sea tribe, these mermaids, everything was just perfectly written and described.
The spice was really well written! Usually, it can be quite cringy for me to read such parts, but here? Not cringy at all! It was just so good.

PS: Kent, I hate you.
PPS: Ceris.. the mer-man you are!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to.expect as this is the authors debut Novella... they did not disappoint and i'm eagerly awaiting more! The story is well written with nicely developed characters, as a Novella you will never get the immersive world building from a longer book, but despite this they managed to deliver a world you can get invested in, with characters you can care about and/or hate ;) added to this is a delicious amount of spice. All around enjoyable and I devoured this in a single sitting!

[Libby Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received A Siren’s Hold by Jude Vanity as an ARC. This was my first time reading a siren story, so I was excited, especially since this is the author’s debut novella. While the concept had potential, it fell flat for me.

The biggest issue was pacing. The story pushes intense emotional lines, but it’s only been a day or two, so the connection didn’t feel earned. Because of that, the romance felt rushed and underdeveloped.

Overall, a promising idea, but the execution didn’t fully work for me

[Suzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received A Siren’s Hold by Jude Vanity as an ARC. I loved the concept/idea of this book, sadly it was a bit disappointing to me. The pacing of the story and how fast Penelope and Ceris go from seemingly hating each other to being in love feels jarring. Would have loved for their romance to be more developed. I am still very interested in where this will go as I loved the description of the siren culture.

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. You didn’t have to wait too long to get into all the action which I appreciated. It was a good length (not too long and not too short) and left on a good cliff hanger. Great amount of action and spice 🌶️ Thanks for the opportunity to get a ARC of this - I now await the second book!

[Mel Ronning · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you found yourself on an island that didn’t exist to humans? That’s exactly where our FMC finds herself. This journey through her experiences on the island and the relationship she is building with the MMC will have you unable to put the book down. I was hooked from the first page, and sad that it ended because I need book two!

[Julie Simpkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little mermaid vibes, meets Tarzan vibes.

Penelope is our FMC who gets lost at see my betrayal.

Ceruleus, Ceris, is our MMC and he is the siren (merman). He saves her, and the story moves pretty fast with the romance and smexy time.

Fated mates trope.

Quick read that moves fast.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check the trigger warnings. This book had me hooked from the start. I finished it in a few hours. It has some spice. The characters Penelope and Ceris are well written. The details are amazing. I loved this book.

[Kelli Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. The story flows smoothly throughout the book. You have a MMC who is willing to give up his happiness for the FMC. In for a wild ride with shipwrecks, touch her and die and fated love. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review of ARC received by Author*

So, I took a step out of my normal lane and decided to try a little 'monster' spice and it did not disappoint! A quick read that I could not put down, honestly. Kept me engaged and wanting more! I absolutely am looking forward to the next books in this series.

[Janne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this story, it went a little to fast for my liking, would love some more story inbetween. but fantastic non the less, and can't wait for the next one .

[Drusilla Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Siren’s Hold by Jude Vanity is a must-read for anyone who enjoys monster romance that balances heart with spice. This novella explores what happens when two worlds collide, that of a human and an alluring mer-person. The engaging storyline, strong character development, and well paced plot, immediately draws the reader in and makes it impossible to put down. Each moment builds anticipation and leaves the reader eager to see what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and I look forward to reading more from Jude Vanity in the future. If you enjoy passionate romance with a touch her and die vibe, this book deserves a spot on your TBR.