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Bloodthirsty Beloved
Deadly quests blur the line between hate and love in this all-new standalone vampire romantasy.
King Brey and Queen Ethel were once in love—until they became husband and wife.
While Brey was instantly infatuated upon meeting his betrothed, the arrangement made by her father was an unwelcome surprise for Ethel. Forced to surrender all she knew, Ethel did so reluctantly, and her torn heart broke her husband’s.
Now, the two live lazily in a palace too small for their bitter feelings and venomous words.
But their reign of indulgence has been costly, and they must finally put their union to good use by replenishing the wards that protect vampirekind.
To complete the deadly tasks awaiting them, they will need to cast their hatred aside and work together—or they could lose far more than a chance to salvage their bloodthirsty love.
A fantasy romance told in first person with lovers to enemies, second chance romance, banter/bickering, and two very morally grey vampires.
King Brey and Queen Ethel were once in love—until they became husband and wife.
While Brey was instantly infatuated upon meeting his betrothed, the arrangement made by her father was an unwelcome surprise for Ethel. Forced to surrender all she knew, Ethel did so reluctantly, and her torn heart broke her husband’s.
Now, the two live lazily in a palace too small for their bitter feelings and venomous words.
But their reign of indulgence has been costly, and they must finally put their union to good use by replenishing the wards that protect vampirekind.
To complete the deadly tasks awaiting them, they will need to cast their hatred aside and work together—or they could lose far more than a chance to salvage their bloodthirsty love.
A fantasy romance told in first person with lovers to enemies, second chance romance, banter/bickering, and two very morally grey vampires.
350 pages, Paperback
Published December 28, 2025
372 people are currently reading
3549 people want to read
About the author
Ella Fields
30 books6,074 followersUSA Today and international bestselling author, Ella Fields, resides in Australia with her husband, two children, and furry critters.
A lover of chocolate, magic, and words—she enjoys exploring the sharper sides of love in varying genres of romance.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellafieldsa...
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/authorellafields/
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2Amt3FL
A lover of chocolate, magic, and words—she enjoys exploring the sharper sides of love in varying genres of romance.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellafieldsa...
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/authorellafields/
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2Amt3FL
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
January 6, 2026
any book that makes me feel butterflies in my tummy gets an automatic 5 ⭐️ 🦋
December 28, 2025
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH OMG!!! I cannot believe this is a standalone!
Ella Fields has a fantastic way of making characters seem so irredeemable, just to redeem them.
This story is so unique for a fantasy, making it feel so refreshing, while still keeping all those romantasy elements we all know and love. The FMC is fiery, a little mean, but so beyond lovable- i loved her so much.
And the MMC… omg SWOON. I love him and his sweet heart, the things he says in this are fantastic. Also the spice in this was fantastic.
I am obsessed!! The pacing, plot and characters were everything. 5 MF stars! ⭐️
Ella Fields has a fantastic way of making characters seem so irredeemable, just to redeem them.
This story is so unique for a fantasy, making it feel so refreshing, while still keeping all those romantasy elements we all know and love. The FMC is fiery, a little mean, but so beyond lovable- i loved her so much.
And the MMC… omg SWOON. I love him and his sweet heart, the things he says in this are fantastic. Also the spice in this was fantastic.
I am obsessed!! The pacing, plot and characters were everything. 5 MF stars! ⭐️
January 10, 2026
Here are the facts:
- I skimmed from page 1
- MMC was a v
- FMC was not (also kissed OM after meeting MMC)
- then MMC was hurt because he thought she cheated so he hurts her back
- then FMC was hurt thinking he was fucking OP but she was still celibate
- so MMC was also apparently celibate but he paid OP to made it looks like he was sleeping around.
- so FMC was celibate - yes I’m repeating myself
- also the grovel was shit, it didn’t even made it worth it
- also FMC should have slept with OP, I don’t care the MMC was faking it, it was real for her because she believed it so he deserved it
- conclusion FMC should have grown a pair and told him the truth or leave the ass
- conclusion MMC should have grown a pair and confront his wife instead of playing games
- side note, he was watching and stalking her way before meeting her.
- side note, I am not reading about vampires for a very long time or like ever because fuck this shit!
- I skimmed from page 1
- MMC was a v
- FMC was not (also kissed OM after meeting MMC)
- then MMC was hurt because he thought she cheated so he hurts her back
- then FMC was hurt thinking he was fucking OP but she was still celibate
- so MMC was also apparently celibate but he paid OP to made it looks like he was sleeping around.
- so FMC was celibate - yes I’m repeating myself
- also the grovel was shit, it didn’t even made it worth it
- also FMC should have slept with OP, I don’t care the MMC was faking it, it was real for her because she believed it so he deserved it
- conclusion FMC should have grown a pair and told him the truth or leave the ass
- conclusion MMC should have grown a pair and confront his wife instead of playing games
- side note, he was watching and stalking her way before meeting her.
- side note, I am not reading about vampires for a very long time or like ever because fuck this shit!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
if there’s one thing ella fields is gonna do, it’s write a BANGER of a book with enough angst to leave you feeling nauseous and emotional in the best way!!!!!!!
literally it’s witchcraft how she manages to write such unputdownable books that are LOADED with A+++ toe curling smut, romantic longing that would put john f*cking keats to shame, witty repartee that will have you blushing and kicking your feet during the workday, AND !!!!! AND !!!!! plenty of SUFFERING as the two characters go ten rounds of not realizing how the other feels!!!!! A GOD TIER FORMULA that hits every single time and somehow is immaculately wrapped up in a single book. my standalone romantasy queen. I WORSHIP AT HER ALTAR.
i loved this so much that i devoured it in a day — two vampires who fell in passionate, all-consuming love, suddenly bitter, toxic enemies trapped in a marriage where their only pleasure is hurting each other in the most insidious of ways? a dual timeline to explain both AND CAUSE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF SUFFERING!? yes. give me 100 of them.
i will say though that if you’re sensitive to a willful miscommunication trope, or if you’re not a fan of a virgin MMC, this may not be for you. but if you love angst !!!! suffering !!!!! SMUT !!!! and a man who loves his betrothed so much that all of her favorite things become his favorites too, then run to grab this when it releases at the end of the month.
thank you ENDLESSLY to ella and her team for the chance to read the ARC! off to lay down and cry over these two idiots-in-love vampires until we’re blessed with another release.
literally it’s witchcraft how she manages to write such unputdownable books that are LOADED with A+++ toe curling smut, romantic longing that would put john f*cking keats to shame, witty repartee that will have you blushing and kicking your feet during the workday, AND !!!!! AND !!!!! plenty of SUFFERING as the two characters go ten rounds of not realizing how the other feels!!!!! A GOD TIER FORMULA that hits every single time and somehow is immaculately wrapped up in a single book. my standalone romantasy queen. I WORSHIP AT HER ALTAR.
i loved this so much that i devoured it in a day — two vampires who fell in passionate, all-consuming love, suddenly bitter, toxic enemies trapped in a marriage where their only pleasure is hurting each other in the most insidious of ways? a dual timeline to explain both AND CAUSE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF SUFFERING!? yes. give me 100 of them.
i will say though that if you’re sensitive to a willful miscommunication trope, or if you’re not a fan of a virgin MMC, this may not be for you. but if you love angst !!!! suffering !!!!! SMUT !!!! and a man who loves his betrothed so much that all of her favorite things become his favorites too, then run to grab this when it releases at the end of the month.
thank you ENDLESSLY to ella and her team for the chance to read the ARC! off to lay down and cry over these two idiots-in-love vampires until we’re blessed with another release.
January 4, 2026
Oh my goodness I loved this one. So if you’ve read Ella Fields before and enjoy how she writes, you should like this one. I feel it’s very typical of her past writing. If you have not, just know this is messy, emotional and angsty. This author tends to write her characters with flaws and their actions are not always good or bad but in this grey area, actions done out of emotion and that sometimes leaves you disliking them and what they do. I happen to love characters like that. It feels very real.
Brey and Ethel start off as a marred couple in trouble. Right away you can see that this is a war of the roses type of relationship. They appear to despise each other, and absolutely don’t want to do what’s needed to save their kingdom. We are given their story in a duel timeline, seeing how hateful they are now, yet seeing how they fell in love and had this almost sweet relationship. It was fascinating to see what took Brey from complete devotion to disdain. And let me tell you, Brey brought the swoon worthy devotion and the steaminess is off the charts. Also, it wouldn’t seem like it, but there are actually quite a few funny moments here. I giggled a lot and their back and forth, so it’s not all horrible angst.
There is some adventure with cool creatures, and a little bit of blood sucking that reminds you this is a vampire fantasy, but mostly it’s just times where you’ll want to knock their imaginary heads together. They were childish and petty and just wanted to make the other bleed, but I didn’t care, I still ate that up like candy. I think it appealed to the Scorpio in me. So just know, this is heavy in miscommunication. They do lots of ugly things to hurt each other, so if that’s not your jam, might want to skip this one. But if you like that angst, dive in because these two are worth it.
MF Vampire Romantasy
Arranged Marriage
Second Chance
Lovers to Enemies
Angsty AF
Virgin MMC
Steamy Tension
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Brey and Ethel start off as a marred couple in trouble. Right away you can see that this is a war of the roses type of relationship. They appear to despise each other, and absolutely don’t want to do what’s needed to save their kingdom. We are given their story in a duel timeline, seeing how hateful they are now, yet seeing how they fell in love and had this almost sweet relationship. It was fascinating to see what took Brey from complete devotion to disdain. And let me tell you, Brey brought the swoon worthy devotion and the steaminess is off the charts. Also, it wouldn’t seem like it, but there are actually quite a few funny moments here. I giggled a lot and their back and forth, so it’s not all horrible angst.
There is some adventure with cool creatures, and a little bit of blood sucking that reminds you this is a vampire fantasy, but mostly it’s just times where you’ll want to knock their imaginary heads together. They were childish and petty and just wanted to make the other bleed, but I didn’t care, I still ate that up like candy. I think it appealed to the Scorpio in me. So just know, this is heavy in miscommunication. They do lots of ugly things to hurt each other, so if that’s not your jam, might want to skip this one. But if you like that angst, dive in because these two are worth it.
MF Vampire Romantasy
Arranged Marriage
Second Chance
Lovers to Enemies
Angsty AF
Virgin MMC
Steamy Tension
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
January 9, 2026
I love Ella Fields. Truly. I’ve read everything she’s written, and nothing has ever dipped below a solid 3 stars for me. She’s talented, she can write angst, she can write longing, she can write chemistry.
That said… what the actual fuck was this?
This book goes for a role reversal: instead of the usual sexually experienced MMC and virginal FMC, we get the opposite. The FMC is very experienced sexually, and the MMC is the naïve, virgen, romantic, wants-love-and-commitment type. In theory? Interesting. In practice? Painful.
The execution absolutely did not work for me.
The FMC was deeply unlikeable. From the very beginning, she lies to the MMC about her sexual experience. He directly asks her if she has a lover, and she answers “no” like the question itself is absurd, while actively sleeping with said lover behind his back. Constantly. Casually. With zero guilt.
Yes, she doesn’t want to get married. Fine. But let’s look at reality for two seconds. Her father is cruel. If she doesn’t marry this MMC, who is literally the king, kind, respectful, and clearly in love with her, she will be married off to someone else who could be far worse. This isn’t idealism, it’s willful denial. Girl, read the room. Or the kingdom.
She’s also aggressively frivolous. And I don’t mean that as an interpretation…the book repeatedly tells us she is. She loves gossip, parties, dresses, and sleeping around, then ghosting her lovers. She has zero interest in learning anything beyond her social circle. At one point she thinks, “Oh, I should have studied geography.” Yes. You probably should have. You’re becoming queen.
She’s spoiled beyond belief. Her entire argument against marriage boils down to: “Why would I give this up? My parents pay for everything, and I get to party and sleep around.” That’s not me paraphrasing, that’s basically the text. She has no goals, no aspirations, no curiosity about the world she’s meant to rule. Just vibes and entitlement.
The MMC himself was… fine. Decent. Honestly, he barely had a chance because the FMC sucked all the oxygen out of the room. Early on, he’s a complete simp for her, tolerating all her nonsense. Later, he swings hard in the opposite direction and becomes cruel and bullying. Neither version felt earned, it was emotional whiplash.
And the worst part? Every single problem in this book could have been solved with one honest conversation.
Spoilers 🔔
The core conflict is simple: the FMC is sexually experienced and still sleeping with her lover while engaged to the MMC. The MMC asks her outright, she lies. He falls for her, opens up emotionally, they sleep together… and then he overhears her telling the other man she wants him and doesn’t want to marry.
Her excuse? The other guy was being “insistent.” Meanwhile, she had already decided she wanted the MMC. So instead of explaining anything, she says nothing. The MMC, devastated, declares their marriage will be in name only. Cue mutual misery: him punishing himself and her, her suffering silently while still refusing to communicate.
All of this—all of it—could’ve been resolved in a 30-minute conversation with honesty and accountability.
In the end, this was a miss for me. And I can’t be hypocritical. I regularly criticize MMCs who sleep around, lie while courting the FMC, and then require a massive grovel to earn forgiveness. I expect the same standards here.
Instead, the book frames the FMC as the victim, even though she was the one lying, cheating, and withholding the truth. It’s treated as a “power move” because she’s a woman. This isn’t about gender. It’s about basic decency.
She messed up. Full stop.
And for once, I wanted the narrative to admit that.
That said… what the actual fuck was this?
This book goes for a role reversal: instead of the usual sexually experienced MMC and virginal FMC, we get the opposite. The FMC is very experienced sexually, and the MMC is the naïve, virgen, romantic, wants-love-and-commitment type. In theory? Interesting. In practice? Painful.
The execution absolutely did not work for me.
The FMC was deeply unlikeable. From the very beginning, she lies to the MMC about her sexual experience. He directly asks her if she has a lover, and she answers “no” like the question itself is absurd, while actively sleeping with said lover behind his back. Constantly. Casually. With zero guilt.
Yes, she doesn’t want to get married. Fine. But let’s look at reality for two seconds. Her father is cruel. If she doesn’t marry this MMC, who is literally the king, kind, respectful, and clearly in love with her, she will be married off to someone else who could be far worse. This isn’t idealism, it’s willful denial. Girl, read the room. Or the kingdom.
She’s also aggressively frivolous. And I don’t mean that as an interpretation…the book repeatedly tells us she is. She loves gossip, parties, dresses, and sleeping around, then ghosting her lovers. She has zero interest in learning anything beyond her social circle. At one point she thinks, “Oh, I should have studied geography.” Yes. You probably should have. You’re becoming queen.
She’s spoiled beyond belief. Her entire argument against marriage boils down to: “Why would I give this up? My parents pay for everything, and I get to party and sleep around.” That’s not me paraphrasing, that’s basically the text. She has no goals, no aspirations, no curiosity about the world she’s meant to rule. Just vibes and entitlement.
The MMC himself was… fine. Decent. Honestly, he barely had a chance because the FMC sucked all the oxygen out of the room. Early on, he’s a complete simp for her, tolerating all her nonsense. Later, he swings hard in the opposite direction and becomes cruel and bullying. Neither version felt earned, it was emotional whiplash.
And the worst part? Every single problem in this book could have been solved with one honest conversation.
Spoilers 🔔
The core conflict is simple: the FMC is sexually experienced and still sleeping with her lover while engaged to the MMC. The MMC asks her outright, she lies. He falls for her, opens up emotionally, they sleep together… and then he overhears her telling the other man she wants him and doesn’t want to marry.
Her excuse? The other guy was being “insistent.” Meanwhile, she had already decided she wanted the MMC. So instead of explaining anything, she says nothing. The MMC, devastated, declares their marriage will be in name only. Cue mutual misery: him punishing himself and her, her suffering silently while still refusing to communicate.
All of this—all of it—could’ve been resolved in a 30-minute conversation with honesty and accountability.
In the end, this was a miss for me. And I can’t be hypocritical. I regularly criticize MMCs who sleep around, lie while courting the FMC, and then require a massive grovel to earn forgiveness. I expect the same standards here.
Instead, the book frames the FMC as the victim, even though she was the one lying, cheating, and withholding the truth. It’s treated as a “power move” because she’s a woman. This isn’t about gender. It’s about basic decency.
She messed up. Full stop.
And for once, I wanted the narrative to admit that.
January 28, 2026
Genre: Romantacy (Vampires in a fantasy world)
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger: No
Noteworthy: Standalone in single first-person POV. Available on KU.
A delicious, obsessive, maddening, blush inducing experience wrapped in a giant misunderstanding. Frustrating? Yes! Entertaining? Also yes!
Ella just has a way of writing that makes me refuse to put down her books even when I want to strangle the characters! It's a gift honestly! I do wish there was more groveling even though both mains made horrible decisions and let pride rule their lives. Alas, I must admit that I still finished this book in less than 4 hours and regret absolutely nothing!
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger: No
Noteworthy: Standalone in single first-person POV. Available on KU.
A delicious, obsessive, maddening, blush inducing experience wrapped in a giant misunderstanding. Frustrating? Yes! Entertaining? Also yes!
Ella just has a way of writing that makes me refuse to put down her books even when I want to strangle the characters! It's a gift honestly! I do wish there was more groveling even though both mains made horrible decisions and let pride rule their lives. Alas, I must admit that I still finished this book in less than 4 hours and regret absolutely nothing!
January 2, 2026
3.5⭐️
Okay even though this was one big miscommunication/ no communication issue I still thought it was good. I liked that you didn’t know what caused this big rift in their relationship for most of the book, it kept me hooked! Once it was revealed what happened I was kinda annoyed that neither of them could just explain the issue… it was truly an unnecessary conflict. Also I really didn’t enjoy what the MMC did after to try to hurt the FMC like she hurt him. I wanted some more groveling to be honest. And i would’ve loved some more discussion about how he had been watching her for years before, it was just brushed over! It was still a fine standalone and I did enjoy the romance when they were happy but it just had a some issues
Okay even though this was one big miscommunication/ no communication issue I still thought it was good. I liked that you didn’t know what caused this big rift in their relationship for most of the book, it kept me hooked! Once it was revealed what happened I was kinda annoyed that neither of them could just explain the issue… it was truly an unnecessary conflict. Also I really didn’t enjoy what the MMC did after to try to hurt the FMC like she hurt him. I wanted some more groveling to be honest. And i would’ve loved some more discussion about how he had been watching her for years before, it was just brushed over! It was still a fine standalone and I did enjoy the romance when they were happy but it just had a some issues
January 10, 2026
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˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
i love an ella fields standalone to draw me out from a book slump, especially as i’ve thrown over a hundred hours into baldur’s gate, renewing my obsession with vampires, and bloodythirsty beloved features an arranged marriage and mutual distaste shared between two vampires.
a massive thank you to ella fields for the gifted e-arc.
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˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
i love an ella fields standalone to draw me out from a book slump, especially as i’ve thrown over a hundred hours into baldur’s gate, renewing my obsession with vampires, and bloodythirsty beloved features an arranged marriage and mutual distaste shared between two vampires.
a massive thank you to ella fields for the gifted e-arc.
follow me on: instagram
January 3, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Painfully wicked and SO enjoyable.
RTC..
Peread
I already know I’m going to love this. Ella Fields never misses.
Painfully wicked and SO enjoyable.
RTC..
Peread
I already know I’m going to love this. Ella Fields never misses.
January 2, 2026
wasted my goddamn time
January 3, 2026
Kanasusamış yarim aka çok kötü..
Standalone yazması sebebiyle bu yazarı seviyorum, neredeyse bütün işlerini okudum. Sündürmeden laps diye bitiriyor, bu sefer konusu da güzel olmasına rağmen üzdü.
Önce aşık sonra düşman sonra tekrar aşık olan vampir kral & kraliçe.. WOW dedim ama lakin öyle olmadı.
Bir sonraki sefere..
Standalone yazması sebebiyle bu yazarı seviyorum, neredeyse bütün işlerini okudum. Sündürmeden laps diye bitiriyor, bu sefer konusu da güzel olmasına rağmen üzdü.
Önce aşık sonra düşman sonra tekrar aşık olan vampir kral & kraliçe.. WOW dedim ama lakin öyle olmadı.
Bir sonraki sefere..
January 6, 2026
4 Stars
I just love Ella Fields. An easy to read but super entertaining fantasy romance? Sign me up.
Ella does a great job writing selfish yet likable MCs. Ethel is so self-centered but she also has a soft heart - I really enjoy her. I love a reconciled marriage trope, and add in the vampire vibes, I had a great time. I'm not sure what else to say - this was super easy to read, not a literary masterpiece, but so fun and entertaining. Like watching a show or something idk. A good amount of spice too which I can always count on from Ella!
I just love Ella Fields. An easy to read but super entertaining fantasy romance? Sign me up.
Ella does a great job writing selfish yet likable MCs. Ethel is so self-centered but she also has a soft heart - I really enjoy her. I love a reconciled marriage trope, and add in the vampire vibes, I had a great time. I'm not sure what else to say - this was super easy to read, not a literary masterpiece, but so fun and entertaining. Like watching a show or something idk. A good amount of spice too which I can always count on from Ella!
December 31, 2025
Second chance romances are hard because of the tropes they often rely on, but I still enjoyed this even with the all annoying miss communication/miss understanding pieces
January 18, 2026
Just finished I’ll be back with my review but Bravo!!! Ella Bravo!!! I was ready for a new refreshing read from this author and she delivered!!!
What can I say it’s a book by Ella Fields it’s absolutely perfection it is a steamy vampire romance fantasy story that has her signature writing style all over it ! It’s angsty enemies to lovers with an emotional funny twist I laughed so hard at the banter between the characters and the angst hurt so good and the spice was definitely spicing this was phenomenal! My favorite read for 2026 to start the year!
What can I say it’s a book by Ella Fields it’s absolutely perfection it is a steamy vampire romance fantasy story that has her signature writing style all over it ! It’s angsty enemies to lovers with an emotional funny twist I laughed so hard at the banter between the characters and the angst hurt so good and the spice was definitely spicing this was phenomenal! My favorite read for 2026 to start the year!
January 7, 2026
Notes for me
I am giving this a try because it sounds interesting.
I have a lot of this author’s books listed on my nope shelf due to cheating.
King Breyon
Queen Ethel
Well 1% in she goes to his chambers and a man and woman feeder are tangled together on the bed with wine and clothes everywhere.
Before they married she had multiple other partners. She never wanted to marry. She was involved with her father’s guard Maxim. Once she fell for Breyon she didn’t want to see Maxus anymore. He refused to give up and cornered her at the wedding. She said she’d meet him later, but didn’t really plan to.
Breyon heard this, misunderstood and was disgusted with her. Kicked her out of his rooms and told her to never come to them again. She was devastated, but didn’t let him know the truth. This is the big miscommunication that caused B to break her heart everyday for the next 3 years with other women.
I am giving this a try because it sounds interesting.
I have a lot of this author’s books listed on my nope shelf due to cheating.
King Breyon
Queen Ethel
Well 1% in she goes to his chambers and a man and woman feeder are tangled together on the bed with wine and clothes everywhere.
Before they married she had multiple other partners. She never wanted to marry. She was involved with her father’s guard Maxim. Once she fell for Breyon she didn’t want to see Maxus anymore. He refused to give up and cornered her at the wedding. She said she’d meet him later, but didn’t really plan to.
Breyon heard this, misunderstood and was disgusted with her. Kicked her out of his rooms and told her to never come to them again. She was devastated, but didn’t let him know the truth. This is the big miscommunication that caused B to break her heart everyday for the next 3 years with other women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
Ella Fields writes the kind of romantasy books that have me hooked from the first page. King Brey and Queen Ethel’s story was EVERYTHING I love about this trope and had me up until the wee hours of the morning. No regrets!
What a wild ride this story is - I cried, I fumed, I swooned and I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. My heart was pounding and my mind was racing wondering what was going to happen next. Their chemistry and banter had me smirking as I read and the ending was even better than I could have hoped for.
Definitely a 2025 Favourite for me.
I received an arc of this book
What a wild ride this story is - I cried, I fumed, I swooned and I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. My heart was pounding and my mind was racing wondering what was going to happen next. Their chemistry and banter had me smirking as I read and the ending was even better than I could have hoped for.
Definitely a 2025 Favourite for me.
I received an arc of this book
January 25, 2026
If an author can make me love a book with a miscommunication trope: instant 5 stars 😂
January 7, 2026
Half of the reviews are surely laying about how “good” this book is.
January 2, 2026
The entire plot was a single point of miscommunication by two of the most selfish and immature characters… it’s no exaggeration when I say I skimmed this book at best.
Will some people love this? Yes.
I’m just not one of them.
Will some people love this? Yes.
I’m just not one of them.
January 1, 2026
I really enjoy Ella Fields’ books. I love that the characters are flawed, make mistakes, and have a bite to them. I also love that she mostly writes stand alones so I do not have to invest in a series and will still be satisfied by decent world building and good character development and plot.
This book follows two recently married vampires—the vampire elements and culture were very much downplayed and they could have just been ordinary beings in their world and the book would have been the same—who fell in love and then things went very wrong immediately after bonding themselves to one another. Now, they’re bonded and essentially trapped in an island castle with just three servants and have to find a way to work together and “solve their riddles three”—meaning, they must do three trial things to save their world. (This was my least favorite part. I’m bored to tears with the constant trials and “three difficult tasks” characters must do in romantasy. But I digress.) The plot oscillates from Now to Then as you slowly learn how these two came together and what drove them apart and whether they will find a way back to one another by the end.
While I loved Brey’s character—he was swoonworthy, snarky, clever, and surprising—I was not nearly as enamored with Ethel. She was unnecessarily aloof and rude and also struggled to understand how hurt Brey was. And she just didn’t even try to mend her mistakes, assuming he would not forgive or discuss anything with her. And he had only ever demonstrated how absolutely infatuated and in love he was with her from the moment they started to see one another, and especially after they bonded. When they did communicate, it was witty, biting perfection. When they didn’t, it grew nearly tedious. When they hurt one another it stung.
I like miscommunication to a certain point. It has to make sense how and why it’s occurring and it needs to be plausible and adult. But Ethel’s behaviors that caused much of the miscommunication didn’t make sense and felt incredibly immature—even while she was more experienced than Brey was. Everything about why she does what she does and says what she says needed better explained. She supposedly was terrified but that was not at all clear until she said so at the 85% mark. That part of the story needed much better development.
Brey redeems much of this book. His devotion, tenderness, and absolute adoration for Ethel—though in my opinion unwarranted—saves much of the book. I would like to have known more about what he saw in her character that made him love her so. His obsession seemed largely comprised of her beauty and sharp tongue.
This book follows two recently married vampires—the vampire elements and culture were very much downplayed and they could have just been ordinary beings in their world and the book would have been the same—who fell in love and then things went very wrong immediately after bonding themselves to one another. Now, they’re bonded and essentially trapped in an island castle with just three servants and have to find a way to work together and “solve their riddles three”—meaning, they must do three trial things to save their world. (This was my least favorite part. I’m bored to tears with the constant trials and “three difficult tasks” characters must do in romantasy. But I digress.) The plot oscillates from Now to Then as you slowly learn how these two came together and what drove them apart and whether they will find a way back to one another by the end.
While I loved Brey’s character—he was swoonworthy, snarky, clever, and surprising—I was not nearly as enamored with Ethel. She was unnecessarily aloof and rude and also struggled to understand how hurt Brey was. And she just didn’t even try to mend her mistakes, assuming he would not forgive or discuss anything with her. And he had only ever demonstrated how absolutely infatuated and in love he was with her from the moment they started to see one another, and especially after they bonded. When they did communicate, it was witty, biting perfection. When they didn’t, it grew nearly tedious. When they hurt one another it stung.
I like miscommunication to a certain point. It has to make sense how and why it’s occurring and it needs to be plausible and adult. But Ethel’s behaviors that caused much of the miscommunication didn’t make sense and felt incredibly immature—even while she was more experienced than Brey was. Everything about why she does what she does and says what she says needed better explained. She supposedly was terrified but that was not at all clear until she said so at the 85% mark. That part of the story needed much better development.
Brey redeems much of this book. His devotion, tenderness, and absolute adoration for Ethel—though in my opinion unwarranted—saves much of the book. I would like to have known more about what he saw in her character that made him love her so. His obsession seemed largely comprised of her beauty and sharp tongue.
January 4, 2026
I read amid clouds & bones earlier this year and DEVOURED it in less than 24 hours… safe to say comparatively, I was disappointed by this.
first and foremost, loved the witty banter. however, I found language used by the author really frustrating at times; for two incredibly well-spoken characters communicating through mature dialogue (loved this), I found the use of words such as ‘ginormous’ very distasteful in comparison. this may be personal preference, but the use of informal slang-words in prose irks me.
as a stand-alone, I find it really difficult to find where the actual story was in this book? I don’t get what the point was… he stalked her, had to marry her to feed the wards (ambiguous as to what purpose they serve/what the consequences of not doing so would be), Ethel & Brey then spend 90% of the book hurling abuse at each other due to the worlds most ridiculous single sentence misunderstanding, to then make up right at the end over a 30 second conversation in a cave… in like 5 lines of dialogue…? up until the wedding scene, I was waiting for a huge plot twist to explain and justify the extent of Brey’s hatred, just to find out it was over a pathetic miscommunication in a cupboard under the stairs? I didn’t get it at all.
world-building wise, this felt incomplete and rushed to me. I can’t picture anything about Ethel’s family estate, nor can I imagine the main character’s faces other than Ethel’s hair being red and Brey’s being black. all I know about Brey’s manor is that there was moss on the floor and mildew in the bathroom…
in truth, I feel there were too many spicy scenes (WHOA I have literally never said this about any book like ever) where there should have been further narrative depth and descriptive world building in its place. I really didn’t get the point of this book, and if it hasn’t been so short, I probably would have DNF’d at 45%.
all that being said, I still ADORE Ella Fields and will absolutely continue to read her work; IMO nobody does enemies to lovers like her - truly some of the best tension I have ever read. amid clouds & bones was one of my favourite reads of 2025 and shines through for me despite my experience reading bloodthirsty beloved.
one of my only criticism of amid clouds & bones at the time of reading was a similar feeling here of unfinishedness - I felt there was huge potential for a duology/trilogy, and I believe the same could be said for this world. I feel further time invested in creating purpose instead of plot holes would have transformed this story for me.
all in all 2⭐️ !
first and foremost, loved the witty banter. however, I found language used by the author really frustrating at times; for two incredibly well-spoken characters communicating through mature dialogue (loved this), I found the use of words such as ‘ginormous’ very distasteful in comparison. this may be personal preference, but the use of informal slang-words in prose irks me.
as a stand-alone, I find it really difficult to find where the actual story was in this book? I don’t get what the point was… he stalked her, had to marry her to feed the wards (ambiguous as to what purpose they serve/what the consequences of not doing so would be), Ethel & Brey then spend 90% of the book hurling abuse at each other due to the worlds most ridiculous single sentence misunderstanding, to then make up right at the end over a 30 second conversation in a cave… in like 5 lines of dialogue…? up until the wedding scene, I was waiting for a huge plot twist to explain and justify the extent of Brey’s hatred, just to find out it was over a pathetic miscommunication in a cupboard under the stairs? I didn’t get it at all.
world-building wise, this felt incomplete and rushed to me. I can’t picture anything about Ethel’s family estate, nor can I imagine the main character’s faces other than Ethel’s hair being red and Brey’s being black. all I know about Brey’s manor is that there was moss on the floor and mildew in the bathroom…
in truth, I feel there were too many spicy scenes (WHOA I have literally never said this about any book like ever) where there should have been further narrative depth and descriptive world building in its place. I really didn’t get the point of this book, and if it hasn’t been so short, I probably would have DNF’d at 45%.
all that being said, I still ADORE Ella Fields and will absolutely continue to read her work; IMO nobody does enemies to lovers like her - truly some of the best tension I have ever read. amid clouds & bones was one of my favourite reads of 2025 and shines through for me despite my experience reading bloodthirsty beloved.
one of my only criticism of amid clouds & bones at the time of reading was a similar feeling here of unfinishedness - I felt there was huge potential for a duology/trilogy, and I believe the same could be said for this world. I feel further time invested in creating purpose instead of plot holes would have transformed this story for me.
all in all 2⭐️ !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
January 20, 2026LOL update - hard DNF, just found out about the miscommunication, sorryyyyyyy
Soft DNF 23%
There’s nothing wrong with this book but personal preference has led me to DNF
I loathe a dual timeline book because I’m such an incredibly impatient reader; as soon as I feel like I’m sinking into the story, the timeline moves and I find that so. Irritating.
Also, there seems to be a (kind of) love triangle - vom 🤮
Soft DNF because I do actually want to finish their story but this may be one that I read over time
Soft DNF 23%
There’s nothing wrong with this book but personal preference has led me to DNF
I loathe a dual timeline book because I’m such an incredibly impatient reader; as soon as I feel like I’m sinking into the story, the timeline moves and I find that so. Irritating.
Also, there seems to be a (kind of) love triangle - vom 🤮
Soft DNF because I do actually want to finish their story but this may be one that I read over time
January 10, 2026
Absolutely Perfect
I love all of Ella’s books and this is no different. The angst between the then and now chapters were perfection. The emotional pull from both Ethel & Bray had me completely melting. I’d love more from this universe or to see more paranormal from Ella! There’s nothing she can’t write.
I love all of Ella’s books and this is no different. The angst between the then and now chapters were perfection. The emotional pull from both Ethel & Bray had me completely melting. I’d love more from this universe or to see more paranormal from Ella! There’s nothing she can’t write.
February 4, 2026
As always I’ll read anything Ella writes. Thoroughly enjoyed this lovers to enemies story, throw some vampires in and I’m sold. Quick fun read
January 12, 2026
Maybe this is dramatic idc but I am in awe of Ella Fields and her ability to give us well written fantasy standalones and duologies how is she not more popular!!! No one - NO ONE - is writing gut wrenching yearning the way she is. This was a five star fun read for me, I took off a star after taking a min and thinking about a few things I think were missing from a perfect standalone, but I loved this book so much it almost felt like it was written specifically for me and the tropes I love. Automatic read author, will collect all special editions I can of anything she writes, what a time to be alive!
January 7, 2026
dnf
didn't like the past-present thing in the chapters, ruined the flow of the story
didn't like the past-present thing in the chapters, ruined the flow of the story
January 3, 2026
Had a great time even though miscommunication is not my favorite trope. The character dynamics and banter was top tier
January 1, 2026
miscommunication gave me the ick so bad. if therapy existed in this world then none of the angst would have happened
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