Bloodwoken: Book One: A Dark Vampire Captivity Romance

by S K Collier

He died a nobody. He woke up something ancient.

Mateo Vega survived poverty, cage fights, and thirty-two years of being invisible in Houston. He'd already died once — drained and drowned two years ago, only to wash ashore breathing when he should have been a corpse. Dying in a parking lot the second time was supposed to be the end. Instead, he woke up as a vampire — caged by an ancient predator who's obsessed with what's hiding in his blood, drawn to the woman who stalked him for two years and served him up like a sacrifice, and fighting a hunger that wants to consume everything, especially her.

She's been a prisoner for two hundred years. He's the first thing she's willing to burn for.

Quinn Ashford hasn't made a choice for herself since 1826. Valeric — her maker, her captor, the monster who calls himself her father — took everything: her husband, her daughter, her humanity. The last man she cared for, he turned to ash to prove a point. So when Mateo Vega looks at her like she's something worth fighting for, she knows exactly how this ends.

She chooses him anyway.

Because his blood runs hot when it should run cold. Because something ancient and unnamed is waking up inside him that terrifies every power in the supernatural world. Because for the first time in two centuries, a dead woman wants to feel alive.

Even if it kills them both.

Sons of Anarchy meets Interview with the Vampire. Jax Teller energy meets Jessica Jones grit, with Hannibal Lecter pulling the strings.

The Pyretic Bloodline, Book One. Dark paranormalromance with explicit content. Dual POV

From invisible to unstoppable. From captive to catalyst. From poverty to the power that will reshape the supernatural world.

BLOODWOKEN is the first book in The Pyretic Bloodline trilogy. A dark paranormal romance perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Anne Rice's gothic vampire novels and Sons of Anarchy.

BOOK 1: BLOODWOKEN (coming early 2026)
BOOK 2: HELLWOKEN (coming mid 2026)
BOOK 3: NIGHTWOKEN (coming late 2026)

PERFECT FOR READERS WHO LOVE:

Forbidden vampire-demon hybrids
Dual POV romance (grumpy/sunshine vibes)
Captivity to freedom arcs
Morally gray vampires
Gothic dark romance with bite
Gritty, explicit language
Anne Rice atmospheric vampires
Poverty-to-power transformation
Houston urban fantasy setting
Found family & chosen bonds
Enemies-to-lovers tension
CONTENT WARNING: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic violence, blood drinking, themes of captivity and imprisonment, psychological manipulation by an antagonist, death and murder, strong language, and emotionally intense situations. Intended for mature readers 18+.

541 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2026

About the author

I write dark fantasy and paranormal romance where magic corrupts and monsters don't apologize. With a background in psychology, I'm obsessed with crafting characters who live in the morally gray spaces - the ones whose darkness feels disturbingly real because I understand exactly how minds break and rebuild.

Born in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, I traded snow for Texas sunshine and now spend my days creating feral heroines, tubing rivers with my kids, and hosting BBQs that definitely count as a love language.

My greatest magic? Turning chaos into stories that bite back and loving my children fiercely through it all.

I survive on coffee like it's a controlled substance. Pretty sure my blood type changed to dark roast somewhere around book two.

Reviews

[Nadine Kiggins-Gerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story, an emotional ride of emotions up and down through the whole book. What a cliffhanger of an ending. S.K. Collier is fantastic at drawing you into the story line. Kept me on the edge wondering what or when Valeric's gonna find out about Mateo and Quinn. Absolutely love this Book, can't wait till the next book for the Story continues. Thank you S.K. Collier for allowing me to ARC read this fantastic story.

[Rachelle Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ✨ ARC Review

I wasn’t drawn into the book right away, but as I keep going I developed more interest in the characters and seeing where this was going. The story follows MMC Mateo who is turned into a vampire, because of Valeric’s obsession with him. As he is an anomaly and different than your average vampire. Quinn who is a 200 year old vampire who has been forced to stalk Mateo for the last, two years and may have developed a likeness toward him. Valeric thousands of years old is the maker of Quinn and Mateo, there is a bond where they cannot do what he does not allow as they are “chained to him” the story follows MMC and FMC they just want freedom.
I did not see the ending coming, and I will read the next book once it is out.

[Destiny Schuelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This book took a minute to pull me in but once those hooks were in it was game over! The characters live rent free in my head now, the world building was just the right amount while still painting vivid scenes for the reader and the story rips your heart out, rebuilds it and then shreds it again beautifully. I cannot wait for more of their journey! If you need me, no you don't because I'm busy re reading and annotating! 🥰🥰

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from the author (ARC review).

While I knew that this was a dark romance and the author described the vibes for the MMC, Mateo, as Jax Teller; I will say that it's accurate and so much more. Dark paranormal/romantasy with vampires, demons, witches, fae & humans set in Houston, TX. I had the hardest time putting this down to go to sleep and was literally bothered with myself for the nerve of not being able to stay awake to read more.

As someone who loved the show Sons of Anarchy; I completely see the comparison of Jax to Bloodwoken's Mateo. Look at the long game in their plan. Good heart but will absolutely take care of business in the hottest primal way. When it comes to the woman he loves - the word "protective" isn't enough.

Mateo is just trying to survive & completely unaware of the order given to his 200-year-old stalker Quinn. For 2 years Quinn watches Mateo from the shadows and reports to Valeric, a 1000-year-old methodical vampire. When it's time for Mateo's transformation and training things heat up from all angles as Valeric's obsessive mission grows. This book has cunning plot twists amidst the spicy yet forbidden romance the Quinn finally allows herself. The writing is vivid and not only paints the whole picture in your head but also raises your body temperature along with your intrigue.

Must read for dark paranormal/romantasy. VERY excited for book 2!!!

[Katie Raygoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. “Bloodwoken” is a dark paranormal/romantasy with vampires, demons, fae, humans, and more. Mateo is our Puerto Rican MMC who is just trying to survive in a word that keeps pushing him down. He has a big heart and will give away his last 5 dollars to a woman on the street. He is an underground cage fighter at night and a dishwasher during the day. There are forces at work in Mateo’s life that he doesn’t know about but they all know about him.

Valeric is a 1,000-year-old vampire that is OBSESSED with Mateo’s blood and trying to turn him into something he is not. When Mateo is turned, there is something off about him…he doesn’t run the right “temperature” and he has other peculiarities. Mateo meets Quinn and instantly becomes obsessed with her and does everything in his power to be with her.

Quinn Ashford is our 200-year-old vampire FMC that was forced to stalk/watch Mateo as a human by Valeric for 2 years. She may have also fallen for him too. Quinn is Valeric’s puppet and is forced to do things she doesn’t want to do. She just wants freedom and Mateo but that is not how her world works.

The end of this book was completely heartbreaking and unexpected! I am excited to see what SK Collier will do in the next book.

[JB Mojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, WOW!
Yeah.. I could NOT stop reading this!

Bloodwoken had me on the edge of my seat from the middle all the way to the end.
The tension? Absolutely delicious.
The danger? VERY real.
There were multiple moments where I literally caught myself holding my breath while reading 👀

And the forbidden attraction? It made everything SO much more addictive.

Mateo is 100% my type of MMC:
• possessive
• reckless
• pushes back against authority
• and fully embodies the “touch her and die” energy

He’s intense and completely impossible not to obsess over.

Quinn was also such a refreshing FMC. She had depth, trauma, and emotional complexity without becoming unbearable or constantly taking it out on everyone around her.

I found myself rooting for both of them off and on throughout the book… and to be fair, they BOTH made mistakes
*some of which weren’t entirely their fault*
But ONE scene in particular? I was like, “Quinn… what the actual fuck?” 😂

But yeah, this was also the PERFECT amount of slow burn. And just so YOU know, this is coming from someone who normally doesn’t even enjoy that style 😅

If you enjoy dark romance with a paranormal twist, forbidden attraction, danger, tension, and characters that completely consume your thoughts… I definitely recommend checking this one out.

I genuinely cannot wait to read more from this author!

ARC Disclosure: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mushmookie (Karla P) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished arc reading Bloodwoken. WOW! What a ride! It has Vampires, Demons, Dark Faes who are living amongst the humans in Houston. Yikes! Too close for comfort.

We follow a human named Mateo who has been invisible all his life doing what he needs to get by. Mateo dies not once but twice just to be woken up as a vampire. He’s bound to a 1,000 year old Vampire antagonist named Valeric who thinks he found the key to his ultimate plan. Little does he know, he got more than he bargained for.

The cage fights, the club scenes, the blood and gore were played out so cinematically! And my goodness, can we mention the obsessive possession, coño!

Bloodwoken is filled with magical entities, morally grey, ancient bloodlines, spicy/dark romance, enemies to lovers with an ending that had me “WAIT WHAT?!” loudly!

I love the writing and the way this book pulled me into the story. S K Collier did her thang! I need the next one!

[Ashley Horyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…this is one of the best paranormal romance books I’ve read in a long time. In this book you follow Mateo (MMC), a broke nobody who would give his last anything to help anyone else, Quinn (FMC) a 200 year old vampire and their psychotic vampire sire Valeric. In the prologue you are dumped straight into Mateo’s heartbreak as he’s holding Quinn as she turns to ash, with no true explanation until you read the rest of the book. You follow a couple chapters to learn about Mateo as a human and then after he’s been turned into a vampire by Valeric. It is quickly discovered that Mateo isn’t your average vampire, he’s different, & that alone takes Valeric’s obsession with his progenies to new heights. Mateo and Quinn’s story will make you fall in love and then shatter you in one of the best ways.

[awful_oogie_boy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from this book but WOW!! The introduction of everyone was right on the mark! There were some parts that felt drawn out, something kind of repeated themselves but overall a real good real!! I hate Valeric. I hate the ex-fiancé. But I oh so LOVE Mateo and Quinn. Tae wasn’t such a bad vampire himself.

If you like the supernatural, burn the world for her romance with a bit of steam and just a solid read then Bloodwoken is a must on your TBR!!

[Susan.Dee.Dud · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, a little too much happening and a little confusing at times. The characters were well thought out and I liked the world that was built.

[Randi Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC review. WOW, very good book gives Blade and Underworld vibes. I loved the world and the gritty ugliness of love, obsession, and possessiveness displayed in this book. The opening of this book really GRABS you and the rest of the book is a rollercoaster of a ride that I throughly enjoyed. Definitely recommend and that plot twist at the end!!!!!! I can’t wait for the second one

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always had a fascination with vampires, but Bloodwoken takes it to a completely different level. This isn’t your typical vampire story—it’s darker, more dangerous, and honestly a little addictive in the best way.

The world-building pulls you in fast without feeling overwhelming, and the twist on vampire lore feels fresh instead of recycled. The whole vampire/demon hybrid concept adds this constant tension because you know something isn’t right, and it keeps you hooked the entire time. There’s a gritty, almost chaotic energy to the story that makes it hard to put down.

The characters are where this book really shines. The dynamics are intense, complicated, and definitely lean into that morally gray territory I love. The relationships aren’t simple or clean—they’re messy, emotional, and full of power struggles, which makes everything feel more real and high-stakes. And the main male energy? Yeah… toxic, powerful, and completely captivating.

There’s a steady build of suspense throughout, mixed with moments that genuinely caught me off guard. Just when you think you understand what’s happening, something shifts and raises the stakes even higher. It keeps that “just one more chapter” feeling going the entire time.

The ending leaves you on a cliffhanger and now I cannot wait for the second book.

[Katie Taylor Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author.

🌶️🌶️.5 spice level

I love the writing style of this book it’s giving black dagger brotherhood (IYKYK). The personalities literally smack you in the face.

This book follow Mateo Vega our MMC as he transitions into a vampire after being 🔪 trying to save a random woman.

Quinn is his forced vampire stalker for the past 2 years.

As Mateo transitions he learns he has some unique heritage that makes him more than a vampire. He has a heart of gold that continually gets smashed 😡 and it absolutely OBSESSED with Quinn.

The book covers the first 3 months of Mateo’s vampire transition as he try to come to term with all of his new changes both vampire and not. Trying to free himself and Quinn from their horrible sire, they plot and plan and hit obstacles at every turn.

Tropes
Vampire romance
She stalks him
Mate bond
Shadow daddy
Touch her and 💀
Forbidden love
Forced proximity
Cage fighting
Magic/paranormal


There is some cheating on both sides somewhat magically induced on one part, revenge on the other. It pissed me off!! 🤬And I felt it wasn’t necessary and took away from the storyline but it definitely added to the emotional wreckage 😭

The story is fantastic and the ending redeems the prologue (IYKYK)
Can’t wait for book 2!

[Katina Sites · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of "Bloodwoken" and I am voluntarily writing this review. "Bloodwoken" is a dark paranormal/fantasy romance with vampires, fae and demons.  This story is dark, gritty,  bloody and raw - I enjoyed every minute of it!   In my opinion, it is well-written with characters that are well thought out.  The contradiction of not wanting to live a controlled and regulated life but also having a fear of truly dying (since technically a vampire is dead) is intriguing and the idea that a good person can make evil choices but still be a good person is compelling as well.  The twists and turns in the story are heartbreaking and emotional. It is spicy and the sexual tension between Meteo and Quinn is excellent. This book grabbed my attention and interest from page one and did not let go until the end.

[Krista Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written, it is very descriptive throughout the whole book. The pain the characters experience is visceral. Each character seems to have their own style of talking, which I found really unique, especially for several different characters. This is a high tension, forced proximity, slowburn. Where the characters reach fuck it a few times, but then their walls go back up so it is it’s a complex and slightly toxic relationship that unfolds. The story holds vampires, werewolves, dark fae and other monsters. The author has alluded to a second book which is great because I think that the series can go really far. I experienced a range of emotions, including crying for characters which I was originally pissed about because I don’t like crying; but it was worth it. Well done, cant wait to read more!

[Heather Bolin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure where to start with this one. Overall, this was a good book. The MCs were strong and relatable. You got to see the relationship grow, then the plot twists that made you keep reading. The last three chapters redeemed this book for me. The way they were done with love, pain, and grief. They made me want more and to continue the story. The plot was great, delivery not so much. In my copy there were things that were repetitive and made you feel like you were reading the same thing over again. Then there were the names being introduced as one thing and then they were another for the rest of the chapter. I was able to keep them straight since they were only side characters, but it was a little jolting. I'm hoping this was corrected before release.

[Pagan's Book Nook (Pagan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author for an honest review
⭐️ 5 | 🌶🌶🌶 | 🩶 Staring at the Wall Processing | 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 Ruined Me for Real Men
Vampires, demons, and dark fae—oh my.

Set in Houston, TX with real locations and a full underground supernatural world.

Complete with possessive obsession, forbidden desire, and lots of violence.

I was completely invested and want more.

The end had me staring and trying to process what happened, and I am still at a loss for words… mostly 😉

I will be here, waiting (im)patiently for the next book…

[Angel Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author! Great story loved every minute of it! The characters....stick with me here I wrote one off right from go (big mistake).... Sometimes I loved them, sometimes I hated them, sometimes I hoped they saw my middle finger even after they made me like them again... The love for them was a roller coaster to say the least! I was honored to read the first book I'll be counting down waiting for the second!

[Magen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as an ARC copy from author. First time reading this genre and it did Not disappoint. Enjoyed reading a peice that is close to home (Houston). Mateo is all macho with a bite. Each character was perfectly portrayed, page after page kept me on my seat. 10/10 would recommend.

[Donna Plank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, keep me turning page after page was so hard to put down. If you love supernatural books, you'll love this one too! Looking forward to more books from this Lady!!!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodwoken was a great read with a cliffhanger I didn't see coming! Can't wait to see what is next to come!

[Keerstee Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book based on the TikToks I saw from the author herself. I was blessed with and ARC copy and I was SAT from page one. Devastating, twisty, and heartbreaking. I loved every second of it and cannot wait for more. A must read!

[Sherri L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was something that I was not expecting. It has vampires, dark fae, and demons in it. I felt like I was a yo-yo because of all the head games that were in play. It’s not an enemies to lovers read however it is a slow burn in a good way. It was such a good book and the ending was a shocker. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!

[Mandy Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodwoken is a visceral entry into the dark paranormal genre that seamlessly blends the grit of an underground cage fight with the elegance of ancient vampire lore.

The story immediately draws readers in with Mateo Vega’s transformation from a man invisible to society to a catalyst for supernatural change, exploring the complex psychological boundary between life and death.

Mateo’s internal struggle with his own mortality and the moral weight of the choices he is forced to make creates a compelling narrative, while Quinn Ashford provides a heartbreakingly resilient counterpart.

Their connection feels both earned and inevitable, navigating a landscape of obsession and possessiveness that feels dangerously real.

​The strength of this novel lies in its profound character studies and the atmospheric weight of its world-building. Mateo and Quinn are skillfully realized, fueled by a dual-perspective narrative that highlights the high stakes of their situation.

Valeric serves as a formidable and chilling antagonist, adding a layer of psychological manipulation that keeps the reader on edge.

This story is an excellent choice for those who appreciate complex, morally grey figures and a plot that moves at a relentless pace without pulling any punches.

​Ultimately, Bloodwoken offers a dark and bloody descent into a world where vampires, fae, and demons collide with cinematic intensity.

With vibes reminiscent of classic supernatural action films and gritty crime dramas, the book establishes a heavy, immersive atmosphere from page one.

The writing is sharp and the emotional beats are heavy, leading to a shocking conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

It is a standout paranormal romance that successfully combines explicit spice with a high-stakes plot and genuinely surprising narrative turns.