What do you think?
Rate this book
Venom and Vows: A Romantic Regency-Inspired Fantasy
Welcome to Venom and Vows, where vampires don’t fall in love… they negotiate.
In the frostbitten land of Heedmoor, vampires don’t mingle with humans—they contract
them. Each year, vampires bind themselves to a single human sanctum, trading vampire
venom for blood in a perfectly polite, deeply unsettling arrangement. Elite young women
compete in a week-long spectacle called Venom and Vows—a contest of charm, etiquette,
and entertainment. It’s a tidy arrangement. Civil. Proper. And absolutely not meant for
romance.
Enter Seraphina Halloway, who has no interest in attempting to be a lady—or in marrying
the arrogant lord her father chose to settle his debts. What she does want is to save her
family’s failing spinach farm. The prize money from a dangerous horse race, held at the
end of Venom and Vows, could save her family, so she makes a reckless to
disguise herself, break every rule, and enter a world where discovery doesn’t mean
disgrace… it means death for both herself and her beloved geminox—the very illegal to
own crossbreed of horse and unicorn.
Complicating matters is Nash Everthorne—the most revered vampire in Heedmoor.
Ancient, powerful, and devilishly handsome in a way that feels both illegal and deeply
inconvenient, Nash is entirely unprepared for a human girl with sharp wit, sharper
defiance, and absolutely no respect for vampire etiquette. Her defiance unsettles him. Her
wit amuses him. Her very existence threatens everything he’s built.
One secret endangers Seraphina’s life, her family’s future, and the fragile laws that divide
two worlds. When rebellion becomes forbidden love, someone will pay with blood. The only
question is who survives.
In the frostbitten land of Heedmoor, vampires don’t mingle with humans—they contract
them. Each year, vampires bind themselves to a single human sanctum, trading vampire
venom for blood in a perfectly polite, deeply unsettling arrangement. Elite young women
compete in a week-long spectacle called Venom and Vows—a contest of charm, etiquette,
and entertainment. It’s a tidy arrangement. Civil. Proper. And absolutely not meant for
romance.
Enter Seraphina Halloway, who has no interest in attempting to be a lady—or in marrying
the arrogant lord her father chose to settle his debts. What she does want is to save her
family’s failing spinach farm. The prize money from a dangerous horse race, held at the
end of Venom and Vows, could save her family, so she makes a reckless to
disguise herself, break every rule, and enter a world where discovery doesn’t mean
disgrace… it means death for both herself and her beloved geminox—the very illegal to
own crossbreed of horse and unicorn.
Complicating matters is Nash Everthorne—the most revered vampire in Heedmoor.
Ancient, powerful, and devilishly handsome in a way that feels both illegal and deeply
inconvenient, Nash is entirely unprepared for a human girl with sharp wit, sharper
defiance, and absolutely no respect for vampire etiquette. Her defiance unsettles him. Her
wit amuses him. Her very existence threatens everything he’s built.
One secret endangers Seraphina’s life, her family’s future, and the fragile laws that divide
two worlds. When rebellion becomes forbidden love, someone will pay with blood. The only
question is who survives.
- GenresFantasy
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 29, 2026
Ok, I love the concept of a unicorn horse hybrid and a forbidden horse race! Add in vampires, and the rather dystopian idea of competing to be a vampire's dinner, wrap it in a regency setting, and you have a fantastic mix!
Nash was such an interesting character! Despite being the most desirable sponsor, he's very uninterested in societal expectations and drawn to Seraphina specifically because she is unique and honest. Seraphina is also a great character! She's too much herself to fit into the cookie cutter role that everyone expects her to. They make a great pair!
The worldbuilding here is fantastic! The vampires having a peaceful existence with humans and exchanging venom for blood is such an interesting idea! And I love the geminox and wish the creatures were explored in more depth. I feel like this could have been a much longer book, delving deeper into the world, and I would have eaten up every word!
I was given an advance copy, and these are my honest thoughts.
Nash was such an interesting character! Despite being the most desirable sponsor, he's very uninterested in societal expectations and drawn to Seraphina specifically because she is unique and honest. Seraphina is also a great character! She's too much herself to fit into the cookie cutter role that everyone expects her to. They make a great pair!
The worldbuilding here is fantastic! The vampires having a peaceful existence with humans and exchanging venom for blood is such an interesting idea! And I love the geminox and wish the creatures were explored in more depth. I feel like this could have been a much longer book, delving deeper into the world, and I would have eaten up every word!
I was given an advance copy, and these are my honest thoughts.
May 29, 2026
Snarky humor, vampires, action, horse races, and swoony kisses.
I had the privilege of beta reading an early version of this book. Even with the limited pages of a novella, Maegwen is able to paint a vivid picture of her world, showing her talent as a fantasy author. I highly recommend it for any who likes the idea of a regency inspired fantasy or would like to see a new unique take on vampires.
I had the privilege of beta reading an early version of this book. Even with the limited pages of a novella, Maegwen is able to paint a vivid picture of her world, showing her talent as a fantasy author. I highly recommend it for any who likes the idea of a regency inspired fantasy or would like to see a new unique take on vampires.
May 27, 2026
I absolutely devoured Venom and Vows. The worldbuilding felt so fresh, the tension was perfection, and I was obsessed with the mix of danger, romance, and sharp banter. Seraphina and Nash had me hooked from the start. You can feel how much heart went into this story, and I’m beyond excited to see Maegwen’s book out in the world — so deserved.
May 30, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It's a sweet romance and the yearning and the characters made the book lovable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an exciting story! This is my first from Ms. Salley-Massie, so I was not sure what to expect, but this was such a cool world.
I really felt for Seraphina! Her family was struggling and she felt trapped by the expectations. She did not want to enter Venom and Vows and was determined to save her family through her own choices. Seraphina was honest and emotional. She cared so much for her family. Sometimes I found myself a bit frustrated with her because she had such strong reactions.Nash was so interesting! I wasn’t sure what to think of him at the beginning, but as the story progresses, we get to know him through Seraphina’s eyes. He had a lot of history and opened up to her slowly.
What a cool world! I was so interested in the structure of the vampires and the way Venom and Vows worked. It provided a cool set-up and showcased Seraphina’s character even though only parts of it were shown. I liked seeing the other characters as well. Clara was a sweetheart! I liked getting a glimpse of Seraphina’s family too. Overall, the story moved pretty quickly and it was a fun read! This regency-inspired romantasy has some fantasy violence and only kisses.
I received an ARC.
I really felt for Seraphina! Her family was struggling and she felt trapped by the expectations. She did not want to enter Venom and Vows and was determined to save her family through her own choices. Seraphina was honest and emotional. She cared so much for her family. Sometimes I found myself a bit frustrated with her because she had such strong reactions.Nash was so interesting! I wasn’t sure what to think of him at the beginning, but as the story progresses, we get to know him through Seraphina’s eyes. He had a lot of history and opened up to her slowly.
What a cool world! I was so interested in the structure of the vampires and the way Venom and Vows worked. It provided a cool set-up and showcased Seraphina’s character even though only parts of it were shown. I liked seeing the other characters as well. Clara was a sweetheart! I liked getting a glimpse of Seraphina’s family too. Overall, the story moved pretty quickly and it was a fun read! This regency-inspired romantasy has some fantasy violence and only kisses.
I received an ARC.
Read
May 26, 2026I received Venom and Vows by Maegwen Salley-Massie as an ARC and let me tell you it was so good!
The story takes place on Thornveil Isle where vampires (not the sparkly kind) live with humans. They form contracts and sponsorships with the humans in order to drink their blood. And best, or worst of all, the young ladys of the Isle enter a contest in order to gain a sponsorship from a vampire.
The book's FMC, Seraphina Halloway does not like the elite vampire society, she's from a poorer countryside. Her family is in debt and needs Seraphina to gain a sponsorship to help pay the familys debt off. Seraphina enters the Venom and Vows contest, with a hidden agenda to win a horse race with her geminox. Seraphina catches the eyes of the oldest and wealthiest vampire of Heedmoor, Nash Everthorne. Seraphina must compete against other "ladys" of Heedmoor in competitions by showing off their hidden talents and their fancy upbringings. Will she get a sponsorship and pay off her familys debts or will she have to marry someone she doesn't love to get the family's debts cleared. Read Venom and Vows to find out!
The story takes place on Thornveil Isle where vampires (not the sparkly kind) live with humans. They form contracts and sponsorships with the humans in order to drink their blood. And best, or worst of all, the young ladys of the Isle enter a contest in order to gain a sponsorship from a vampire.
The book's FMC, Seraphina Halloway does not like the elite vampire society, she's from a poorer countryside. Her family is in debt and needs Seraphina to gain a sponsorship to help pay the familys debt off. Seraphina enters the Venom and Vows contest, with a hidden agenda to win a horse race with her geminox. Seraphina catches the eyes of the oldest and wealthiest vampire of Heedmoor, Nash Everthorne. Seraphina must compete against other "ladys" of Heedmoor in competitions by showing off their hidden talents and their fancy upbringings. Will she get a sponsorship and pay off her familys debts or will she have to marry someone she doesn't love to get the family's debts cleared. Read Venom and Vows to find out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a surprisingly sweet regency-inspired romantic fantasy novel about a human girl and a vampire gentleman, learning to set aside established prejudices and open up their hearts to love.
Things I liked:
-The fiery spirit of the FMC
-The honesty and generous nature of the MMC
-The unique system the vampires and humans had for coexisting
-The sponsorship competition
-The entertaining banter
-It was not a gruesome vampire tale
-The romance was “He falls first”/slow-burn and no-spice
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes sweet romances, regency fantasy, strong FMC’s, and not-so-scary stories about vampires and humans. It is a standalone novel that is part of an interconnected series set in a fantasy world, the Realms of Lurin.
I received this ebook as an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed here are my own and given willingly.
Things I liked:
-The fiery spirit of the FMC
-The honesty and generous nature of the MMC
-The unique system the vampires and humans had for coexisting
-The sponsorship competition
-The entertaining banter
-It was not a gruesome vampire tale
-The romance was “He falls first”/slow-burn and no-spice
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes sweet romances, regency fantasy, strong FMC’s, and not-so-scary stories about vampires and humans. It is a standalone novel that is part of an interconnected series set in a fantasy world, the Realms of Lurin.
I received this ebook as an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed here are my own and given willingly.
May 26, 2026
I cannot even express how much I loved this book. I was absolutely swooning over Nash the entire time. He was so well written and just perfect. The plot was so unique and worked so well. It was such an interesting way to bring the vampires and the humans together. I loved the family dynamic that Seraphina had, especially the twins. Her horse Velamir was such a special addition to the story. I loved the horse racing aspect and how desperate she was to save her family, but also to not marry Jared. The romance was amazing. I loved the regency part of it, like how he chased her carriage, and basically had to compete for her hand in marriage. Overall I absolutely adored this book. I could go on and on, but for the sake of this review I will keep it semi short. Please go checkout the Realms of Lurin series! Thank you to Maegwen Salley-Massie for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I Love it! Definitely one of the best book I've read this year. I finished reading it in 2 hours yesterday. The storyline is very captivating, you just got hooked from the first time chapter. I like the way Seraphina aren't that typical damsel in distress lady, but instead she was this amazing, very witty and true to herself. My Goodness, her conversation at the dinner table with Nash on the first night of Venom and Vows got me laughing non stop 😂 For me, I love the story the most because it's not that typical stressful book with very twisted plots. It's a light reading but with enough villains (I hate that girl A!) and the conflict was beautifully built up, not too early but not too sudden either.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A short, clean romance set in a Regency inspired fantasy land with vampires. The writing is engaging and quickly draws you into the story, keeping you entertained right to the end. There is lots of banter between the main characters and watching their relationship develop is not only sweet but also great fun. The vampires were the 'civillised' kind that get their 'food' from willing donors and seem to have no issues with old fashioned vampire problems like sunlight, indeed they often come across as little more than very rich, powerful, and influencial humans who just happen to be immortal. This helps to keep the story light and cosy.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A dashing, aloof vampire lord, a rebellious woman with a secret, and a Regency-style competition that could save her family—or destroy her life—Venom and Vows has it all! I loved this story of forbidden romance, he falls first, and hidden identities, as handsome Nash Everthorne finds himself drawn to spunky, beautiful Seraphina Halloway. She’s been taught that vampires are monsters. He’s seen enough of humanity to know he shouldn’t be interested, and yet he can’t help himself, particularly when Seraphina’s unconventional ways promise to land her in hot water, or even worse, lose what little is left of her family’s farm. If you enjoy vampire stories, slow-burn romance, and Regency vibes with sparkling banter, you’re in for a treat with Venom and Vows. Highly recommended!
May 28, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of the story—very interesting. Gave me a bit of Twilight vibes. The author's writing style was visceral and helped me place myself in Seraphina's shoes. I do wish we would have seen her family one more time at the end of the story. Nash and Seraphina discuss them in a conversation, but since she left them behind at a low moment, I would have liked to see their future interactions and how they made amends. If you're a fan of vampire romance, this is a great, short read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one hooked me from the very first page… and I didn’t come up for air until it was over.
A short read, but don’t let that fool you—this story lingers.
He’s the kind of MMC everyone fears…
dark, dangerous, completely untouchable.
Except for her.
She’s soft where it matters, a little sharp where it counts…
and somehow, she’s the only one he sees.
The chemistry? Immediate. Intense. Addictive.
And now I’m sitting here wanting more. 🖤
A short read, but don’t let that fool you—this story lingers.
He’s the kind of MMC everyone fears…
dark, dangerous, completely untouchable.
Except for her.
She’s soft where it matters, a little sharp where it counts…
and somehow, she’s the only one he sees.
The chemistry? Immediate. Intense. Addictive.
And now I’m sitting here wanting more. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella! The MFC was strong and brave, willing to do (almost) anything for her family. The MMC was very swoon worthy. I would be very happy to read a full novel or even series in this world.
The regency themes were subtle but nice and I enjoyed the vampire portion of the story. It was integrated very well. Some mixed theme stories tend to do one or the other well, but this one hit it on the mark for both regency and fantasy.
The regency themes were subtle but nice and I enjoyed the vampire portion of the story. It was integrated very well. Some mixed theme stories tend to do one or the other well, but this one hit it on the mark for both regency and fantasy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Venom and Vows is such an interesting concept! I love that Seraphina is anything but a lady, and yet catches Nash’s attention. Then when Seraphina is surrounded by people who are trying to use her, Nash is always there, jumping in to keep her safe. And the last couple chapters of the book, are absolutely terrific! They had me at the edge of my seat! If you like regency novels, vampires or the “He falls first” trope. You may want to check out this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A vampire and a fiesty female heroine? What could go wrong?
This book was interesting. Seraphina and Nash make a good couple, as both buck the rules and system. The worldbuilding of the vampire world, which was basically many rich elites who expected people to act a certain way, was different in the sense that there was a more predator v. prey part to it. The love Seraphina has for her horse and her family shines through, even if she does get angry at her father. There are many tropes people would love in here: a woman who "isn't like other girls," a hot vampire, a cute animal companion, witty interplay between characters, a "touch her you die" and the Regency ball, debutante intrigue, court politics.
For me, it wasn't a five because there were so many tropes in it that parts became cliche and I felt like I was reading Twilight, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice all at once. I wish I could see more of the vampire world and how Seraphina adjusted, and the horse race was more fleshed out.
That being said, it was clean, it was easy to read, and it was intriguing, and the romance was cute.
Content: Descriptive kisses, and blood, petrification, and vampire light/dark etc.
No mention of God in this one.
This book was interesting. Seraphina and Nash make a good couple, as both buck the rules and system. The worldbuilding of the vampire world, which was basically many rich elites who expected people to act a certain way, was different in the sense that there was a more predator v. prey part to it. The love Seraphina has for her horse and her family shines through, even if she does get angry at her father. There are many tropes people would love in here: a woman who "isn't like other girls," a hot vampire, a cute animal companion, witty interplay between characters, a "touch her you die" and the Regency ball, debutante intrigue, court politics.
For me, it wasn't a five because there were so many tropes in it that parts became cliche and I felt like I was reading Twilight, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice all at once. I wish I could see more of the vampire world and how Seraphina adjusted, and the horse race was more fleshed out.
That being said, it was clean, it was easy to read, and it was intriguing, and the romance was cute.
Content: Descriptive kisses, and blood, petrification, and vampire light/dark etc.
No mention of God in this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Venom and Vows was amazing! It had a historical romance type vibe, but was set in a fantasy world with Vampires! I loved reading Seraphina's journey through the venom and vows event and her interactions with Nash. This clean adventure was interesting to read and kept me glued to the page. I would recommend this book to others and would reread it again myself. The writing was beautifully done and pleasant to read. I did receive an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 27, 2026
I'm not one for vampire books. I usually like them with some twist, and this one had enough of one that I enjoyed it.
Seraphina sees breaking the law as her only chance to escape her family's crippling debt and marriage. However, when she catches the eye of a powerful vampire with her unconventional ways, she slowly begins to see another way.
This might be my favorite so far in this collection, which is impressive since they've all been good so far.
Seraphina sees breaking the law as her only chance to escape her family's crippling debt and marriage. However, when she catches the eye of a powerful vampire with her unconventional ways, she slowly begins to see another way.
This might be my favorite so far in this collection, which is impressive since they've all been good so far.
May 28, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this regency inspired vampire/human romance. Seraphina was so determined to save herself and her family by doing what she can do best. She completely missed Nash falling for her. She didn't trust his kindness or his feelings. I loved watching Nash attempt to take care of and protect her. It is a unique twist on a forbidden vampire romance. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received this from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received this from the author and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of BETA-reading Venom and Vows, and it was an absolute blast. Maegwen has a real talent for weaving fun, clever games into her stories, and this book delivers on that perfectly. Between the tension, the romance, and the twists woven through the challenges, it’s a thoroughly entertaining read. Definitely one I’d recommend!
April 15, 2026
I don’t usually read vampire books but I really enjoyed this one! The prose and the banter was enjoyable. The characters were well written. I will definitely read other books written by this author.
No spice
No language
Some blood and violence due to it being a vampire story.
I received an advanced copy and am willingly leaving an honest review.
No spice
No language
Some blood and violence due to it being a vampire story.
I received an advanced copy and am willingly leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this story and didn't want my time with these characters to end! The banter was bantering and the vampires were vampiring. If you're looking for a short, clean, regency inspired vampire romance that wraps up nicely, don't hesitate on this one. I wish there was more of Nash and Sera!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🤎 Standalone Novella
🤎 Regency-Inspired Fantasy Romance
❤️🔥 No-Spice Romance: descriptive kissing
🤬 None
🤎 Find it on: KU + Amazon
I actually enjoyed the characters and romance in this story - despite it being about vampires which I almost never choose to read. The flirtations were cute and I appreciated that Nash wanted to take care of Seraphina pretty much as soon as they met. The flaws? She stumbles upon Nash in the forest she's not supposed to ride through, identifying him right away even though he's never shown himself to a human. Maybe I missed something there, but it seemed odd that she somehow knew him despite his anonymity in the human world. Overall, the story felt rushed (though I know it's probably supposed to be short) and I didn't buy her affections for Nash after a single week.
🤎 Regency-Inspired Fantasy Romance
❤️🔥 No-Spice Romance: descriptive kissing
🤬 None
🤎 Find it on: KU + Amazon
I actually enjoyed the characters and romance in this story - despite it being about vampires which I almost never choose to read. The flirtations were cute and I appreciated that Nash wanted to take care of Seraphina pretty much as soon as they met. The flaws? She stumbles upon Nash in the forest she's not supposed to ride through, identifying him right away even though he's never shown himself to a human. Maybe I missed something there, but it seemed odd that she somehow knew him despite his anonymity in the human world. Overall, the story felt rushed (though I know it's probably supposed to be short) and I didn't buy her affections for Nash after a single week.
May 22, 2026
This is a fabulous Regency vampire romance book I was taken in in the beginning and it had my attention the whole way through the book and even at the end of the book when I was reading it, I shouted out loud “stop it stupid he’s trying to help you!” and my husband gave me a weird quiz look and then so I was reading and just shook his head and chuckled. I loved these characters. I loved the setting. I loved the breaking the mold of a debutant. I loved the being your own self or being true to yourself. This was an all-around amazing book and I look forward to rereading it and I have already recommended it to a couple of my friends, and I was so excited to recommend it to them that I forgot to tell them when the book releases.
May 30, 2026
I love anything by Maegwen and this little one did NOT disappoint! I love how she took the typical dark vampire history (blood sucking killers) and turned it around to make them kinda the good guys with magical venom, but also threw a love story into the whole mix. Lots of twists and turns and a shocker fate at the end...great storyline!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a sweet, fast paced story. A good vampire love story with a regency feel. The female main character is a young woman hoping to help her family by participating in this year’s competition to get a vampire sponsor.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely looove Nash!!! This story is wonderful from start to finish, it has allll the feels, a spectacular love story, adventure and suspense. Loved a good vampire story, this one is in my to 5 favorites!!
May 29, 2026
This was such a fun and interesting book. I like the vibe of regency and vampires. I will definitely be watching out for more books from this author! Great time digging into the societal hierarchy of elite vampires.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweet and unique fantasy story! I loved it! It was suspenseful and tense as well as sweet and romantic, and a quick read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great read!
I enjoyed the world building and characters. The romance was sweet and the ending was unexpected.
I enjoyed the world building and characters. The romance was sweet and the ending was unexpected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews