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Her Fangs in My Heart #3
A Heart Fierce and Blooming: Her Fangs in My Heart, Book 3
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26A sunshiny vampire baroness. A grumpy lady knight. And six reasons to fight for something softer.
Baroness Marienne Solmere is all charm, silks, and unending optimism—a vampire with a big heart, a bigger manor, and no idea how to care for children. So naturally, when six traumatized vampire kids are rescued from a collapsed cult, she takes them under her wing.
Enter Ser Tamsin a gruff, no-nonsense knight who has seen too much and says too little. Assigned by the Court of Eldermire to bring order to Bloomhill Manor, she is determined to provide structure, discipline… and keep the kids from biting visiting nobles. She arrives expecting a nightmare and finds one. Albeit... a very colorful, very pretty one in heels.
As Tamsin and Marienne circle each other with frustration, attraction, and a shared sense of duty, something strange begins to stir in the old hope. Family. Maybe even love.
But the Court of Eldermire thrives on tradition, and Marienne's found family breaks every one. As political tensions rise and dangerous eyes turn toward the children, Marienne and Tamsin must risk everything to protect what they've built.
But will it be enough to stop the court from tearing them apart?
A Heart Fierce and Blooming is a standalone steamy sapphic vampire romantasy with a full arc and an HEA. It's part of an interconnected world, but can be enjoyed on its own.
Some tropes you'll grumpy/sunshine; found family; forced proximity; vampire baroness/human knight; court intrigue; co-parenting chaos; sapphic yearning; slow burn; butch/femme.
Baroness Marienne Solmere is all charm, silks, and unending optimism—a vampire with a big heart, a bigger manor, and no idea how to care for children. So naturally, when six traumatized vampire kids are rescued from a collapsed cult, she takes them under her wing.
Enter Ser Tamsin a gruff, no-nonsense knight who has seen too much and says too little. Assigned by the Court of Eldermire to bring order to Bloomhill Manor, she is determined to provide structure, discipline… and keep the kids from biting visiting nobles. She arrives expecting a nightmare and finds one. Albeit... a very colorful, very pretty one in heels.
As Tamsin and Marienne circle each other with frustration, attraction, and a shared sense of duty, something strange begins to stir in the old hope. Family. Maybe even love.
But the Court of Eldermire thrives on tradition, and Marienne's found family breaks every one. As political tensions rise and dangerous eyes turn toward the children, Marienne and Tamsin must risk everything to protect what they've built.
But will it be enough to stop the court from tearing them apart?
A Heart Fierce and Blooming is a standalone steamy sapphic vampire romantasy with a full arc and an HEA. It's part of an interconnected world, but can be enjoyed on its own.
Some tropes you'll grumpy/sunshine; found family; forced proximity; vampire baroness/human knight; court intrigue; co-parenting chaos; sapphic yearning; slow burn; butch/femme.
Audible Audio
Expected publication June 23, 2026
About the author
Moira Darling
6 books120 followersHi! I'm Moira Darling (she/her), and I write sapphic romantasy and paranormal romance with lots of yearning.
I live in a yellow house with my soulmate and too many mugs. When I’m not writing, I’m probably drinking coffee, making dramatic playlists, or pretending my TBR isn’t glaring at me from the corner of the room.
Thanks for being here! It’s an honor to share my stories with you.
I live in a yellow house with my soulmate and too many mugs. When I’m not writing, I’m probably drinking coffee, making dramatic playlists, or pretending my TBR isn’t glaring at me from the corner of the room.
Thanks for being here! It’s an honor to share my stories with you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 22, 2026
A Heart Fierce and Blooming is my second read by Moira Darling, and I find it to be much more compelling. The slow-burn sapphic romance revolves around opposing views about the well-being of six orphaned vampire children.
The author creates very distinct and interesting personalities for the children, as well as complex and likable caretakers. I was easily swept up in their world.
Marienne is not the typical vampire I've come to expect from fantasy novels. She is bright, warm, playful, funny, and flirty. She loves pink and lace and shows enormous strength of heart and mind.
Tamsin is a strong and stoic human knight with emotional baggage and an unwavering sense of duty.
These two opposites attract and exchange witty banter that gently slides into flirting. They have tender and tension-filled moments that convey a delightful chemistry. The gradual build-up has a sensual and rewarding payoff.
Some of my favorite aspects include Marienne’s loving and reliable treatment of the children; Tamsin’s touch-her-and-die attitude; and Margot’s role as a solid and noteworthy supporting character. She has a big heart, a rough exterior, and is integral to the story.
The author writes with a simple but poetic style that makes the plot engaging, the characters easy to root for, the pace steady, and the setting intimate.
The story includes moments of heartbreak and suspense, and finally a satisfying ending.
I have not yet read the second book in the Her Fangs in My Heart series, but between the first and this third installment, the author’s writing has clearly improved, and I am eager to see where she goes from here.
#vampire #baroness #knight #courtintrigue #children #singleparent #orderchaos #oppositesattract #butchfemme #slowburn #grumpysunshine #wittybanter #flirty #forcedproximity #foundfamily #steamy #touchheranddie #HEA #epilogue
I received this ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
The author creates very distinct and interesting personalities for the children, as well as complex and likable caretakers. I was easily swept up in their world.
Marienne is not the typical vampire I've come to expect from fantasy novels. She is bright, warm, playful, funny, and flirty. She loves pink and lace and shows enormous strength of heart and mind.
Tamsin is a strong and stoic human knight with emotional baggage and an unwavering sense of duty.
These two opposites attract and exchange witty banter that gently slides into flirting. They have tender and tension-filled moments that convey a delightful chemistry. The gradual build-up has a sensual and rewarding payoff.
Some of my favorite aspects include Marienne’s loving and reliable treatment of the children; Tamsin’s touch-her-and-die attitude; and Margot’s role as a solid and noteworthy supporting character. She has a big heart, a rough exterior, and is integral to the story.
The author writes with a simple but poetic style that makes the plot engaging, the characters easy to root for, the pace steady, and the setting intimate.
"We’ve both spent our lives pretending. One of us with silk, one of us with steel. But neither of us is pretending anymore."
"This house needs someone who won’t flinch when things get bloody. Someone who knows how to hold a sword and a child.”
The story includes moments of heartbreak and suspense, and finally a satisfying ending.
I have not yet read the second book in the Her Fangs in My Heart series, but between the first and this third installment, the author’s writing has clearly improved, and I am eager to see where she goes from here.
#vampire #baroness #knight #courtintrigue #children #singleparent #orderchaos #oppositesattract #butchfemme #slowburn #grumpysunshine #wittybanter #flirty #forcedproximity #foundfamily #steamy #touchheranddie #HEA #epilogue
I received this ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
November 12, 2025
"And for the first time in years, I wish the mirror wasn’t covered so I could see even a glimpse of what she sees".
A Heart Fierce and Blooming really stood out from the rest of Moira’s “Her Fangs in My Heart” series. Instead of focusing fully on the fantasy realm, this one takes us into the world of court politics and quiet intimacy, following Baroness Marienne and Ser Tamsin—a baroness and a knight forced to live together for the sake of the kids Marienne took in. At first, they can’t seem to get along. But little by little, they start to grow closer… and I loved every slow, tender step of it.
Marienne felt so refreshing compared to other vampire characters I’ve read. She’s like a ray of sunshine, full of kindness and hope, but also deeply human in her insecurities and fears. I adored that she breaks the “cold-hearted vampire” stereotype completely. Watching her gain confidence and realize she deserves love and family was honestly beautiful. And then there’s Ser Tamsin—her total opposite: guarded, serious, a little stubborn. But the way she starts to melt because of Marienne’s warmth? Adorable. I loved watching her realize she didn’t have to be perfect to be loved, and that letting go a little didn’t mean losing herself.
And the romance? Chef’s kiss. A deliciously serious slow burn that made me ache in the best way. The author knew exactly how to build anticipation—the tension, the stolen glances, the quiet moments that said more than words ever could. Marienne and Tamsin fit together like puzzle pieces, especially when it came to raising the children. They had such different ideas of motherhood, but learned how to meet in the middle, which made their bond even more real. The yearning was insane, and I loved how they both learned to stop hiding—not just from others, but from themselves too. Also, huge props to the author for not rushing their intimacy; it felt so natural and earned.
The writing style was absolutely gorgeous—lyrical, poetic, and full of heart. There were so many moments where the prose just blossomed with emotion, turning the smallest gestures into something raw and intimate. I’ll admit, the pacing took me a bit to get used to at first—I thought it might stay slow—but it picked up in a way that totally surprised me (in the best possible way). By the end, I was completely hooked. Honestly, this book made me swoon harder than I have in a long time. I kept rooting for Marienne and Tamsin to finally get together, and when it happened, I was over the moon!
If you love vampires, courtly romance, and stories filled with slow-burn tenderness and emotional depth, A Heart Fierce and Blooming is 100% worth picking up. It made me swoon, smile, and root for these two women with my whole heart.
A Heart Fierce and Blooming really stood out from the rest of Moira’s “Her Fangs in My Heart” series. Instead of focusing fully on the fantasy realm, this one takes us into the world of court politics and quiet intimacy, following Baroness Marienne and Ser Tamsin—a baroness and a knight forced to live together for the sake of the kids Marienne took in. At first, they can’t seem to get along. But little by little, they start to grow closer… and I loved every slow, tender step of it.
Marienne felt so refreshing compared to other vampire characters I’ve read. She’s like a ray of sunshine, full of kindness and hope, but also deeply human in her insecurities and fears. I adored that she breaks the “cold-hearted vampire” stereotype completely. Watching her gain confidence and realize she deserves love and family was honestly beautiful. And then there’s Ser Tamsin—her total opposite: guarded, serious, a little stubborn. But the way she starts to melt because of Marienne’s warmth? Adorable. I loved watching her realize she didn’t have to be perfect to be loved, and that letting go a little didn’t mean losing herself.
And the romance? Chef’s kiss. A deliciously serious slow burn that made me ache in the best way. The author knew exactly how to build anticipation—the tension, the stolen glances, the quiet moments that said more than words ever could. Marienne and Tamsin fit together like puzzle pieces, especially when it came to raising the children. They had such different ideas of motherhood, but learned how to meet in the middle, which made their bond even more real. The yearning was insane, and I loved how they both learned to stop hiding—not just from others, but from themselves too. Also, huge props to the author for not rushing their intimacy; it felt so natural and earned.
The writing style was absolutely gorgeous—lyrical, poetic, and full of heart. There were so many moments where the prose just blossomed with emotion, turning the smallest gestures into something raw and intimate. I’ll admit, the pacing took me a bit to get used to at first—I thought it might stay slow—but it picked up in a way that totally surprised me (in the best possible way). By the end, I was completely hooked. Honestly, this book made me swoon harder than I have in a long time. I kept rooting for Marienne and Tamsin to finally get together, and when it happened, I was over the moon!
If you love vampires, courtly romance, and stories filled with slow-burn tenderness and emotional depth, A Heart Fierce and Blooming is 100% worth picking up. It made me swoon, smile, and root for these two women with my whole heart.
November 11, 2025
4.5⭐️ 2🌶
My, my, my, if you are a slow burn fan this is your book. This third installment in the series takes it to another level. Each book is a masterclass in it. The yearning between the main characters is on point. Add in a dash of political intrigue and you've got a delightful treat. This book is less action packed than the first two. That is my only personal detraction, though still very enjoyable.
The cast of characters especially the orphan children really help to bring the coarse knight into the orbit of their unexpected but loving baroness .
A few tropes contained in this book are found family, grumpy/ sunshine, touch them and die.
My, my, my, if you are a slow burn fan this is your book. This third installment in the series takes it to another level. Each book is a masterclass in it. The yearning between the main characters is on point. Add in a dash of political intrigue and you've got a delightful treat. This book is less action packed than the first two. That is my only personal detraction, though still very enjoyable.
The cast of characters especially the orphan children really help to bring the coarse knight into the orbit of their unexpected but loving baroness .
A few tropes contained in this book are found family, grumpy/ sunshine, touch them and die.
November 4, 2025
Moira's writing is like a fine wine, getting better with age.
I loved everything about this third book, the plot, the girls, the slow burn and above all the relationship of trust and affection that is established between all the characters.
So why not 5 ⭐? Bacuse now I want to taste bloodflowers really bad, jokes aside, the only thing that I felt missing was a bit of Mairenne's back story – like how she got her scanalous reputation and why she says thung like this .
Apart from this everything is perfect, especially the tropes, which include:
-Forced Proximity
-Opposites Attract
-Slow burn
-Vampire romance
-Almost Kiss
-Found Family
-Unique Nicknames
-Single Guardian
-HEA
-Knight × Baroness
-Grumpy × Sunshine
-Butch × Femme
-Only girls (9) in the household
Over all it's 4.5⭐ and 3 🔥
CW: Orphans - cult - mention of religious sacrifices - trauma - blood drinking - mention of someone being murdered
I loved everything about this third book, the plot, the girls, the slow burn and above all the relationship of trust and affection that is established between all the characters.
So why not 5 ⭐? Bacuse now I want to taste bloodflowers really bad, jokes aside, the only thing that I felt missing was a bit of Mairenne's back story – like how she got her scanalous reputation and why she says thung like this .
Apart from this everything is perfect, especially the tropes, which include:
-Forced Proximity
-Opposites Attract
-Slow burn
-Vampire romance
-Almost Kiss
-Found Family
-Unique Nicknames
-Single Guardian
-HEA
-Knight × Baroness
-Grumpy × Sunshine
-Butch × Femme
-Only girls (9) in the household
Over all it's 4.5⭐ and 3 🔥
CW: Orphans - cult - mention of religious sacrifices - trauma - blood drinking - mention of someone being murdered
November 2, 2025
Wtf, her books just get better and better. The slow burn. The lesbian yearning. The solid basis for love to grow. The found family. I am so in love with ser Tamsin AND Marienne. I even like the kids! Each character in this book is given proper thought and consideration, and their personality is distinct. The story carries on from book 2 but with new characters. I loved book 2, but 3 just absolutely lodged itself in my heart. I cannot wait to see what else this author writes. She blends soft and strong together so well, it’s a tapestry and womanhood.
November 11, 2025
I'll be writing a more thorough review, but for now: this is my favorite of the trilogy—series? Will there be more? I don't know, but if there is more coming from Moira I will without doubt be picking up what she's putting down, whatever it is. It just keeps getting better, and I am totally here for it.
[Twelve hours later]: I've been interested in this series from the very first book, but A Heart Fierce and Blooming is the one I looked forward to the most. While it is technically a standalone, it follows the events of the first two books so I would recommend reading them first—and they're great, so why wouldn't you? Like the first two, it's a dual POV tale with some intrigue, a slow-burning romance with a bit of spice, found family, and no third-act breakup.
Baroness Marienne, a vampire who we know of from the second book in the series (although we didn't meet her), is thrust into caretaking right from the jump, when the heroines of A Curse Bright and Breathing show up with six orphaned girls rescued from a cult. As Marienne, who is all sunshine on the surface, attempts to care for the girls and bring them out of her shell, in comes Ser Tamsin, sent by the court to monitor and bring order. Reserved and a bit gruff but with a heart of gold, she attempts to bring structure to the household.
The two are perfect for each other, not only with Marienne's sunshine balancing Tamsin's reserve, but also their deeper selves. Marienne masks her fears with her sunshine, and Tamsin's stoicism hides an inner self-doubt, but Tamsin soothes Marienne's fears and is a rock for her, while Marienne sees Tamsin for who she is and builds her up.
There are, of course, the children, who each have very distinct and wonderful personalities, as well as Margot, a stalwart part of Marienne's household. She is more than maid or housekeeper, and cares for the children just as deeply as Marienne and Tamsin. There are other players here, part of the local court as well as some townspeople, but the story is heavily focused around the manor and its residents.
I think the only thing I was left wanting for was Marienne's backstory. We get some of Tamsin's history, and while there are things about Marienne that are hinted at, I found myself wondering about her family and her life before. That's my only real complaint about the story, though, and that's saying something.
I received a free ARC from the author, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
[Twelve hours later]: I've been interested in this series from the very first book, but A Heart Fierce and Blooming is the one I looked forward to the most. While it is technically a standalone, it follows the events of the first two books so I would recommend reading them first—and they're great, so why wouldn't you? Like the first two, it's a dual POV tale with some intrigue, a slow-burning romance with a bit of spice, found family, and no third-act breakup.
Baroness Marienne, a vampire who we know of from the second book in the series (although we didn't meet her), is thrust into caretaking right from the jump, when the heroines of A Curse Bright and Breathing show up with six orphaned girls rescued from a cult. As Marienne, who is all sunshine on the surface, attempts to care for the girls and bring them out of her shell, in comes Ser Tamsin, sent by the court to monitor and bring order. Reserved and a bit gruff but with a heart of gold, she attempts to bring structure to the household.
The two are perfect for each other, not only with Marienne's sunshine balancing Tamsin's reserve, but also their deeper selves. Marienne masks her fears with her sunshine, and Tamsin's stoicism hides an inner self-doubt, but Tamsin soothes Marienne's fears and is a rock for her, while Marienne sees Tamsin for who she is and builds her up.
There are, of course, the children, who each have very distinct and wonderful personalities, as well as Margot, a stalwart part of Marienne's household. She is more than maid or housekeeper, and cares for the children just as deeply as Marienne and Tamsin. There are other players here, part of the local court as well as some townspeople, but the story is heavily focused around the manor and its residents.
I think the only thing I was left wanting for was Marienne's backstory. We get some of Tamsin's history, and while there are things about Marienne that are hinted at, I found myself wondering about her family and her life before. That's my only real complaint about the story, though, and that's saying something.
I received a free ARC from the author, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
November 9, 2025
I was given an ARC copy of A Heart Fierce and Blooming by author Moira Darling. Thank you Moria the chance to be an ARC reader again!
This is the third book of Moira's I have read and yet again I have throughly enjoyed reading this book. She has a way with words that pull you into the story and make you not want to leave.
Heart Fierce and Blooming is a sapphic human and vampire romance with opposites attract and grumpy/sunshine vibes. Baroness Marienne Solmere is a vampire who is seen as whimsical yet essentric by the Court of Eldermire. Marienne ends up taking in the six ophaned and traumatized vampire children who were once apart of the moon cult know as The Garden of Selene that is now ashes. She wasn't prepared but takes them in with open arms and sugared treats. Ser Tasmin Greaves, a stoic/grumpy human knight know as the Iron Oak, is sent by the Court to make sure there is order and discipline in the household. What she finds is chaos, but also a house full of life. Together Marienne and Tasmin learn to bring structure and some balance to the children's life all while slowly falling for each other. However, as always there is danger to this found family as Court feels that Marienne is not a suitable guardian and threatens to tear the family a part.
I highly recommend reading this book. I didn't want it to end and enjoyed the chaos Marienne and Tasmin go through with the children keeping them on their toes.
This is the third book of Moira's I have read and yet again I have throughly enjoyed reading this book. She has a way with words that pull you into the story and make you not want to leave.
Heart Fierce and Blooming is a sapphic human and vampire romance with opposites attract and grumpy/sunshine vibes. Baroness Marienne Solmere is a vampire who is seen as whimsical yet essentric by the Court of Eldermire. Marienne ends up taking in the six ophaned and traumatized vampire children who were once apart of the moon cult know as The Garden of Selene that is now ashes. She wasn't prepared but takes them in with open arms and sugared treats. Ser Tasmin Greaves, a stoic/grumpy human knight know as the Iron Oak, is sent by the Court to make sure there is order and discipline in the household. What she finds is chaos, but also a house full of life. Together Marienne and Tasmin learn to bring structure and some balance to the children's life all while slowly falling for each other. However, as always there is danger to this found family as Court feels that Marienne is not a suitable guardian and threatens to tear the family a part.
I highly recommend reading this book. I didn't want it to end and enjoyed the chaos Marienne and Tasmin go through with the children keeping them on their toes.
November 6, 2025
Moira Darling has quickly become one of my absolute favorite sapphic romance authors, and A Heart Fierce and Blooming is the perfect example of why. Each book she writes just gets better and better! Her writing is beautiful, emotional, and immersive, and I seriously never want to leave this little world she’s created. This is the third book in the Her Fangs in My Heart series, but it can easily be read as a standalone (though trust me, you’ll want to read them all!).
The story centers on Baroness Marienne, a vampire with a fiercely compassionate heart who has taken in six orphaned vampire children. Each of these children carries deep trauma from their past, and watching Marienne care for them with such tenderness absolutely melted me. But when the court decides she’s “unfit” to keep them (for reasons that are far darker than they initially appear) everything she’s built is put at risk.
Enter Ser Tamsin, a stoic female knight sent to oversee the Baroness’s household. What begins as duty slowly transforms into something deeper, and so begins a breathtakingly slow burn between two women who are both warriors in their own right. Watching their walls come down, and seeing the love that grows not just between them but between them and the children, was pure magic.
I’m so grateful I got to read this early, and as always, I’ll be first in line for whatever Moira Darling writes next!
The story centers on Baroness Marienne, a vampire with a fiercely compassionate heart who has taken in six orphaned vampire children. Each of these children carries deep trauma from their past, and watching Marienne care for them with such tenderness absolutely melted me. But when the court decides she’s “unfit” to keep them (for reasons that are far darker than they initially appear) everything she’s built is put at risk.
Enter Ser Tamsin, a stoic female knight sent to oversee the Baroness’s household. What begins as duty slowly transforms into something deeper, and so begins a breathtakingly slow burn between two women who are both warriors in their own right. Watching their walls come down, and seeing the love that grows not just between them but between them and the children, was pure magic.
I’m so grateful I got to read this early, and as always, I’ll be first in line for whatever Moira Darling writes next!
November 7, 2025
This book hit me right in the heart. The romance is slow burn perfection, but the story with the children absolutely stole the show. From the very first page, Marienne’s love for them is immediate and pure. All she wants is for them to feel safe and cared for, and she believes love can fix most problems. Then Tamsen comes along and shows her how discipline can be love too, and together they find a system that actually works. It’s not perfect, but it’s real and effective, and watching both Marienne and Tamsen grow past their old beliefs, discovering new depths in themselves with the help of the children, made the romance even more powerful. Every moment felt earned, heartfelt, and utterly beautiful. This is my favorite Moira book yet. She just keeps outdoing herself and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
November 9, 2025
I am absolutely loving these sapphic vampire stories by this author! This story was well paced with emotional depth with all the characters! The slow burn was palpable and inevitable. The growth of both MCs was well thought out and sincere. I loved how the distinct personalities of girls shined through in each scene they were in. Highly recommend!!
November 3, 2025
Exceptional author! This book carries on from the second book which was perfect as it answered some questions left over. It is a slow burn, an absolutely adorable romance book. Highly recommend! The love between the two main characters feels real and destined. The children in it are hilarious and put a smile on your face. Overall a true heartwarming book. My favourite is the second one "a curse bright a breathing" but I can't wait to see what next!!
November 13, 2025
Beautiful
Absolutely loved this book. The very best of the grump/sunshine trope. With six kids in this story I figured they would blend together, but each one is written so uniquely and each has their own distinct personality. Be prepared to gush at the cuteness, laugh at the banter, and cry when it all feels like it's falling apart. It is an HEA.
Absolutely loved this book. The very best of the grump/sunshine trope. With six kids in this story I figured they would blend together, but each one is written so uniquely and each has their own distinct personality. Be prepared to gush at the cuteness, laugh at the banter, and cry when it all feels like it's falling apart. It is an HEA.
November 11, 2025
Moira Darling’s books never miss! I’m not a fantasy fan, I am a Moira Darling fan!
She’s a master of world building and sucking you into her stories. The slow burning love story between Marienne & Tamsin, has the emotional depth and character development that keeps you reading.
I highly recommend checking out this book if you’re a fan of: Grumpy/Sunshine - Forced Proximity - Slow Burn & Butch/Femme with a fantastical bow around it all
I was so happy to receive this book as an ARC.
She’s a master of world building and sucking you into her stories. The slow burning love story between Marienne & Tamsin, has the emotional depth and character development that keeps you reading.
I highly recommend checking out this book if you’re a fan of: Grumpy/Sunshine - Forced Proximity - Slow Burn & Butch/Femme with a fantastical bow around it all
I was so happy to receive this book as an ARC.
November 2, 2025
Overall, it was a cute and good story. The pacing felt a little rushed at the front, and I had a lot of “why” questions for the reasoning of the characters. I would recommend this book.
November 12, 2025
Breathtaking
This book is a very slow heat with some spiciness. However it has loads of character and emotions. This is a must read.
This book is a very slow heat with some spiciness. However it has loads of character and emotions. This is a must read.
February 28, 2026
4.25 Stars!
November 9, 2025
What a lovely story. The tension between the knight and the lady, epic. Through the story I loved the children more and more, what a characters. The fantasyworld is well written.
November 11, 2025
5/5
If I could, I would give this one a 6 star review. I have been able to enjoy the Her Fangs in My Heart series from the very beginning and each book just surpasses the previous in blowing me away. Just when I think Moira Darling couldn’t possibly impress me more with her characters, she goes and gives us (me) Marienne and Tamsin? Both strong and formidable in entirely different ways. Both aching from a lifetime of mistreatment. Both so incredibly deserving of all the hope, love and happiness.
I can very easily admit that I am particularly fond of single parent representation and this one, while unconventional, was so refreshing to see the chaos of becoming a parent. The big ways that our lives change and the pieces that fall away like dominos once the dynamic has changed. I’m not sure how many people find themselves respecting fictional characters, but I have nothing but respect for Marienne. There are few things harder than getting up everyday and putting on a smile, making sure that everything and everyone else is okay when you are trembling beneath the surface.
Ser Tamsin was so lovely and protective over her girls, my only wish would be to know her better. To see the world that shaped her into believing that she was lacking. Truly a beautiful thing to watch her find her true purpose and the home where she belonged. I wish all single moms a beautiful Ser Mum to anchor us when needed.
If I could, I would give this one a 6 star review. I have been able to enjoy the Her Fangs in My Heart series from the very beginning and each book just surpasses the previous in blowing me away. Just when I think Moira Darling couldn’t possibly impress me more with her characters, she goes and gives us (me) Marienne and Tamsin? Both strong and formidable in entirely different ways. Both aching from a lifetime of mistreatment. Both so incredibly deserving of all the hope, love and happiness.
I can very easily admit that I am particularly fond of single parent representation and this one, while unconventional, was so refreshing to see the chaos of becoming a parent. The big ways that our lives change and the pieces that fall away like dominos once the dynamic has changed. I’m not sure how many people find themselves respecting fictional characters, but I have nothing but respect for Marienne. There are few things harder than getting up everyday and putting on a smile, making sure that everything and everyone else is okay when you are trembling beneath the surface.
Ser Tamsin was so lovely and protective over her girls, my only wish would be to know her better. To see the world that shaped her into believing that she was lacking. Truly a beautiful thing to watch her find her true purpose and the home where she belonged. I wish all single moms a beautiful Ser Mum to anchor us when needed.
November 12, 2025
This is an absolutely must read book. The main character Marienne, who is a vampire, is misunderstood and pretty in pink. Sr Tamsin, a knight who has had better days, are thrown together when Marienne adopts 6 vampire children from a fallen cult.
This book is low angst, has very sensual love making, and a whole lot of bloodfruit bribe candy. This is a heart warming, slow burn, love story.
The house keeper, child wrangler, glue that holds the house together Imara, really makes the book come together with her snark.
Buy this book and get to reading. It’s sugar and spice, and vampire nice.
This book is low angst, has very sensual love making, and a whole lot of bloodfruit bribe candy. This is a heart warming, slow burn, love story.
The house keeper, child wrangler, glue that holds the house together Imara, really makes the book come together with her snark.
Buy this book and get to reading. It’s sugar and spice, and vampire nice.
December 24, 2025
Sad I finished, blessed to have read
I can’t believe it’s over! This is probably the best thing I’ve read in a long time. Excellent amount of yearning, as sapphics do best, with a good balance of a plot that kept you hanging and romance/spice development. The language was so beautifully poetic without being pretentious. I really loved that the main characters got to shine in their own ways without turning them into something they weren’t. Marienne didn’t suddenly develop powers or fighting skills for plot convenience. Tamsin got to be tough but also soft. And Margot and the kids were so unique and lovely in their own ways. What can I say? I’m a sucker for unending optimists and surly knights.
I can’t believe it’s over! This is probably the best thing I’ve read in a long time. Excellent amount of yearning, as sapphics do best, with a good balance of a plot that kept you hanging and romance/spice development. The language was so beautifully poetic without being pretentious. I really loved that the main characters got to shine in their own ways without turning them into something they weren’t. Marienne didn’t suddenly develop powers or fighting skills for plot convenience. Tamsin got to be tough but also soft. And Margot and the kids were so unique and lovely in their own ways. What can I say? I’m a sucker for unending optimists and surly knights.
November 19, 2025
This book was so good, I think I might like it the most out of the three. All of the characters felt well developed and there was just the right amount of intrigue vs information. This book is good as a slow read, and I say that because this feels like the kind of book you snuggle up on the couch with, accompanied by your warmest blanket. Can't wait for the next one.
-Grumpy/Sunshine ☀️
-Slow burn ❤️🔥
-Masc for Femme 🖤 🩷
-Co-parenting
-Forced proximity
-Grumpy/Sunshine ☀️
-Slow burn ❤️🔥
-Masc for Femme 🖤 🩷
-Co-parenting
-Forced proximity
November 11, 2025
A captivating sapphic slow-burn romance with found family, grumpy/sunshine, knights, and vampires in a superbly crafted world.
I received this ARC for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily
I received this ARC for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily
December 9, 2025
Moira is just getting better and better!! This sapphic human/vampire + grumpy/sunshine is a poetic and endearing twist on the typical vampire novel. Marienne is a vampire made of sunshine, lace, and pink ribbons while human Knight Ser Tamsin is cloaked in the new moon.
Both must learn that there cannot be light or darkness without the other, whether it's while they're alone or to let someone in.
This book picks up with the 6 rescued vampire children being left in Marienne's care that we meet in the previous novel, A Curse Bright and Breathing. Marienne is trying to create a safe environment for them while dealing with the local council of nobles threatening all that they've built. The children and their shenanigans are endlessly entertaining, warming, and heart breaking.
Ser Tamsin is sent to keep watch and report back.
Can they work together to save it all or will everything crumble around them?
Both must learn that there cannot be light or darkness without the other, whether it's while they're alone or to let someone in.
This book picks up with the 6 rescued vampire children being left in Marienne's care that we meet in the previous novel, A Curse Bright and Breathing. Marienne is trying to create a safe environment for them while dealing with the local council of nobles threatening all that they've built. The children and their shenanigans are endlessly entertaining, warming, and heart breaking.
Ser Tamsin is sent to keep watch and report back.
Can they work together to save it all or will everything crumble around them?
October 31, 2025
I don't even know where to begin with this one. Moira's work is always amazing, and A Heart Fierce and Blooming is no exception. If you love sunshiny vampires and broody lady knights, and slow burns full of sapphic yearning and passion, I think this one's for you. The name really says it all.
Moira's prose is so poetic, she brings the emotions of the characters to life in a way I dont always get to see or feel. Marienne is a sunshiny baroness who loves tea, sunshine, and fowers, even though the court has always been a thorn in her side, she refuses to let it dim her light and that's something I adored about her.
But even flowers bend sometimes in the wind, it doesn't mean they're broken though. And seeing Ser Tamsin, somebody hardened by a lifetime of things she's had to do as a knight, and haunted by a troubled past, slowly learn to let down her guard and realize that love, comfort and softness can co exist with safety and security was a cathartic journey that took me through all the motions, laughter, joy, even tears. The way these two brought the best out in each other, and everything they did for each other and the kids... it really was amazing.
I especially loved the kids, and the grumpy old housekeeper, Margot (I swear she's the backbone of Bloomhill, and I think Tamsin agrees 😆) this features the 6 Vampire children we got to meet briefly in A Curse Bright and Breathing, and they made the entire thing come together. The kids had a rough life before Marienne took them in, and though it wasn't the life any of them had planned, it's the one none of them would trade for anything, Tamsin is assigned to oversee things at Bloomhill and she was thrown for a complete loop, but she ended up being exactly what the kids needed.
The way this entire mismatched group come together to form a perfectly imperfect family made my inner child so happy. The kids are eccentric too (you can never be too cautious about the sugar bowl.. Iykyk) and they all add something special to the story. Seeing them heal and grow and learn to just be held was one of my favorite things about A Heart Fierce and Blooming. The lore and world building really stuck out in this one, and I loved learning more about vampires and the different types of abilities they have. I can't recommend this one enough honestly, and I'll definitely be re reading it in the future ❤️
I received this as an ARC for an honest review.
Moira's prose is so poetic, she brings the emotions of the characters to life in a way I dont always get to see or feel. Marienne is a sunshiny baroness who loves tea, sunshine, and fowers, even though the court has always been a thorn in her side, she refuses to let it dim her light and that's something I adored about her.
But even flowers bend sometimes in the wind, it doesn't mean they're broken though. And seeing Ser Tamsin, somebody hardened by a lifetime of things she's had to do as a knight, and haunted by a troubled past, slowly learn to let down her guard and realize that love, comfort and softness can co exist with safety and security was a cathartic journey that took me through all the motions, laughter, joy, even tears. The way these two brought the best out in each other, and everything they did for each other and the kids... it really was amazing.
I especially loved the kids, and the grumpy old housekeeper, Margot (I swear she's the backbone of Bloomhill, and I think Tamsin agrees 😆) this features the 6 Vampire children we got to meet briefly in A Curse Bright and Breathing, and they made the entire thing come together. The kids had a rough life before Marienne took them in, and though it wasn't the life any of them had planned, it's the one none of them would trade for anything, Tamsin is assigned to oversee things at Bloomhill and she was thrown for a complete loop, but she ended up being exactly what the kids needed.
The way this entire mismatched group come together to form a perfectly imperfect family made my inner child so happy. The kids are eccentric too (you can never be too cautious about the sugar bowl.. Iykyk) and they all add something special to the story. Seeing them heal and grow and learn to just be held was one of my favorite things about A Heart Fierce and Blooming. The lore and world building really stuck out in this one, and I loved learning more about vampires and the different types of abilities they have. I can't recommend this one enough honestly, and I'll definitely be re reading it in the future ❤️
I received this as an ARC for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
"Selis stares at me like she's waiting for me to break.
I don't. I never do.
That's the trick of it; if you're bright enough, no one sees the cracks."
A Heart Fierce And Blooming by Moira Darling.
Best of the 3 so far. Bar none.
And I've read all three from an ARC capacity. Having received a copy and reviewed early does not influence my review.
A Heart Fierce and Blooming is the third of a connected world series of books, but all are standalone. This takes place in the lovely, quaint, yet slightly dangerous Bloomhill Manor and tells the story of Marianne and Ser Tamsin Greaves, and the wonderful joys and perils before them.
No spoilers, obviously. The tale between the start of the high point of the manor and what happens in the between space is one the best written and most compelling of the three novels so far. Moira Darling creates a beautiful world that comes with the strife and unexpected perils of not high society and having that calm upended viciously. It's a tale of what strength means to each person and how that manifests. It's how that strength plays into each person's weakness given the strength they've had to carry. It's what love means when someone shows what their weakness is and how strength isn't necessarily the thing we think it is.
The romance between the two main characters is also one of the best I've read in a second. It's a natural, strong flow that manifests not just in the characters themselves but the world they inhabit and the other characters. This is of massive importance to me as two isolated main characters that don't have a world to responding to them feel hollow. This world notices, responds, and grows.
I'd ask to read the others in the series just to get the context for the world itself, but if you choose to read just one of them, this is the one to go for. It's a loving, tender emotional journey that blossoms into fruition with each act, that feels both human and supernatural in all the right ways.
Solid 5/5 from me.
I don't. I never do.
That's the trick of it; if you're bright enough, no one sees the cracks."
A Heart Fierce And Blooming by Moira Darling.
Best of the 3 so far. Bar none.
And I've read all three from an ARC capacity. Having received a copy and reviewed early does not influence my review.
A Heart Fierce and Blooming is the third of a connected world series of books, but all are standalone. This takes place in the lovely, quaint, yet slightly dangerous Bloomhill Manor and tells the story of Marianne and Ser Tamsin Greaves, and the wonderful joys and perils before them.
No spoilers, obviously. The tale between the start of the high point of the manor and what happens in the between space is one the best written and most compelling of the three novels so far. Moira Darling creates a beautiful world that comes with the strife and unexpected perils of not high society and having that calm upended viciously. It's a tale of what strength means to each person and how that manifests. It's how that strength plays into each person's weakness given the strength they've had to carry. It's what love means when someone shows what their weakness is and how strength isn't necessarily the thing we think it is.
The romance between the two main characters is also one of the best I've read in a second. It's a natural, strong flow that manifests not just in the characters themselves but the world they inhabit and the other characters. This is of massive importance to me as two isolated main characters that don't have a world to responding to them feel hollow. This world notices, responds, and grows.
I'd ask to read the others in the series just to get the context for the world itself, but if you choose to read just one of them, this is the one to go for. It's a loving, tender emotional journey that blossoms into fruition with each act, that feels both human and supernatural in all the right ways.
Solid 5/5 from me.
November 15, 2025
A very confident 5 stars. My favorite of Moira Darling’s works thus far! I am always happy to be able to read her stories, but Marienne and Tamsin’s has been the best.
Darling’s writing continues to improve. This one included her best characterization, with better fleshed out side and background characters, and a more full plot. While the climax could’ve been a bit more dramatic (perhaps wrapped up too quickly), it didn’t matter as much to me as my heart swelled with the love and comfort and heat of Bloomhill Manor.
Having a bright, sunshine vampire and her grumpy knight was perfection. I loved the yearning and restraint, with the burst of “yes” when it finally happened. The couple of intimacy scenes were breath-stealing. They balance each other out in a beautiful way, while also breaking open the places they hide.
I would’ve read a 100 or more pages of their story if I could! I think there’s still things to explore with this family.
I think it definitely helps that this is a continuation story, too. I was desperate to know what happened to the Selene children from A Curse Bright and Breathing, and getting to see them in their own story with their quirks was great.
One aspect of writing that could be improved is word repetition. “And gods” was a very common phrase, as well as some descriptive words. It’s such a small detail amongst everything though that I didn’t care.
Within it all, I felt my eyes tearing up at the tender moments. Belonging is all anyone ever wants. Marienne and Tamsin, Margot, and their six children filled me with such love that I even feel it as I write this review. Found family is the BEST!
Thank you to Moira Darling for the eARC! I read it in exchange for an honest review :).
Darling’s writing continues to improve. This one included her best characterization, with better fleshed out side and background characters, and a more full plot. While the climax could’ve been a bit more dramatic (perhaps wrapped up too quickly), it didn’t matter as much to me as my heart swelled with the love and comfort and heat of Bloomhill Manor.
Having a bright, sunshine vampire and her grumpy knight was perfection. I loved the yearning and restraint, with the burst of “yes” when it finally happened. The couple of intimacy scenes were breath-stealing. They balance each other out in a beautiful way, while also breaking open the places they hide.
I would’ve read a 100 or more pages of their story if I could! I think there’s still things to explore with this family.
I think it definitely helps that this is a continuation story, too. I was desperate to know what happened to the Selene children from A Curse Bright and Breathing, and getting to see them in their own story with their quirks was great.
One aspect of writing that could be improved is word repetition. “And gods” was a very common phrase, as well as some descriptive words. It’s such a small detail amongst everything though that I didn’t care.
Within it all, I felt my eyes tearing up at the tender moments. Belonging is all anyone ever wants. Marienne and Tamsin, Margot, and their six children filled me with such love that I even feel it as I write this review. Found family is the BEST!
Thank you to Moira Darling for the eARC! I read it in exchange for an honest review :).
November 1, 2025
STARS 5 stars
SPICE medium spice (2-3 detailed scenes)
CHEMISTRY excellent
ANGST low
SLOW BURN yes
CLIFFHANGER no
CHARACTERS Ser Tamsin and Marienne
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
I’ve stared down warlords and traitors and monsters.
Marienne of the Bloom might be the most dangerousof them all -Ser Tamsin
MY THOUGHTS
I’ve officially decided that Moira Darling could write anything and I’d read it; and probably love it. I’m usually not a fan of books that involve kids or politics, but I devoured this one! The political aspects tie directly into the children’s storylines, making it both meaningful and easy to follow. Each child was so lovable and distinct, adding a beautiful layer to Marienne and Tamsin’s relationship. Moira’s writing is stunning she paints every scene so vividly that I can see it unfold. I loved this one so much.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
I adored Tamsin’s inner conflict between responsibility and desire. The way she bonded with the children melted me. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was perfection. Marienne’s light just radiates off the page. Tamsin learns to see right to her heart (and vice versa).
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
This story shines. It’s sweet and romantic, but also rich with emotional depth. Tamsin’s fierce protectiveness over her found family perfectly mirrors Marienne’s devotion to her claimed family. Together, they fit like the final missing pieces of a puzzle.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Nothing another absolutely beautiful book written to perfection.
TROPES
Sapphic, Grumpy/Sunshine, Found Family, Knights (and swords)
SPICE medium spice (2-3 detailed scenes)
CHEMISTRY excellent
ANGST low
SLOW BURN yes
CLIFFHANGER no
CHARACTERS Ser Tamsin and Marienne
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
I’ve stared down warlords and traitors and monsters.
Marienne of the Bloom might be the most dangerousof them all -Ser Tamsin
MY THOUGHTS
I’ve officially decided that Moira Darling could write anything and I’d read it; and probably love it. I’m usually not a fan of books that involve kids or politics, but I devoured this one! The political aspects tie directly into the children’s storylines, making it both meaningful and easy to follow. Each child was so lovable and distinct, adding a beautiful layer to Marienne and Tamsin’s relationship. Moira’s writing is stunning she paints every scene so vividly that I can see it unfold. I loved this one so much.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
I adored Tamsin’s inner conflict between responsibility and desire. The way she bonded with the children melted me. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was perfection. Marienne’s light just radiates off the page. Tamsin learns to see right to her heart (and vice versa).
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
This story shines. It’s sweet and romantic, but also rich with emotional depth. Tamsin’s fierce protectiveness over her found family perfectly mirrors Marienne’s devotion to her claimed family. Together, they fit like the final missing pieces of a puzzle.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Nothing another absolutely beautiful book written to perfection.
TROPES
Sapphic, Grumpy/Sunshine, Found Family, Knights (and swords)
November 7, 2025
Moira writes the kinds of books that people who are readers normally adore, but which may catch the heart of a not so frequent reader by surprise, because even though she is a modern person, these books have the kind of charm that we don't see often in this day and age.
Vampire novels are usually bloody and brutal and any expressions of the softer emotions are generally torn away or hidden. Moira doesn't hide them, she revels in that softness and joy. Her words paint pictures the way that most artists do, and even though the romance is slow, you don't mind so much.
I read her first two and loved them both, but this may be my favorite. Not necessarily just for the topic of the book, but because of the people that she uses to shape the story. The vampire is not the ravening mad person, she is sweetness and light and joy coated in sticky fingerprints from small children and covered in lace. Her love interest is a human, one who is a knight, but not the kind of knight that you usually see. This knight is stolid, unmoving in comparison to the other characters, but her being named the hearth of the home is not incorrect for a moment. She's rather like the maypole, and all of the other characters dance around her and slowly wrap her in brightly colored ribbon so that she is the center of their world.
I adored this book. The books that I write don't often lend themselves to this level of beauty and this much florid language, but even if I don't get to write it, Moira writes enough of it for us all, and it is lovely in her hands.
Vampire novels are usually bloody and brutal and any expressions of the softer emotions are generally torn away or hidden. Moira doesn't hide them, she revels in that softness and joy. Her words paint pictures the way that most artists do, and even though the romance is slow, you don't mind so much.
I read her first two and loved them both, but this may be my favorite. Not necessarily just for the topic of the book, but because of the people that she uses to shape the story. The vampire is not the ravening mad person, she is sweetness and light and joy coated in sticky fingerprints from small children and covered in lace. Her love interest is a human, one who is a knight, but not the kind of knight that you usually see. This knight is stolid, unmoving in comparison to the other characters, but her being named the hearth of the home is not incorrect for a moment. She's rather like the maypole, and all of the other characters dance around her and slowly wrap her in brightly colored ribbon so that she is the center of their world.
I adored this book. The books that I write don't often lend themselves to this level of beauty and this much florid language, but even if I don't get to write it, Moira writes enough of it for us all, and it is lovely in her hands.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
“A Heart Fierce and Blooming” is Moira Darling’s third installment in her sapphic vampire romantasy. It’s the tale of Marienne of Bloomhill Manor, Margot her steadfast housekeeper, six vampire children from the Garden of Selene, and Ser Tamsin, a stoic knight assigned by the local council. The children, ranging in age from toddler to preteen, were rescued from the destroyed Garden. If you haven’t read “A Curse Bright and Breathing” I heartily suggest you do so. The backstory of the Garden of Selene, its cult, and its downfall is chilling. All of the children were greatly impacted by their experiences, have various idiosyncrasies as children do, and prove difficult to care for. But Baroness Marienne is an eccentric, determined woman. A born vampire, Marienne believes in the power of love and kindness to corral and care for the kids. The local powers disagree, of course, and assign Tamsin to oversee, discipline, and report back on Marienne and “her little bats.”
The story that ensues is filled with Marienne’s efforts to nurture and guide the girls toward peace and happiness. She is hampered by the prejudices of the village residents and the arrival of Ser Tamsin. Along the way Tamsin and Marienne find mutual respect and support while building a relationship. It’s a very slow slow-burn romance. All involved, kids and adults, face a tenuous journey towards a happy ending. It’s a very satisfying ending for all.
The story that ensues is filled with Marienne’s efforts to nurture and guide the girls toward peace and happiness. She is hampered by the prejudices of the village residents and the arrival of Ser Tamsin. Along the way Tamsin and Marienne find mutual respect and support while building a relationship. It’s a very slow slow-burn romance. All involved, kids and adults, face a tenuous journey towards a happy ending. It’s a very satisfying ending for all.
June 1, 2026
Very rarely do I find an author of a sapphic, paranormal romantic book that writes with such clear and illustrative description that as I listen to the story, fall in love with the characters and find myself completely engrossed in the action of the plot my brain also finds that this same author could write a cookbook based on the delicious and intriguing beverages, treats and foods her characters eat that I would love to re-create myself as a former chef.. Moira, darling definitely needs to write a cookbook inspired by a heart fright and blooming.
Just like the other two audiobooks that I’ve purchased from Moira Darling’s series, the author and the authors production team have a amazing ear for the voices of the audiobook actors portraying the characters in this story, especially the unique tone and cadence of the performers needed to help illustrate whole and unique visions of each character depth, and embodiment of personality while maintaining the shared vocal styles between both Voice Actors.
This story follows the events of the previous book “A Curse Bright and Breathing” and introduces us to Vampiric Lady Marriane of the Bloom and the Human Knight Sir Tamsin Greaves also known as the Iron Oak; as they share the task of caring for the 6 vampire children after the fall of the Garden.
From start to finish a found myself not just drawn into the action of the story , but I also felt connected to the creation of the found family at the center of this tale.
Just like the other two audiobooks that I’ve purchased from Moira Darling’s series, the author and the authors production team have a amazing ear for the voices of the audiobook actors portraying the characters in this story, especially the unique tone and cadence of the performers needed to help illustrate whole and unique visions of each character depth, and embodiment of personality while maintaining the shared vocal styles between both Voice Actors.
This story follows the events of the previous book “A Curse Bright and Breathing” and introduces us to Vampiric Lady Marriane of the Bloom and the Human Knight Sir Tamsin Greaves also known as the Iron Oak; as they share the task of caring for the 6 vampire children after the fall of the Garden.
From start to finish a found myself not just drawn into the action of the story , but I also felt connected to the creation of the found family at the center of this tale.
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