What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackthorne: A Dark MM Vampire Romance
Some debts are paid in money. Some are paid in blood.
Nico Venn knows better than to answer his brother's calls. But when his brother's latest mistake drags him into New York's hidden supernatural underworld, Nico is forced to make a choice: let his brother pay the price, or offer himself to the monster waiting to collect.
That monster is Draco Reed. Crime lord. Vampire. Master of Blackthorne Manor.
To save his brother, Nico signs a blood contract that binds him to Draco's protection, authority, and hunger until the debt is satisfied. By day, Nico clings to his life as an antique restorer. By night, he is drawn deeper into Blackthorne, a gothic manor with locked doors, whispered secrets, and a will of its own.
Draco should be easy to hate. He is ruthless. Possessive. Impossible to read. And far too interested in the one human who refuses to kneel for him.
But the longer Nico stays at Blackthorne, the harder it becomes to ignore the pull between them. The nightmares that feel too much like memories. The rooms that seem to know him. The dangerous tenderness beneath Draco's control.
Because Nico was not brought to Blackthorne by accident.
And the contract may not be the only thing waiting to claim him. Nico came here to buy his brother's freedom and walk away unchanged.
He is starting to understand that no one walks out of Blackthorne the way they came in.
And the most dangerous question isn't whether he'll survive Draco Reed.
It's why some part of him no longer wants to leave.
Nico Venn knows better than to answer his brother's calls. But when his brother's latest mistake drags him into New York's hidden supernatural underworld, Nico is forced to make a choice: let his brother pay the price, or offer himself to the monster waiting to collect.
That monster is Draco Reed. Crime lord. Vampire. Master of Blackthorne Manor.
To save his brother, Nico signs a blood contract that binds him to Draco's protection, authority, and hunger until the debt is satisfied. By day, Nico clings to his life as an antique restorer. By night, he is drawn deeper into Blackthorne, a gothic manor with locked doors, whispered secrets, and a will of its own.
Draco should be easy to hate. He is ruthless. Possessive. Impossible to read. And far too interested in the one human who refuses to kneel for him.
But the longer Nico stays at Blackthorne, the harder it becomes to ignore the pull between them. The nightmares that feel too much like memories. The rooms that seem to know him. The dangerous tenderness beneath Draco's control.
Because Nico was not brought to Blackthorne by accident.
And the contract may not be the only thing waiting to claim him. Nico came here to buy his brother's freedom and walk away unchanged.
He is starting to understand that no one walks out of Blackthorne the way they came in.
And the most dangerous question isn't whether he'll survive Draco Reed.
It's why some part of him no longer wants to leave.
448 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 20, 2026
Ken has done it again. Every book reminds me why I keep coming back to his stories—he has an incredible talent for delivering a plot that completely hooks you while weaving in some of the hottest chemistry you'll ever read. And trust me, when I say this book is hot, I mean blisteringly hot. Proceed with caution... and maybe keep an ice plunge nearby.
Draco is an ancient, impossibly powerful vampire who has spent centuries building an empire and claiming New York City as his own. Nico is an ordinary man with an extraordinary heart, happiest when he's with his family, restoring antique furniture, or being thoroughly entertained by his wonderfully sassy cat, Drake. Their worlds couldn't seem more different, but the past has other plans.
What I loved most was the mystery surrounding their connection. Draco carries the weight of memories that have shaped centuries of his life, while Nico is left trying to understand fleeting glimpses of a past that shouldn't exist. Watching those pieces slowly fall into place kept me completely invested, and once their paths finally crossed, I couldn't put the book down.
This story has everything I look for in paranormal romance: rich world-building, dangerous supernatural politics, ancient grudges that refuse to die, shocking betrayals, and characters who are forced to fight for every ounce of happiness they earn. The pacing is fantastic, balancing intense action, emotional depth, and explosive chemistry without ever sacrificing the story.
And the romance? Absolutely worth the wait. The tension is electric, the passion is off the charts, and beneath all the heat is a beautifully emotional love story that feels earned.
If you're looking for morally gray characters, vampires, high-stakes paranormal intrigue, scorching spice, witty banter, shared play, and a genuinely satisfying HEA, this book delivers on every front. It was an absolute joy to read, and I can't wait to see what Ken writes next.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Draco is an ancient, impossibly powerful vampire who has spent centuries building an empire and claiming New York City as his own. Nico is an ordinary man with an extraordinary heart, happiest when he's with his family, restoring antique furniture, or being thoroughly entertained by his wonderfully sassy cat, Drake. Their worlds couldn't seem more different, but the past has other plans.
What I loved most was the mystery surrounding their connection. Draco carries the weight of memories that have shaped centuries of his life, while Nico is left trying to understand fleeting glimpses of a past that shouldn't exist. Watching those pieces slowly fall into place kept me completely invested, and once their paths finally crossed, I couldn't put the book down.
This story has everything I look for in paranormal romance: rich world-building, dangerous supernatural politics, ancient grudges that refuse to die, shocking betrayals, and characters who are forced to fight for every ounce of happiness they earn. The pacing is fantastic, balancing intense action, emotional depth, and explosive chemistry without ever sacrificing the story.
And the romance? Absolutely worth the wait. The tension is electric, the passion is off the charts, and beneath all the heat is a beautifully emotional love story that feels earned.
If you're looking for morally gray characters, vampires, high-stakes paranormal intrigue, scorching spice, witty banter, shared play, and a genuinely satisfying HEA, this book delivers on every front. It was an absolute joy to read, and I can't wait to see what Ken writes next.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review (and thank you so much for the ARC!).
Okay, I went into this book thinking vampire romance and what I got was so much more. There are layers to this book, it’s such a great read. We have Draco who runs New York via contracts and law. He’s closed off and has walls a mile high, and he has to, he’s lived for thousands of years as a vampire of great strength and has lost so much and seen so many changes he protects his peace as best he can. Enter Nico. His brother Remy has put him on a contract as basically collateral since he cannot pay it off, and now Nico has to live with Draco in his house, with him, or else Remy and his parents will pay the ultimate price in blood as per the contract. Nothing is as it seems, Draco, Nico or the house Blackthorne. And I can’t spoil it!
I loved how undone Nico becomes and he gives into his desires right away in the house almost as he’s responding to it or some need that he’s never tapped into before but can now and just goes for it. And boy does he go for it. There is some very hot scenes in this book. Nico has some fun and I love it for him.
The truth of everything, why Nico is so important to all supernatural creatures comes out in pieces for him, as does his feelings for Draco, the truth of Nico’s family, everything that’s been in front of him his whole life comes crashing down on all of them and there’s a battle to be fought. This was done so well, the writing is so layered and dense and I had to take my time and read slowly so I didn’t miss a thing.
The house is its own character too. It had opinions and makes itself known and speaks in ways as well. Oh and bonus points for an emotional support cat, love Drake!! He’s sassy and it’s great.
All in all, there are twists and turns, there are some great reveals and an amazing timeless love story that ends so beautifully, it could not have been better.
Okay, I went into this book thinking vampire romance and what I got was so much more. There are layers to this book, it’s such a great read. We have Draco who runs New York via contracts and law. He’s closed off and has walls a mile high, and he has to, he’s lived for thousands of years as a vampire of great strength and has lost so much and seen so many changes he protects his peace as best he can. Enter Nico. His brother Remy has put him on a contract as basically collateral since he cannot pay it off, and now Nico has to live with Draco in his house, with him, or else Remy and his parents will pay the ultimate price in blood as per the contract. Nothing is as it seems, Draco, Nico or the house Blackthorne. And I can’t spoil it!
I loved how undone Nico becomes and he gives into his desires right away in the house almost as he’s responding to it or some need that he’s never tapped into before but can now and just goes for it. And boy does he go for it. There is some very hot scenes in this book. Nico has some fun and I love it for him.
The truth of everything, why Nico is so important to all supernatural creatures comes out in pieces for him, as does his feelings for Draco, the truth of Nico’s family, everything that’s been in front of him his whole life comes crashing down on all of them and there’s a battle to be fought. This was done so well, the writing is so layered and dense and I had to take my time and read slowly so I didn’t miss a thing.
The house is its own character too. It had opinions and makes itself known and speaks in ways as well. Oh and bonus points for an emotional support cat, love Drake!! He’s sassy and it’s great.
All in all, there are twists and turns, there are some great reveals and an amazing timeless love story that ends so beautifully, it could not have been better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beautiful... When I started this book, i expected a tragic story of a vampire yearning for his lost love. BUT instead I got lots of hot as fuck kinky sex (can't deny some of them made me wince or cringe), sharing (definitely unexpected), multiple Ms, action, lovely side characters, a house with attitude (YES, A SENTIENT HOUSE!), a sassy cat, a restorer of antiques and a broody vampire ruling a city. Add the beautiful poetic writing (considering Draco's time on earth it fits perfectly) to these, it's a really good book. I gotta say at first I had a hard time adapting to the writing style because I've been reading action/trauma based dark romance books or fluff lately and i havent read anything like Blackthorne. AND I loved it so much! 🖤
The connections were deeper than I expected. MCs' back stories, present events, results of actions, everything was surprising which is hard to find in books tbh. It's really well written.
This book made me feel different emotions one after another. It made me giggle, sweat (cause smut was smutting), hold my breath, then made my eyes tear up, I loved how Nico was driven by his desires after entering Blackthorne. Like the house itself was seducing him with it's vibes. And Draco... Patient, powerful, but secretly emotional perfect old blood.
The love story isn't the normal kind of slowburn or insta love. It's primal, instinctual. Like it's coded in their DNAs but still different than fated mates. You know it's there, you feel it. It's so beautiful. Totally recommended.👌🏻🖤
Ken Sanchez thank you for the the opportunity to read and review this ARC 🖤
The connections were deeper than I expected. MCs' back stories, present events, results of actions, everything was surprising which is hard to find in books tbh. It's really well written.
This book made me feel different emotions one after another. It made me giggle, sweat (cause smut was smutting), hold my breath, then made my eyes tear up, I loved how Nico was driven by his desires after entering Blackthorne. Like the house itself was seducing him with it's vibes. And Draco... Patient, powerful, but secretly emotional perfect old blood.
The love story isn't the normal kind of slowburn or insta love. It's primal, instinctual. Like it's coded in their DNAs but still different than fated mates. You know it's there, you feel it. It's so beautiful. Totally recommended.👌🏻🖤
Ken Sanchez thank you for the the opportunity to read and review this ARC 🖤
October 9, 2026
Oh dear, this is a conundrum for me. The writing was exquisite, until the sex. The sex bothered me. I think its the dom/sub thing and the scenes were long and complex. I really wasn’t feeling it. I liked the story and the characters, until the sex and there is a lot of sex. Regretfully, this was a DNF for me. I might come back to this some other time. Ken can certainly write and write well. I think you have to be in a particular head space to read this.
So, I sat down and finished this. Not sorry I did, except that the sex……..holy shit the sex. There was more than I realized. I skipped the last two encounters. By the time I’d hit 70% I was just bored with the sex and really intrigued by the actual story. The spitting made my stomach heave, so every time someone spit in someone’s mouth, I blasted past it. I mean there’s very little that bothers me in erotic stories, but spitting in someone’s mouth is a no go for me. Nico took two dicks up his ass in two separate encounters and yeah, whatever, but gah, body fluids galore. If you have a weak stomach, skip the scenes, some of them are very hard core. But the actual story was pretty damn good. The writing as I said earlier was excellent. Oh and by the way, this is NOT a dom/sub thing. Yeah, there’s a play room and there is light bondage, spanking and a whip. But it’s only once. The main event is just multiple dicks in a variety of situations. Ken can write a sex scene, no doubt about it, but after the 5th or 6th one, it just got tedious and didn’t really advance the plot at all.
The ending was a bit of Hallmark tv, everyone’s happy and there’s love in the air everywhere. Fine.
So, I sat down and finished this. Not sorry I did, except that the sex……..holy shit the sex. There was more than I realized. I skipped the last two encounters. By the time I’d hit 70% I was just bored with the sex and really intrigued by the actual story. The spitting made my stomach heave, so every time someone spit in someone’s mouth, I blasted past it. I mean there’s very little that bothers me in erotic stories, but spitting in someone’s mouth is a no go for me. Nico took two dicks up his ass in two separate encounters and yeah, whatever, but gah, body fluids galore. If you have a weak stomach, skip the scenes, some of them are very hard core. But the actual story was pretty damn good. The writing as I said earlier was excellent. Oh and by the way, this is NOT a dom/sub thing. Yeah, there’s a play room and there is light bondage, spanking and a whip. But it’s only once. The main event is just multiple dicks in a variety of situations. Ken can write a sex scene, no doubt about it, but after the 5th or 6th one, it just got tedious and didn’t really advance the plot at all.
The ending was a bit of Hallmark tv, everyone’s happy and there’s love in the air everywhere. Fine.
July 18, 2026
Ken put his entire soul into this story. He always finds a way to balance hot and plot. And when I say hot, I'm talking scorching. Make sure you have a shower or ice plunge available while reading. Draco is an age old and powerful vampire who owns NYC. Nico is a regular man who loves his family, old furniture and his sassy cat, Drake. But both men have had interesting lives and past has woven it's way through both. Draco knows and loves the memories of the past whereas Nico is confused by the glimpses of am time. Their lives finally intersect and it's all business until it is not. There are betrayals, long standing grudges that are hateful and spiteful, an entire supernatural underworld and hard fought passionate LOVE. If you are in need of morally grey, high heat, a little snark, shared play and a sweet HEA then this is exactly the read for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I absolutely loved this book. The way the MMC expressed his love was beautiful and heartfelt, and it made me completely invested in the romance. The banter between the characters was perfection—funny, natural, and full of chemistry.The secondary characters were fantastic and added so much to the story, making it even more memorable. The spice was excellent and perfectly balanced with the emotional connection between the characters.A special mention has to go to the cat, who had so much attitude and stole every scene it appeared in! And another special mention to the house, which felt like a character in its own right and added so much charm and personality to the story.I don't normally read books featuring sharing, but I ended up loving that aspect of the story as well. It felt well written, fit the characters, and added to my enjoyment of the book.Overall, this was a fantastic read that I couldn't put down, and I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2026
You know that book you open and within a few pages you just know you’re going to love? This is that book. The writing is like poetry for your soul. You’re immediately immersed in the rich world the author has created and feel the pull with every word you read. There is longing, there is incredible sex, and this indestructible love that won’t be denied. Thank you to author Ken Sanchez for the early copy of this unforgettable romance. It is now one of my favorite love stories that I’m already craving to read again.
July 17, 2026
Amazing story of Nico Venn, an antique restorer and Draco Reed, vampire and crime Lord. These two have a past (long ago past) that may or may not get in the way of their new relationship. This is an intense read, mainly because of their past relationship, but also because of the the threats that are trying to keep them apart. Love this authors writing, that draws you in, keeps you on the edge of your seat and finally gives you the satisfying conclusion you need. Can't recommend enough.
July 17, 2026
'And the most dangerous question isn't whether he'll survive Draco Reed.
It's why some part of him no longer wants to leave.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's why some part of him no longer wants to leave.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
discontinued-2026
September 23, 2026I am going to pause this for now. I do not want to make it a hard DNF because I like the writing and the general atmosphere. But I didn't really get what I was expecting. A "vampire romance" to me shouldn't include multiple partners. The spicy scenes were well written, but to me the characters fell completely out of character during those scenes. It made it difficult to really connect with them.
I might come back to this one later though.
I might come back to this one later though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a book with fantastic layers.
In every chapter, there are surprises you do not expect, which keeps you captivated throughout the entire story and makes you want to keep reading until it is finished.
A very beautiful love story with a wonderful ending.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
In every chapter, there are surprises you do not expect, which keeps you captivated throughout the entire story and makes you want to keep reading until it is finished.
A very beautiful love story with a wonderful ending.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
July 17, 2026
Well i wasnt expecting that! Have to say this was one of the most captivating books i have read for a long time. Literally had everything, amazing characters, compelling storyline and brilliant ending. Amazing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2026
4⭐️
4🌶️
This was a spicy, smutty vampire romance. I did not expect the spice to be so spicy 🥵 Sharing is caring throughout this story so if you don’t like that it won’t be for you. I enjoyed the plot and all the different supes as well as the sentient house. Why is this not talked about more???
MM Dark PNR
Vampire x Human
Sharing not cheating
Degradation
DP
Light BDSM
Rimming
HEA
4🌶️
This was a spicy, smutty vampire romance. I did not expect the spice to be so spicy 🥵 Sharing is caring throughout this story so if you don’t like that it won’t be for you. I enjoyed the plot and all the different supes as well as the sentient house. Why is this not talked about more???
MM Dark PNR
Vampire x Human
Sharing not cheating
Degradation
DP
Light BDSM
Rimming
HEA
Read
October 14, 2026I went into this expecting a vampire romance between the two MC’s. But what I got was multiple sex scenes of sharing. And there was no chemistry with the people they brought in to share with. I was as so thrown off on why certain people were even in a sex scene…So it didn’t work for me. I wasn’t into it.
August 10, 2026
Ok so I was not expecting this to be a fuck fest where other people are involved in the sex acts. I have no issues with mmm romance, but when it happens in what I think will be a single pair romance, it kills my reading interest fast. I really couldn't get into the story after that.
July 14, 2026
This book was a DAMN GOOD TIME!!! The spice was spicing but it did not skimp on the plot either! I love reincarnated love and just the whole, waiting for centuries for your love to show up again? Truly, nothing beats that! What I was not ready for was the “sharing” scene. I didn’t hate it! I was mostly looking for that MM scene first, but that didn’t happen until later in the book which was okay with me. Not saying this in a bad way, but I can tell this book is written by a man. Definitely had a lot of spicy terms I don’t often see in other books, but I actually enjoyed it! This literally had all of my favorite topics. Gothic, atmospheric, vampires and even a manor that had a little sass when it comes to its occupants? It was giving Beauty and the Beast castle vibes a little bit. All in all, the vibes were immaculate and I will be reading more books from this author for sure.
•MM mafia fantasy romance
•Forced proximity
•Blood contact
•Enemies to lovers
•Yearning
•Beauty and the Beast vibes
•Hurt/comfort
•Morally gray MC
•Possessive
•Touch him and die
•Slow burn
•High heat
•Dom vampire loves sharing
•Vampires, wold shifters, witches, faes
•Secret society
•Bondage
•Lots of spitting
*I received an arc and this is my honest review.*
•MM mafia fantasy romance
•Forced proximity
•Blood contact
•Enemies to lovers
•Yearning
•Beauty and the Beast vibes
•Hurt/comfort
•Morally gray MC
•Possessive
•Touch him and die
•Slow burn
•High heat
•Dom vampire loves sharing
•Vampires, wold shifters, witches, faes
•Secret society
•Bondage
•Lots of spitting
*I received an arc and this is my honest review.*
July 18, 2026
Great book longing angst two souls connected different times, I loved this book, so good very Victorian style was great
July 19, 2026
Arc review provided by author
I was absolutely enthralled by this book.
One of the best vampire books I’ve read. TBC
I was absolutely enthralled by this book.
One of the best vampire books I’ve read. TBC
July 27, 2026
this is a great book, the mmcs are very well written and the plot is great, the storyline is well done. over all this is just a good book.
July 30, 2026
DNF @ 38%
August 29, 2026
It is a good book with an interesting story and many great characters.
But for me it wasn't really as captivating as i need it to be, somethings missing. Sometimes it was kinda hard to keep going.
It's mainly the story of Nico and Draco and while i liked their growing love, especially towards the end,
i honestly enjoyed the connection Nico and Mateo had build more. Loved their parts.
I felt like some words where used too much, that sadly threw me off a little too.
This book has lots of spicy scenes, but - Spoiler -
-
It includes things that you either like or not. I like scenes with 3 or 4 people involved that are written good with no one left out etc - and they are good in this book.
But i'm really not into the spit thing, or that one special toy, or a whole fist inside, or calling him Daddy (one scene) for example.
...Instead of the spit i would have really liked some blood.
But there sure are people that will love all those things. It's just personal preference.
It's still a good book, with some really great characters and a realy lovely happy ending.
But for me it wasn't really as captivating as i need it to be, somethings missing. Sometimes it was kinda hard to keep going.
It's mainly the story of Nico and Draco and while i liked their growing love, especially towards the end,
i honestly enjoyed the connection Nico and Mateo had build more. Loved their parts.
I felt like some words where used too much, that sadly threw me off a little too.
This book has lots of spicy scenes, but - Spoiler -
-
It includes things that you either like or not. I like scenes with 3 or 4 people involved that are written good with no one left out etc - and they are good in this book.
But i'm really not into the spit thing, or that one special toy, or a whole fist inside, or calling him Daddy (one scene) for example.
...Instead of the spit i would have really liked some blood.
But there sure are people that will love all those things. It's just personal preference.
It's still a good book, with some really great characters and a realy lovely happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews