Unholy Grace

by Bre Knight

Two reluctant vampires. One dangerous way to restore their humanity. And a simmering attraction that could destroy them both.

  Grace Hollen has always believed good acts are rewarded. But when she tries to save the mysterious young man Zane from a mugging, she ends up a vampire, turned by the very man she tried to help. Zane promises to turn her back to a human, but to do so, they must succeed in the impossible: kill the vampire noble who they bow to. A noble who controls this new and terrifying life.

  Thrust into the world of vampire politics, Grace must learn to navigate her new reality, all while making sure she doesn't give herself and the murderous plan away. But the outer dangers are nothing compared to the new monster growing inside her, screaming for blood. Or the growing feelings she harbors for Zane, the only piece of solace in her endless night.

  Grace's heart and soul are both on the line. If she wants to be human again, she may have to lose one of them forever.

Genres: Fantasy

425 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 25, 2026

About the author

Bre Knight is a budding author from a small town in West Virginia. A writer since childhood, she has always enjoyed crafting tales for others to enjoy. A proud nerd and lover of all things storytelling, she can be found spending her free time reading, wishing for the miracle of TTRPG schedules working, playing video games, watching anime, or running online communities for fellow creatives.

Reviews

[Bre Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dunno. I'm the author, and I think it's pretty cool (=˃ᆺ˂=)

[Azia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: The author was kind enough to let me beta read for her earlier draft, so the below review is based on her earlier draft and will be updated when I read the published version in the future.

What a fun, enjoyable read with great characters and epic emotional scenes. Zane, the male lead, is a wonderfully crafted character. So beautifully conflicted and tortured but also strong (and hot, heh). The perfect tragic vampire male lead. Grace, the main character, is a very relatable MC, and an example of the "light" in this dark world, always clinging to hope despite the situation she is in. I love a main character who holds onto any semblance of light that can be held onto in bad situations.

The twists and reveals of this book is also jaw-dropping-ly good. I remember gasping out loud at certain points of the book. Even the ending has a delicious twist that makes me yearn for the sequel. There were some confusing parts of the book regarding vampire lore in the world and characters’ motivations, which made me dock a star, but perhaps this is fixed in the published version.

Overall, this book has a relatable MC, a tortured soul of a MMC, awesome plot twists, deliciously evil villains, well-written romance, and an additional philosophical question of what it means to be human. If you grew up with Twilight and want to go back to that vampire romance phase except now you’re an adult who wants to read something better and more thoughtful, I highly recommend this book.

[Tawny Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unholy Grace really surprised me! I typically don’t read books with modern settings, little to no spice, or books geared toward young adults. But the synopsis called to me, so I was like, “What the heck, I’ll give it a try.”

And honestly, I’m so glad I did!

This book took me right back to being a teenager reading Twilight. It has its own unique little world, but it also has that quintessential first love, vampires, tormented souls kind of vibe. And one of my favorite things about the world-building is that there’s actually a way to turn vampires back into humans!

There’s some steam, but no spice, and honestly, I dig it! As a full-fledged adult, I didn’t expect to enjoy such a sweet, innocent romance as much as I did, but the yearning? THE YEARNING. I absolutely loved the love between Grace and Zane. There’s just something about that kind of first love that makes you feel ALL the feels.

And Zane? Listen, I wouldn’t call him a daddy, but he is definitely giving Edward Cullen circa the early 2000s! He will absolutely make you feel like a lovestruck teenage girl again!

The ending is definitely a cliffhanger, and I NEED MORE. The character development was sweet, and I really enjoyed watching Grace and Zane’s relationship unfold.

I would recommend this to readers of all ages who want something low-key and swoony without worrying about things getting too heated. It’s the kind of book you can curl up with during the holidays and read around the family without having to hide your Kindle every five minutes (ha!).

For a debut novel, I think this is a beautiful start! It brought back all those nostalgic feelings I didn’t even realize I was missing!

[Merlyn Fereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚅𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝙴𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝙶𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝙲𝚘-𝚘𝚙 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝙶𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢. 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗. This book was marked as Request on NetGalley and I'm so glad that I was able to read this book at the correct time. This book may include spoilers that will be marked with (Spoiler) tag.

Unholy Grace by Bre Knight is a new adult, sci-fi fantasy, romance book which follows Grace Hollen, who is turned into a vampire. Her maker? Is the brooding Zane who was being mugged before her turning. Zade promises Grace that he will make things right for her by killing the person who turned Zade into a vampire. But there are problems...

𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔?:
- Newborn vampire x vampire romance.
- Fans of reluctant allies trope.
- For the fans of The Originals series on the CW network. There were many times I felt this story was somewhat inspired by it.

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍:
- The opening scene in chapter one was well done. I chuckled at the sentence structure and the choice of words used. It pulled me right in as I read.
- The toxic nature between Elyssia and Zane was nicely written. I felt equal amounts of hate and revulsion that made the scene feel genuine and real.

𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚞𝚗𝚞𝚜𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
- Grace's behavior was not as per her character to me. At one moment she is revolted by the idea of Zane drinking blood from Elyssia's palm and the next moment she wants to help Zane. This character personality switch happens immediately between two chapters. I could understand if this story was marked as YA teen and if that was the case, then the immediate logic was that Grace was acting out like a teenager and all teenagers irrespective of their gender are idiots. I expected Grace to be distrustful towards Zane and not in this order— she was angry at Zade for luring the thieves into the alleyway, then blames him for turning her into the vampire, then wants to go help him when Walter takes her up to her room on Elyssia's request. The correct order should be point one and two followed by fear of being in a new place.
- I also have a feeling that this story doesn't have enough building boxes to make it a solid vampire romance story. I'm around 7-8% in as I write this pointer so my review may change later. But irrespective of what it is, I feel there was no proper writing aesthetic or building boxes that sets this story apart. I felt it should have been established quite early into the story like how i mentioned that I loved the opening chapter of the book.
- I felt that the writing was something that I didn't like. There wasn't too much depth or the feel that you are reading into a vampire genre. Also the new lore and world building in it didn't feel compatible with what I expected in the vampire genre.

[Lorraine Tramain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It offers a refreshing take on vampire fiction by centering the story on reversing vampirism rather than embracing it, immediately setting it apart from many others in the genre. The plot never loses momentum, balancing action, emotion, and romance in a way that kept me turning pages long after I meant to stop.
Grace and Zane are a fantastic pairing. Grace is a capable, determined heroine who refuses to be sidelined, while Zane is exactly the kind of beautifully tragic hero I can't help but root for. Their chemistry is built on longing, restraint, and emotional vulnerability rather than relying on explicit steam, making every moment between them earned and unforgettable. They made me think of Buffy and Angel in those first three seasons. Even as someone who doesn't usually gravitate toward romance, I was completely invested.
The supporting cast is equally memorable. Elyssia is a chilling villain whose presence raises the stakes every time she appears, while Amon nearly stole every scene he was in with his main-character energy. If the author every makes a spin-off, I’m really hoping for either of their stories.
The worldbuilding is immersive, expanding on familiar vampire lore while introducing fresh ideas that adds uniqueness. Combined with strong pacing, compelling characters, and genuine emotional stakes, this is a story that will satisfy fans of vampire fantasy and slow-burn romance alike. I can't wait to see where the sequel takes these characters next.

[Fiona JOHNSTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I want to thank Bre Knight for trusting and giving me the opportunity to both Beta-read and ARC read 'Unholy Grace'! ♥

I had so much fun reading it as a beta-reader, and then jumped on the opportunity to also be an ARC reader closer to its release date.

In all honesty, it has been a very long time since I've read a vampire book. This was because I gave up on finding good vampire stories, and this one in particular, satisfied that itch and joy of reading vampire books again!
It's also quite rare for me to read a book set in modern days as I try to use my reading time as a way to escape modern days, but this one was so pleasant, I still escaped reality! It did take me longer to read the second time round because life didn't want to give me time to read, but as soon as I had time, I read through it like a lightning bolt hahahaha
The scenes were emotional and impactful (I giggled, and cried, and screamed), and the characters are wonderfully crafted. I just loved it, despite the story torturing my heart in many places! And guess what, when it does come out, I'll read it again because who doesn't like to torture themselves over and over again.

With that being said, I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!! GIB MEEEE BOOK 2 (when you have time of course~)

[JAYNE MARRIOTT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace’s attempt to save someone from an attack ends with her becoming a vampire herself, setting her on an unexpected and dangerous journey. Alongside Kane, another vampire, she becomes caught up in a secretive quest involving the vampire nobility and the legendary Grace sword, which they hope will allow them to kill a noble vampire and regain their humanity. However, things do not go according to plan!

As Grace becomes more involved with the vampire nest and a vampire-warlock, she discovers that her parents and brother are connected to events in ways she never imagined. These revelations complicate her quest and leave her facing far more than she ever expected.

I absolutely loved this book! It is exceptionally well written, easy to read and captivating throughout. The twists, secrets and unfolding revelations kept me engrossed, and I was completely swept up in Grace’s journey. The ending has left me eagerly waiting for the next instalment!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys vampires, dark fantasy and a gripping storyline.

[MacKenzie Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unholy Grace grabbed me from the very first chapter. Grace’s life is ripped out from under her in the most literal way possible. She wakes up to a whole new existence she never asked for, with a man who’s half explaining the rules and half keeping secrets. That push and pull had me hooked right away.

First off, the format is so cute. It gave the book its own personality and made it fun to flip through.

The vampire lore was easily one of my favorite parts. It doesn’t just recycle the same rules we’ve all seen a hundred times. It puts twists on the classic mythology that made me sit up and go, okay, I like this. Watching Grace learn to fight and figure out what she is now was such a fun ride.

And the romance? The tension between Grace and Zane is the kind that makes you yell at the page. He’s protective, he’s frustrating, and he’s clearly carrying more than he lets on. Then there’s Amon, who complicates everything in the best way. I spent half the book screaming “just TALK to each other” and loving every second of it.

My one struggle was the chapter length. The chapters run really long, and a few times it felt like a slog to get through one in a sitting. That’s more of a pacing thing for me as a reader than a knock on the story itself.

Fair warning: it ends on a cliffhanger. As a reader, I was a little devastated. As a writer, I respect the heck out of it, because now I NEED the next book.

Overall, this was a good read. It has a fresh take on vampires, a slow-burn love triangle full of tension, and a heroine who’s learning to fight for herself. Would I read more from this author? Absolutely.

[Jadea Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was very good and very well written. I got to read this from the author and I love it, it was definitely not what I was expecting at all but it was very good. I usually don't read books like this where it has some religious things in it or is somewhat centered around it but it was good even when it had certain elements. It wasn't over the top religious it was mostly just religious in the way of talking about souls and humanity really which I believe is why I loved this. I loved reading about their inner struggles trying not to give into the darkness or trying to lose their soul I really enjoyed that and even when he was trying not to let her go down the same path as him or what he believed was horrible. The family dynamics were strained and I feel like I see that a lot more between him and his father more than I see it between her and her family given the things they went through I did not like how his father treated him and I loved to read about her getting fired up and upset over the treatment his father and others give him. I would definitely recommend this if you are someone who loves vampire books that don't have spice and love the touch her and die I would definitely say this is also touch him and die as well. If you love either or both of those then this is a book for you and if you love angsty romance it definitely is the book for you.

[Entisar Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace always believed good acts are rewarded, so when she tried to save Zane from a mugging and ended up a vampire, turned by the very man she tried to help, my heart broke for her. Her bargain with him to kill the vampire noble who controls their lives, while hiding the plan inside a world of vampire politics, kept me on edge. Zane is the perfect tragic vampire lead, tortured, conflicted, and achingly easy to fall for. Grace clings to hope even while the new monster inside her screams for blood, and that light made me root for her through every dark turn. The twists had me gasping out loud, and the ending left me desperate for the sequel. Some of the vampire lore and motivations confused me, but the question of what it means to be human stayed with me. Perfect for grown up Twilight fans.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Dee Selvene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the free advanced reader copy!

Unholy Grace is a slow-burn paranormal romance between two vampires. Grace is turned against her will by Zane, but he promises to make her human again. No matter the cost.

What a rollercoaster of emotions! The tension between Grace and Zane growing stronger and stronger before it snapped throughout the story was *chef’s kiss*. The foreshadowing and the details throughout the book that linked throughout were amazing!

While I did predict most of the plot twists, I didn’t expect the book to be left on a cliffhanger! And I can’t wait for book 2!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Laura Eppinger · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Unholy Grace is a lot of fun! I gasped along with the many plot turns and was genuinely surprised. Nice broody love interest, with lots of guilt and fate tying them together and keeping them apart.

A lot of the lore and world-building seemed more familiar in the fae realm than for vampires, but that certainly kept things interesting. If you like deep secrets, labyrinthine shadow governments, and haunted mansions, this is for you!

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Let’s play again. Let’s believe that there’s no barriers. Let me dance with you. Let me hold you close. Let me kiss you. But this will be the last one, Grace. Our last game. After this, there can be no more.”

Unholy Grace is a new adult paranormal romance that follows Grace Hollen after she tries to save a random guy (the male MC) from being mugged. However, this attempt ends with her being turned into a vampire and given only one way to escape this hellish new world she has been thrown into and become human once more.

As if becoming a vampire wasn’t already enough, Grace finds herself dragged into vampire politics, where even more of her human life is unraveled. Secrets are uncovered. Enemies are made. Love is risky… but maybe not so impossible as Grace initially imagined.

The male MC I briefly mentioned? He, Zane, is deeply scarred and tortured. When he cares, he cares deeply and proves that he will fiercely protect Grace at all costs. I mean, all costs. While I cannot say I always liked him as I was reading, he is a brilliantly written character whose backstory unfolds seamlessly alongside the main plot. I appreciate his character and am even more excited to see where the author takes him in the next book in the series.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the dichotomy of humanity and souls explored in this book. This aspect is certainly not a focal point, but I find it important nonetheless, as it is sprinkled throughout the story. The exploration of this concept piqued the interest of my generally literary and contemporary-book-reading self.

This book is for anyone who wants a swoon-worthy but not spicy vampire romance, with a good dose of vampire politics, angst, and thought-provoking themes sprinkled throughout.

[LizzyLiz · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I really liked this book! I was genuinely terrified before reading the last chapter cus I didn't want the book to end and I didn't know if I would like the ending. I did like it and I very need answers, I need his reaction, and I just need more of them. Their character development was great. Their relationship building was great. Amon is a fav character of mine. I was nervous near the end that he'd betray them so I'm glad he didn't. I'm so scared he's going to die though if there's any future books following this one. Also I extremely love that there's no spice. Whenever there's spice in a book I just skip the scene but I'm so glad I didn't have to do that for this book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya since both books have a reluctant vampire MMC. So yeah this was a really good book and I'm definitely going to buy it so I can have it on my physical book shelf.

[Natelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ARC copy of this book from the author. I was a little afraid I might not be the proper audience until she assured me that it had a little spice but no scenes I would complain about. (If you have read other reviews by me, you know I am a prude.)

Grace doesn't mean to open her life up to nightmares. But then her kind heart leads her to follow a young man into an alley when he appears to be in danger. Things don't go as she expects. In fact, her whole life seems to turn on its head. But can she and Zane make something good come out of this?

Don't want to throw too many spoilers around, but I see hints of an ongoing saga, so more reviews to come...

[LaShunta Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I was not sure what to expect as I was not sure that as a 50 year old this book would be enjoyable. I was WRONG. I found the book via the threads app (engage with fellow writers and readers on socials). Bre was looking for readers and I was happy to support.
Years ago I read the the Twilight series and this book reminded me of Twilight. I liked the character Grace more than I liked Bella. This book is good for young adults and us more mature folks. If you like a story that involves vampires this is indeed a good read.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley I’m so appreciative of getting this Advanced copy.

I didn’t get bored with this book. From chapter 1, it just got better and better. I NEED more of Zane’s backstory of his childhood, family, and all that led to that fateful day with Grace. He was always protecting her and such a golden retriever. The yearning was 💜. Steamy but not spicy, which sometimes is nice to sprinkle that in to your TBR. Can’t wait for book 2!

[Valerie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a bad fit, and I need to DNF on page 2. There was a disclosure of Christian ideology, plus a acknowledgement that her child self, who loved fan fiction, would have loved this book. I do NOT read fan fiction NOR YA. Then when I actually started reading the book, it was a series of fragmented sentences. No, I'm sorry, this is just a very bad fit. This reminds me of Jasmine Mas.