In Her Thrall

by Chloe Parker

Rumor has it there’s a beautiful beast stalking the English countryside.

For hundreds of years, the Van Helsing family has searched for the creature Dracula, a demon of the night that stalks the shadows for hapless prey. Freshly returned from service in the Great War, Van Helsing heir Jonathan Edgewood finds himself in the English countryside on a hunch that the creature has taken a new form: the Lady of Harker Heights, Bianca Ivyshade.

Each year on All Hollow’s Eve, Bianca hosts an extravagant ball, and Jonathan has landed an invitation. He brings with him two other vampire hunters and his Great War compatriots: shy scientist Marcus Ryder and charming occultist Edward Shelley.

When a storm confines the guests to the manor for the night, Jonathan, Marcus, and Edward find themselves irresistibly drawn to the beautiful Bianca. And they soon learn that there are secrets hidden at Harker Heights—and perhaps even a greater evil than the vampiress herself.

Will the men escape with their lives? Or will they fall under the vampire’s thrall?

IN HER THRALL is a standalone paranormal why choose novella featuring a feisty heroine and a group of passionate men straight out of gothic horror. Fans of A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor and Penny Dreadful will love this sensual journey to a 1920s manor house.

Genres: Vampires, Historical, Why Choose, Fantasy, Paranormal, Enemies To Lovers, Gothic

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2021

About the author

Chloe Parker is a full-time smut peddler and part-time academic working on a PhD in alien eggplant. When she's not dreaming up angsty, fantastical love stories, you can find her spending time with her three little dogs and her delightfully weird husband.

Follow Chloe on Social Media!
Newsletter: chloeparker.substack.com
Tiktok: @chloe.parker.author
Instagram: @chloesinspace
Facebook Group: Clarissa Bright and Chloe Parker's Book Fiends

Reviews

[Bourbon, Books and Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunting gothic tale of things that go “bump” in the night

*****
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3.5 flames
Genre: Gothic / PNR / Reverse Harem (MM/MMF/MFMM)
*****
Three men, on a hunt to rid the world of one of it’s greatest monsters, Dracula. Jonathan, a Van Helsing descendant struggles with the demons in his head as well as the demons that walk among the living. Marcus, the beautiful Doctor that experimented on himself and now has his own monster to contend with, and Edward the fascinating and handsome man with an affinity for magic. Three men, on a hunt to rid the world of one of it’s greatest monsters, Dracula.

The three men journey to the old English countryside on All Hallows Eve to see if they can once and for all put an end to the monster they are hunting. Their journey takes them Harker’s Heights, where they meet the alluring and mysterious Bianca Ivyshade.

Bianca Ivyshade is totally thrown off kilter when three hunters come to her estate for her annual party. The beautiful woman has been on her own for so long, she is not sure what to do when not one, not two, but three men catch her eye. Things could get a little interesting.

As soon as I started this book I was teleported back to early 1900’s England and quickly became “enthralled” with our three main male MCs. As soon as I started to turn the pages, I couldn’t stop until I discovered if these three would find their monster, would they survive, would anyone have a HEA?

This fast-paced gothic reverse harem had me under its spell as I was immersed in a different time, and a different world. The world building was fantastic, the storyline intriguing, and the characters… wowzer. This book is well written with a unique and interesting storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Parker writes next. She has definitely found a fan in me!

A must read romance and this book definitely gets my recommendation!

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Each of them held a dark secret; each had their own special flavor. I would soon taste them all, a feast of desire, and they would come to me ripe for the picking.”

Wow what a wild ride this book was and I loved every moment of it. This book was filled with mystery, action, spice, magic, violence, and of course lots of blood. Bianca is a vampire living in a great big manor with ghosts of her past. Every year she has a grand party in hopes of luring the beast known as Dracula. When three men come to her party shes very excited to play with them and maybe recruit their help. Jonathon is a war veteran who finds out that he is a Hellsing. With this new knowledge he is on a mission to learn all about the occult and to kill all creatures who are evil. Edward is the seductive illusionist who has mastered the art of magic. During the war he meets Jon and they work together to find the creatures that must be put down. Marcus is a Doctor who has an affinity for alchemy. While experimenting on himself he awakens something inside himself that is dangerous and hard to control. The journey that these three go on was so exciting and I honestly wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out and I loved that. I would highly recommend this book for reader who enjoy spicy vampire stories with sword crossing and lots of blood play!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Count me as someone else in Bianca Ivyshade’s thrall. Sheeesh, this was spicy and perhaps one of my favorites from Chloe Parker. Dark, sensual, and mysterious the plot of this book is carried by our four ‘heroes’, Bianca, Jon, Edward, and Marcus. Each has their own past, ideals, and want for the future.
Honestly I’d rather not spoil any of this book, just. If you love vampires, historical fiction, misunderstood but learning themselves men… this book is for you.

[Sarah]

DNF

The vibes were off, I don't know.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got halfway in waiting for it to get goods it did not.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously I needed to read this Dracula-Van Helsing RH paranormal romance. It’s a little more complicated than that: Bianca is a vampire but her sire is Dracula and he’s the Big Bad to be defeated. Only Jonathan doesn’t realize she’s a good vampire at first and he and his friends Marcus and Edward go to her manor with the intent of killing her. Marcus and Edward get on board with Bianca much sooner than Jonathan and things go rather awry in the process.

This was freaking hot. There’s a bi awakening for Marcus, sexy menage times for Bianca, Marcus, and Edward, and eventually (finally) Jonathan gets in the mix too. There were some interesting choices for the monster world-building, particularly Bianca and Marcus’s respective relationships with the monsters within.

The story tries to interrogate sexism, misogyny, and gender roles but doesn’t quite close the loop. This left me unsure of how to take, say, Mr. Smith’s (the other side of Marcus’s personality; think Jekyll/Hyde) vehement slut-shaming and homophobia toward everyone. If it had stuck the landing, I might have rated it higher. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes of this quad next.


Characters: Bianca is a 300-ish year old (appears 24) white redhead vampire. Jonathan is a 29 year old bisexual white vampire hunter and ex-Army. Marcus is a bisexual white alchemist, doctor, and former field surgeon who has a monster/dual personality named Mr. Smith. Edward is a 36 year old bisexual white occultist and illusionist. This is set in 1921 Renfield, England.

Content notes: Dracula almost rips Marcus’s throat out; Bianca turns Marcus into a vampire to save his life with his consent and vampirism kills the Mr. Smith part of his personality, MC attempts to murder other MCs Jonathan attempts to kill Bianca as he wrongly believes she’s evil and has put Edward and Marcus under her thrall and he stabs Marcus, murder, blood drinking (can give opiate high), physical assault, knife wounds, stitches, burned skin (from silver), MC vomits blood, past abduction and enslavement by vampire sire (FMC was 16), ghosts, closeted MCs (no forced outing), bi awakening, past war, PTSD, slut-shaming, misogyny, sexism, homophobia, past death of parents (Jonathan’s parents died of Spanish Flu, FMC’s father died of typhus and mother was wrongly burned at stake as a “witch”), on page sex, blood play, MMFM menage, DP, somnophilia (not pre-negotiated but FMC is into it), bondage, spanking, anal play, voyeurism, alcohol, cigarettes, gender essentialist language, ableist language

[Laurel Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly drawn to the description of this story; it is paranormal meets great gasby, but make it the occult. The story takes place in the 1920s post war era England and is full of ghosts, vampires, illusionist elements as well as friendship loyalty and strong bonds. This is a reverse harem story but is filled with deep emotional moments between sets of characters which added really great variation to their depths of characters and relationships. There were elements of mystery, the occult, danger and plenty of heat that came together really beautifully.

Please read if you love:
Stately manor homes
Vampires & other beasts
Strong heroines
Friends to lovers
Unrequited love (or is it?)
Being enthralled



I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

▷ ✨✨✨✨/4 stars
▷ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/3 chili peppers
▷ POV: Multiple
▷ Reading time: about 5-6 hours
▷ 🌈 Queer rep** Three of our harem are queer (There is some major sword crossing)
▷ Standalone
▷👾 Vampires, Dr. Jekyll, Magicians, Van Helsing legacy!
▷RH/Gothic paranormal romance

▷ I absolutely loved this one! It's perfect to add to your Spooky Season TBR-seriously. The foggy, spooky, gothic vibes were PRESENT and accounted for. I was not disappointed! Of course, you know I gotta say something about how WELL Chloe creates MM relationships and sexuality without coming across as fetishizing. Our MM relationships overlap with old and new lovers and we LOVE that they got their own spicy scenes both with and without the main MC's participation. The pacing of spice, mind, was 🥵🥵🥵

▷Our characters deal with wartime trauma and sex and sexuality in a very well written way and was beautifully inserted into the plot overall. Chloe is high key a gem, man, ya'll gotta get on this train. Her versatility is 🥵 Perfectly splendid!

Merged review:

▷ ✨✨✨✨/4 stars
▷ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/3 chili peppers
▷ POV: Multiple
▷ Reading time: about 5-6 hours
▷ 🌈 Queer rep** Three of our harem are queer (There is some major sword crossing)
▷ Standalone
▷👾 Vampires, Dr. Jekyll, Magicians, Van Helsing legacy!
▷RH/Gothic paranormal romance

▷ I absolutely loved this one! It's perfect to add to your Spooky Season TBR-seriously. The foggy, spooky, gothic vibes were PRESENT and accounted for. I was not disappointed! Of course, you know I gotta say something about how WELL Chloe creates MM relationships and sexuality without coming across as fetishizing. Our MM relationships overlap with old and new lovers and we LOVE that they got their own spicy scenes both with and without the main MC's participation. The pacing of spice, mind, was 🥵🥵🥵

▷Our characters deal with wartime trauma and sex and sexuality in a very well written way and was beautifully inserted into the plot overall. Chloe is high key a gem, man, ya'll gotta get on this train. Her versatility is 🥵 Perfectly splendid!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.25 Stars

In Her Thrall is a dark and steamy paranormal romance, with nods to iconic characters from gothic literature—Dracula, Van Helsing, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Contrary to what the line—“the creature has taken a new form: the Lady of Harker Heights, Bianca Ivyshade.”—from the synopsis might have led you to infer, this is not a Gender Flip story; not only are Dracula and the FMC two separate characters, but Dracula is also a he/him.

Whilst I was disappointed that the FMC wasn’t Dracula, I wasn’t disappointed with the FMC herself. Bianca is such a compelling character—intelligent, sensual, driven—and I hope to see Parker continue her story at some point.

Title: In Her Thrall
by Chloe Parker
POV(s): Multiple—First Person
Interconnected Series: TBD*
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: HFN
Relationship: Polyamorous, MMFM (features M/M)
Genre(s): Dark Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Gothic, 1920s-Era
Triggers: ”Discussion of war trauma and PTSD (our heroes are veterans); Mentions of past kidnapping, murder, and assault; Numerous instances of drinking blood (it’s a vampire novel).”
Tags/Tropes:
❖ 300-Year-Old-FMC
❖ Ancient-Enemy
❖ Dracula-Van-Helsing
❖ Haunted-Manor
❖ MMC-Misjudge-FMC
❖ MMCs-Close-Friends
❖ MMCs-Investigating-FMC
❖ Supernatural-Pull
❖ Vengeful-FMC

*Despite labeling this book as a standalone, Chloe Parker strongly implies that The FMC and MMCs‘ story will continue in a future book in the series: “The night is dark and full of terrors, and Bianca and her men have more work to do. Subscribe to my newsletter to get all the latest updates on the Harker Heights series!”

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

To begin with, the blurb is a little inaccurate about the setup of the plot of the book. While not devastatingly important, it is annoying. So, I figured I'd mention it.

More importantly, this is mostly smut, with just enough plot to string it all together in some sort of context. That's not a criticism; just making sure we're on the same page about what sort of book this is. It's pretty good for what it is, too. The villain (and thus the challenge that gave the book what little plot it has) is pretty cliched; nothing new, original, or interesting there. The same could be said for Bianca. She challenges none of the norms for female characters of her ilk. But I liked her well enough.

I found Jon, Marcus, and Edward interesting. Perhaps not particularly well-developed since the book isn't deep enough to allow for it. But I enjoyed them all the same. There is sword-crossing and a genuine pre-existing relationship between two of the men, and I liked that. However, by the end of the book, the relationship configuration felt like two couples who overlap rather than one polycule, which is perhaps a little disappointing. But, again, enjoyable enough.

I have book two of this series, which I intend to read. And honestly, the fact that I'm willing to continue the series says more about the book than any of the above.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Her Thrall by Chloe Parker was a very fun read! It's available on kindle unlimited

Freshly returned from service in the Great War, A Van Helsing heir Jonathan Edgewood finds himself in the English countryside on a hunch that the creature has taken a new form: the Lady of Harker Heights, Bianca Ivyshade. Each year on All Hollow’s Eve, Bianca hosts an extravagant ball. Jonathan attends with two other vampire hunters and his Great War compatriots: shy scientist Marcus Ryder and charming occultist Edward Shelley. Jonathan, Marcus, and Edward find themselves irresistibly drawn to the beautiful Bianca. And they soon learn that there are secrets hidden at Harker Heights—and perhaps even a greater evil than the vampiress herself.

I really enjoyed this book. I agree with the description, that lovers of Lady Rooksgrave Mannor would love this book. It gives off similar vibes- monsters, a haunting manor, and lots of spice.

It was interesting the way vampirism is described, it was as if a demon took over someone's body, and they fought for dominance. I've never seen vampirism described this way before.

This book was pretty suspenseful. When I was reading, I had to keep looking around to make sure no ghosts had joined me.

[Kay S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the only physical book I didn't pack when we prepared to move. So I was finally able to give it some attention.
I got this title from a tiktok recommending spicy monster books that aren't Ice Planet Barbarians, along with A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor. I loved that book and was excited to see many of my favourite Gothic monsters show up in this title. While working with the same tropes, I just wasn't as impressed with this one as I was with Rooksgrave.

There wasn't as much spice and what was there was fairly tame, vampirism aside. I found the reverse harem bits awkward, like two couples who kind of come together in a weird way?

i did really enjoy the plot though. It was an amazing twist on traditional characters and stories to entwine magic and vampirism and revenge in this way.

[Lise Sallaup · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pretty standard vampire romance. The plot was fast resolved, and the vampire hunting Van Helsing got his head on straight at last. And saved the day :)
No cliffhanger Thank god.
Mmmf spicy
A good quick read

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.

[Jolene Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character building and intricate character relationships make this book. But beyond that it’s still an amazing Dracula/vampire thriller.

I really enjoyed the spice but also just the very real relationships that the main characters built with each other. Definitely read trigger warnings if you have triggers!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good story weaving in Van Hesling legacy. Absolutely loved whether Jonathan, Marcus, and Edward would be able to resist Bianca. Bianca celebrates All Hollow’s Eve with a ball that is invitation only. Jonathan bringing fellow vampire hunters straight to the “greatest evil” might just have been fate! They will have to work through their own issues to find their HEA.

[Kate Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, spice, and everything nice.

Equal parts dark and enticing. Beautiful and spicy, this book will have you on edge from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what happens with them all next.

[Bianca M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different

I like how different this book is. And the FMC sharing a name with me makes it all the better. There’s some language that was a little hard to follow but it seems to flow with the time period that the book is set in. I found the characters interesting.

[Gusvi · Rating 2 out of 5]

She's way too good to tolerate being treated like garbage by men. Surely in hundreds of years she'd have gained even a crumb of self-respect? But apparently no.

Add to that the cringe-inducing prose, and this was a dnf.

[Dorothy Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Book!!

I loved this book!! I always love vampire stories but this one was something totally new!! Can't wait now to read more of her work now!!

[Hannah Vick · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one’s on me- DNF. Downloaded it as a filler while reading Dune and then just realized it’s not my type. Not even for an easy romance read.

[Steff]

DNF- idk this was not it for me,

[Katelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cool take on Dracula’s story. If you’re familiar with the Bram Stoker novel you’ll find fun Easter eggs throughout the book!

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and sweet with some great steamy scenes. I really liked the gothic vibes

[x · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn’t expecting anything but that was awful.

[Hannah]

DNF

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

[veloci.reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

In Her Thrall is a why choose paranormal romance that follows monster hunters Jonathan, Edward, and Marcus. When they hear of a beast stalking the town of Harker Heights, they decide to investigate the mysterious Bianca Ivyshade who owns a manor in the town. Bianca is a vampire who wishes to kill the vampire who turned her, Dracula. She is distracted from her mission by the 3 hunters.

I’m not the biggest fan of high heat why choose romances but the characters and the plot were interesting enough to keep me reading. This is really more a romance between two couples who occasionally tangle with each other. I really liked Bianca with mild mannered scientist Marcus. Van Helsing heir Jonathan and sorcerer Edward have a long standing relationship but they have a lot of baggage to work through. This book also had some exciting action scenes. If you like classic horror inspired romance you might like this.

[Alexis Salinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an awesome read! I really enjoyed the dark themes and how well the characters interacted with each other. I also loved that it was MMFM because I like when it's not only about the woman. This story kept me entertained the whole time and I'm excited that we'll get to see these characters again!!

*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[That Brazilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Her Thrall by Chloe Parker ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

This is not my first Chloe Parker rodeo and she still manages to surprise me. I love spooky tales filled with that good old drama. I love Dracula, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the Van Helsings, haunted castles, ghosts.... and this book is the whole package.

We are initially introduced to Jonathan Wakefield, he's a WWI veteran who is struggling with PTSD and has just discovered he's a Van Helsing... Actually, his blood is a diluted version of the original Van Helsing, but he's still pretty strong. Jon is heading to Harker Heights for the annual ball hosted by Bianca Ivyshade. Weird rumors follow the suspicious and mysterious lady who has been living in the castle for over ten years and he, along with his two best friends, decided to investigate and destroy the evil monster if necessary.

Before the ball, Jon meets with Edward Shelley, a playboy illusionist from London, and Dr. Marcus Ryder, a medical doctor whose eagerness to learn about the ocult ended turning him into a monster. And together they head to Harker Heights and we have the first scene where they all are in the same place. Bianca is a hell of a character. She's gorgeous, sexy, strong and sure of herself. She has a power on her that makes people enthralled by her, but scared of her at the same time.

However, this is not enough to spook the main characters and now Jonathan, Edward and Marcus are lodged at Bianca's residential wing, and oh boy... It's amazing how Chloe managed to give personality to a LOCATION! The castle is like a character itself filled with haunting and spooky stories.

As the days pass by, you find out about every single character's motivation and how they fit (in many ways) together, leading to a battle scene that reminded me of a mix of Crimson Peak and Penny Dreadful. Even though the beggining of the book felt a bit slow, I think it was necessary to explain and set the tone for the rest of it and I also felt like Chloe could've extended the book a bit more so the characters would be more acquainted with each other.

In all, I would definitely read more books about them if the author decides to write and I also think it has the potential of being turned into a movie (Hello, Guillermo Del Toro! Come here, please!!)

[Blake! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biana Ivyshade is a vampire. A super sexy vampire, who is secretly good. Like, she doesn't even eat people guys! She's like Edward Cullen, except she doesn't sparkle. She was turned by Dracula, who is a literal fucking monster. Every year, she throws an elaborate ball in an effort to attract Dracula, because she believes she can kill him. On the night of the ball, three vampire hunters show up because they have heard rumors of a vampire lady and Dracula, but they are more attracted to Bianca than scared of her and eventually fall In Her Thrall. Hey, that's the title of the book! The vampire hunters also are attracted to each other, which leads to some fun Bisexual Panic! scenes. There is then lots of sex and blood drinking and plenty of lubricant, which everyone can appreciate.

I tore through this book like someone was going to take it away from me. I'm a sucker for a book where people discover they are bisexual, and the MM action was super spicy. Is this book Shakespeare? No. Did I thoroughly enjoy the smut? Hell Yes! Once again, Kindle Unlimited came in clutch when I needed some quick smut to read.