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Once Upon a Monster #1
Bleeding Hearts
Find the Duke. Prove he's a vampire. And kill him.
Maeve Winchester is out of the vampire hunting game. She's killed enough of them, and risked her life for long enough. Working for the Holy Brotherhood didn't make that easy, however. Especially when she has witch blood. Regardless of her past, the Inquisition agrees to release her and her magical sisters, under one circumstance.
She has to complete one more job.
Through the moors and mire, she travels to the illusive Castra Nocte. Home of the Carmine Duke. His gothic castle has stood for centuries with a single rule. If you enter, you will never leave. It is here Maeve makes her last stand. She must prove the Duke is a vampire and then kill him as she has so many others.
When she enters the castle, not all is as it seems. The Duke is charming. The castle grounds clean. His words tantalizing. She will have to keep her wits about her if she is to save her sisters... and her heart.
Fans of Crimson Peak and Dracula will love sinking their fangs into this gothic horror romance! One click today!
Maeve Winchester is out of the vampire hunting game. She's killed enough of them, and risked her life for long enough. Working for the Holy Brotherhood didn't make that easy, however. Especially when she has witch blood. Regardless of her past, the Inquisition agrees to release her and her magical sisters, under one circumstance.
She has to complete one more job.
Through the moors and mire, she travels to the illusive Castra Nocte. Home of the Carmine Duke. His gothic castle has stood for centuries with a single rule. If you enter, you will never leave. It is here Maeve makes her last stand. She must prove the Duke is a vampire and then kill him as she has so many others.
When she enters the castle, not all is as it seems. The Duke is charming. The castle grounds clean. His words tantalizing. She will have to keep her wits about her if she is to save her sisters... and her heart.
Fans of Crimson Peak and Dracula will love sinking their fangs into this gothic horror romance! One click today!
266 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2021
69 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hamm
75 books4,456 followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 10, 2024
POV: A hot, dark haired vampire feeds from your thighs instead of your neck and takes you to the Opera.
I still can't believe tiktok has not really found Emma Hamm yet.
I still can't believe tiktok has not really found Emma Hamm yet.
November 10, 2021
Yet another stunningly poetic Emma Hamm story. There is just something so wonderfully magical about the way Emma weaves her stories that drag you in and make you fall in love!
January 26, 2022
Unfortunately this book had some pacing issues and the motivations/character of the H and h were a little unclear... everything went from "trying to kill the hero because he's bad" to "he and therefore we must bone". It also completely glanced over the whole thing. THAT IS THE MOST WACK SH*T TO JUST GLANCE OVER!!! DNF :(
January 29, 2024
This was entertaining enough. I generally enjoyed it. I didn't quite feel Maeve's transition from enemy to lover, though. It was too abrupt and required she show a level of trust and naivete that everything up to that point suggested she would not do. I also felt that she was seduced as much (if not more) by the glitz, glamour, and wealth that the Duke could provide her as by the man himself, and that didn't feel very romantic. I did appreciate that he fell first in a truly obsessive way, and I thought the banter between him and his butler provided the levity the plot needed.
I liked the world Hamm created, though it's only lightly sketched out and doesn't stray far from 'the church' as we are all familiar with it as the villain. However, the side characters that are in the future books look fun. I'll probably read their books.
I liked the world Hamm created, though it's only lightly sketched out and doesn't stray far from 'the church' as we are all familiar with it as the villain. However, the side characters that are in the future books look fun. I'll probably read their books.
March 6, 2023
this was the definition of having so much potential and falling completely flat
there was zero chemistry between the two characters and even at 65% in nothing had bloody happened in terms of the plot.
there was zero chemistry between the two characters and even at 65% in nothing had bloody happened in terms of the plot.
June 10, 2022
Cute and surprisingly wholesome vampire story.
Although, at times the writing was too modern for my liking. Perfect story to cozy up and read while it’s raining :)
Although, at times the writing was too modern for my liking. Perfect story to cozy up and read while it’s raining :)
October 8, 2021
This review was originally published on Myth and Magic Book Club
Myth: 2/5
I enjoy a gothic vampire romance to kick off the Halloween season. I had a hard time getting into the romance, the Duke leaned a little too far with villain vibes, instead of misunderstood or had some kind of change of heart on his ways. The chemistry was a little lacking for me. About halfway in there was a little more relationship building between Maeve and Martin’s chemistry but that seemed too long to wait for me.
Magic: 2/5
Once Upon a Monster series presents a traditional church vs the ‘unnatural’ or, more aptly, 'supernatural’. Maeve was an agent of the church, in her own kind of prison, but I that story thread was really only helpful to set the story, it wasn’t really resolved at the end of book one and I can’t tell if it would be addressed in the sister’s stories since they seem more like traditional romance novels where each story is standalone with overlapping characters or world.
Overall: 2/5
While I liked the gothic mood setting for the spooky season, vampire/vampire hunter romance didn’t land for me.
Myth: 2/5
I enjoy a gothic vampire romance to kick off the Halloween season. I had a hard time getting into the romance, the Duke leaned a little too far with villain vibes, instead of misunderstood or had some kind of change of heart on his ways. The chemistry was a little lacking for me. About halfway in there was a little more relationship building between Maeve and Martin’s chemistry but that seemed too long to wait for me.
Magic: 2/5
Once Upon a Monster series presents a traditional church vs the ‘unnatural’ or, more aptly, 'supernatural’. Maeve was an agent of the church, in her own kind of prison, but I that story thread was really only helpful to set the story, it wasn’t really resolved at the end of book one and I can’t tell if it would be addressed in the sister’s stories since they seem more like traditional romance novels where each story is standalone with overlapping characters or world.
Overall: 2/5
While I liked the gothic mood setting for the spooky season, vampire/vampire hunter romance didn’t land for me.
November 9, 2022
3.5 stars
This book hooked me from the very first chapter! I knew I would adore the story and I was not wrong.
I loved that from the premise the reader can see that Martin would turn Maeve by the end, that this story wouldn't follow the "vampire is guilty of his deeds" instead he embraced a lot of. I wanted exactly that! Give me a vampire that is good and bad at the same time! (Hello Spike from Buffy!)
I was really trilled by the "brides" parts! It's not often authors use that bit of the vampire lore on their stories and it really excited me.
And this book was just hot . I'm not even speaking spicy wise, I just mean, plain hot. I loved the tension between Maeve and Martin!
I will say though, I expected this book to lean more towards the villain arc side - and don't get me wrong, it does, but I thought it was too subtle. And I expected a bit more of plot, instead the story is centered a lot on their romance. Which is not bad, I just wanted a bit more of both the witchy and vampire moments for the story.
For last I'm a bit disappointed the next story follow's Maeve's sister. I wished I could see all the bad deeds Maeve and Martin would follow with.
This book hooked me from the very first chapter! I knew I would adore the story and I was not wrong.
I loved that from the premise the reader can see that Martin would turn Maeve by the end, that this story wouldn't follow the "vampire is guilty of his deeds" instead he embraced a lot of. I wanted exactly that! Give me a vampire that is good and bad at the same time! (Hello Spike from Buffy!)
I was really trilled by the "brides" parts! It's not often authors use that bit of the vampire lore on their stories and it really excited me.
And this book was just hot . I'm not even speaking spicy wise, I just mean, plain hot. I loved the tension between Maeve and Martin!
I will say though, I expected this book to lean more towards the villain arc side - and don't get me wrong, it does, but I thought it was too subtle. And I expected a bit more of plot, instead the story is centered a lot on their romance. Which is not bad, I just wanted a bit more of both the witchy and vampire moments for the story.
For last I'm a bit disappointed the next story follow's Maeve's sister. I wished I could see all the bad deeds Maeve and Martin would follow with.
December 18, 2021
I wanted this to be more than it was. The lore was cool. But the romance was...borderline non-consenual at times. I wasnt sure why we were supposed to like the love interest when he definitely took advantage of the MC and brain washed her friend and was painted as a murderer and then that was just...glossed over when it was revealed???
Also the death of her friend was very terrible and I'm sad he couldn't be saved. It felt like he was just written out easily so he wouldn't be a plot point anymore. I was sad to see him become a "villain". And the main villain wasn’t introduce until the very very last moment??? It all felt...a little off.
There was sexy times in this book and I'm not sure if the build up was justified. The whole relationship just felt very off. I don't think I ship it. I don't see myself continuing this series even though we continue with other characters. If nothing else, the lore of the world would be the only thing to keep me going.
Also the death of her friend was very terrible and I'm sad he couldn't be saved. It felt like he was just written out easily so he wouldn't be a plot point anymore. I was sad to see him become a "villain". And the main villain wasn’t introduce until the very very last moment??? It all felt...a little off.
There was sexy times in this book and I'm not sure if the build up was justified. The whole relationship just felt very off. I don't think I ship it. I don't see myself continuing this series even though we continue with other characters. If nothing else, the lore of the world would be the only thing to keep me going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2021
I thought this was a lovely gothic romance. Two “monsters” finding love. I look forward to the rest of the series. Not super spicy but the tension is 🤤
Maeve is the daughter of a witch who can’t feel pain (she’s also the oldest sister in her coven and she has all the typical eldest sibling characteristics) and Martin is a vampire who is tired of being alone and immortal. Maeve has been abused by the Church for being the daughter of a witch and subjected to exorcisms and other plights, so while she can’t feel physical pain, the emotional pain still packs a pretty big punch. It’s essentially the story of two broken people finding each other and falling in love. It has a dilapidated castle, secret rooms, and a scene where Maeve is poking around the castle in a thin dress and a shawl (a nightgown!) so all the fun stuff of a gothic romance.
Maeve is the daughter of a witch who can’t feel pain (she’s also the oldest sister in her coven and she has all the typical eldest sibling characteristics) and Martin is a vampire who is tired of being alone and immortal. Maeve has been abused by the Church for being the daughter of a witch and subjected to exorcisms and other plights, so while she can’t feel physical pain, the emotional pain still packs a pretty big punch. It’s essentially the story of two broken people finding each other and falling in love. It has a dilapidated castle, secret rooms, and a scene where Maeve is poking around the castle in a thin dress and a shawl (a nightgown!) so all the fun stuff of a gothic romance.
July 24, 2022
I had a nice time reading this book. I loved the whole vibe of this book. I adored the spooky, gothic atmosphere. We have a sexy Dracula like vampire, a badass witch and a gothic castle. It’s exactly what I was looking for. It had all of the gothic elements that I wanted. So A+ to that! However I do feel like it could’ve had something more. Maybe a bigger villain (besides the priests) that Maeve and Martin could’ve faced together. I don’t know but overall it was good. I did get a bored a little so that’s why I’m giving it three stars. Also Martin is a weird name for a vampire haha.
October 7, 2021
Dear Emma, this was one of my favorites of yours right up there with Heart of the Fae. I thought I was done reading about vampires, but this vampire romance was astounding to behold. I cried during many instances when they were discussing good, evil, and love. There were even funny moments, especially that ending. Martin and Maeve were meant for each other and I can’t wait to see more of Maeve (an amazing vampire witch now) during the rest of the series! Already preordered the next one!
October 16, 2021
[mature content warning - one chapter, easily skipped]
This Dracula-esque book was exactly what I was in the mood for. Dark, and creepy vibes straight out of a Dark Universe film! A corrupt Catholic Church. Mentions of cardinal sins and grey morality, and evil priest, and a witch who can feel no pain. A very good plot.
I would have loved a bit more expansion at the end - this was very nearly a cliff-hanger. And there are a few questions still left hanging.
This Dracula-esque book was exactly what I was in the mood for. Dark, and creepy vibes straight out of a Dark Universe film! A corrupt Catholic Church. Mentions of cardinal sins and grey morality, and evil priest, and a witch who can feel no pain. A very good plot.
I would have loved a bit more expansion at the end - this was very nearly a cliff-hanger. And there are a few questions still left hanging.
November 5, 2021
I wanted to like it
I had really high hopes for this book, because I loved the Goblins and gold series, but this honestly can't like a different author. The romance was sweet, but extremely rushed/forced, and the book itself was poorly written. It jumped around in a lot of spots and was confusing at times.
I liked the characters, but they felt shallow. I'm sad to say I didn't really care for the book, and vampire romances are my favorite genre.
I had really high hopes for this book, because I loved the Goblins and gold series, but this honestly can't like a different author. The romance was sweet, but extremely rushed/forced, and the book itself was poorly written. It jumped around in a lot of spots and was confusing at times.
I liked the characters, but they felt shallow. I'm sad to say I didn't really care for the book, and vampire romances are my favorite genre.
November 28, 2021
(3,5)
I don’t have anything to say about Bleeding Hearts, except for the fact that I truly enjoyed it. It was fun and entertaining, and also really well written. Emma Hamm knows how to create a palpable connection and great chemistry between her couple, and I loved Martin (he was weird in the best way possible).
Also, I am very excited to read Binding Moon and Ragged Lungs because I loved Maeve’s sisters!
I don’t have anything to say about Bleeding Hearts, except for the fact that I truly enjoyed it. It was fun and entertaining, and also really well written. Emma Hamm knows how to create a palpable connection and great chemistry between her couple, and I loved Martin (he was weird in the best way possible).
Also, I am very excited to read Binding Moon and Ragged Lungs because I loved Maeve’s sisters!
January 6, 2022
It grows on you..
Emma Hamm stories start off a bit weirdly and abruptly. But if u stay past the 2nd or 3rd chapter, u get hooked. The characters start to grow on you, though the vampire started off as quite a dark character. By the end of the book, you are invested in other characters too and definitely want to continue reading about the world created by Emma Hamm (felt the same way about the goblins and gold series). That in itself is a mark of a good book.
Emma Hamm stories start off a bit weirdly and abruptly. But if u stay past the 2nd or 3rd chapter, u get hooked. The characters start to grow on you, though the vampire started off as quite a dark character. By the end of the book, you are invested in other characters too and definitely want to continue reading about the world created by Emma Hamm (felt the same way about the goblins and gold series). That in itself is a mark of a good book.
dnf
November 20, 2021DNF @ Chapter 14
There was absolutely nothing wrong with this and I can see how other people love it, but personally I was really struggling to connect with the characters and there was a lot about the plot that felt a bit underdeveloped and therefore confusing to me, so I decided I didn't want to continue.
There was absolutely nothing wrong with this and I can see how other people love it, but personally I was really struggling to connect with the characters and there was a lot about the plot that felt a bit underdeveloped and therefore confusing to me, so I decided I didn't want to continue.
January 6, 2022
meh…
There were a lot of inconsistencies in this book. Is he poor or is he rich? Is she smart and wiley or does she just blow up about stupid stuff and let herself be captivated with someone she doesn’t trust at all. I found myself skimming a lot to keep from getting frustrated over the repetition.
There were a lot of inconsistencies in this book. Is he poor or is he rich? Is she smart and wiley or does she just blow up about stupid stuff and let herself be captivated with someone she doesn’t trust at all. I found myself skimming a lot to keep from getting frustrated over the repetition.
September 7, 2021
Maybe only 4.5, but one of my favorite Emma Hamm stories so far so I rounded up.
Serving the church as a demon hunter Maeve has little hope for a better future for herself. Checking out a possible vampire is just another job for her. Until she meets him.
Serving the church as a demon hunter Maeve has little hope for a better future for herself. Checking out a possible vampire is just another job for her. Until she meets him.
October 10, 2021
I'm really really disappointed. I'm not even sure if I EVER disliked MC so profusely like this vampire dud. He was just stake through the heart worthy. I like Emma Hamms books and I preordered the next two in the series, but now I'm not so sure about them anymore.
October 14, 2021
From the first chapter - where Maeve (who works for the Church) goes to perform an exorcism, I was completely hooked. Her next job involves hunting a vampire….
Great characters, great story and a great read.
Great characters, great story and a great read.
November 4, 2021
3 Stars because the first half of the book was FINE, then the very last pages were GOOD... I swear the first and last chapters were the only good ones and I have no idea what happened to the story, to the style, to THE BOOK itself in between them.
February 28, 2022
As always Emma brings you a great story!! I always love that her characters are flawed, they realize this and are totally unapologetic!! Theres laughs, snark and love....off to read the next one in this series, Binding Moon!
July 23, 2022
Monster Smash! Literally.
A little spice is nice. I couldn't resist a story about a witch who hunts monsters for the church and the vampire set on claiming her. You can probably guess what happens, but that's why we're reading it in the first place.
A little spice is nice. I couldn't resist a story about a witch who hunts monsters for the church and the vampire set on claiming her. You can probably guess what happens, but that's why we're reading it in the first place.
September 29, 2021
A mix of light gothic and mystery
September 29, 2021
Emma Hamm does it again!
Such a fun spooky romance. I love this author and have yet to read a book from her that I can find the will power to put down
Such a fun spooky romance. I love this author and have yet to read a book from her that I can find the will power to put down
Read
October 16, 2021Dnf.
Finding neither hide nor hair.
Or making neither head nor tails of a matter.
Not "couldn't make hide nor tails of it".
Finding neither hide nor hair.
Or making neither head nor tails of a matter.
Not "couldn't make hide nor tails of it".
October 27, 2021
Monsters.....the beasts within us all....rivetting love story!
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 31, 2021
Flat writing. Unlikable characters - DNF @ 40%
November 9, 2021
meh
Not terrible but not great either. Falls a bit flat honestly. Just your run of the mill vampire meets girl and they fall in love.
Not terrible but not great either. Falls a bit flat honestly. Just your run of the mill vampire meets girl and they fall in love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews