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Immortal Reign #1
Deadly Kiss
A vampire princess. A human. One drop of blood changed their lives forever.
Vampires had taken everything from Quinn Hogan during the war. She had spent her entire life hiding from them. The last thing Quinn wanted in life was to be matched to one. Each human was required by law to enter the draft. Her name was randomly picked for submitting her blood sample.
Chances of being chosen? A million to one.
Luck had never been on her side.
Quinn matched with a vampire.
Now she was being shipped off to some random vampire who would probably bleed her dry.
Velika Riskel didn't want a mate. As the warden of Northwest America, there was no time for her to take a mate. When the human arrived, she had planned to release her, but one look into Quinn's hazel eyes and all of that changed.
Velika and Quinn's relationship was doomed from the start. Velika was a seasoned warrior who wasn't afraid of challenges. The vampire princess was determined to win Quinn's heart, defend her against a rival, and then claim her.
Vampires had taken everything from Quinn Hogan during the war. She had spent her entire life hiding from them. The last thing Quinn wanted in life was to be matched to one. Each human was required by law to enter the draft. Her name was randomly picked for submitting her blood sample.
Chances of being chosen? A million to one.
Luck had never been on her side.
Quinn matched with a vampire.
Now she was being shipped off to some random vampire who would probably bleed her dry.
Velika Riskel didn't want a mate. As the warden of Northwest America, there was no time for her to take a mate. When the human arrived, she had planned to release her, but one look into Quinn's hazel eyes and all of that changed.
Velika and Quinn's relationship was doomed from the start. Velika was a seasoned warrior who wasn't afraid of challenges. The vampire princess was determined to win Quinn's heart, defend her against a rival, and then claim her.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2021
162 people are currently reading
1770 people want to read
About the author
Ariel Marie
72 books1,535 followersCleveland-born and raised, Ariel Marie has been delighting readers for over a decade with her signature blend of pulse-pounding action, steamy romance, and paranormal thrills. From shifters and vampires to fae and witches, she spins worlds where supernatural forces collide with intense emotion—and readers can't get enough.
Many of Ariel’s devoted fans appreciate her ability to transport them into richly imagined worlds, returning again and again to the characters they love. She’s proud to be an indie author, cherishing the freedom to deliver stories on her terms—and it shows in the passion behind every page.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Ariel curled up planning her next novel—often inspired by a lifelong love of storytelling.
Many of Ariel’s devoted fans appreciate her ability to transport them into richly imagined worlds, returning again and again to the characters they love. She’s proud to be an indie author, cherishing the freedom to deliver stories on her terms—and it shows in the passion behind every page.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Ariel curled up planning her next novel—often inspired by a lifelong love of storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 20, 2021
2.75 stars - interesting premise but lacks polish
I think this author has promise. The ideas are interesting but she needs a top notch editor to help with grammatical issues, repetitiveness and simple mistakes like using the wrong character name at times.
Also the way the story is told is very …plain? Everything was clearly written but did not evoke much emotion. All the characters are a bit 2 dimensional and the one we spend the most time with isn’t very interesting. Another reviewer called her a “horny wimp”and that is a apt description unfortunately.
I stuck with it because I am an sucker for vampires and the whole “fated mates” trope but I will not be continuing the series.
I think this author has promise. The ideas are interesting but she needs a top notch editor to help with grammatical issues, repetitiveness and simple mistakes like using the wrong character name at times.
Also the way the story is told is very …plain? Everything was clearly written but did not evoke much emotion. All the characters are a bit 2 dimensional and the one we spend the most time with isn’t very interesting. Another reviewer called her a “horny wimp”and that is a apt description unfortunately.
I stuck with it because I am an sucker for vampires and the whole “fated mates” trope but I will not be continuing the series.
November 14, 2022
This could have been a fun, kinda nonsense enemies to lovers romp, instead it was just pretty boring. The premise is interesting but basically ruined by an instalove attraction on both sides. Then… hardly anything happens despite technically a kidnapping/revolt/insurgent plot.
The writing was also… weirdly formal and plain in a way that could easily be ignored/forgiven if the plot and characters were better. And woof. One of the narrators (for Quinn) was reaaallly hard to listen to. Strange choppy way of speaking, kind of an irritating voice, not that great a performance. The other narrator was better, but also not a great performer. Overall, this was kind of a bummer. But I’m a sucker for vampire stories, so I’m willing to give basically any a try with sapphic plot. Unfortunately, I’d pass on this one unless the author gets a good editor and better narrators. I miiiiight see if reading another in the series instead of listening is a better experience, but who knows.
The writing was also… weirdly formal and plain in a way that could easily be ignored/forgiven if the plot and characters were better. And woof. One of the narrators (for Quinn) was reaaallly hard to listen to. Strange choppy way of speaking, kind of an irritating voice, not that great a performance. The other narrator was better, but also not a great performer. Overall, this was kind of a bummer. But I’m a sucker for vampire stories, so I’m willing to give basically any a try with sapphic plot. Unfortunately, I’d pass on this one unless the author gets a good editor and better narrators. I miiiiight see if reading another in the series instead of listening is a better experience, but who knows.
October 15, 2021
God, what a boring book. There's really no redeeming qualities about it, except the premise. But the premise is ruined with insta-love, which happens barely 20 pages in! The speed, with which the main character turns from fearing and hating the vampires (that killed her parents and possibly killed her brother) to the "let's fuck this vampire to the end of times" mindset is so staggering you'll have a whiplash. The plot is nonexistent and, apart from constant shagging, the first half of the book nothing happens. NOTHING! MC being a horny wimp with no personality doesn't help the case either.
In conclusion: if you're not looking for a coherent plot or barely adequate MC and just the want to see some steamy lesbian sex, you can stay. Otherwise better go looking somewhere else.
In conclusion: if you're not looking for a coherent plot or barely adequate MC and just the want to see some steamy lesbian sex, you can stay. Otherwise better go looking somewhere else.
June 1, 2022
This was a great read. Well written and unique take on a familiar paranormal trope. This was a new author for me and I’ll be busy for a while catching up on some of her other series. Can’t wait for book 2 in the series!
September 20, 2022
Congratulations to the 15 year old that published this. They've clearly mastered getting a book published, if not the actual writing of a coherent or vaguely sensible novel.
May 23, 2022
This one gets filed under the 'I spent *how* much on this?' category. This book reads like a fifteen year old's first attempt at a novel and, if that were the case, I'd give the book a pass, tell the author to keep it up and maybe give a few pointers. But this author is an adult with, like, 30 books to her name so there really isn't any excuse. The sentences read more like statements than prose and there's little connective tissue between them. The plot is kind of clumsy and could have used a rewrite or two, and the character development is... mmm... quick. Let me explain.
The premise of the book is that it's set in the future, ten years or so after a war with the vampires, with the vampires being victorious. The main character is from a small war torn city where rogue vampires roam the streets murdering hapless humans that happen to be out at night. Her parents died in the war, leaving her orphaned and she has severe PTSD from it. She's deathly afraid of vampires (for good reason) and wants nothing to do with them. But there's a lottery that every human is forced to enter that can match up with a vampire to be their 'perfect mate'. Of course she's chosen to become the mate of the Princess in charge of the PNW.
So of course she panics as she's abducted off the street and carted off to become the mate of one of the most powerful vampires in North America. Many panic attacks happen. When they finally meet, the Princess is dubious about this whole perfect mate thing but at first sight she's like, THIS IS THE ONE, and the MC is like, my body wants her to fuck me raw, but she scares the shit out of me. So they have sex. Very, very nonconsensual sex. The MC's desires are betrayed by her body and she loses control. Now, one would *think* that from there part of the book would be about them learning about each other, the MC working through her PTSD, and a romance is formed... and in a better book this is what would have happened. But in this book, a couple of chapters later the MC is all SHE IS THE ONE SHE IS SO GOOD TO ME despite being treated like an object to be coveted instead of a real person. So yeah. Kind of icky.
Add on top of that the worldbuilding is rather shallow. We know the vampires are in charge. We know that it's some kind of monarchy, but we don't know much beyond that. We don't get a good feel on how the vampires govern the humans, just how the vampires govern themselves. We don't get a clear idea on the state of the world. We know it's war torn, and that's about it. What kind of infrastructure is left? How are the humans policed? What kind of laws are there now? That kind of thing. It was just kind of frustrating to see the human side of things being largely ignored, so the worldbuilding felt incomplete.
I *did* discover upon reading this that I dislike the vampires reproduce sexually sort of thing. You're *born* a vampire. I found that I really don't like that. There's something to be said about having your life and your body changed to become one instead of just kind of being one from the getgo. This book also falls into the perfect mate trope that I don't care for. Romance should happen. Characters should learn about each other, and have their relationship grow. Not just they see each other and *BAM* they're inside each other's pants. I mean... I can see the appeal of it, but I don't think it's very romantic to be honest. Anyway. Pass on this book. 2 stars.
The premise of the book is that it's set in the future, ten years or so after a war with the vampires, with the vampires being victorious. The main character is from a small war torn city where rogue vampires roam the streets murdering hapless humans that happen to be out at night. Her parents died in the war, leaving her orphaned and she has severe PTSD from it. She's deathly afraid of vampires (for good reason) and wants nothing to do with them. But there's a lottery that every human is forced to enter that can match up with a vampire to be their 'perfect mate'. Of course she's chosen to become the mate of the Princess in charge of the PNW.
So of course she panics as she's abducted off the street and carted off to become the mate of one of the most powerful vampires in North America. Many panic attacks happen. When they finally meet, the Princess is dubious about this whole perfect mate thing but at first sight she's like, THIS IS THE ONE, and the MC is like, my body wants her to fuck me raw, but she scares the shit out of me. So they have sex. Very, very nonconsensual sex. The MC's desires are betrayed by her body and she loses control. Now, one would *think* that from there part of the book would be about them learning about each other, the MC working through her PTSD, and a romance is formed... and in a better book this is what would have happened. But in this book, a couple of chapters later the MC is all SHE IS THE ONE SHE IS SO GOOD TO ME despite being treated like an object to be coveted instead of a real person. So yeah. Kind of icky.
Add on top of that the worldbuilding is rather shallow. We know the vampires are in charge. We know that it's some kind of monarchy, but we don't know much beyond that. We don't get a good feel on how the vampires govern the humans, just how the vampires govern themselves. We don't get a clear idea on the state of the world. We know it's war torn, and that's about it. What kind of infrastructure is left? How are the humans policed? What kind of laws are there now? That kind of thing. It was just kind of frustrating to see the human side of things being largely ignored, so the worldbuilding felt incomplete.
I *did* discover upon reading this that I dislike the vampires reproduce sexually sort of thing. You're *born* a vampire. I found that I really don't like that. There's something to be said about having your life and your body changed to become one instead of just kind of being one from the getgo. This book also falls into the perfect mate trope that I don't care for. Romance should happen. Characters should learn about each other, and have their relationship grow. Not just they see each other and *BAM* they're inside each other's pants. I mean... I can see the appeal of it, but I don't think it's very romantic to be honest. Anyway. Pass on this book. 2 stars.
January 16, 2023
“I find I’m making more promises now than ever before.”
3.5 stars. I'm Marge Simpson hiding my face about this one. The fact is that this is a pretty imperfect book and it has a lot of the very specific flaws that usually cause me to become a little fed up or rate books low. The writing isn't great, it feels like it wasn't edited, and the plot isn't anything to write home about. All of that is true. But is it also true that some parts of this made me giggle like a teenager? Yes! And see, because I'm such a picky, bitchy reader, and because I'm usually quick to spot flaws in books, and because they usually have a negative impact on the way I feel about the book as a whole, when a book like this comes along where I still really like the characters and romance despite everything else going on with it? I'm inclined to be a little lenient in my rating. Maybe one day I'll reread this when I'm not in such a good mood and I'll adjust my rating to suit. But for now, I really can't deny that I actually kinda liked this.
We're in a paranormal world where vampires have made themselves known, and after a long and bloody war, they now live in the open. A draft is instituted so that vampires can find their mates, who can sometimes be humans. Quinn is terrified of vampires, because they ruthlessly rule the town that she lives in, and she's dismayed to find out that she's the mate of one of the powerful vampire princesses. Velika, said vampire princess, is also not pleased to find out that she's been matched, because she's too busy with work and has no interest in finding love at the moment. But as soon as they meet, everything changes for the both of them, and they have this instant irresistible bond.
In any other book, this is where I would start rolling my eyes. I love slow burn, and it's often my favorite thing to see characters gradually come together. But in this case, I actually really liked how the fated mate bond just bulldozed both their expectations and they were immediately all in for one another and had this instant devotion that was kinda delicious. Velika especially. She became so protective, so fierce in her longing, and I ate it up. Quinn took a little longer to let go of her fear and her prejudice against vampires, but there was just this pull and attraction between them that I really believed. Maybe it was easier for me to swallow because the source of the instant connection was magical in nature. Fated mates doesn't always work for me, because I feel like it replaces the actual character building and relationship building that I love to see in romance. But for whatever reason, I really liked this. Velika was super patient and kind, obsessive and protective, which I loved. Quinn was determined to learn, and I love that she was protective of Velika as well. The plot was, uh, lacklustre at best (something something rogue vampires) but it also provided a bunch of "touch her and you die" situations, which, again. Did they make me giggle and swoon? Yes. Who am I??
I really wish that this had been given a close edit and just a bit of doctoring. A lot of the dialogue didn't seem quite natural, and I wish the characters sounded a little more distinct. There were a lot of typos and just errors that really shouldn't make their way into the final copy of a book.
Listened to the audiobook read by Ann Vaughn and Xenia Willacey and it was okay? I didn't particularly love the narrator for Quinn; she was choppy and breathy at the same time. I think there was also some random head-hopping within the book as well, because at some points, each narrator would end up reading passages from the other main character's point of view, and that was very distracting. I didn't have an e-book to follow along with, but I could hear all of those typos and errors that I mentioned before, as if no one noticed them, which isn't the best endorsement of the production of this audiobook.
But still, I've definitely listened to worse. I just had a good time with this, so I'm just going to stop trying to justify myself, haha. Like I said, it's far from perfect but it was hot and had a lot of good tropes that apparently brought my lizard brain out to play. It's definitely my favourite thing I've read from this author so far, and I could see myself continuing the series at some point. I definitely need to read more f/f vampire romance. I feel like this unlocked something in me, lmao. Don't look at me.
Content warnings:
August 24, 2024
3.5 Stars
The story was ok in general, I understand where the author’s heart is, what she’s trying to convey, however, I think the delivery missed the mark (for me). It’s the dialogue that really threw me. It was quite unnatural, stilted and the story came out quite juvenile. The dialogue made me cringe quite a bit. The delivery in general needed more polishing I reckon.
The story was ok in general, I understand where the author’s heart is, what she’s trying to convey, however, I think the delivery missed the mark (for me). It’s the dialogue that really threw me. It was quite unnatural, stilted and the story came out quite juvenile. The dialogue made me cringe quite a bit. The delivery in general needed more polishing I reckon.
September 4, 2024
dni at 19%. it reads like someone's 3am draft. also it's boring, im not a fan of insta lust/love, much less when it's this poorly written
February 19, 2022
Deadly Kiss was a super sexy, sensual, explicit and kickass read.
The premise of the story written in the blurb pulled me in faster than if it were a butch/femme romance. I have a thing for helpless humans being taken by powerful immortals. I don't enjoy abuse or torture, I just like that power dynamic, and I don't mean top/bottom. And the dynamic in this story was beautiful. Velika was a princess vampire and heiress of her royalty vampire family, and initially, I worried she was going to be one of those pampered princesses dressed in gowns, snapping her fingers at whatever command she was giving to her underlings. Surprisingly, she was the opposite. Velika was a warrior who could dismember anyone, vamp or human, with one swipe of her dagger she kept strapped to her at all times. I loved her and I loved her even more after she met her mate, Quinn. Velika could go from vicious predator to a tender, loving soulmate who worshipped her mate like she was her sole purpose in life.
Quinn was not like any character I have read about in regards to this type of story. Generally, stories like this with that whole 'damsel in distress' thing, the protag is white with blonde hair. Not in this tale. Quinn was short and voluptuous as well as black. It was a nice change. The sex was exquisite. Marie wrote my kind of intimate moments between Velika and Quinn. I also loved how Quinn's hesitance to allow herself to open up to her mate was short lived. I thought this was going to be a push-pull, I gotta run away from this life, kind of story, but again, I was pleasantly surprised to be reading a love story that was constantly moving forward and not falling behind due to hang-ups and soul searching moments.
This vamp tale is going right up there with my favourites! Superb writing.
The premise of the story written in the blurb pulled me in faster than if it were a butch/femme romance. I have a thing for helpless humans being taken by powerful immortals. I don't enjoy abuse or torture, I just like that power dynamic, and I don't mean top/bottom. And the dynamic in this story was beautiful. Velika was a princess vampire and heiress of her royalty vampire family, and initially, I worried she was going to be one of those pampered princesses dressed in gowns, snapping her fingers at whatever command she was giving to her underlings. Surprisingly, she was the opposite. Velika was a warrior who could dismember anyone, vamp or human, with one swipe of her dagger she kept strapped to her at all times. I loved her and I loved her even more after she met her mate, Quinn. Velika could go from vicious predator to a tender, loving soulmate who worshipped her mate like she was her sole purpose in life.
Quinn was not like any character I have read about in regards to this type of story. Generally, stories like this with that whole 'damsel in distress' thing, the protag is white with blonde hair. Not in this tale. Quinn was short and voluptuous as well as black. It was a nice change. The sex was exquisite. Marie wrote my kind of intimate moments between Velika and Quinn. I also loved how Quinn's hesitance to allow herself to open up to her mate was short lived. I thought this was going to be a push-pull, I gotta run away from this life, kind of story, but again, I was pleasantly surprised to be reading a love story that was constantly moving forward and not falling behind due to hang-ups and soul searching moments.
This vamp tale is going right up there with my favourites! Superb writing.
October 15, 2021
Enjoy
Velika a vampire princess and Quinn a lowly poor human. Fated by blood to be mated. In this story the world is for the most part ruled by vampire. All humans have to enter a draft to see if their blood is a match for a vampire. Quinn hates and is scared of the vampires. With just cause. But not all vampires are the same. When Velika meets Quinn for the first time she is enchanted by her mate. Vows to prove herself worthy of Quinn's trust and love. I enjoyed the book very much. There are several twist and turns that move it along. And several steamy scenes. I did receive an ARC but I bought the book also.
Velika a vampire princess and Quinn a lowly poor human. Fated by blood to be mated. In this story the world is for the most part ruled by vampire. All humans have to enter a draft to see if their blood is a match for a vampire. Quinn hates and is scared of the vampires. With just cause. But not all vampires are the same. When Velika meets Quinn for the first time she is enchanted by her mate. Vows to prove herself worthy of Quinn's trust and love. I enjoyed the book very much. There are several twist and turns that move it along. And several steamy scenes. I did receive an ARC but I bought the book also.
October 1, 2025
3.5! Easy read
September 10, 2024
1/5⭐
Normally people goes with personalities too
Normally people goes with personalities too
November 29, 2022
2.5
I really, really wanted to like this one, but I just couldn’t. The concept was interesting, maybe a little unoriginal but that’s not a sticking point for me. The problem for me was the writing. This sort of read like a first draft.
I really, really wanted to like this one, but I just couldn’t. The concept was interesting, maybe a little unoriginal but that’s not a sticking point for me. The problem for me was the writing. This sort of read like a first draft.
October 13, 2021
Humans matched with vampires, no choice in the matter unless what is fated turns to love. This romance has it all - adventure, murder and of course erotica. Is it possible for vampires and humans to co-exist in harmony - a lonely warrior and a princess to find happiness? Intrigued from inception, I wanted the lead characters Quinn and Velika to have a HEA. The first book in a new series by the author that has me anticipating book 2.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a completely voluntary and unbiased review.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a completely voluntary and unbiased review.
October 13, 2021
Starts at 4 stars, ends at 3
The unique premise of the 'draft' was what helped this story stand out, but the interesting themes and conflicts between the protagonists that could have stemmed from that were quickly discarded in favor of a predictable, lustuous, soulmate, good-versus-evil romp. Would have liked to see better character development for the human than hand-wavey magical "I trust this deadly vampire but I don't know why"
The unique premise of the 'draft' was what helped this story stand out, but the interesting themes and conflicts between the protagonists that could have stemmed from that were quickly discarded in favor of a predictable, lustuous, soulmate, good-versus-evil romp. Would have liked to see better character development for the human than hand-wavey magical "I trust this deadly vampire but I don't know why"
October 29, 2021
Enjoyable
Yes I want more of the series!
It’s a moving story of how Quinn meets Velika and learns things she didn’t know.
Quinn even surprises herself after things happen while being with Velika. Very enjoyable and kept me wanting to read it as fast as possible to know what happens!
Yes I want more of the series!
It’s a moving story of how Quinn meets Velika and learns things she didn’t know.
Quinn even surprises herself after things happen while being with Velika. Very enjoyable and kept me wanting to read it as fast as possible to know what happens!
April 13, 2023
Was this well written? No.
Did it have much going on in it? Not really.
Did I enjoy reading it? Yes. So I kinda have to give it three stars.
Will I be reading the other books? Most likely.
If I didn’t enjoy it, it would probably be a 2 star rating, but I did so 3 stars it is.
Do i recommend? Uh not really, but also yes? Give it a go and you might like it like I did despite its bad quality.
Did it have much going on in it? Not really.
Did I enjoy reading it? Yes. So I kinda have to give it three stars.
Will I be reading the other books? Most likely.
If I didn’t enjoy it, it would probably be a 2 star rating, but I did so 3 stars it is.
Do i recommend? Uh not really, but also yes? Give it a go and you might like it like I did despite its bad quality.
October 12, 2021
This was the most amazing vampire tale I’ve read in a long time and it got me hooked right from the beginning and never let go
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 13, 2021
Very Nice
Ok this is a great story. And looks like the start of a great series. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
If your a fan of this author, then you will thoroughly enjoy this book !!!
Ok this is a great story. And looks like the start of a great series. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
If your a fan of this author, then you will thoroughly enjoy this book !!!
October 15, 2021
I loved it !
This book was amazing as always your talent did not disappoint! Please make this a continuous series xo xo 💛
This book was amazing as always your talent did not disappoint! Please make this a continuous series xo xo 💛
October 26, 2021
Loved it!
I'm a fan of vampire paranormal especially with wlw. Quinn and Velika were hot!!! Hopefully there is another one or two with stories about Velika's sisters!
I'm a fan of vampire paranormal especially with wlw. Quinn and Velika were hot!!! Hopefully there is another one or two with stories about Velika's sisters!
October 25, 2025
i really wanted to like this book because the romance is cute but the world building CONSTANTLY took me out of the story in so many ways.
the romance itself was like a 3.5/5 and fairly enjoyable to read. it’s got just a hint of dark romance, and can be very sweet at times. theres definitely spice but its not an overwhelming amount by any means. there are parts that seem kinda redundant to me that get mentioned as if there’s something new or different in their feelings for each other when nothing has materially changed, but that might just be me nitpicking. the only reason i say the romance is a 3.5/5 and not 4/5 is because there are world building issues that intrinsically make certain things in the relationship just feel gross/uncomfortable.
that aside, the world building is a solid 1/5. it leaves so many questions and just feels botched at best.
first off, if you want to make a world where vampires took over human governments you can do that, but probably set it in a different time or different universe even? like why are they training with swords and using that as a MAIN source of protection when guns still exist??? and also how did vampires completely take over when human governments have access to unlimited bombs and vamps literally cant go outside a majority of the day???
and then the “superior race” stuff reaaaaally gave me the ick, like it wasn’t even challenged and just felt gross. they never once tried to make it seem like “ah both have their pros and cons”, just “vamps are clearly superior, no question about it”. which just makes the constant talk of miscegenation so much worse. since they all genuinely believe one race is superior, it actually gives an amount of credence to the argument when there should be absolutely none (since theres an inherent parallel to interracial relationships in the real world).
and, once again, the author leaves much to be desired in the constant race parallels by making the mc vamp a thin white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, and the human mc a racially ambiguous (as far as i remember they just say shes brown and dont give any indication of her ethnicity or her parents ethnicity) plus sized woman with dark curly hair. honestly when doing a story like this, it feels pretty necessary to not make a main character in the group you’re deciding is definitively superior, aryan. like…why was that not thought out longer than two seconds??? honestly, i think that author thought it was fine because Velika sees Quinn as the perfect woman for her, but it doesn’t at all change the fact that she made the “superior race” mc perfectly fit in the aryan ideal. Again, just gross.
and then theres the draft. the draft never being seriously questioned by vampires in a way that doesn’t have to do with “race-mixing” is a fucked up way to leave things. not once does a vampire say “maybe both vampires and humans should have a choice in submitting themselves “. Even just having it where EVERYONE has to do it and it just goes in order of like age or just how averse the vamp/human is to the other would make more sense, but instead it’s optional for vampires (with the strange exception that vampires can submit other vampires without their consent) and then completely random for humans.
so yeah, honestly i would have dnf’ed it like less than a 1/4 in (the issue with vampires taking over and not at all saying how immediately took me out. like truly impossible to suspend my disbelief there without giving me anything) but i used a hoopla instant borrow for it and i didn’t wanna waste it.
the romance itself was like a 3.5/5 and fairly enjoyable to read. it’s got just a hint of dark romance, and can be very sweet at times. theres definitely spice but its not an overwhelming amount by any means. there are parts that seem kinda redundant to me that get mentioned as if there’s something new or different in their feelings for each other when nothing has materially changed, but that might just be me nitpicking. the only reason i say the romance is a 3.5/5 and not 4/5 is because there are world building issues that intrinsically make certain things in the relationship just feel gross/uncomfortable.
that aside, the world building is a solid 1/5. it leaves so many questions and just feels botched at best.
first off, if you want to make a world where vampires took over human governments you can do that, but probably set it in a different time or different universe even? like why are they training with swords and using that as a MAIN source of protection when guns still exist??? and also how did vampires completely take over when human governments have access to unlimited bombs and vamps literally cant go outside a majority of the day???
and then the “superior race” stuff reaaaaally gave me the ick, like it wasn’t even challenged and just felt gross. they never once tried to make it seem like “ah both have their pros and cons”, just “vamps are clearly superior, no question about it”. which just makes the constant talk of miscegenation so much worse. since they all genuinely believe one race is superior, it actually gives an amount of credence to the argument when there should be absolutely none (since theres an inherent parallel to interracial relationships in the real world).
and, once again, the author leaves much to be desired in the constant race parallels by making the mc vamp a thin white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, and the human mc a racially ambiguous (as far as i remember they just say shes brown and dont give any indication of her ethnicity or her parents ethnicity) plus sized woman with dark curly hair. honestly when doing a story like this, it feels pretty necessary to not make a main character in the group you’re deciding is definitively superior, aryan. like…why was that not thought out longer than two seconds??? honestly, i think that author thought it was fine because Velika sees Quinn as the perfect woman for her, but it doesn’t at all change the fact that she made the “superior race” mc perfectly fit in the aryan ideal. Again, just gross.
and then theres the draft. the draft never being seriously questioned by vampires in a way that doesn’t have to do with “race-mixing” is a fucked up way to leave things. not once does a vampire say “maybe both vampires and humans should have a choice in submitting themselves “. Even just having it where EVERYONE has to do it and it just goes in order of like age or just how averse the vamp/human is to the other would make more sense, but instead it’s optional for vampires (with the strange exception that vampires can submit other vampires without their consent) and then completely random for humans.
so yeah, honestly i would have dnf’ed it like less than a 1/4 in (the issue with vampires taking over and not at all saying how immediately took me out. like truly impossible to suspend my disbelief there without giving me anything) but i used a hoopla instant borrow for it and i didn’t wanna waste it.
October 13, 2023
So I loved the story line. It honestly was a good read overall. However, it did read like a first draft. The author overused words and there were multiple grammar errors. I must say the sex scenes were very descriptive. I wish there would have been more detail and depth to the overall plot.
July 12, 2023
Well that was kinda boring and i hated the instalove trope
August 23, 2025
I'm at a loss for words. The plot is reasonably interesting but I felt like I was reading a porn novel, with pages and pages of unbridled sex with a few action and suspense scenes thrown in between here and there. If I had wanted to read a porn novel I would have chosen erotica instead.
So I found myself skipping multiple paragraphs of the shag scenes just to get to the next part of the story. Though I might be biased since I'm leaning more on the asexual spectrum end, and there are I suppose, many who enjoy the hypersexual nymphomaniacal bedroom romps, rollicking and frolicking (and one scene in the library)!
The romance itself didn't have much substance. They fall for each other almost from the beginning and remained the happy couple throughout the book and the only conflicts coming from unsatisfied vampires and humans who are opposed to human-vampire mating and the current leadership. Not a book I would want to read again in any universe I exist.
So I found myself skipping multiple paragraphs of the shag scenes just to get to the next part of the story. Though I might be biased since I'm leaning more on the asexual spectrum end, and there are I suppose, many who enjoy the hypersexual nymphomaniacal bedroom romps, rollicking and frolicking (and one scene in the library)!
The romance itself didn't have much substance. They fall for each other almost from the beginning and remained the happy couple throughout the book and the only conflicts coming from unsatisfied vampires and humans who are opposed to human-vampire mating and the current leadership. Not a book I would want to read again in any universe I exist.
October 9, 2021
I loved this book. It kept me hooked from picking it up to the last page. There were a few typos which I'm sure will be picked up before it's published as I was reading an ARC.
The story was fresh and original and the two MC's were adorable together. The setting was easy to picture and I really wanted to be a vampire after reading it. Fantastic book I know I'll read again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story was fresh and original and the two MC's were adorable together. The setting was easy to picture and I really wanted to be a vampire after reading it. Fantastic book I know I'll read again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2024
Made my gay ass quite homophobic at times tbh
September 2, 2025
I read this book because I completely loved "The Princess's Pet" trilogy by JK Jeffrey, and someone suggested that this book had a similar synopsis. I had high expectations. I was massively disappointed.
Firstly, the writing style. It's all over the place: informal, formal. The grammar errors were so frequent that it kept jarring me out of the story. Several times the author mixes up the names of her own lead characters. It happened four times that I counted, and I didn't even finish the book. It's clear this series had no editing.
I stopped reading about 80% through because the vampires are useless. The book tells us over and over that vampires are insanely protective of their mates, so when the royal party is attacked by rogues I fully expected princess Velika -- the "BEST" warrior in the land -- to protect her human mate, Quinn, like a cornered wolf. Velika is the strongest fighter there, and the love of her life is in mortal danger, but instead of guarding Quinn, she PUSHES HER AWAY AND RUNS OFF. Just... what? Not only that, but she tells Quinn to go find her friend, who has no fighting skill. I'm not a vampire warrior, but if my girlfriend and I were attacked, the last thing I'd do is leave her.
A similar sort of thing happens later in the story, and I stopped reading. You can't tell me that Velika is an elite fighter for 80% of the book while showing no evidence of it whatsoever. You can't tell me she's in a hyper-possessive and protective state having just claimed Quinn as her mate, but then have her abandon Quinn in a room full of vampires who are openly discussing how much they hate humans. I'm all for flawed protagonists, but Velika is never painted as having flaws, so why is she so useless?
I was already struggling with so many things about this book, but I wouldn't trust Velika to take care of a Tamagotchi, let alone a vulnerable partner, let alone a kingdom. I'm sure she heroically rescued Quinn in the end and everything worked out, but I didn't have the patience to read the end of the book and find out.
Firstly, the writing style. It's all over the place: informal, formal. The grammar errors were so frequent that it kept jarring me out of the story. Several times the author mixes up the names of her own lead characters. It happened four times that I counted, and I didn't even finish the book. It's clear this series had no editing.
I stopped reading about 80% through because the vampires are useless. The book tells us over and over that vampires are insanely protective of their mates, so when the royal party is attacked by rogues I fully expected princess Velika -- the "BEST" warrior in the land -- to protect her human mate, Quinn, like a cornered wolf. Velika is the strongest fighter there, and the love of her life is in mortal danger, but instead of guarding Quinn, she PUSHES HER AWAY AND RUNS OFF. Just... what? Not only that, but she tells Quinn to go find her friend, who has no fighting skill. I'm not a vampire warrior, but if my girlfriend and I were attacked, the last thing I'd do is leave her.
A similar sort of thing happens later in the story, and I stopped reading. You can't tell me that Velika is an elite fighter for 80% of the book while showing no evidence of it whatsoever. You can't tell me she's in a hyper-possessive and protective state having just claimed Quinn as her mate, but then have her abandon Quinn in a room full of vampires who are openly discussing how much they hate humans. I'm all for flawed protagonists, but Velika is never painted as having flaws, so why is she so useless?
I was already struggling with so many things about this book, but I wouldn't trust Velika to take care of a Tamagotchi, let alone a vulnerable partner, let alone a kingdom. I'm sure she heroically rescued Quinn in the end and everything worked out, but I didn't have the patience to read the end of the book and find out.
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