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Vampire King

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Your worst enemy is your best protector.

In a supernatural town that has always protected you, you don’t expect to stumble upon danger.
Yet, there are threats around every corner.
Lurking.
Waiting.

In a town where everyone is different, where everyone is a shifter, being a human feels like being an ugly duckling in a goose pond.

When those I trusted the most turn their back on me, when those you trust betray you, who becomes your protector?
The vampire king?
The… enemy himself?

He offers me a deal, and I know it is my only way out. I have to accept.
He wants to find the secret well.
I need someone to keep me safe.

But that means I have to be close to him.
Closeness means affection.
Affection turns to forbidden love, and eventually, enemies become lovers.

Even then… are they to be trusted?

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

163 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Grey

41 books41 followers

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5 stars
71 (37%)
4 stars
42 (22%)
3 stars
39 (20%)
2 stars
23 (12%)
1 star
15 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Sonja.
991 reviews24 followers
February 7, 2023
This was a relatively short and fun standalone. The thing with that, though, was that there was very little world building done. This whole story takes place in or around a shifter village. Now, I know what my paranormal definition of a shifter is and because we aren't told otherwise, that's what I go with. Until the very end when we find out that I was oh so very wrong. That would have been nice to know earlier so I'm not sitting here wondering why kind of shifters they are and wouldn't they have been able to scent the enemies better. But my biggest complaint would be the extreme overuse of the word "mhm" throughout the whole book. Seriously, it is used WAY too much and it makes them sound so childish to me.

Edmund is a vampire king. Not THE king, A king. Which is very very briefly touched upon. His race is becoming weaker and will eventually die out all because of a pact they made with humans to no longer drink their blood, and animal blood does not have enough nutrients in it to sustain them. Their one and only hope is finding this mythical well, that may not even exist, whose waters would be able to bring them back from the brink and make them even stronger. It's that search that has led Edmund and a handful of his men to the outskirts of the village where Bianca lives.

Bianca was found on the side of the road as a baby by one of the shifters who insisted that the village allow her to take her in. She was the only mother Bianca had ever known and when she died, Bianca became even more isolated in the village because shifters don't like or trust anyone other than their own kind. So for being human, Bianca is tormented and bullied constantly. Her only refuge is when she seeks the comfort of the forest knowing that she is safest there.

Edmund and Bianca meet when Edmund saves her from another assault that most likely would have ended in Bianca dead. And it's from that moment on that the two of them can only think of the other and are constantly crossing paths. Usually I absolutely hate insta-love, but for some reason it didn't really bother me here except for a few eye rolls. I enjoyed these two together. Perhaps because of the bantering, or maybe even because of how fierce Edmund was. When he had her pinned to the tree was super hot to me. Anyway. When the village elder finds out that Bianca has been talking to a vampire he immediately labels her a traitor and wants her brought before him. Lucky for her, Bianca has a vampire lover who is already hiding from the shifters and who vows to protect her from them. To make things feel more even for Bianca, Edmund asks for her help in finding the well he came for. She never thought it was real, but she will do all she can to help him.

And help him she does indeed. If not for Bianca, Edmund never would have found the well at all. But it wasn't just Bianca's detective skills that saved the day. Turns out that there is way more to her than anyone would have thought. Which was a neat little twist to the story. We get one last big fight against the shifters before the vampires can claim victory in more ways than just one. And Edmund can claim Bianca as his vampire queen. I'll be honest with how I thought that would go down. I was almost 100% sure that Bianca was going to be injured so badly that her only hope would be to be turned into a vampire and she would come out strong enough to earn that title. It happens so often that way that it was kind of refreshing for it to be something I didn't expect.

The very end has Edmund giving Bianca a sort of gift to help her understand herself more. What was a little frustrating was that we were left with more questions than answers about Bianca's parents and why she was on the side of a road and we'll never get answers to them.

All in all, I quite enjoyed this one.

As a side note. I sure hope that cover isn't supposed to represent Edmund. Edmund's character spoke and acted like he was in his 20's. We aren't told either of their ages and that was what I went with in my head. So the dude on the cover is way too old to work for me here.
Profile Image for Kim Nicole.
705 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2023
This was my second supernatural story in a long time. I put these on hold for a while because after reading the Fever series for so many years I wanted a break. I wanted light, emotional and more romance stories. I was tired of thinking about bigger pictures and past things that came up. I wanted something I didn’t have to analyze or dig deeper into. I kept this up until now and I’m back on them. I’m still reading “Bitten by Desire” but it awakened a dormant part of my mind that loves the supernatural world and stories that go with it. Vampires never lost my interest even when the world was making everything that relates to it and then stopped. I’ve always been drawn to things like this and this one fell a bit short. I went into this story expecting more of “Bitten by Desire” vibes but instead I got something totally different. This one plunges you into the world of supernatural creatures. You get shifters, wood nymphs, mention of werewolves and of course vampires. The whole setting has an ethereal quality to it and it is already known that the town is a supernatural one. Humans aren’t even roaming this town, in fact there was never a mention of humans, eliminating them completely from the picture. I liked how this one focuses on the supernatural world, it makes it easier to focus on one thing. However, I found myself enjoying more of the stories that came with the creatures compared to Edmund and Bianca’s love story. I felt like they focused more on the danger everyone was in and not about Edmund and Bianca. I almost feel like the romance aspect could have been less prominent in it and more just like a side story. That sounds crazy coming from me, especially since I’m all about the romance. I just didn’t feel like I really got to know Edmund and Bianca as the creatures and people they were. I don’t even know how Edmund changed, how old he was or what caused him and his followers to lose their home and clan. Information about Bianca was nonexistent. She just woke up one day and the shifters took her in but there was no back story about her at all, just that she was left on the side of the road. Thinking about it now, there really wasn’t much information on anything, everything was shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. In the moment I was enjoying it, but now, reflecting on the whole thing, there was a definite lack of information which loses the connection to the story and now I think I’m going to take back my high rating and give it more on the average side even though I liked the story and it kept me hooked. The next book continues Bianca and Edmund’s story but I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m hoping we get more back story about both of them so I can get to know them on a personal level and what made them the creatures they are today. I’m not expecting it though, so we’ll see.
113 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2023
Edmund is searching for a miracle for his vampire clan. Without the water from the fabled well, they will all eventually perish. He is deep in enemy territory for his search, but doesn't know exactly where to look. He comes across a human being tormented by his enemy and something compels him to step in and save her. Once he does, he feels responsible to keep her safe.

Bianca knows nothing of her family, having been found as an infant on the side of the road and taken in by the shifters. Now that she is older, the shifters her age like to torment her and remind her she is only human and not superior like them. She always takes refuge in the forest and feels comfort there from their constant aggression. It is the only safe place she knows. On one of these nights, her tormentors are interrupted by another being. She is surprised, but thankful. As she gets to know her new savior, she finds she is extremely drawn to him. And their love affair begins, although she knows it will not go anywhere.

As Bianca agrees to help Edmund find the well, she learns to stretch her boundaries and become more confident in herself. As they are searching she suddenly seems to become very ill and changes begin to happen to her physically. This is when Bianca comes into her own and finds out she is not human and truly worth the love she has for Edmund.

Can the now have a life together? Can they find the well in time to save the clan? Can they manage to escape the shifters doing it?

I really enjoyed this book and the story. It kept my interest and pushed me to turn to the next page to see what would happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria Golby.
1,740 reviews13 followers
January 24, 2023
Lovely read with some great twists

I really enjoyed reading this book, which begins with Bianca being taunted in the woods by a group from the town of shifters where she lives as the only human. She is saved by Edmund who is friendly to her, picking up on the fact that she isn't a shifter herself. The POV alternates each chapter, between Bianca and Edmund.

They find each other again the following night, as if drawn to each other, but he dissapears when Rose, Bianca's only friend, arrives. She recognises what he is, a Vampire King, and is surprised to hear that he'd helped Bianca so agrees to not tell the village Elder of the vampires for a day or two.

Edmund is trying to find a well which will save his kind and feels Bianca can help them find it. Bianca wants to help him, particularly after she realises she is seen as a traitor by the shifters for speaking to the vampires, and has to run from her home to the woods where she has always felt safe.

A wonderful read, with great world-building, fantastic characters and some brilliant twists.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for aimee .
138 reviews
January 24, 2023
When it comes to the paranormal, I always find it intriguing to read different authors' views on this world, especially in regard to vampires. There are hundreds of books out there and while each book offers a bit of a different take on the subject, I have to say that this book is the most unique storyline I've come across.
In a town full of supernaturals, Bianca, the only human, has not only had her fair share of tormentors, but she has also never truly felt as though she belonged to any place or anyone. Until the vampire king comes to town. In him, she sees more than the enemy of the ones who took her in. She sees more than a protector, and with him, she can truly find and become herself.
I enjoyed the book, other than some paragraphs becoming a bit repetitive, the story was solid and had an unexpected and pleasant little plot twist that made the story just that much more captivating.
198 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2023
Bianca is a human in a town of shifters. Most bear her presence, but some harass her because of it. One night, in the woods, she is attacked by 5 shifters. She's rescued by Edmund, a king vampire. They instantly feel a connection, but Edmund needs to mate with a vampire queen, not a human. When the shifters find out she's talked to a vampire, Bianca is in danger and needs protection. Edmund swears to protect her if she helps him find something he is looking for. Will their love grow and be stronger than prejudice? Read to find out!

I really loved this book! The hero is always sweet to the heroine! He never takes his frustration on her. He helps her find the strength she didn't know she possessed and become a better version of herself. Their relationship evolves beautifully... And the epilogue made me love the book even more! Very satisfying! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good vampire romance! You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
January 31, 2023
Edmund and Bianca's Story . . .

Bianca is a human taken in by shifters as a baby, never feeling like she belonged. Now that they are all older, the shifters tease and torment her, calling her inferior to them. When it gets bad, she goes off to the forest to be alone. But this time they follow her to continue their harassment. Edmund, the Vampire King, happens to be in the forest searching for a special well to save his people. He stops them from bothering her, feeling protective of her. Bianca is immediately drawn to him.

Bianca offers to help look for the well Edmund needs to find. When she feels ill, her body begins to change. Edmund is surprised to see that she is a powerful supernatural, actually far superior to the werewolves who have tormented her. Does this change things between Edmund and Bianca? Can they accept their love for each other now? And is she able to provide something even better to save the vampires?
Profile Image for Maryem Maryem.
1 review
July 15, 2025
📚 Book Review
📖 Vampire King by Nikki Grey
🩸 Genre: Paranormal Romance – Dark Fantasy – Vampire
⭐️ Rating: 4/5

> “He’s dangerous. He’s immortal. And he just claimed her as his.”



What to expect:

🔥 A dominant, brooding vampire king
👑 A strong-willed heroine who challenges him
🩸 Power struggles, passion, and danger
🌒 A world of vampire politics, secrets, and slow-burning tension


Why I liked it:
Nikki Grey delivers a seductive paranormal romance with intensity and just the right amount of drama. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the darker vibes make the story feel dangerous and addictive.

Why it’s not 5 stars:
Some tropes feel familiar, and the pacing dips in parts — but the steamy tension and emotional pull make up for it.

📚 Perfect for fans of:

Alpha vampire romances

Enemies-to-lovers with heat

Dark fantasy worlds with romance front and center
344 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2023
"Vampire King" was such a fascinating story that included so many supernatural beings, some at peace and some at war. The main characters, Bianca, who was raised by werewolves since she was found on the roadside as a baby, and Edmund who is a vampire king. They meet when she is a teenager and that is when the story begins.

I won't give any spoilers away. There are many twists and turns throughout the story. Some of the themes are loyalty, trust, and courage. After quite a few struggles between the vampires and the werewolves, there is an incredible happy ending that was a total surprise!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for T. Schneider.
61 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2023
More like 2.5 stars: Way too little explanation & back story into world, species, & story. Some typos & mistakes. Weird dialogue for a teen/young adult h. Reckless & immature H who is supposed to be older & a leader. Why does no one have a cell phone? What happens to Rose? She just disappears. The whole vamp situation made little sense. The fact that the shifters let it be known they had the well made no sense. SO MANY QUESTIONS. I could list them but..spoilers! It was a quick read that had plenty of space for much needed info. The overall concept & emotion of the story was good. It has a lot of potential.
Profile Image for Eugenia M.
187 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2023
It is fast paced and you jump in the spice quickly, which I love. I was able to finish it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend this one.

I really enjoyed Edmund. You could tell he cared from the very beginning. Both Bianca and him had this instant connection and they would do anything for each other.

I felt for Bianca in the being she is the outcast in her community. But I love how she found herself throughout the story.

Definitely recommend this one. It is a nice quick read and highly entertaining.

ARC review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,458 reviews49 followers
January 24, 2023
Fantastic story about Bianca who lives in a wolf pack she’s not a wolf but the others in the pack don’t want her there so one night they go to attack her in the woods but they are scared away by Edmund a vampire he saves her Bianca doesn’t know that he is a vampire but she’s strangely attracted to him. There is so much more going on in this fantastic story I loved it, the characters and storyline and I highly recommend this book.
234 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2023
I don't often read Vampire books but I did enjoy this one and it was quite unique in how it portrayed shifters (being able to shift into any being) and additionally Nymphs/Dryads.

I did feel that this could have been longer, and with more interactions between the heroine and the other vampires, which is why I only gave it 4 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Irene O'Brien.
315 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2023
An unusual connection.

Bianca is a human, living with wolf shifters. She doesn't know her real family.
Edmund is a vampire king searching for a way to keep his people alive.
They find each other and set out to find out what the vampires need.
Gala is a shifter who hates Bianca, she tries to kill her, but Bianca has changed dand and is not so easily beaten.
A story of love and devotion that transcends species.
A must read for all lovers of the supernatural.
Profile Image for Emma.
461 reviews54 followers
March 2, 2023
Very instalove and basically zero element of enemies to lovers which pisses me off as it feels like heaps of false advertising. The blurb is misleading as well.
The book is okay nothing amazing and plenty of plotholes and weirdness but the heart was in the right place and i think with a bit of an overhaul/finetuning it couldve been a really solid story. But like zero worldbuilding and lots of clumsy writing.
The end was lovely thankfully.
Profile Image for Patricia  Meyers.
583 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2023
The Vampire King's Queen!

I read this book in one day! Admittedly, the beginning left me wanting something more. I soon found what I was looking for. Ms. Grey has created a wondrous storyline that will leave readers enthralled by The Vampire King, Edmund and Bianca a woman who was raised in a shifter community but never truly accepted. Edmund and Bianca's encounter and subsequent adventures serve as the basis for this heartfelt story!
769 reviews9 followers
February 11, 2023
Another absolute riveting page turner! You've got strong characters who are enemies purely because of one difference. But will that change? There's plenty of suspense, twists, turns, passion, forbidden love and more. Enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8,850 reviews63 followers
February 21, 2023
Bianca finds her self in need of protection when the people she trusts the most don't step up, it's their enemy vampire King Edmud who does but can she trust him? Well written steamy paranormal enemies to lovers romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carol Harris.
168 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2023
Wonderful romance

I couldn't put this book down!! The plot is mesmerizing and the characters are real and loveable. I wouldn't have called it an enemies to lover's romance though because the main characters never really hated each other. I recommend this book to all paranormal and romance lovers.


2,030 reviews9 followers
January 25, 2023
This is my first Nikki Grey novel, and I wasn't disappointed. Deliciously dark and sinful. With great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,295 reviews20 followers
January 28, 2023
This is a fast and entertaining PNR romance storyline with defined MCs, danger, mystery, and a quest. The chemistry is amazing, and the ending is as I had hoped. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Ali.
806 reviews18 followers
May 10, 2023
No. Just No.

Wow. The writing of this book was awful. The story was a good idea but the execution was complete trash. The horrible dialogue, the annoying characters, and even the world building was just really bad. This is a hard no.
Profile Image for JP.
1,833 reviews14 followers
May 19, 2023
Truly AWESOME 😁

This story was everything I could have wanted 😃. Action, bad people, intense emotions, crazy situations and fantastic characters will keep your attention for hours 😊. Thanks so much Nikki, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more 🤓.
Profile Image for Anna.
102 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
Vampire but not how I was expecting.

Cute story, female lead coming into power, and HEA ending. The spice was good and came in quickly, but I felt the vampire element was a little lacking.
Profile Image for judy.
578 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2023
Bianca

Wow what a beautiful story. It is about love and acceptance. Bianca has no idea where she belongs but that is her greatest desire. This is what the Vampire King gives— well they give that to each other. If you like love stories or stories about coming into your own, you will love this book. It has shifters and other mythical creatures. It is truly a goodread!
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,512 reviews13 followers
January 25, 2023
Bianca and Edmond are hot!!! I love how much Edmond tries to fight it. Bianca was such a complex character. And the discovery that happens only makes this story even better.
Profile Image for Santa Cruz Love.
48 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2023
Good storyline

I enjoyed reading about the different creatures in the book. It was a quick and enjoyable read. I'll be checking out more stories my Nikki Grey.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,807 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2023
I loved It!

Such a riveting tale. I couldn’t put it down. I got so engrossed in the story that I actually felt like I was apart of the story.
Profile Image for Melvena Asa.
1,754 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2023
Vampire King

Absolutely Fantastic. Exciting book from the beginning of the story to the very last word. It is packed full of action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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