Blood Thirsty Beloved by Ella Fields

If you’re a fan of Ella Fields’ dark romance and romantasy novels, Blood Thirsty Beloved will likely be on your radar. I have a secret: I’ve read a lot of books by Ella Fields. The way she encapsulates the male perspective always feels fresh and polarizing, and it’s something I consistently enjoy about her writing. I waited eagerly for this release and went in confident that I would like it—and for the most part, I did.

Plot Overview

Blood Thirsty Beloved follows Ethel and Brey as they become betrothed and eventually married. The story unfolds through a mix of past and present timelines, allowing readers to slowly piece together their history and emotional connection. I found this structure worked well for the story and added depth to their relationship.

Writing Style & Dialogue

One thing Ella Fields always gets right is dialogue. It feels natural, immersive, and vivid. I could easily picture myself in the scenes, listening to them speak. The emotional tension comes through clearly, and the character interactions feel authentic rather than forced.

Pacing & Tension

The pacing is strong throughout and the story never drags. However, my only real quirk is the buildup surrounding the reason for all the tension between the characters. It fell a bit flat for me. I was expecting a grand scandal or a more dramatic reveal and was left feeling slightly deprived.

Overall Thoughts

While I didn’t love Blood Thirsty Beloved as much as Amid Clouds and Bones, it was still a very enjoyable read and a solid addition to Ella Fields’ collection. If you enjoy dark romance, intense relationships, and emotionally charged storytelling, this book is worth picking up.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Souls in Ruin by Jacqueline White

Genre: Romantic Fantasy Rating: 2/5

Content Warning

Souls in Ruin contains heavy and potentially distressing themes, including emotional trauma, physical and psychological suffering, and prolonged despair. Readers sensitive to dark subject matter should proceed with caution.

⸻

Review

First and foremost, Souls in Ruin was a difficult read. I felt uncomfortable throughout. I usually enjoy stories that take place over a long span of time—where characters grow, age, and we get to follow along with their evolution. While there was growth in the main character, Mireille, the circumstances in which that growth occurred left me deeply sad.

Every time I picked up this book, I was swept into despair. The emotional weight of Mireille’s journey never truly eased, and the story consistently pulled me into feelings of grief and hopelessness rather than offering moments of balance or relief.

By the end, although the circumstances were technically better, I struggled to believe Mireille could find genuine happiness for a long time. The scars—both mental and physical—run deep, and the book does not shy away from the lasting impact of trauma.

⸻

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m giving Souls in Ruin two stars. This is not a book I would recommend universally. Readers who enjoy dark, emotionally heavy romantic fantasy may find value here, but for many, the experience may feel overwhelming.

Read at your own risk.