Collared by the Vampire Prince had some intriguing moments and definitely delivered on the dark, seductive vampire vibes. I liked the underlying tension and the push-pull dynamic between the main characters, but I wasn’t fully sold on the relationship or the pacing. Some parts dragged while others felt rushed, and the Prince himself didn’t quite win me over. Still, it was entertaining enough to finish, and fans of dark paranormal romance might find more to love. For me, it was a mixed bag—interesting concept, but didn’t totally sink its teeth in.

🩸🐺 Book Review: Collared by the Vampire Prince by Darcy Fayton
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

Let’s be real—I came here for the vibes, and I stayed for the hot vampire prince, the pet play politics, and the promise of absolute chaos in book two. And boy, does Collared by the Vampire Prince deliver on its unhinged premise.

At just 19, Kira’s been hiding her whole life, but now? She’s been claimed. Enter Nathaniel, crown prince and certified alphahole, who whisks her off to Volmasque Academy—a.k.a. vampire finishing school where wolf shifters like her get “trained” to become obedient little pets for their undead masters. (Yes. You read that right. No, you are not prepared.)

Plot? Honestly, it’s light. But there’s just enough to keep you from spiraling into existential guilt about how much you're enjoying this dark little power play fantasy. And that cliffhanger at the end?? YEAH. Book two (Plug & Tame—I’m screaming) is clearly about to unleash hell, and I cannot wait.

Nathaniel is possessive, commanding, and gives serious “I will burn the world for you but only after making you beg first” energy. But he’s also got those fleeting, tender moments that make you think: “Wait… am I rooting for him?” (Yes. Yes, I am.) And Kira? She’s got that “quiet girl with a rage arc loading” vibe that promises fireworks when she finally snaps. I need to see her go full feral.

The pace? Fast.
The spice? HOT and heavy.
The main guy? Walking BDE in royal vampire form.

Also, confession time: I usually hate third person POV. It gives me the ick. But honestly? A few chapters in, I didn’t even care anymore—I was too busy being emotionally damaged in the best way.

This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re into dark paranormal vibes, unhinged vampire royalty, and spicy forbidden dynamics, grab your emotional support beverage and dive in.

In retrospect I enjoyed it but I kept thinking wtf while I was reading, Kira starts off wanting to start a rebellion but idk gets lost in the enemies c**ck along the way 🤨
Nathaniel who we meet early on is a sicko freak and I guess he becomes relatively more likeable but I’m not yet convinced
I will read the next book because I’m invested but I’m not sure if BDSM is my thing in a book, I still enjoyed the writing and the paranormal academy setting

This book is definitely my favorite in the series. The enemies to lovers was perfect and the spice was choice and that ending!!! Did not see that one coming!!

Thank you so much for this ARC! It was a good read. They truly went from hating each other to love, and the plot twist at the end was good.

This book is perfect for those who revel in dark, steamy paranormal romances filled with intense power struggles, morally complex characters, and forbidden relationships that defy societal norms and expectations.
Also for those who enjoy exploring the darker side of love and desire, where passion intertwines with danger and obsession, will find this book particularly alluring. The story may delve into themes of power and control, corruption and redemption, and the sacrifices made in the name of love. Tropes such as enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, and star-crossed lovers might also be present, adding layers of tension and emotional conflict to the narrative.

Collared by the Vampire Prince is the first book and it does a good job with the world building and setting the stage for what is to come in the second book. It sets the stage of Kira being “owned” by Nathanial and is used as his “pet” in a sexy BDSM way. It also has quite the twist at the end!

Think of a spicy dark romance where a twist on the twilight series gets crazy. Maybe Bella did choose Jacob! lol I loved this book! It’s all about enemies to lovers but yes yes this one is a spicy book. It made me keke (laugh to myself) to myself plenty lol

I absolutely enjoyed this book! It had the right amount of spice but the plot of the story made it to where the reader wants to keep reading until the very end! Definitely worth reading!

This is my type of book, vampires is a big must read for me. This was so good. I enjoy it all the way to the end. And it gets spicy.

Hahaha this review is going to expose me a little here, but I freaking loved this book. I love dub-con, I love vampires, I like it dark and this book scratched SO MANY ITCHES FOR ME. I actually own a physical copy.

I probably would have a hard time hand selling this book, I get extremely uncomfortable selling any type of dub-con to people I don't know, but I did share with my friends.

Sinfully spicy and deliciously dark. The author rates this book 3/5 on the darkness scale and 5/5 on the spicy scale and i couldnt agree more.

Nineteen year old Kira is past due to attend the academy where wolves are trained to be subservient to their vampire overlords. Tired of hiding and determined to get retribution for the fall of the wolf kingdom and the following massacre, she "unwillingly" turns herself in. But she may have bitten off more than she can chew when she catches and keeps the eye of the vampire prince whose attention throws a wrench, or should i say a butt plug or two into her plans...

This was an interesting read that I found myself enjoying while wondering what direction it was going to take us. Kira is a werewolf shifter whose fate has been sealed and as she is brought to the academy things are going to get intense. Nathaniel is a vampire and takes Kira on as his pet, but it seems that attraction and feelings grow pretty quick for them. This is book one as it ends on a cliffhanger, and we get a lot of character information throughout while in the background we are left with questions about several things I hope are answered in the next one.

Review of Collared by the Vampire Prince (Kira & Nathaniel's Duet #1) by Darcy Fayton

Collared by the Vampire Prince by Darcy Fayton is a captivating, steamy start to the Kira & Nathaniel's Duet series that combines fantasy, romance, and a touch of dark intrigue. From the very first chapter, the reader is swept into a world where vampires rule, secrets abound, and forbidden desires simmer beneath the surface.

The chemistry between Kira and Nathaniel is electric. Kira is a strong and relatable protagonist, while Nathaniel, the enigmatic vampire prince, is both brooding and magnetic. Their dynamic is charged with tension, and as their relationship deepens, so does the emotional and physical pull between them. Fayton does an excellent job of developing their connection in a way that feels intense but also naturally evolves over time, making their eventual bond all the more satisfying.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes as they follow Kira’s journey into a world of vampires, power struggles, and complicated loyalties. While the romance takes center stage, Fayton weaves in enough action and intrigue to ensure the story never feels predictable. The stakes are high, and the reader is invested in Kira’s struggles, not just in her relationship with Nathaniel, but in navigating the complex vampire society she finds herself thrust into.

The world-building in Collared by the Vampire Prince is immersive, with a dark, atmospheric setting that draws the reader into a realm where danger and passion coexist. Fayton’s attention to detail in creating the vampire world is impressive, with rules, politics, and histories that add richness and depth to the story. The tension between the characters and the looming threats outside of their relationship add a layer of suspense that keeps the plot moving forward.

While the romance is steamy and often intense, it’s the emotional stakes and the growth of Kira and Nathaniel’s relationship that truly stand out. There’s depth to their connection that makes their journey feel authentic, even in the midst of the fantasy and danger surrounding them.

Overall, Collared by the Vampire Prince is a compelling and addictive read, filled with passion, mystery, and suspense. Darcy Fayton has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting duet, and readers who enjoy paranormal romance with rich world-building, strong character development, and plenty of chemistry will not want to miss this series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐A Spicy, Dark Fantasy Romance.

Darcy Fayton's "Collared by the Vampire Prince" is a captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and a healthy dose of steam. The story follows Kira, a human who finds herself entangled with Nathaniel, a vampire prince. Their forbidden attraction is palpable, and the author does a great job of building tension and keeping the reader hooked.

What Works:
* Intriguing Premise: The concept of a human bound to a vampire is a trope I love, but Fayton adds her own unique twist, making the story feel fresh.
* Sizzling Chemistry: The sexual tension between Kira and Nathaniel is off the charts. Their encounters are passionate and leave you wanting more.
* Well-Developed World: There is a rich and immersive fantasy world with its own set of rules and lore.

What Could Be Better:
* Character Development: While Kira and Nathaniel are intriguing, their character development could be deeper. We could learn more about their motivations and pasts.

Overall:
It's a fun and spicy read for fans of dark fantasy romance. It's quick and enjoyable with plenty of steam and intrigue. If you're looking for a lighthearted and sexy paranormal romance, this book is worth checking out.

⚠️Be sure to check the trigger warnings first.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me an E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A steamy, fast-paced vampire romance with plenty of bite (and some bark). It’s pure guilty pleasure—dramatic, seductive, and unapologetically fun. Great for anyone craving a dark, spicy escape.

This was a sexy enjoyable read. I loved Kira & Nathaniel and I didnt see the ending coming! Looking forward to the next book!

"Get on your knees, Pet. It is time to play."

If bondage and dark sex, aren't your thing, please read no further. This is definitely a dark and spicy supernatural tale. Filled with vampires, werewolves, and maybe even a few witches that have survived a violent civil war. Nathaniel's vampire father, Henrik has declared himself king which means by default Nathaniel is the prince. The shapeshifting wolves are being trampled underfoot, kept as little more than sex slaves, and blood bags. Kira escaped for a year, but was caught shifting in the local village. Dreading what is to come, Kira is determined to fight for the rights of her kind. But when Nathaniel comes to collect her, it's more than anger and fear Kira feels as she is collared and gagged.

I enjoyed this book so much that I reached out and quickly finished the second book, Groomed By the Prince. This book was equally dark and sexual. As you begin this duology, complete immersion is the only way to lose yourself in this supernatural world. It is fast past, sexually charged twisting mystery where the reader never knows who is good or bad.
"Now sit still and read it!"

Sadly not quite for me, my apologies - many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Dark romantasy with LOTS of very intense spice?? I'm in love there's a second book and I'm incredibly excited to read it