3.5/5 stars! There were some really strong points to this story and I really enjoyed the magic system in this world. As a fantasy story, it works. I was less impressed with the romance. It felt very "fated mates" but zero back-ups with chemistry. That said, it's an enjoyable fantasy and I would read more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Bloodheir is a part of the Bloodborn series but can be read as a standalone without feeling like your lost. Vampires have always been my favorite supernatural stories and to have this be a continuation from Dracula 🧛‍♂️ is super cool. Mate bonds are one of my top tropes, but Jesper & Alavara’s didn’t really do it for me. Their bond felt flat and they didn’t seem to learn and grow from each other. The scenes were well described and the fantasy elements were top notch. This was more of a teen/YA romance with minimal smut so not quite enough intimacy for me, but that’s more so a problem with me instead of the story 😅 The plot was a bit predictable and I would have liked to see the characters have more depth. It took a bit to get into since a few parts seemed to move slow but the action definitely made up for it.

I read this as a one off and I am not familiar with the author or series. Despite all that it was a really great stand alone! Unique plot and just the right amount of description to not be overwhelming with details but still thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining!

Sexual tension galore, power hungry royals, and a supernatural focused world. The Dracula background was intriguing and made me read this book in the first place, and I was surprised by how the author spun out this series from it and did a great job! My only complaint is that there isn’t MORE sexual tension and I wish there was more of a focus on the sexual aspect as a lot of that get glossed over and only kisses and touching are described 😒

This fantasy romance was so amazing! The world building was very well done. It had just the right amount of romance and the fantasy aspect of it was very well done.

This book didn’t lack imagination and was full of magic. I felt the characters were well rounded and the story had great world building. Amazing story line with so many twists that I didn’t foresee. Alvara’s fighting skills were a nice change and her training Jesper was hilarious. I enjoyed seeing Jesper’s walls fall for Alvara. My only gripe with this story is the flat nature of the relationship with the MCs. While I loved the banter and their sweet moments, it lacked a genuine connection before the mate bond. The strength of the storyline makes up for it. Can I say I hate her father? Well I absolutely LOATHE him!! I can’t believe his magic and what he did to his children.

Good storyline. Alavara is an elf that is controlled by her father and forced to marry Jesper who is king of vampires. I thought it was a fast read, good story.

Bloodheir by Sydney Winward is such a fun book to read. This book is got me hooked up from the first chapter.

This book have a high sexual tension, enemy to lover, arranged marriage, betrayal, suspense, secret, angst, heart breaking moments and tears. I just love the bickering between Alavara and Jesper. Even though they are enemy but they can't deny their mate bond which make Jesper become a stuttering fool and Alavara, a sexy seductress. This book keep reader at the edge of their seat with the suprising plot twist and action packed.

I'll definitely be waiting for more books from Sydney Winward and I'm looking forward to read the next part.

Jesper Degore, the reluctant heir to Dracula's throne, finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the position following Dracula's demise. Tasked with navigating his country's internal strife and potential war among five coveting armies, Jesper's challenges are further complicated when the dark elf king proposes a crucial deal – marry Princess Alavara or face imminent war.

Alavara, a perpetual pawn in her father's schemes, reluctantly agrees to wed Jesper, fully aware of her father has devilish goal with her marriage. Surprisingly, neither Jesper nor Alavara anticipated the growing attraction between them. As their relationship deepens, they find themselves entangled in a complex web of political intrigue, with Alavara fearing not only for Jesper's safety but also for her own destiny orchestrated by her father.

“Bloodheir” by Syndney Winward is a great Dracula retelling in a romantic fantasy world. I loved Jesper and Alavara and their emotional rollercoaster. I liked that it is a Dracula retelling of the vampires which made it stand out from other vampire books. 4 out of 5 stars.

* I received an Arc of this book in exchange for a honest review*

Bloodheir is well written and edited. The author should be praised for her creativity and imagination in regard to the fantasy elements in this book. However, I struggled through the second half of the book. The beginning welcomed us with explanations of lore and mysteries we may see need to solve only to fall short of them as the story went on. The story could have benefited from fleshing out the characters as well as their love story a bit more. Jesper starts off not wanting to have any romance in his life and hating Alavara to suddenly being head over heels in love with her with no explanation other than a mating bond that was forced upon them. While it was an enjoyable book, I feel like it had potential to be more if given the chance with further development into the character arcs.

Plenty of action and chemistry that has you turning the pages and some adventure to keep things interesting. A recommended read!!!