I was enjoying the story, even the spice was good. The spice was definitely spicy. I did enjoy the characters too. This was entertaining.

This one was a little rougher than Punished by the Vampire king was, probably because we see the worst parts of the king (If you read Punished, you know what I mean. Trying not to spoil that one), and that was hard to see. There’s no redemption there.
Definitely read the trigger warnings and take them seriously, because there’s a lot of sexual assault in this book and it’s treated like it’s just a normal part of the world, which I guess it is in this book. Wolf shifters are kept as “pets” to the vampires and are treated as sexual slaves and the headmaster of the school starts a relationship with a much younger student of his, who is a wolf shifter. I say relationship, but at first it isn’t really anything more than master and slave. If you’re a fan of dark dark romances, this one will be up your ally, but if you’re not, I would steer clear of this one.

There isn’t much world building at all, so don’t go into this thinking you’re getting a lord of the rings type of background.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Bedded by the Headmaster is a spin off prequel to the Collared by the Vampire Prince series. This particular story follows Susie and Headmaster Arken through their relationship, and also showing what the university of the Vampire Prince series was like before. I don’t think this book is bad, but compared to the Vampire Prince series, this book didn’t capture my attention as much.

So where this story is strong is in its spice, and also entertainment value. Overall the spice is well written and explicit so for spicy readers alike this could be a good choice. I like to call a book like this the junk food of romance, and this is definitely a guilty pleasure type of book. However, it is not all spice because the plot will keep you guessing, and also it does hook you in. I found myself caring about what will happen to Susie, the Pack, and also about what was going to happen.

Now I will say this book doesn’t measure up to the predecessor because I didn’t find the characters as enjoyable. It is interesting to learn more about Susie and Arken, but they feel a lot less complex in their feelings than the relationship we got in the Vampire Prince series. Maybe, I am also not a fan of the headmaster falling in love with a student vibe, but I digress. I think if you are a fan of the Vampire Prince series this is a good one to try specially if you were curious.

So overall, this is a maybe for me. I am glad I read it because I fell in love with the Vampire Prince series, and I wanted to continue in the universe. However, I would probably encourage people to read the Collared by the Vampire Prince first that way they get the best experience and then come back to this book after that series.

So much fun to read! The spice was top notch as well as the story telling. Took me a bit longer than I anticipated to get through but I’m glad I did.

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.

This book was not for me. Too much spice but too little plot

I was very excited about it as I like to read Forbidden Romances but this one...I just didn't like it.

Thank you so much Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Darcy Fayton for providing this ARC.

Thank you to Darcy and NetGalley for the ARC!

I read Kira and Nathaniel's duet back when they were the "Plug and Claim" duology, so I was excited to get my hands on Susie and Arken's story! Bedded by the Headmaster is the first of a prequel series, and I loved seeing some of the easter eggs for Kira/Nathaniel's story sprinkled throughout.

"Vampire vs. werewolf politics" is such a great trope, and Darcy takes it to a whole new level, incorporating kink dynamics and pet taming. This book is 5-alarm SPICY, and readers should mind the trigger warnings—especially for one particular chapter mid-story. But spice and kink aside, both Susie/Arken's and Kira/Nathaniel's stories are full of rich lore and paranormal/fantasy elements that make it an engaging read.

This is the second book by this author that I have read and really enjoyed. This book does get a bit dark so please check your trigger warning before reading. A young shape shifter, Susie finds herself at Volmasque academy where Vampires want more than just blood and they will take what they want. To save a fellow classmate Susie entices a vampire to her room instead to find a bond between her and their headmaster that is unauthorized at the Academy. This book takes you through the ups and downs of this forbidden Dark Fantasy Romance. I love Darcy Fayton and highly recommend this book for those that love a student teacher dominant love story.

Bedded by the Headmaster by Darcy Fayton is... a lot. And I mean that in the best way possible if you’re into dark, steamy romances that don’t shy away from morally complicated characters and a heavy dose of spice. Set in the gothic, high-drama halls of Volmasque Academy, this book throws you straight into a world where vampires rule and wolf shifters are, well, the ones ruled. It’s dark, messy, and absolutely dripping with tension.

Let’s start with Susie. She’s guarded, fierce, and haunted by her past (as any good dark fantasy heroine should be). Watching her wrestle with her trauma while trying to protect others made her an easy character to root for—though sometimes I wanted to scream, “Girl, run!” whenever Headmaster Arken came around. Speaking of Arken... whew. He’s broody, broken, and definitely a little toxic, but somehow you kind of want him to figure his mess out. His chemistry with Susie? Let’s just say the sparks might burn your Kindle.

Now, fair warning: this book isn’t for the faint of heart. The power dynamics are intense, and the moral ambiguity is dialed all the way up. If you’re here for squeaky-clean romance or characters who always make the “right” choices, this might not be your vibe. But if you’re down for a forbidden love story where the stakes (and the steam) are sky-high, you’ll probably be hooked.

For me, the pacing wavered a bit, especially in the second half, and I sometimes felt the court intrigue got overshadowed by the romance. But the tension was real, and the world-building—gothic castle, oppressive atmosphere, dangerous secrets—had me locked in. I also liked how the book set up future conflicts for Susie and Arken without leaving me dangling off a cliffhanger.

I’d call this a 3 star read depending on your taste for dark academia-style fantasy romance. Huge thanks to Darcy Fayton, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for the ARC. If you’re in the mood for a spicy, morally gray tale that toes the line between passion and danger, Bedded by the Headmaster might just keep you up past your bedtime.

4.5-Star Review of Bedded by the Headmaster by Darcy Fayton

Darcy Fayton‘s Bedded by the Headmaster is the first book in the Susie & Arken Duology, and it brilliantly combines forbidden romance and dark fantasy to create an unnerving and compelling novel. This book, set in a world where vampires reign supreme, and wolf shifters are reduced to pawns of blood and pleasure, delves into issues of trauma, perseverance, and redemption with a surprising complexity.

Bedded by the Headmaster ♦ Darcy Fayton
A Review

Opinion
The plot revolves around Susie, a traumatized but fiercely protective wolf shifter, and Arken, the brooding vampire headmaster. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. Susie is a noteworthy and likable protagonist because she has transformed from a survivor to someone willing to question the system, even at great personal risk. Arken, on the other hand, is a highly flawed character who first embodies his type’s predatory inclinations. Their connection is both scandalous and deeply touching, as we peel back his layers to discover a troubled soul yearning for change.

The gloomy atmosphere of Volmasque Academy is as important to the tale as the main characters, full of mystery and peril. The constant physical and emotional strain has had me on the edge of my seat, wondering if Susie and Arken‘s budding passion will result in their salvation or demise. Though often difficult to accept, Fayton does not sugarcoat the disturbing reality of her surroundings; these characteristics emphasize the story’s significance.

The romance is intense, with sequences that are both erotic and melancholy. Fayton expertly balances want with discomfort, resulting in a dynamic that seems primal and complex. While the spice is certainly hot, it never takes away from the emotional essence of the story.

The only reason this book falls short of a five-star rating is that some darker parts, particularly the institutional abuse of wolf shifters, may be too heavy or unresolved for certain readers. Furthermore, as the first portion of a duology, Bedded by the Headmaster concludes with various loose ends, leaving me eager for the closure in the following installment.

Conclusion

Overall, Bedded by the Headmaster is a daring and compelling book that does not hold back. Darcy Fayton has built a universe that is both captivating and disturbing, with characters you will root for even when they are at their worst. Fans of dark fantasy romance and morally complicated love stories will find this novel completely engrossing. I can’t wait to see how Susie and Arken‘s story continues in the sequel.

Bedded by the Headmaster* by Darcy Fayton is a DARK dark fantasy romance that weaves a storyline of drastic power dynamics and an age gap forbidden love. The novel takes place on the estate of Volmasque Academy, where wolf shifter Susie finds herself bravely advocating for her fellow wolf-shifters, managing the abuse of the vampire students and teachers, and trying not to fall for the handsome and deadly vampire Headmaster Arken.

This was quite a bit darker than I usually read in my romance. I found the world, magic system, shifter and vampire dynamics to all be incredibly interesting and well written. The story really drew me in and I will likely read the follow up. Susie and Arken have a power imbalance, but they have common ground in their relationship, once they realize it. They have very spicy and sweet moments that brought such satisfaction throughout the story. I will say, pay close attention to the content warnings, and heed them if you are a reader with specific triggers. I will give Darcy Fayton all of the credit due for the pre-chapter warning and the post chapter summary. That specific chapter contains sexual assault that is poignant to the story as it reveals just how brutal and horrible the current ruler is. I appreciate Darcy not only warning the reader, but going so far as to include a summary of the chapter for the reader, such as myself, who has a hard time with SA content. Thank you for being so considerate of your readers wanting to try something darker, but still needing to skip a scene or two.
Do not worry reader, Darcy Fayton writes heroines and heroes who fight, persevere, heal, and have a Happy Ever After.

I really don't think this book was my style. I struggled to get into it and the development for the characters was lacking.

3.75 stars. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This one is not for the faint of heart. Huge thanks to the author for providing a chapter warning both at the beginning of the book and then right before said chapter begins. Check your TWs. Lots of depictions of SA and one very detailed, intense chapter of such an attack. The author does provide a chapter summary for those that chose to skip this chapter as well without missing the important details of how it affects the characters story progression.

Having read both Henrikk’s standalone, and Nathanial and Kira’s first book (I paused to go back and read this duet before continuing theirs as it happens chronologically before), I was prepared for the dark themes but even saying so, not prepared enough.
The fury and frusteration I felt reading Susie’s struggles sent me on an emotional roller coaster. To feel so helpless in a word set up against you and your people, yet try to do everything in your power to illicit change and protect others when no one’s protecting you is just the kind of strong fmc I want to read about. And that’s Susie. She’s not weak or naive. She makes the best of the circumstances thrown at her and while at times I felt angry at her total disregard for her own safety and willingness to put others before her, I also found it admirable. Her character takes a beating this whole story and while I’m fond of Arken’s kindness towards her, I can’t say I excuse his ignorance. While I understand his motives of the way he does things, and the compromises he makes to keep himself and the ones he cares about safe, it was still overall hard to justify some of the things happening and wanted someone better for Susie. Hoping there’s more of a redemption arc for Arken in the second book, he’s made some growth here but let’s keep growing. Theres a lot of SA depicted throughout these books, due to the dynamic of warring wolves vs vampires, but this one had a lot more than the others in terms of we see it depicted in other non main characters as well and of that course one extra brutal chapter. Again, I can’t stress this enough, check the TWs first. This is a very dark, forbidden romance set in a cruel world but there are heroes working towards change. Let’s hope they succeed in turning things around.

Thank you @Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC. This is my first book to read by Darcy Fayton and I was not disappointed. The school setting where Vampires are able to rule over Wolves and use them for blood is crazy. Also the beastly way wolves treat each other was sad, but I loved how Susie wants to protect and change this was admirable. I love Susie, she is tough and loyal. A must read.

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

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What to Expect:
🧛Vampires
🩸TENSIONNNN!!
🧛SPICEE!!
🩸Court Intrigue
🧛Paranormal
🩸Erotica Romantasy
🧛Werewolves
🩸Dark/Spicy Academia
🧛Student/Teacher
🩸Age Gap
🧛Major TRIGGERS!

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Finished Bedded by the Headmaster, and wow—WHAT A FRICKIN RIDE🥵🥵🥵! This book is dark, steamy, and not for the faint-hearted (CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS). Right off the bat, I want to say I really appreciated that it had specific content warnings at the beginning of the book, and again a heads-up before certain intense scenes/chapters. The author, Darcy Fayton, went the extra mile to include a summary so you could skip the chapter but still stay up to speed. It’s a thoughtful touch, especially in such a twisted dark romance with heavy themes.

The story is set in Volmasque Academy, a world of vampires, wolf shifters, and brutal power dynamics, where we meet Susie, a wolf shifter, and Arken, the academy’s headmaster and a vampire. Their relationship is intense, filled with age-gap tension, obsession, and forbidden attraction that keeps you on the edge THE WHOLE TIME. There’s not a ton of world-building here (another spice>plot type), but the focus on their dark romance is more than enough to hold your attention. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, boundary-pushing romance with spice and twisted dynamics, this one’s for you.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this, in return for an honest review!!!

❝For you, my dear, there is nothing I wouldn't do.❞

Bedded by the Headmaster - Darcy Falton
★★★★☆

Thank you Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review!

I've read other book in this vampire universe—Collared by the Vampire Prince—and i should say i like this one better because the character is surely more mature and less reckless. A lot more on emotional aspects such as trauma, forgiving, insecurity. Even though the FMC didn't made much difference, the way the author build Arken's character and his back story add so much depth into the plot. I love how he's on a kind and gentle side type of man despite his reputation and position in the academy. It wasn't as spicy as i thought it would be (maybe 3/5) but we also presented with heavier topics so make sure to check the trigger warnings before proceeding.

There's sure a lot of misunderstanding, never ending one at that. Very very little communication, you can easily count the proper ones. I wish they will do better in the sequel.

Personally, i just can't resist age gap older MC type of story and still enjoyed the whole experience. Thinking about picking the sequel!

f you’re in the mood for a spicy paranormal romance, Bedded by the Headmaster by Darcy Fayton is a fantastic pick! The first in the Susie & Arken duet, this story introduces Susie, a wolf shifter, and Arken, the vampire headmaster at Volmasque Academy, where shifters are subservient to vampires. When Susie volunteers herself to spare a younger student from Arken’s feeding, their forbidden attraction ignites, leading to an intense, age-gap romance. Told from both Susie and Arken’s perspectives, the book balances steamy moments with an evolving emotional connection and dark secrets hidden within the academy. It's a quick, thrilling read, but check trigger warnings before starting—it's intense! I can’t wait to see where the sequel takes this story.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

Not bad at all high spice, which I love. Not bad storyline.

This is a dark, dark fantasy novel. Please read the warnings well and make your choice. A fascinating dynamic between Susie and the headmaster, she goes from waiting and hoping to bring completely in control from chapter to chapter which was a bit strange. The themes were were very harsh and vivid, perhaps too vivid at times. Thrilling but scary at the same time.

My review is posted on goodreads (link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6895118777) as of 11:55 am on 11/04/2024.

Netgalley Review

If you’re a fan of dark romance that intertwines suspense, intrigue, and intense character dynamics, this book is a must-read. Be warned, this book contains darker themes of non-consent and dubious consent, so check trigger warnings.

The paranormal world that Darcy Fayton has created is rich with species dynamics and hints of magic, plunging the story into a dark academia aesthetic with a compelling twist. Headmaster Arken is an enigmatic figure, balancing between nonchalance and his obsession for Susie—who is both strong-willed and selfless. Their connection teeters on the edge of love, posession, and something far more primal.

My criticism for this book lies in the underdeveloped relationship between Arken and Susie. It could be characterized as insta-love from Arken’s POV, but Susie really goes from hating him to adoring him in a split-second somewhere in the middle of the plot. For a romance book, I wish it focused a bit more on their relationship. Overall, though, it was a good read.