Plug and Drain

Susie & Arken's Duet #1

by Darcy Fayton

◆ Vampires crave more than blood when they visit students’ beds. Refusing a vampire student is dangerous. But refusing the headmaster? Impossible. ◆

Please note: This is Book 1 of the Plug and Drain Duology and serves as the prequel to the Plug and Claim Duology. While you can start with either series, we recommend beginning with Plug and Claim for the best reading experience.


Plug and Drain is the spicy and gripping prequel to the Plug and Claim Duology, unveiling a tale of paranormal fantasy and dark romance with forbidden love, taboo spice scenes, and addictive fast-paced chapters to keep you turning the pages aching for more.

As night falls, Volmasque Academy transforms into a dark realm of forbidden desires, where wolf shifters like Susie are forced to succumb to the dark will of vampires. When the headmaster unexpectedly arrives to feed on a vulnerable female student, Susie has an overwhelming urge to shield her and finds herself standing at the crossroads of morality and survival. To protect another, can Susie muster the courage to invite the monster into her room—and into her bed?

Haunted by his dark past, Headmaster Arken seeks solace in drink to numb his pain, and trudges through the daily grind at the academy. Until a student captures his eye, breaking his monotony and offering a glimmer of hope for the future. Inspired by Susie's ambition to transform the academy for the better, Arken finds himself craving not only her blood, but her companionship as well. But to win her heart, he must contemplate the toughest challenge of transforming himself.

◆ TROPES ◆
• Book 1 of the Plug and Drain Duology (prequel to Plug and Claim Duology)
• Steamy with spice rating of 5/5
• M/F Dark Romance
• Teacher / Student
• Paranormal College Academy
• Age Gap (20F / 39M)
• New Adult (18+)
• Praise / Toys
• Dom / Sub
• Slow-burn romance
• Morally Grey MMC
• Strong FMC

WARNING:
• Noncon explored as a primary theme
• Explicit on-page SA (not by MMC) that spans multiple pages. A chapter summary is provided for those who wish to skip this.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Dark Romance, Erotica, Dark

536 pages, ebook

Published March 31, 2024

About the author

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✨You can find my books on Amazon

✨For Content/Trigger Warnings please visit darcyfayton.com

✨Author Bio:
Darcy Fayton crafts fireside tales set in gothic castles, overflowing with forbidden love, emotional angst, scorching spice, witty banter, and a touch of magic. Her stories feature morally grey yet gentlemanly heroes with sweet sides and glimmers of redemption, perfect for readers who love complex characters. Her bestselling debut, Collared by the Vampire Prince*, is the ideal starting point for new readers. Her family thinks she writes sweet romance—but oh, if only they knew!


*Previously published as the bestselling 'Plug and Claim'

✨Click here for easy links to my books on Amazon, Bookbub, and more.

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this for review on netgally.

Before the rest of the review I want to highlight that I'm very grateful for a particular chapter coming with a warning before the book start and before it begun and the ability to skip it but get a good summary so I could follow along with the story just as well. Don't think I've seen this done before.

I found the story to be very gripping and easy understanding the world and getting invested in the characters. It's very dark at times and very intense way things works in the world and the academy. I'm very interested to continue with the series.

[Sarah]

dnf @ 13% for pretty much the reasons in the other reviews

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy twisted dark romances with gripping storylines, a FMC who isn't afraid to be both submissive and dominant, and confront monsters, and a MMC who is hopelessly besotted, eager to satisfy and intensely possessive, this is the story for you!

In a paranormal world filled with vampires, wolf shifters and magic comes the dark academia style romance of Vampire Masters and their pets.
This follows headmaster Arken and his quest to claim the unique and selfless student Susie as his own.
Does he want a slave, a pet, a lover, or something more?, not even he understands yet, but he's irrevocably obsessed with her and wants to win her heart.

Part 1 of this Duology explores the dark and spicy delights of this forbidden. student teacher taboo romance.
As a prequel to the plug and tame Duology, this explores the dangers of Volmasque Academy, the brutal treatment and forced submission of wolves, teachers dark desires, and the devastating consequences of opening your heart under King Henrikks rule.

Strap in for a brutal ending as we patiently wait for book 2!!!!

🌶️(Be a good pet and sink your teeth into the Plug and Claim Duology, and Henrikk's short stories if you haven't already and want more of this deliciously dark world)🌶️

[Kay Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My pure, dark, erotic fans, prepare for a wild ride!

We have an Academy for students where vampires have their pets. (Wolf shifters.) Enter an age-gap and student-teacher relationship between us as the reader's most loved fantasy characters. Also, things are pretty fast-paced. You'll jump in feet first, hitting the bottom faster than dropping an anchor.

Worldbuilding is out of the question here. It's very...very minimal. Bedded by the Headmaster mainly focuses on the dark relationship between the headmaster and the student. When I say it's dark, it's ultra dark. There are several trigger warnings listed at the beginning, as well as page breaks warning you before you enter the next chapter. (I actually loved this. Unique, different. A triple heads up.)


(Side Note: I received this as an Arc through NetGalley. These are my own true opinions.)



Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Audiobook: Physically Read
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5)

[Chiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the TW, also very greatful for Darcy Fayton to add a warning in the chapter where she was going to address a particular event in the story. She also offers a detailed summary of the events if you want to skip the chapter. I don't I've ever seen something like this before.

Having said that, this was one gripping novel, full of spice and the world building is very intriguing. when I started reading I had no idea what I was going to start but I enjoyed every moment of it. The relationship between Arken and Susie is challenging but very rewarding.

The plot and everything else around it is quite intense! Can't wait for book 2 now!

Thank you Darcy and NetGalley for the Arc

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lot less dark than Nathaniel and Kira's duet. There is a SA scene but it's easily skipped as the author marked it and provides a summary at the end of the chapter. Really enjoyed the dynamic between Arkan and Susie, and looking forward to reading Book 2!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Ram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an E-Arc of this book from NetGalley. "The Plug and Drain," the first installment of the Plug and Drain Duology, sets the stage for a thrilling journey into the realm of dark romance, complete with heart-pounding twists and a cliffhanger ending.
I start reading this story without much prior knowledge, and boy, was I in for a wild ride! Let me tell you, this is not your typical love story. It's dark, it's steamy, and it's definitely not for the faint-hearted. Seriously, make sure you check out the warnings before diving in. We're talking spicy scenes, an age gap, and a student/teacher dynamic here. It's definitely geared towards new adults (18+).
The story revolves around Susie, a wolf shifter, and Arken, a vampire, navigating their complicated relationship at Volmasque Academy. It's a world where wolf shifters like Susie are at the mercy of vampires, and let me tell you, the power dynamics are intense!
While there's some world-building sprinkled throughout, the main focus is on the romance and, let's just say, things get pretty heated. If you're into fast-paced dark romances, then this book is for you. I'm already itching to dive into the sequel!
Big thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Darcy Fayton for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[RoXXie | The Art of Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


This review was first published at The Art of Reading.

[Zana]

DNF @ 15%

Is there even a storyline? It's all just rape scenes. I'm done.

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plug and Drain is a steamy paranormal romance involving wolves and vampires. When Susie (a wolf) invites the headmaster at their school to feed from her to save another student, she has no idea what she is in for. This book is full of little plot twists and also illustrates the corruption of their world under the vampire king.

Arken is surprisingly sweet, but seemed very naive to everything that occurs at the school and how things are for the wolves, who are seen as being lesser than vampires. Battling his own inner demons and trying to avoid inciting wrath from the king, this book definitely shows how he has and is currently struggling to survive and make things right. Overall, I loved seeing how the relationship between Susie and Arken developed despite everything they are challenged with.

This book does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that! The 2nd book is set to release sometime later this year.

Additionally I found out after reading this book that it is the prequel series to the duology Plug and Claim and Plug and Tame!

Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Darcy Fayton for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review

3.5/5 ⭐️

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this read 🥵

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to explore a new genre by providing access to an ARC of this book.
I was pleasantly surprised - Plug and Drain has a fast paced plot that holds together throughout the novel. The characters are drawn well and evoke appropriate emotions (heroes are heroic, villains are villainous, and the villain by circumstance is pathetic/adorable). It's not classic literature and I don't feel I'm a convert to the genre, however, I got straight on to the e-copies of the previous Plug and Claim: An addictive enemies-to-lovers Steamy Dark Paranormal Romance duology and have recommended the author and series to several friends. I cannot in good conscience rate this book at anything less the 4 stars.

[Update September 2024: Most definitely a convert. I'm on the Patreon, have re-read the darn things several times and crossed over into several other series. Not sure whether to thank author Darcy Fayton or not - I do though, thank you ever so much!]

On their 18th birthday, young werewolves join young vampires at Volmasque Academy to complete their education. The vampires live together, form cliques and learn how to establish a dominant relationship with their werewolves. The wolves live together, form packs, and learn how to submit to vampires. During her first year at the Academy, Susy establishes herself as an Alpha, holds pack meetings in the library, carves out her own personal sanctuary behind walls of books, and learns to avoid the worst of the teacher and vampire student attention. Unfortunately Headmaster Arcane has taken more than a casual interest in her schooling and Suzy's plans to stay under the radar during her second year are falling apart.

As is often the case with books that don't quite hit the mark, the ending let me down. Suzy is drawn as an exceptionally strong FMC, matching vampire wickedness at [almost] every turn. To achieve the cliffhanger ending the author chose to have Suzy take action which is both in-character selfless, and out-of-character stupid. I am looking to Plug and Arcane to see how this situation is resolved. Nb: I hope it is not a MMC to the rescue development.

Don't skip the introduction at the beginning of the novel (and others in the series). If you are new to dark romance or will potentially be triggered by the content of the story, including sexual violence/violence, BDSM, or the use of toys and restraints, you will find a strong indicator here. There were elements I found uncomfortable and topics I'd not considered previously that led to some fascinating conversations about consent, safety and responsibility in relationships and power dynamics.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very grateful to have received an eARC for this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My overall summary is that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is an entertaining and spicy exploration of a relationship between a vampire Headmaster and a wolf-shifter student who is trying to advocate for equality between vampire and wolf-shifter students. Now, it is VERY important that readers take caution when considering this book and check any trigger warnings. This book is a dark romance including violence and detailed description of complex topics that not all readers may be comfortable with.

4/5 ⭐️ Great introduction Susie and Arkens story, the very ending cliff hanger caught me off guard a little, but I will definitely be reading the next book to find out how it is handled.

4.5/5 🌶️ Very spicy, multiple dark scenes, make sure to check trigger warnings as author has noted noncon is a major theme explored through the book.

The overall plot focusses on Susie who is a wolf-shifter student at Volmasque Academy looking to make a difference to make life better for all, but especially the weaker wolf-shifters who are consistently abused. After a series of incidents, she grabs the attention of the Headmaster Arken, who not only is intrigued by her attempts to propose reform for the school, but also the truths that she drops on him. Her boldness forces him to look inward on himself and his actions, as he considers how to move forward with his mistakes.

Plug and Drain was an interesting first book in the duology focused on Susie and Arken, which is considered a prequel to the Plug and Claim duology. I read Plug and Claim first, which is the first of the duology focused on Nathaniel and Kira. I think I would read them in the order I did, as I think Plug and Claim gave a slower introduction and more context for some of the behaviors of the academy students and teachers, and other academy quirks. Whereas in contrast the beginning of Plug and Drain is more intense and immediately immersed in the complex environment of the Academy.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, it expanded on Susie’s character who I loved since reading about how she cared for Kira in Plug and Claim. But gave surprising depth with Arken’s character, who took the time to review his actions and navigate the difficult position he is in. This is a very spicy book, that focusses on the exploration of Susie’s goal of bringing more equality and choice to the lives of wolf-shifters and Arken’s exploration about himself and his inaction. If you liked Plug and Claim I think you will like this duology as well. My personal opinion is to read this after Plug and Claim, however the Plug and Drain duology is considered a prequel, so the choice is yours. Finally, a last reminder that it is VERY important that readers take caution when considering this book and check any trigger warnings.

[beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I got this as an eARC from NetGalley*

This book is about Susie and Arken. Susie is a werewolf living in a wolf where vampires must feed off of them. They all live in Volmasque Academy, where Arken is the headmaster. One day, Arken is looking for blood and goes to the room across the hall from Susie. Werewolves are submissive to vampires and cannot say no. Even if they do, the vampires do not listen and take what they want anyway. The room across the hall is Molly, someone who Susie wants to protect from vampires and their urges. She begs Arken to take her instead and he obliges. They start to develop feelings for each other but the King and others keep getting in the way of their love.

Ok let's talk about the elephant in the room. When I first saw this book, I was looking at the cover and thinking surely that can't be.....it is. It is exactly what you think it is. I know the whole series is based off of the same title pattern, but as someone who has not read the other books, nor will read the other books, I can think of so many title options that would have been better. Like the idea the title is based off of is like the least influential part of the book. Another thing I did not like about this book was all the mentions of (Trigger Warning) rape. First off, it is an underlying theme throughout the ENTIRE book. It is mentioned in the list of trigger warnings inside the book, but I would also add it in the description somewhere so people who are just reading the description are aware. There was the one scene with the King that literally made me want to throw up because it just kept going. Like, I think the point was to show how helpless everyone is and the uncontrolled power that the King has, but I feel like there are other ways to show that. In the list of warnings at the beginning, it also says that it ends on a cliffhanger. I would not say that the end is a cliffhanger. Like there was no drama, it just felt like the author stopped writing. It was in the middle of a scene - I think if it is going to be a cliffhanger to just end it with Susie walking into the room and boom she sees what is happening and end it there.

Also this has nothing to do with the contents of the book, but reading it was very unpleasant visually. I downloaded it from Netgalley to my Kindle. I read on the Kindle app on my iPhone. In the app the book was formatted so that it was a grey box in the middle of the screen. It did not match any Kindle settings and so the entire time it was just a grey box with the green border (the setting I normally have). The words also seemed to be in italics which irritated my eyes. This could have just been because I was not reading it on a real Kindle, but this has never happened to me with any other book.

[prarthita · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

2ish stars?
I got this one off netgalley and it is something outside of my normal reads or usual comfort zone so take that into account from the review.
This is an erotica but there is a decent storyline underneath it as well. Susie is a wolf shifter student who cannot shift but who stands up for others and has a dominant streak. Arken is the headmaster of the school and a vampire who has been rather broken by the Vampire King. There's the whole taboo teacher student vibe but it helps that they are both adults.
I liked the idea of the world with the vampires in charge, the witches murdered and the wolves as "pets" but I would like more explanation to how it all got there. The way things were set up in the school, while terrible, for the wolves in particular, was still pretty well done.
The biggest issue I had was the rape scene somewhere over halfway into the book. It was way longer than necessary and more detailed and awful then I want to read about. I knew there were rape scenes and dubious consent but having that scene go on and on was just not for me. I get that it is there to show how helpless they all are but still. The book also stops in an odd and disjointed spot, kind of mid scene. If the author wanted a cliffhanger there was a better pausing point a page or two earlier.

Still if you are looking for an erotica with some good sex scenes and an interesting enough storyline this wasn't bad. Just beware of the triggers

[Marlou Klijn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is definitely one of those books I don't want my parents to know I read 😂

I don't even know why I picked it up from Netgalley. This isn't usually something I go for. I think the Dark Romance bit threw me off. I like Dark Romance, haven't read a lot, but I do like it. This one wasn't just dark, it was pitch black. If you're someone with specific triggers please please please look them up for this book, do not skip, read them carefully.

There's basically no plot. Lots of smut. But not really the tasteful kind. I'm very neutral on dub-con and non-con smut scenes, but this one was filled to the brim with it and I just...genuinely don't know what I just read. Somehow I got invested and read the whole book, but I've definitely made a few disgusted faces while reading this.

This was not really the book for me so I'm giving it two stars.

This book was provided to me by Netgalley.

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Volmasque Academy—where vampires rule the night, wolf shifters are nothing more than pets, and one headmaster's obsession might just burn the whole place to the ground.

If you're craving something dangerously dark, morally grey, and laced with forbidden tension, Bedded by the Headmaster sinks its fangs into you from page one and does not let go.

Susie is the kind of FMC that’ll grab your heart with her trauma-fueled compassion and then gut-punch you with her bravery. She's not here to play games—she’s staying up at night, protecting the first years, and calling out the monsters when no one else will. Including him. Arken. The vampire headmaster. Drunk, broken, predatory—and oh-so-besotted.

What starts as a moment of fury and defiance—Susie catching him in the act—spirals into a twisted, possessive obsession. Arken doesn't just want her blood; he wants her soul, her submission, her everything. But Susie? She’s not falling easily.

And that’s where this story thrives.
This isn’t a cutesy redemption arc—it’s raw, disturbing, and full of dangerous longing. The dynamic between Susie and Arken is both devastating and electric. Think student-teacher taboo with a power imbalance that constantly shifts, burns, and tempts.

📚 This book is NOT for the faint of heart.
⚠️ Fayton does not hold back. Noncon, institutional abuse, violence, and emotional warfare are central themes. But if you’re into twisted worldbuilding, dominant vampires, submissive-but-will-snap-back heroines, and ultra-spicy scenes that toe (and cross) the line, this delivers in spades.

The worldbuilding is minimal but effective, with the academy functioning as a dark stage for manipulation, survival, and subtle rebellion. Susie’s mission to upend the vampire-wolf dynamic adds emotional weight, while Arken’s spiraling obsession injects the romance with the perfect amount of “he's doomed and so are you, babe.”

The ending? One word: Brutal. Cliffhanger warning fully in effect.
But honestly? That pain hit just right. I need book 2 immediately.

Final Thoughts:
Darcy Fayton has crafted a filthy, fascinating ride through pain, power, and forbidden passion. If you’re into dark academia, taboo spice, damaged anti-heroes, and slow-burn submission with bite—Bedded by the Headmaster is ready to ruin you.

🩸 Recommended reading order: If you’ve read Plug and Claim, you’ll spot some familiar threads, but this duet can stand on its own. Just be ready for the trauma train.

🔗 “He craved her blood. She craved justice. Neither knew what would break first.”

Ready to enter the dorms of Volmasque Academy?
Just remember: refusing a vampire is dangerous…but refusing the headmaster? Impossible.

[Lexa K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy Fayton is quickly becoming a favourite of mine in this genre! Having read Nathaniel and Kira's duet previously, I had an idea of what I was going into with this one - and I absolutely loved it!
This author has a knack for blending spice and narrative to the point where I just couldn't put the book down! I blushed, I sighed, I swooned, and then I spent money on the next instalment in the duology because I HAVE to continue with this story!
If you like a dark romance with paranormal characters and a LOT of heat, this book is for you!

Be warned, though. This book is not for the feint-hearted, and there is a long list of trigger warnings that should be taken into consideration before you plunge head first into this one.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book via Netgalley.

[Sierra| HooksxBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is pretty long. It takes a little bit of time to get into the real story line, but it’s good.

The spice level in this headmaster & student dark DARKKK romance is a 4. But the storyline is sad, heavy & super damn toxic. It’s super forbidden love and drama.. & then of course, there’s Henrikk. The witches are almost extinct. The academy is wretched.

There’s a lot going wrong in this place. And Susie has a lot of heart and a plethora of disadvantages.

I am definitely eager to see how everything plays out with Susie & her pack, Susie & Arkeb & hopefully, the end of Henrikk’s reign of terror.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book.

I volunteered to read a ARC of this book through BookSirens.

[Kaitlyn Kirby Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a fan of the original plug and claim duet (now known as collard/groomed by the vampire prince) and knew I’d want to read this duet too with interconnection characters.

Darcy Fayton does not just write spicy content, it is SMUTTTT. Like, down right filthy, leave a girl clutching imaginary pearls smuttttt. 6 out of 5 peppers 🌶️ level spice!
Now, I’m happy to report that even though every chapter seems to have something “going on” she still forms a super dark angsty romance story with a captivating plot.

[Maddi Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really what I was expecting, but then again what did I really think was going to happen? I ate this one day haha!

Third person POV is not my jam, as stated before, but I thought the writing was very good, so it was hard to focus on the pov. Well written characters, and I was grateful for the descriptions in the book. Very fantasy heavy in the plot, so having the backstory and description really helped.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the eARC!!

[Tara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to mark this one as did not finish about 30% in. I struggled with the flow of the storyline and the character development. I did not like how the FMC was willing to offer herself for sex even though she didn’t want to, but then was into it. I did like how the FMC stood up for a fellow pack mate though.

[Robbi Fleshner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC
This isn’t a book I would typically pick up! But I was so glad I got the opportunity to read this eARC! Definitely a dark romance/fantasy. Liked that there was an option to skip over the very dark part!
Spice level-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to a world of vampires and wolf shifters. They are ruled by a viscous vampire king who has made it so that vampires are the elite species while wolf shifters are turned into pets and witches are illegal. Interspecies relationships are also illegal.

This story follows a steamy love story between the vampire head master Arken and a student wolf shifter Susie. We find that Arken is surprisingly sweet for a vampire. He treats Susie like an equal instead of a pet.

There are plot twists at every corner. It really keeps you on your toes. The spice is off the charts and is not for the shy. Speaking of which, please check your trigger warnings. There’s two pages you should definitely read through before you dive in.

I was mostly hooked from the beginning. Although, I did find myself setting the book aside to take a break here and there. I still flew through it. It did end on a cliffhanger.

This is a prequel to the Plug and Claim Duology.

3.5/5

[i · Rating 3 out of 5]

very greatful for a giant warning above one of the chapters with a summary at the end. trigger warnings too the max

[Cynthia T · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Finn Lampe · Rating 2 out of 5]

The spice was good, but the plot and storyline were lacking and it all didn't come together to a story like the other book I read from the author.

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: This book contains dark themes, non-consensual acts, and brutal scenes. Please read the provided trigger warnings at the beginning of the book before reading.

This dark romance novel, written by Darcy Fayton, centers on Susie, a werewolf struggling with the inability to shift. Unfortunately for Susie, this is not her biggest problem as she lives in a world ruled by the merciless Vampire King Henrikk, where vampires reign supreme, and werewolves are nothing more than sources of food and sex. Susie attends Volmasque Academy, where her path collides with Headmaster Arken, the vampire leader of the school. On a night fueled by desperation, Arken's hunger drives him to feed from Susie, sparking an intricate dance of power, expectation, and forbidden attraction that binds them together.

At first, the book's heavy and brutal scenes made it tough to read, which is likely why other readers have struggled to continue. However, Darcy Fayton's world-building and writing style drew me in. The world offers a fresh spin on the werewolf/vampire trope, and the characters' decisions were explained well enough that I could believe them. Additionally, the development of Susie and Arken's complex relationship kept me invested as the story went on.

While reading, I encountered some elements that didn't resonate with me personally - specifically, the significant age gap between the main characters and certain non-consensual scenes. These aspects simply weren't my cup of tea, but I recognize that others may be perfectly comfortable with them. On a more positive note, I was impressed by Darcy Fayton's thoughtful approach to sensitive content. Her decision to include a comprehensive trigger warning before a particularly intense chapter, along with a summary for those who choose to skip it, demonstrates a considerate regard for her readers' well-being.

Overall, this book is suitable for readers who enjoy dark romance and can separate fiction from reality. If you're hesitant, consider the trigger warnings carefully before diving in.

Finally, I received this book as an e-ARC on NetGalley and I would like to thank NetGalley, Victoria Editing, and Darcy Fayton for the opportunity to review this book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Recommendation: For readers who enjoy dark fantasy romance and werewolf/vampire fiction. If you're comfortable with mature themes, explicit content, and complex relationships, then this novel is sure to captivate.

[Laura J (allbooksniceandspice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨✨ARC Review✨✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

“There’s too much darkness. We don’t need it. And I don’t want it.”

This is a spicy paranormal DARK romance. When I say dark, I mean DARK, it’s not for the faint hearted. Some of the content in this book will not be suitable for all readers, I 100% recommend checking the TW/CW before starting.

Back to Volmasque Academy we go, this time to read the story of Susanna (Susie) and Headmaster Arken. Wolf shifters and Vampires all attend the Academy once they turn 18. Susie is in her second year and already an alpha to a little pack of ‘misfits’. A selfless decision made on Susie’s part unwillingly attracts the attention of the Headmaster. The story unfolds from there…

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, the darker aspects did push me out of my comfort zone but they didn’t detract from an overall good read. You can skip the scenes if needed with the aid of a chapter summary.

After reading the first duology; I was excited to learn more about how the relationship started between the pair and how it developed over time. This story did not disappoint. It was full of twists and turns, betrayal, emotional turmoil, and plenty of anguish with a side of feisty sass (on Susie’s part). The taboo forbidden love aspect made for an interesting read.

I admired Susie so much. She was as tough as nails and continued to fight for what she believed in no matter what was thrown at her. Her love for her pack/friends and other students was astounding, always putting their needs first. She was completely selfless. She was still feisty and sassy even in her lowest moments. She had the strength of steel.
Arken is the most polite vampire you’ll ever meet; he was also surprisingly sweet for an older vampire too. I thought Nathaniel (first duology) was the most put together vampire but Arken definitely gives him a run for him money.

🩸Teacher / Student
🩸M/F Dark Romance
🩸Paranormal College Academy
🩸Age Gap (20F / 39M)
🩸Praise Toys
🩸Morally Grey MMC/Strong FMC
🩸Non con (SA scene that can be skipped with aid of a chapter summary)

Would recommend ♥️