If you want a book about the life of a man becoming a vampire, this is for you. Its gritty, emotional and honestly devastating in places. This is not a glamourised vampirism book, this is the closest I think you could get to a vampire autobiography. This was fantastic honestly and I am so glad its not a standalone because I need moreeee!!

This book was wonderfully addictive. The romance was emotional, passionate, and beautifully written, with characters whose chemistry practically leapt off the page.

I loved how the relationships developed naturally while the larger story continued to unfold. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, making this one of those books that was incredibly difficult to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy

🦇 A Haunting Journey Through Love, Loss and Immortality🦇

What begins as a historical tale of grief and revenge slowly transforms into a breathtaking Gothic vampire epic that completely stole my heart.

⭐ 5/5

🌶️ 5/5 – Explicit & plentiful

Eternal Craving by Vanessa Fewings begins as a richly woven historical drama set in fifteenth-century Spain, taking its time to establish Daumia's tragic past before gradually introducing its supernatural elements. The first book in The Eternal Desires series, it is told entirely from Daumia's perspective, allowing you to experience every triumph, heartbreak and revelation alongside him. This isn't simply a vampire romance—it's a sweeping story about grief, identity, revenge, family, humanity and the price of immortality. The ending resolves the novel's central revenge arc while opening the door to something even bigger, leaving me desperate to continue the series.

Daumia's life is shaped by grief, guilt and unimaginable loss, yet he never completely loses his compassion or determination to build something better. While revenge drives much of the story, it never becomes his only motivation. His longing for family, belonging and peace gives the novel its emotional heart, making every triumph and heartbreak feel deeply personal.

The world is beautiful and vividly realised—you can tell Fewings has poured so much time and care into creating this historical setting. From sprawling estates and political intrigue to hidden passageways and ancient mausoleums, every location feels rich with atmosphere. The Gothic elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a haunting sense of mystery long before the vampire mythology takes centre stage. Fewings' evocative prose brings every setting to life without ever feeling overly descriptive.

Immortality is explored as both a blessing and a curse, raising thoughtful questions about identity, humanity and the emotional cost of living forever. The relationship between vampire and sire is particularly complex, adding genuine emotional depth to the mythology rather than relying solely on "vampire = hot".

The novel explores love in many forms—romantic, familial and platonic—with every relationship feeling meaningful and fully developed. The chemistry is believable, the emotional moments are genuinely moving, and because the characters are so richly developed, every loss and every victory carries real weight. I laughed, I smiled and, yes... I cried.

I find myself not wanting to say much more because I don't want to spoil anything, no matter how small. What I will say is this: the ending absolutely destroyed me. Consider yourself warned.

Tropes
Gothic vampire romance
Historical fantasy
Revenge
Morally grey protagonists
Immortality
Found family
Chosen family
Identity and reinvention
Political intrigue
MM romance
Second chance
Redemption arc
Dark romance

Content Warnings
Graphic violence
Blood and gore
Murder
Death and grief
Child abuse
Slavery
Torture
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Manipulation
Coercion
Trauma
Obsession
Revenge
Loss of loved ones

If you enjoy epic historical Gothic fiction, morally grey protagonists, emotionally driven revenge stories and vampire mythology that explores both the beauty and burden of immortality, I highly recommend Eternal Craving. This is a character-driven, emotionally powerful story that rewards readers who enjoy slow-burn character development, complex relationships and stunning prose. I cannot wait to see where The Eternal Desires series goes next.

Thank you to Vinci Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.