Samantha Beneke

Romance Author

Intellectual romance with bite

A romantic scene with a man in a tuxedo and a woman in an evening gown, standing close with foreheads touching, in front of a dark, abstract background. The title 'The Pet' and the author's name 'Samantha Beneke' are displayed on the cover.

The Pet Is Available Now

When artist Kate Morgan is taken from her Budapest gallery opening, she expects the worst. What she doesn't expect is Devon Karlov—a centuries-old vampire whose obsession with her art becomes an obsession with her.

Devon has spent lifetimes collecting beautiful things, but Kate is different. Her fierce independence and artistic vision captivate him in ways that terrify and enthrall. As Kate finds herself trapped in his elegant estate, she must navigate not only her growing attraction to her captor but the dangerous world of vampire politics where ancient enemies see her as Devon's greatest weakness.

When freedom is finally within her grasp, Kate discovers that the most powerful choice isn't always the obvious one. Because sometimes the line between captivity and sanctuary, between obsession and love, is thinner than she ever imagined.

A dark romance about possession, choice, and finding love in the space between captivity and freedom

  • "This book surprised me in the best way. At its heart, this is a slow-burn, academia-tinged romance. Samantha Beneke has crafted a beautifully written, character-driven debut that feels both haunting and intimate. A truly stunning debut: lyrical, romantic, and unforgettable."

    Claire T.

  • "Darkly seductive and emotionally charged, The Pet delivers a gripping vampire romance where passion and power collide in the most deliciously dangerous ways."

    Naomie B.

  • "One chapter had my heart racing, the next had me smiling - each page had you wondering - What next. This is more than a love story. Yes there's passion - intense, beautifully written passion - but - there are also twists that will leave you breathless and hungry for more."

    Gill H.

  • "A dark romance novel for vampire enthusiasts. A captivating exchange of power for companionship, that goes against ancient vampire law and provokes unsettling consequences that they will have to overcome together...."

    Nicole W.

The Pet

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The Pet ✷ Officially Live ✷

Close-up of a woman wearing an ornate gold choker necklace with large green gemstones, with only her chin and lips visible. 
The Captive Hearts Series

Follow Kate Morgan and Devon Karlov through an epic three-book journey that redefines the boundaries between captivity and choice, obsession and love.

Beginning with The Pet, where a defiant artist refuses to be collected by a centuries-old vampire, the series explores the complex evolution of their relationship as they navigate the dangerous world of vampire politics and ancient power structures.

In the upcoming The Partner, trust becomes both weapon and shield as Kate and Devon face new challenges that test everything they've built together. The trilogy will culminate in The One, where the ultimate question is answered: can love born from captivity become something pure, powerful, and eternal?

This is a story about trust broken and trust earned, about the courage to choose love over safety, and the transformative power of being truly seen and cherished. Each book delves deeper into themes of agency, consent, and the radical act of choosing to stay when you finally have the power to leave.

The Captive Hearts Series proves that sometimes the most profound freedom comes not from escaping your cage, but from holding the key and choosing to remain—not as a prisoner, but as an equal, a partner, and ultimately, the one.

meet the author

Welcome to the quiet ache between the lines.


Samantha Beneke writes slow-burn romance laced with longing, tension, and the kind of connection that leaves a mark. Her stories explore the space between what’s said and what’s felt — where desire simmers, hearts unravel, and love lingers long after the last page.

If you’ve ever craved something tender, forbidden, or quietly powerful... you’re in the right place.

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The Pet