Rating: 4/5
Book Blurb:
Bridgerton meets The Bachelor in this queer regency romance of a vampire competing for the heart of a duke.
After being run out of his castle by vampire hunters, Count Lucian encounters the god of vampires, Vrykolakas, while in hiding. Unhappy with how many vampires have been bested by hunters, Vrykolakas gives Lucian a test: Infiltrate the future duke’s marriage games as a suitor and uncover the clandestine vampire hunters Vrykolakas suspects lurk in their midst. The god strips Lucian of his immortality so he can walk amongst mortals-making him human for the first time in centuries. If Lucian succeeds, Vrykolakas will make him the most powerful vampire in existence, but if he fails, the god of vampires will torture him for the rest of his life.
Unfortunately, Lucian isn’t prepared for the emotions that come with humanity, nor the treacheries of courting season with fellow nobles posing as friends, enemies, and wholly unsuitable romantic.
Review:
Regency vampires meets The Bachelor in this queer story about a vampire turned human who must court a count in order to be turned back into a vampire... except he is falling for the wrong duke. Count Lucian loves being a vampire but when his sire tells him that he has to court a Duke and win said Duke’s hand in marriage in order to thwart a group of vampire hunters... while being turned back into a human, Lucian knows his hands are going to be full. Lucian will do anything to get turned back into a human but when he begins to live amongst them he begins to feel very human feelings... something he has not felt in so long. He also finds himself embroiled in a mystery to uncover a missing heir with a very handsome and charming duke... that he absolutely should not be falling for. All the while fellow vampires who have had it out for him are also coming for him now that he is vulnerable. Lucian will now have to decide how far he is willing to go to become a vampire again and if he is willing to give up the love that he has begun to feel. To stay a human or to become a vampire again? To stay with the man he’s fallen in love with or give it all up for a chance at immortality?
This was a really fun queer romance! I am always excited to read more queer vampire romances and one with a backdrop of regency era was a really fun read. I loved the dynamic between Lucian and his own familiar, as well as how he adjusts from feeling nothing to feeling everything. We get to see him grow into his feelings and his heart begin to open again. It’s a fun read if you want a vampire romance and with a touch of drama!
Release Date: October 22,2024
Purchase link: Amazon Tour link: tour Author Info: instagram
Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)
*Thanks Netgalley, Page Street YA, and TBR Beyond Tours for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*