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Vows and Vengeance #1
House of Bane and Blood
In a city split into two opposing sides, power comes in many bloodlines, money, love, and-most importantly-secrets.
An heiress in the most notorious family in Lynchaven, Camilla Marchese is doing all she can to keep her family's syndicate, the Iron Saint Railway, from slipping into bankruptcy. When the gorgeous and depraved Nicolai Attano, the leader of a rival family, offers to pay off the Inspector in exchange for her hand, she has no choice but to give up not only her throne-but her name.
Nico has his own motivations for their union beyond maintaining peace with her family. A serial kidnapper known as The Collector has been ravaging the streets of Remnant Row, stirring up mistrust between natives and descendants. If Milla can help restore safety to his streets, he'll have no need for her or her family's company. Find the Collector, prevent a war between their sides of the city, and pay off the family debt before she turns twenty-one. If Milla can fulfill her end of the bargain, she'll walk away with more freedom than she's ever had before.
But this deal plunges Milla into the city's dark underbelly where remnant magic and arcane science compete in a deadly game of depravity. When forbidden feelings rise for her new husband and dark family secrets come to light, Milla must discover the truth about her past before it gets them both killed or worse-collected.
Set in a post-industrial age setting on a magical Isle, Peaky Blinders meets the magic system of the Grishaverse in this rivals-to-lovers adult fantasy romance.
An heiress in the most notorious family in Lynchaven, Camilla Marchese is doing all she can to keep her family's syndicate, the Iron Saint Railway, from slipping into bankruptcy. When the gorgeous and depraved Nicolai Attano, the leader of a rival family, offers to pay off the Inspector in exchange for her hand, she has no choice but to give up not only her throne-but her name.
Nico has his own motivations for their union beyond maintaining peace with her family. A serial kidnapper known as The Collector has been ravaging the streets of Remnant Row, stirring up mistrust between natives and descendants. If Milla can help restore safety to his streets, he'll have no need for her or her family's company. Find the Collector, prevent a war between their sides of the city, and pay off the family debt before she turns twenty-one. If Milla can fulfill her end of the bargain, she'll walk away with more freedom than she's ever had before.
But this deal plunges Milla into the city's dark underbelly where remnant magic and arcane science compete in a deadly game of depravity. When forbidden feelings rise for her new husband and dark family secrets come to light, Milla must discover the truth about her past before it gets them both killed or worse-collected.
Set in a post-industrial age setting on a magical Isle, Peaky Blinders meets the magic system of the Grishaverse in this rivals-to-lovers adult fantasy romance.
434 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2023
4146 people are currently reading
98807 people want to read
About the author
Alexis L. Menard
7 books1,196 followersAlexis is a registered nurse based out of Louisiana where she lives with her husband, toddler, and two oversized dogs. She enjoys long walks through the Renaissance Fair, reading smutty romance into the dark hours of the night, and wine nights with her "Finer Things Club." She hopes to enrich the lives of her readers with worlds they can both escape in and take with them long after the final chapter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,645 reviews
March 15, 2024
An entertaining read but fell short for me in some areas. Maybe had I read it at some other time, or mood I would have liked it more😅
✔️ Peaky blinders vibes x magic
✔️ Rivals to lovers
✔️ Marriage of convenience
✔️ Found family
✔️ "Who did this to you"
✔️ "Touch her and die"
I liked the concept of mob families and the magic system but it wasn't executed well imo. The first half sort of confused me when it came to the magic, I couldn't quite understand it. The plot execution came across as weak too, the story didn't have a clear direction and it seemed to be jumping around crucial points a lot. Reading it felt like I was missing a huge chunk.
But I was still entertained, thanks to the characters and romance. The characters- Camilla and Nicolai were so good. The chemistry between them was great and off the charts. I liked Camilla more than Nicolai, as she was simply put- a badass. I liked how she always stood up for herself, was honest and upfront, never took anyone's bs and loved her action sequences. Nicolai, grew on me. I liked how much he cared for Camilla even though he claimed otherwise. He was so protective of her. His powers intrigued me a lot.
The romance was chef's kiss. I was yearning for things to happen between the two in almost each and every scene. The chemistry and the spice is so well written.
The ending, especially the last 50-60 pages had me gasping. So much happened 😩😩 I may have shed a few tears 🫣 But after the way it ended, I need the next one ASAP.
~•~•~
I liked the cover so here I am
✔️ Peaky blinders vibes x magic
✔️ Rivals to lovers
✔️ Marriage of convenience
✔️ Found family
✔️ "Who did this to you"
✔️ "Touch her and die"
I liked the concept of mob families and the magic system but it wasn't executed well imo. The first half sort of confused me when it came to the magic, I couldn't quite understand it. The plot execution came across as weak too, the story didn't have a clear direction and it seemed to be jumping around crucial points a lot. Reading it felt like I was missing a huge chunk.
But I was still entertained, thanks to the characters and romance. The characters- Camilla and Nicolai were so good. The chemistry between them was great and off the charts. I liked Camilla more than Nicolai, as she was simply put- a badass. I liked how she always stood up for herself, was honest and upfront, never took anyone's bs and loved her action sequences. Nicolai, grew on me. I liked how much he cared for Camilla even though he claimed otherwise. He was so protective of her. His powers intrigued me a lot.
The romance was chef's kiss. I was yearning for things to happen between the two in almost each and every scene. The chemistry and the spice is so well written.
The ending, especially the last 50-60 pages had me gasping. So much happened 😩😩 I may have shed a few tears 🫣 But after the way it ended, I need the next one ASAP.
~•~•~
I liked the cover so here I am
Read
January 24, 2024The idea of HOBAB was born from a three day Netflix binge watching Peaky Blinders when I was four weeks postpartum and it has slowly become my entire personality.
Thank you so much to everyone for reaching out, expressing your enthusiasm, and starting this new series with me. This space is wholly dedicated to readers and your reviews, and I will be stepping off to give everyone a safe place to express your honest thoughts.
Before I go, I'd like to answer a few frequently asked questions:
1. yes there is a cliffhanger ending. You've been warned. Please don't let that prevent you from picking up this book before the next one comes out. Us indie authors need the fruits of our labors in order to produce the next book.
2. This is the beginning of a *planned* four book series. The first two books will follow Nico and Milla and the last two will follow a different couple. I starred planned because things can change but that is all I have vaguely plotted for now!
3. This book is lower on the spice. There IS spice, but being the first book, there isn't a lot. I wanted it to feel natural for the story and I didn't force much spice into this book. There is a good amount of slow burning building up to the spice.
4. This is a NEW adult fantasy romance.
5. YES THERE WILL BE AN AUDIOBOOK! Coming spring 2024, before book 2 releases!
If you have any other questions, feel free to find me on social media or ask here on Goodreads. Thank you for giving HOBAB a look!
Thank you so much to everyone for reaching out, expressing your enthusiasm, and starting this new series with me. This space is wholly dedicated to readers and your reviews, and I will be stepping off to give everyone a safe place to express your honest thoughts.
Before I go, I'd like to answer a few frequently asked questions:
1. yes there is a cliffhanger ending. You've been warned. Please don't let that prevent you from picking up this book before the next one comes out. Us indie authors need the fruits of our labors in order to produce the next book.
2. This is the beginning of a *planned* four book series. The first two books will follow Nico and Milla and the last two will follow a different couple. I starred planned because things can change but that is all I have vaguely plotted for now!
3. This book is lower on the spice. There IS spice, but being the first book, there isn't a lot. I wanted it to feel natural for the story and I didn't force much spice into this book. There is a good amount of slow burning building up to the spice.
4. This is a NEW adult fantasy romance.
5. YES THERE WILL BE AN AUDIOBOOK! Coming spring 2024, before book 2 releases!
If you have any other questions, feel free to find me on social media or ask here on Goodreads. Thank you for giving HOBAB a look!
March 24, 2024
3.75!
“You’re my dream.” He grabbed my perusing hand in his. “You’re the center of all my circles.”
I was so excited for this book because look at the tropes and the way it was sold to us. Everything that I had heard about this book made me shape my expectations....safe to say they were high and I mean look at that cover! it is so beautiful. So, I went in this book and I was enjoying it for the first 40% mainly just because the characters, their interactions, the romance and the angst and the plot though trippy was still fine but then from 40-90% I was so bored and lost that I did not even know if I wanted to continue it and then the last 10% was very explosive and safe to say that I will continue onwards with the sequel.
Nico and Camilla were such fun characters to read about because oh my god! they made me laugh and cry, it was like I was the one there falling for them and the fact it happens again and again and again in books and never in real life with me *ouch* but their interactions, their personalities, everything was nearly perfect. Camilla's wittiness and the way she would send retorts toward Nico and how he did not back off and I love when its a mob romance but instead of the MMC being all protective and having a backbone, in this the FMC has too! (RK you need to read this)
The romance had me screaming, crying, wailing, screeching, shrieking, weeping, whimpering, squealing and dying . It was easily the best part of the book the build up to it was magnificent and the tension, angst and the slow burn between these two was out of the roof amazing. There was ONE spicy scene but the build up towards that was amazing and I am absolutely feral over it! I devoured it. I want what they have and I also want Nico to burn everything down after that ending.
The plot was the weakest here, for a book inspired by peaky blinders and sold as heavily influenced by it...I was disappointed because I loved the plot in peaky blinders but here it was a little messy at parts and some place needed better execution and all in all at times it felt as if it was all over the place but it did start to make sense at the end as everything came together so hopefully my experience with book 2 will be better?
The setting was truly so amazing and the world building as well also how well was that magic system written!! I was so happy to read that part. Also, for a setting that was inspired by Peaky Blinders...I think this nailed that part fully.
I would recommend it, because I believe people should read it at least once and it has a lot of potential...I enjoyed it but would no read it again unless book 2 is diabolical.
~~~
This book has:
.Found family
.Marriage of convenience
.Rivals to lovers
.Morally grey MMC
.Deadly family secrets
."Where is my wife?" 🫠
.Spice
.Its also Yaz.the.bookish approved
I am bound to love this....
“You’re my dream.” He grabbed my perusing hand in his. “You’re the center of all my circles.”
I was so excited for this book because look at the tropes and the way it was sold to us. Everything that I had heard about this book made me shape my expectations....safe to say they were high and I mean look at that cover! it is so beautiful. So, I went in this book and I was enjoying it for the first 40% mainly just because the characters, their interactions, the romance and the angst and the plot though trippy was still fine but then from 40-90% I was so bored and lost that I did not even know if I wanted to continue it and then the last 10% was very explosive and safe to say that I will continue onwards with the sequel.
Nico and Camilla were such fun characters to read about because oh my god! they made me laugh and cry, it was like I was the one there falling for them and the fact it happens again and again and again in books and never in real life with me *ouch* but their interactions, their personalities, everything was nearly perfect. Camilla's wittiness and the way she would send retorts toward Nico and how he did not back off and I love when its a mob romance but instead of the MMC being all protective and having a backbone, in this the FMC has too! (RK you need to read this)
The romance had me screaming, crying, wailing, screeching, shrieking, weeping, whimpering, squealing and dying . It was easily the best part of the book the build up to it was magnificent and the tension, angst and the slow burn between these two was out of the roof amazing. There was ONE spicy scene but the build up towards that was amazing and I am absolutely feral over it! I devoured it. I want what they have and I also want Nico to burn everything down after that ending.
The plot was the weakest here, for a book inspired by peaky blinders and sold as heavily influenced by it...I was disappointed because I loved the plot in peaky blinders but here it was a little messy at parts and some place needed better execution and all in all at times it felt as if it was all over the place but it did start to make sense at the end as everything came together so hopefully my experience with book 2 will be better?
The setting was truly so amazing and the world building as well also how well was that magic system written!! I was so happy to read that part. Also, for a setting that was inspired by Peaky Blinders...I think this nailed that part fully.
I would recommend it, because I believe people should read it at least once and it has a lot of potential...I enjoyed it but would no read it again unless book 2 is diabolical.
~~~
This book has:
.Found family
.Marriage of convenience
.Rivals to lovers
.Morally grey MMC
.Deadly family secrets
."Where is my wife?" 🫠
.Spice
.Its also Yaz.the.bookish approved
I am bound to love this....
May 18, 2024
I'm just going to go ahead and say it. I'm really starting to question the individuals marketing comparisons to Peaky Blinders like? Have you ever even watched the show? This doesn't remotely give Tommy Shelby - or any of the Shelby brothers.
The setting doesn't give anything remotely close to Peaky Blinders.
Now that I've got that off my chest. What the fuck is actually even going on in this book? It's all over the place. The magic isn't explained really well. I ...
You know what - I just don't like anything about it. I'll rant on later but I just want to push this dumb ass book from my mind right now.
DNF @55% bc IDEGASF.
Well... I've been down the road of a promise of 'Peaky Blinders but with magic' before *cough* (A Tempest of Tea) and was disappointed, but. I'm going to go out on a limb again and see if this can deliver.
Wish me luck.
The setting doesn't give anything remotely close to Peaky Blinders.
Now that I've got that off my chest. What the fuck is actually even going on in this book? It's all over the place. The magic isn't explained really well. I ...
You know what - I just don't like anything about it. I'll rant on later but I just want to push this dumb ass book from my mind right now.
DNF @55% bc IDEGASF.
Wish me luck.
October 16, 2024
Wow wow okay I was not expecting to love this as much as I did but safe to say this book had me in a chokehold! The fact that this is so underrated actually makes me want to SCREAM! The last 15% had me filled with so much anxiety I had to drop everything I was doing and immediately jump into book 2!
1920s mafia meets a fantasy world?!!!!! I mean come on, seeing as dark mafia romance and fantasy romance are my favorite genres I simply cannot describe a more perfect book for me!!! Honestly obsessed is an understatement. Now that being said, this book is very character driven so I can’t say it will be for everyone especially if you don’t connect with the characters. So keep that in mind! But my god I loved them.
The world building in this was absolutely phenomenal the story is set in a post industrial era in a city divided by magic! And the magic system is so unique, it was so refreshing to have a break from the same old copy and paste romantasy’s out there. Nico our MMC and Camilla our FMC are from rival families and they enter a marriage of convenience which turns into them having to work together to take down their corrupt government… AND THEN EVERYTHING IS JUST NONSTOP FROM THERE! It is so much more than a marriage of convenience, the plot is so intriguing and kept me glued to every single page.
And not just the plot but the ROMANCE!! THE. ROMANCE. God don’t even get me started Camilla and Nico had me giggling and kicking my feet the entire time I absolutely adore them!! Their chemistry was palatable from page 1 and only got better and better. This is how you do marriage of convenience, with all the tension and banter and LONGING! Ugh I ate it up and left no crumbs.
Getting into the characters…. Our FMC Camilla is the type of badass FMC I’ve been YEARNING FOR all goddamn year!! I do in fact have a crush on her. She’s strong and cutthroat but also the biggest heart and would do anything for her family. And she takes ZERO shit from men. For example the first conversation she has with husband she told him not to test her and what did he do? He tested her, so obviously she smashed a whiskey glass over his head. As she should. Example #2, she had her husband get down on his knees to tie her heels and strap her knives to her thigh. Yeah. Yeah.
NICOLAI. I’m sat. I’m seated. I’m ready. FROM THE MOMENT WE WERE INTRODUCED TO HIM THIS MAN HAD ME ON MY KNEES!!!! My obsession with him might not be healthy…. What else is new. I mean are we surprised??? Morally grey mafia men are my favorite. And add MAGIC TO THAT??? Did I also mention he’s a witty flirt with a filthy mouth? Yeah I’m easy to please. The way this man would CRAWL FOR HER!!
“Do not touch her. And if I find out you skimmed a bead on her skirt, I don’t care what face you wear, I’ll never stop hunting you until I take the air from your chest for good.”
“I would run through fire and burn for you. I would lose arm and leg and limb. I’d do it all over, knowing what would happen to me, if it meant eventually having you as I do now”
“Whatever you want, princess. The heart in your chest, the air in your lungs, I’ll take whatever you offer me, and I won’t regret it. I never do.”
I mean…… yeah. Yeah. He also has a thing for throats…. Goodbye.
Read this if you like:
- Found family
- Marriage or convenience
- Slowwwwwww burn
- Rivals to lovers
- Morally grey MMC (with a metal hand 🤭)
- Secrets and betrayal
- Political intrigue
- Unique magic system
- Hidden identity
- Gas lamp fantasy
- Post industrial era
I need more mafia romantasy please and thank you.
1920s mafia meets a fantasy world?!!!!! I mean come on, seeing as dark mafia romance and fantasy romance are my favorite genres I simply cannot describe a more perfect book for me!!! Honestly obsessed is an understatement. Now that being said, this book is very character driven so I can’t say it will be for everyone especially if you don’t connect with the characters. So keep that in mind! But my god I loved them.
The world building in this was absolutely phenomenal the story is set in a post industrial era in a city divided by magic! And the magic system is so unique, it was so refreshing to have a break from the same old copy and paste romantasy’s out there. Nico our MMC and Camilla our FMC are from rival families and they enter a marriage of convenience which turns into them having to work together to take down their corrupt government… AND THEN EVERYTHING IS JUST NONSTOP FROM THERE! It is so much more than a marriage of convenience, the plot is so intriguing and kept me glued to every single page.
And not just the plot but the ROMANCE!! THE. ROMANCE. God don’t even get me started Camilla and Nico had me giggling and kicking my feet the entire time I absolutely adore them!! Their chemistry was palatable from page 1 and only got better and better. This is how you do marriage of convenience, with all the tension and banter and LONGING! Ugh I ate it up and left no crumbs.
Getting into the characters…. Our FMC Camilla is the type of badass FMC I’ve been YEARNING FOR all goddamn year!! I do in fact have a crush on her. She’s strong and cutthroat but also the biggest heart and would do anything for her family. And she takes ZERO shit from men. For example the first conversation she has with husband she told him not to test her and what did he do? He tested her, so obviously she smashed a whiskey glass over his head. As she should. Example #2, she had her husband get down on his knees to tie her heels and strap her knives to her thigh. Yeah. Yeah.
NICOLAI. I’m sat. I’m seated. I’m ready. FROM THE MOMENT WE WERE INTRODUCED TO HIM THIS MAN HAD ME ON MY KNEES!!!! My obsession with him might not be healthy…. What else is new. I mean are we surprised??? Morally grey mafia men are my favorite. And add MAGIC TO THAT??? Did I also mention he’s a witty flirt with a filthy mouth? Yeah I’m easy to please. The way this man would CRAWL FOR HER!!
“Do not touch her. And if I find out you skimmed a bead on her skirt, I don’t care what face you wear, I’ll never stop hunting you until I take the air from your chest for good.”
“I would run through fire and burn for you. I would lose arm and leg and limb. I’d do it all over, knowing what would happen to me, if it meant eventually having you as I do now”
“Whatever you want, princess. The heart in your chest, the air in your lungs, I’ll take whatever you offer me, and I won’t regret it. I never do.”
I mean…… yeah. Yeah. He also has a thing for throats…. Goodbye.
Read this if you like:
- Found family
- Marriage or convenience
- Slowwwwwww burn
- Rivals to lovers
- Morally grey MMC (with a metal hand 🤭)
- Secrets and betrayal
- Political intrigue
- Unique magic system
- Hidden identity
- Gas lamp fantasy
- Post industrial era
I need more mafia romantasy please and thank you.
November 11, 2023
it’s giving grishaverse x peaky blinders while somehow being completely original at the same time. this is almost definitely going to be in my top 5 reads of 2023.
May 5, 2024
"The difference between you and me, Uncle," I said, gesturing between us with the burning cigarillo, "is that I will play until I lose. I have lost my parents, my sister, my very flesh and bone, but I haven't lost my fight. The day I have, you will need to carve the letters for my tomb. Because I will either die for what I love, or I will live forever."
I never thought I'd become a "my wife" kind of gal and then nicolai attano happened...
***
🧥𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 - 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗫𝗜𝗦 𝗟. 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗗🧥
★𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
★𝗬𝗔/𝗡𝗔/𝗔: 🅽🅰/🅰
★𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝙾𝚁𝙳𝙴𝚁 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙾𝚂 #𝟷
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦: 𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 - 𝚂𝚄𝙿𝙴𝚁𝙽𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙰𝙻 - 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 - 𝙼𝙰𝙶𝙸𝙲 - 𝙶𝙾𝙳𝚂 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙳𝙴𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙱𝙸𝙶 𝙿𝙴𝙰𝙺𝚈 𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝙼𝙴𝙴𝚃𝚂 𝚂𝙸𝚇 𝙾𝙵 𝙲𝚁𝙾𝚆𝚂 𝚅𝙸𝙱𝙴𝚂
★𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝙳𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝙿𝙾𝚅 - 𝙵𝙸𝚁𝚂𝚃 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽 - 𝙿𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴
★𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: 𝚁𝙸𝚅𝙰𝙻 𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙳𝙸𝚂𝙻𝙸𝙺𝙴 𝚃𝙾 𝙰𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂 - 𝙰𝚁𝚁𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙴𝙳 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚁𝙸𝙰𝙶𝙴/𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚁𝙸𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚅𝙴𝙽𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴 - 𝚂𝙴𝙲𝚁𝙴𝚃 𝙸𝙳𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙴��� - 𝙱𝙰𝙳𝙰𝚂𝚂 𝙵𝙼𝙲 - 𝙵𝙼𝙲 𝙸𝚂 𝙱𝙾𝚂𝚂 𝙻𝙰𝙳𝚈 - 𝙼𝙾𝚁𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝚈 𝙼𝙼𝙲 - 𝙵𝙼𝙲 𝙸𝚂 𝙰𝙻𝚂𝙾 𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙰 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝚈-𝙸𝚂𝙷 - 𝙼𝙼𝙲 𝙸𝚂 𝙱𝙰𝚂𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝙼𝙰𝚂 𝚂𝙷𝙴𝙻𝙱𝚈 𝙱𝚄𝚃 𝚂𝙴𝚇𝙸𝙴𝚁 - 𝚂𝙷𝙰𝙳𝙾𝚆 𝙳𝙰𝙳𝙳𝚈 - "𝙼𝚈 𝚆𝙸𝙵𝙴" - "𝙷𝚄𝚂𝙱𝙰𝙽𝙳" 𝙰𝚂 𝙰 𝙿𝙴𝚃 𝙽𝙰𝙼𝙴 - 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚃𝙾 𝚆𝙾𝚄𝙽𝙳𝚂 - 𝙵𝙾𝚄𝙽𝙳 𝙵𝙰𝙼? - 𝙹𝙴𝙰𝙻𝙾𝚄𝚂𝚈 - 𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙳𝙸𝙳 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝚈𝙾𝚄 - 𝙼𝚄𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝙿𝙸𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝚂𝙴𝚇𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙸𝙾𝙽 - 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝙲𝙷 𝙷𝙴𝚁/𝙷𝙸𝙼 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙳𝙸𝙴 - 𝙳𝙸𝚂𝙰𝙱𝙸𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝙿 (𝙼𝙼𝙲 𝙷𝙰𝚂 𝙰 𝙼𝙴𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙽𝙸𝙲 𝙰𝚁𝙼) - 𝙵𝙴𝙼𝙰𝙻𝙴 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴
★𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘:
★𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: 👥👥👥👥👥/𝟱
★𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼½/𝟱
★𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧: 📜📜📜📜/𝟱
★𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚/𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️/𝟱
★𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠: 🔮🔮🔮½/𝟱
★𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦 & 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: 💀💀💀/𝟱 (𝙳𝙴𝙰𝚃𝙷 𝙾𝙵 𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝚈 𝙼𝙴𝙼𝙱𝙴𝚁𝚂/𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙳 𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂 - 𝙳𝚈𝚂𝙵𝚄𝙽𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻 𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙸𝙼𝙿𝚁𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃 - 𝚃𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 - 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴 & 𝚆𝙾𝚄𝙽𝙳𝚂 - 𝙻𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙻𝚈𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝙱𝚈 𝙾𝙼𝙸𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙾𝙽 - 𝚂𝙼𝙾𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙳𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝙼𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚁𝚈 𝙻𝙾𝚂𝚂)
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🌻🌻🌻½/𝟱
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🌹🌹🌹🌹½/𝟱
★𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘: ❌ (𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 𝙾𝙵 𝙼𝙼𝙲 𝙱𝙴𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝙸𝙽 𝙰 𝙽𝙾𝙽𝙲𝙾𝙼𝙼𝙸𝚃𝚃𝙰𝙻 𝚁𝙴𝙻𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙿 𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙷 𝙰𝙽𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁 𝚆𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽 - 𝙼𝙼𝙲 𝙸𝚂 𝙺𝙸𝚂𝚂𝙴𝙳 𝙱𝚈 𝙾𝚆 𝙸𝙽 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙽𝚃 𝙾𝙵 𝙵𝙼𝙲)
★𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 𝙵/𝙼
★𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗦-𝗧𝗢-𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🖤🖤½/𝟱
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧/𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🔥🔥🔥½/𝟱 (𝙺𝙸𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 - - 𝙵𝙸𝙽𝙶𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝙿𝙸𝚅 𝚂𝙴𝚇 - 𝙾𝚁𝙰𝙻 𝚂𝙴𝚇)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🚒🚒🚒🚒/𝟱
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 💣💣½/𝟱
★𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🤐🤐½/𝟱 (𝙼𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 𝙻𝙰𝙽𝙶𝚄𝙰𝙶𝙴 - 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙻𝙸𝙲𝙸𝚃 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙲𝚁𝙸𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴, 𝚃𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴, 𝚆𝙾𝚄𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚂𝙴𝚇𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚂𝙸𝚃𝚄𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂)
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: 💔💔💔/𝟱
★𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚:
★𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘:
★𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚: 🎶𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙶𝙳𝙾𝙼 𝙾𝙵 𝙲𝙰𝚁𝙳 - 𝙱𝙰𝙳 𝙾𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚂🎶
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰
***I always try to be as objective as I can with my ratings for DARK THEMES & TRIGGER WARNINGS, SMUT TECHNICAL CONTENT/INTENSITY, SMUT QUANTITY, ROMANCE QUANTITY, ANGST LEVEL, ENEMIES-TO-LOVERSNESS; the ratings for CHARACTERS, WRITING, PLOT, WORLD BUILDING, SETTING, SMUT QUALITY, ROMANCE QUALITY, are instead tied to my own subjective reading experience and final opinion of the book.
You know those books that, despite their flaws and inconsistencies - despite not being deep and life-changing in terms of mental growth, simply click with you on a profound level?
This book was, for me, one of those.
I'm familiar with Menard's work, because I've read and appreciated a few of her previous books, but when I picked this up, I knew instantly I was in for the treat of a lifetime.
I am a big sucker for anything Six of Crows or Peaky Blinders related, especially when it comes to men and women in dark, fine coats and knives hidden in breeches, and this book seems like it was written just for me.
Add to it that it seems to be inspired by Italian culture, and you know I'm hooked for life.
Everything, from the characters development to the crafting of the setting is simply divine.
The romance is exquisitely crafted, so greatly paced, and I can see fans of the marriage of convenience trope fall for this as badly as I did.
Sure, it wasn't all perfect and not everything made sense (I'm still trying to figure out how ), but the way I was able to suspend my belief and was so totally engrossed with this story to the point I couldn't focus on anything else, told me just how far my love for this book would go.
The magic system is pretty simple, but you'll need some time to get used to the various terms and techniques. Thankfully, it comes with a pretty simple and useful glossary, so you won't have to rack your brain over things too much.
Nico and Milla are impressively good and likeable main characters, with a dark side, distinctive voices and personal thoughts that don't revolve exclusively around each other. Their banter is *chefs kiss* and the progression from forced proximity to deep love is well developed. However, the my wife/husband gig starts pretty soon, so be ready to swoon even when the characters themselves don't seem to have understood the depth of their pining.
I personally am not complaining about it.
There are a tons of secondary characters, too. Some more likeable than others, but pretty much all entertaining and interesting in their own way.
Last but not least, don't expect much action from this because there isn't much, but I promise you guys the tension between N and M is just as good as the real deal.
So, in short: read this book if you're interested.
And if you don't love it, please don't tell me.
I'd really like to stay in this blissful bubble for a little longer, at least until I've finished book 2.
November 26, 2023
4.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“I would run through fire and burn for you. I would lose arm and leg and limb. I’d do it all over, knowing what would happen to me, if it meant eventually having you as I do now.”
House of Bane and Blood is a brilliantly rendered adult fantasy romance powered by the steampunk subgenre which transports the reader into a post-industrial setting, you can think of it as Peaky Blinders but with magic.
The Peaky Blinders comparison is not just for the vibes, in fact the book follows rival families and gangs with their own deadly secrets and schemes. It's all about the money and power.
Sometimes even the worst of enemies can place their interests above their own hatred and often times than not, a means to an end could be a marriage contract.
The Marcheses and the Attanos set their decade-long feud aside temporarily to unify their families, or at least for pretend to be unified for six weeks until they figure out their own mess.
One family is bankrupt and desperate.
The other want to inherit the former's railway company.
Plans and schemes usually crumble in the face of true love. Not as innocent as one would think nor is it a blossoming love story.
It gets gritty. It gets violent. It gets intense.
But what a fun ride will that be!
I once vowed after the death of my father that if I ever met an Attano, I’d kill them. Instead, I married one.
Marriage of convenience trope never fail me.
Camilla and Nico's chemistry was crackling and deliciously tense. Their romance teetered a fine line between love and hate which made the tension between them so entertaining. Also, it does have a drop of a forbidden romance as members of rival families with a violent history.
Each had a sharp wit and tongue so the banter and flirting was top notch!
There was an abundance of compelling and fun characters to read about, especially Nico's family. They're fleshed out and given proper page time to know them well, even if briefly.
I can't end this review without gushing about the fascinating lore and magic system the author crafted for this world. It is a reminiscent of Grishaverse/Six of Crows but maintains an authentic elements about it that sets it apart. The magic system is rooted is not only magical factors, but also science and alchemy.
Highly recommend this one if you're a fantasy romance fan it's definitely not a book to miss out on
Tropes:
— Marriage of Convenience
— Rivals to Lovers
— Slowburn, Reluctance, Longing
— Close Proximity
— Found Family
— Mafia/Gang Families
— Morally Grey Characters
— Deadly Family Secrets
— Witty Banter
— Magic, Science and Alchemy
— Spicy (2.5/5)
Content warnings: this book contains strong language and content some readers may find distressing including profanity, tobacco and alcohol use, graphic sexual content, kidnapping, mentioned death of a loved ones, gaslighting family members, brief breath play, and mentions of suic*de (past recollection, not present time).
“I would run through fire and burn for you. I would lose arm and leg and limb. I’d do it all over, knowing what would happen to me, if it meant eventually having you as I do now.”
House of Bane and Blood is a brilliantly rendered adult fantasy romance powered by the steampunk subgenre which transports the reader into a post-industrial setting, you can think of it as Peaky Blinders but with magic.
The Peaky Blinders comparison is not just for the vibes, in fact the book follows rival families and gangs with their own deadly secrets and schemes. It's all about the money and power.
Sometimes even the worst of enemies can place their interests above their own hatred and often times than not, a means to an end could be a marriage contract.
The Marcheses and the Attanos set their decade-long feud aside temporarily to unify their families, or at least for pretend to be unified for six weeks until they figure out their own mess.
One family is bankrupt and desperate.
The other want to inherit the former's railway company.
Plans and schemes usually crumble in the face of true love. Not as innocent as one would think nor is it a blossoming love story.
It gets gritty. It gets violent. It gets intense.
But what a fun ride will that be!
I once vowed after the death of my father that if I ever met an Attano, I’d kill them. Instead, I married one.
Marriage of convenience trope never fail me.
Camilla and Nico's chemistry was crackling and deliciously tense. Their romance teetered a fine line between love and hate which made the tension between them so entertaining. Also, it does have a drop of a forbidden romance as members of rival families with a violent history.
Each had a sharp wit and tongue so the banter and flirting was top notch!
There was an abundance of compelling and fun characters to read about, especially Nico's family. They're fleshed out and given proper page time to know them well, even if briefly.
I can't end this review without gushing about the fascinating lore and magic system the author crafted for this world. It is a reminiscent of Grishaverse/Six of Crows but maintains an authentic elements about it that sets it apart. The magic system is rooted is not only magical factors, but also science and alchemy.
Highly recommend this one if you're a fantasy romance fan it's definitely not a book to miss out on
Tropes:
— Marriage of Convenience
— Rivals to Lovers
— Slowburn, Reluctance, Longing
— Close Proximity
— Found Family
— Mafia/Gang Families
— Morally Grey Characters
— Deadly Family Secrets
— Witty Banter
— Magic, Science and Alchemy
— Spicy (2.5/5)
Content warnings: this book contains strong language and content some readers may find distressing including profanity, tobacco and alcohol use, graphic sexual content, kidnapping, mentioned death of a loved ones, gaslighting family members, brief breath play, and mentions of suic*de (past recollection, not present time).
April 21, 2024
4 ⭐️ This is very much a mood rating hahaha. I almost rated 3 stars but it’s getting 4 off the strength of the romance and relationship between Nico and Milla as well as the last 20%. Also the characters were written quite well.
You’ve got: marriage of convenience, morally grey hero, and found family. It’s also got a whole load of “who did this to you” “touch her and you die”…you know, the usual good stuff 😉
The plot didn’t capture me that much. And I feel like the writing was a little too all over the place and awkward in an attempt to world build. BUT it was a solid story with promise. This was clearly the case of ‘first book in the series’ jitters. Now that we have a good premise, I have high hopes for book two.
For all his faults, Nico was a real lover boy ➡️
“I see you, Milla. I see all of you. The good, the better, and the best because there is no bad in you. You are enough”🥹😭
He was also a CHARMER! ➡️
“I like how your hair curls more when it’s damp outside. I like how your hips look in a silk dress. I particularly like the way you say my name when you’re frustrated, as it gives me a hint of how you’d say it in my bed.”
“Nicolai!”
“That’s right. Keep practicing.”🫠🔥
Milla was likeable and had the good amount of passion and confidence in who she was. I’m getting a little sick of damsels in distress so give me a gun toting FMC any day 👏🏾. I liked her back story and the complicated relationship with her brothers. It added some good substance to her character.
Her brothers? They are ALL trash!!! Right down to Giles. I’m sorry, he can take his lovey dovey cute brother routine and stick it where the sun don’t shine. You don’t sit by and watch the sister you claim to love be treated and lied to like that.
Amaris...you stupid bitter hoe! You better hope I don’t catch you in these streets. With your fake brotherly protection act. Using Milla like she’s a pawn and causing a whole world of hurt in the end for no reason. I’m sorry but you will not be getting redemption in my eyes!!!!! I don’t care if you “did it to protect - blah blah BLAH”
True heroes? Luther and Gideon 🥹❤️ baby boys who would do anything for their cousin Nico and his girl Milla. They deserve it all. Luther, I pray you get a healing story, I love you x
You’ve got: marriage of convenience, morally grey hero, and found family. It’s also got a whole load of “who did this to you” “touch her and you die”…you know, the usual good stuff 😉
The plot didn’t capture me that much. And I feel like the writing was a little too all over the place and awkward in an attempt to world build. BUT it was a solid story with promise. This was clearly the case of ‘first book in the series’ jitters. Now that we have a good premise, I have high hopes for book two.
For all his faults, Nico was a real lover boy ➡️
“I see you, Milla. I see all of you. The good, the better, and the best because there is no bad in you. You are enough”🥹😭
He was also a CHARMER! ➡️
“I like how your hair curls more when it’s damp outside. I like how your hips look in a silk dress. I particularly like the way you say my name when you’re frustrated, as it gives me a hint of how you’d say it in my bed.”
“Nicolai!”
“That’s right. Keep practicing.”🫠🔥
Milla was likeable and had the good amount of passion and confidence in who she was. I’m getting a little sick of damsels in distress so give me a gun toting FMC any day 👏🏾. I liked her back story and the complicated relationship with her brothers. It added some good substance to her character.
Her brothers? They are ALL trash!!! Right down to Giles. I’m sorry, he can take his lovey dovey cute brother routine and stick it where the sun don’t shine. You don’t sit by and watch the sister you claim to love be treated and lied to like that.
Amaris...you stupid bitter hoe! You better hope I don’t catch you in these streets. With your fake brotherly protection act. Using Milla like she’s a pawn and causing a whole world of hurt in the end for no reason. I’m sorry but you will not be getting redemption in my eyes!!!!! I don’t care if you “did it to protect - blah blah BLAH”
True heroes? Luther and Gideon 🥹❤️ baby boys who would do anything for their cousin Nico and his girl Milla. They deserve it all. Luther, I pray you get a healing story, I love you x
January 18, 2024
So I found this book on BookTok and am so glad I did. This is certainly different than the current fantasy books that I have been reading as of late. Author Interview on BookTube: HERE
Read if:
💛Marriage of Convenience
💛Rivals to lovers
💛Steampunk vibes
💛Touch her and 💀
💛Disability rep
The magic system in this book took me by surprise. It has a lot of current magical elements such as vampires and elemental magic. But giving it a name by calling it Remnant. It is intricate and draws me in wanting more.
The main characters and even the side characters you easily wanted to either love or hate. Because the author does a great job at writing each one a personality.
The main characters' relationship had great chemistry but came a little together a little too quickly in my opinion. But alas, it was still good.
The ending.....was intense. It did happen so quickly that I had to reread it because I wasn't sure what had happened. But it did and I was shellshocked. The ending wasn't something I had read before and loved how it left me on a cliffhanger.
Now this is more of a personal preference than anything but there was a scene in this book that had me rolling my eyes and turned me off from enjoying this book for a hot second. There is a particular scene that happened in A Court of Mist and Fury that authors like to include in their book for some reason. It just annoys me because it doesn't feel original and some people are just trying to copy that moment. To me, it's not entertaining. Like I said, more of a personal preference.
I enjoyed the book and will continue regardless.
Connect With Me:
BLOG ⟫ INSTAGRAM ⟫ PODCAST ⟫ TIKTOK ⟫
The algorithm felt the need to repeatedly show this book on my TikTok. So naturally, I will be checking this out.
Read if:
💛Marriage of Convenience
💛Rivals to lovers
💛Steampunk vibes
💛Touch her and 💀
💛Disability rep
The magic system in this book took me by surprise. It has a lot of current magical elements such as vampires and elemental magic. But giving it a name by calling it Remnant. It is intricate and draws me in wanting more.
The main characters and even the side characters you easily wanted to either love or hate. Because the author does a great job at writing each one a personality.
The main characters' relationship had great chemistry but came a little together a little too quickly in my opinion. But alas, it was still good.
The ending.....was intense. It did happen so quickly that I had to reread it because I wasn't sure what had happened. But it did and I was shellshocked. The ending wasn't something I had read before and loved how it left me on a cliffhanger.
Now this is more of a personal preference than anything but there was a scene in this book that had me rolling my eyes and turned me off from enjoying this book for a hot second. There is a particular scene that happened in A Court of Mist and Fury that authors like to include in their book for some reason. It just annoys me because it doesn't feel original and some people are just trying to copy that moment. To me, it's not entertaining. Like I said, more of a personal preference.
I enjoyed the book and will continue regardless.
Connect With Me:
BLOG ⟫ INSTAGRAM ⟫ PODCAST ⟫ TIKTOK ⟫
The algorithm felt the need to repeatedly show this book on my TikTok. So naturally, I will be checking this out.
November 4, 2025
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (thank you, Second Sky/Forever). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Marriage of convenience
✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ Found family
✅ Steampunk mafia vibe
✅(🆗) Plot
✅🆗 Romance
✅🆗 Pace
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: deaths (not graphic), shootings, stabbings, drinking blood
The first part of the book is kind of intriguing, but then it gets boring. The magic system is interesting, but not exploited enough in the book, especially in the second part of the book, where the focus seems to be mostly on the mafia and revenge element of the plot, and less on the fantasy and magic aspect. Overall, the plot felt erratic; it seemed to jump from place to place, and I was never sure where this story was going or what the endgame was.
Honestly, I struggled to remain engaged, despite everything that was going on. Things were not explained and developed enough for me to get invested in the plot, and the characters lacked depth, so I didn’t care that much about them either. There are a lot of groups mentioned at the beginning of the book: gangs, law enforcement agencies, and others, but there are no real explanations about the groups, their functioning, and dynamics, making it confusing at times and hard to care about.
Milla and Nico have a tense dynamic at first, and I liked it. They argued and pushed on each other’s buttons on purpose, and there was a sexual tension between them, too. Sadly, it quickly soured when Milla kept on being antagonistic (not an issue with me), only for Nico to almost instantly become possessive of her, without any real buildup.
The romance was okay, but a little cheesy at times. There was potential for something much more intense and angsty. This is a marriage of convenience, meaning it usually comes with forced proximity, and in this case, even an enemies-to-lovers trope. It is the perfect combination for the author to slowly build sexual tension and have the characters discover each other bit by bit, and learn to know and appreciate each other bit by bit. Instead, Nico seemed to instantly be devoted to Milla and willing to risk anything to protect her, and it made their relationship feel rushed, with a weak foundation. Their dialogues lacked smoothness and real chemistry and felt forced at times.
Nico gets kissed (more or less willingly), and he has a reputation for being a womanizer. Yet, Milla stays at home quietly, even when she thinks he might be with another girl. This doesn’t fit her fiery temper that comes out to play every once in a while, and it annoyed me that Nico would act this way. He is not instigating the kisses, but he is not always in a hurry to stop them either.
Overall, the ideas are there, and they have potential, but the execution is lacking. If you are looking for a romantasy with mafia vibes that checks the boxes of the usual tropes, this one might be a good fit. If you want something more elaborate, focused on the plot, and with characters that have layers and real chemistry, this might not be the one for you.
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✅ Marriage of convenience
✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ Found family
✅ Steampunk mafia vibe
✅(🆗) Plot
✅🆗 Romance
✅🆗 Pace
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: deaths (not graphic), shootings, stabbings, drinking blood
The first part of the book is kind of intriguing, but then it gets boring. The magic system is interesting, but not exploited enough in the book, especially in the second part of the book, where the focus seems to be mostly on the mafia and revenge element of the plot, and less on the fantasy and magic aspect. Overall, the plot felt erratic; it seemed to jump from place to place, and I was never sure where this story was going or what the endgame was.
Honestly, I struggled to remain engaged, despite everything that was going on. Things were not explained and developed enough for me to get invested in the plot, and the characters lacked depth, so I didn’t care that much about them either. There are a lot of groups mentioned at the beginning of the book: gangs, law enforcement agencies, and others, but there are no real explanations about the groups, their functioning, and dynamics, making it confusing at times and hard to care about.
Milla and Nico have a tense dynamic at first, and I liked it. They argued and pushed on each other’s buttons on purpose, and there was a sexual tension between them, too. Sadly, it quickly soured when Milla kept on being antagonistic (not an issue with me), only for Nico to almost instantly become possessive of her, without any real buildup.
The romance was okay, but a little cheesy at times. There was potential for something much more intense and angsty. This is a marriage of convenience, meaning it usually comes with forced proximity, and in this case, even an enemies-to-lovers trope. It is the perfect combination for the author to slowly build sexual tension and have the characters discover each other bit by bit, and learn to know and appreciate each other bit by bit. Instead, Nico seemed to instantly be devoted to Milla and willing to risk anything to protect her, and it made their relationship feel rushed, with a weak foundation. Their dialogues lacked smoothness and real chemistry and felt forced at times.
Nico gets kissed (more or less willingly), and he has a reputation for being a womanizer. Yet, Milla stays at home quietly, even when she thinks he might be with another girl. This doesn’t fit her fiery temper that comes out to play every once in a while, and it annoyed me that Nico would act this way. He is not instigating the kisses, but he is not always in a hurry to stop them either.
Overall, the ideas are there, and they have potential, but the execution is lacking. If you are looking for a romantasy with mafia vibes that checks the boxes of the usual tropes, this one might be a good fit. If you want something more elaborate, focused on the plot, and with characters that have layers and real chemistry, this might not be the one for you.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
August 27, 2024
"He was strikingly handsome, obnoxiously wealthy and apparently had a thing for throats"
STOPPPP, I am obsessed. This is legit ✨perfection✨
The banter was BANTERING, ok??!! It's giving peaky blinders with the coolest fucking magic system. I ate it up!!
I fell in love with both main characters, Nico + Milla are perfection. You've got a badass, takes no shit fmc and a possessive, touch her + die mmc. 👌👌👌
I think, if you are someone who truly enjoyed the banter from Powerless/ Reckless but wanted more adult and less YA - PICK THIS UP!!!
The Vex Veritas scene!!! Obsessed
BUT THE SCENE WHERE HE FIXES HER SHOE!!! I am done.
moments:
"Let go of my wife, or you will die tonight."
"You really can't just admit you think I'm attractive."
"I'd rather show you what I ate for breakfast yesterday."
"I see you, Milla. I see all of you. The good, the better, and the best because there is no bad in you. You are enough."
"Wanting you isn't hard, princess. It's all the rest that makes it difficult."
"I hope you don't expect me to go without you. We're a package deal now. Where you go, I go. Till death parts us."
-peaky blinders vibes
-magic
-marriage of convenience
-rivals to lovers
-touch her her + die
-a+ banter
STOPPPP, I am obsessed. This is legit ✨perfection✨
The banter was BANTERING, ok??!! It's giving peaky blinders with the coolest fucking magic system. I ate it up!!
I fell in love with both main characters, Nico + Milla are perfection. You've got a badass, takes no shit fmc and a possessive, touch her + die mmc. 👌👌👌
I think, if you are someone who truly enjoyed the banter from Powerless/ Reckless but wanted more adult and less YA - PICK THIS UP!!!
The Vex Veritas scene!!! Obsessed
BUT THE SCENE WHERE HE FIXES HER SHOE!!! I am done.
moments:
"Let go of my wife, or you will die tonight."
"You really can't just admit you think I'm attractive."
"I'd rather show you what I ate for breakfast yesterday."
"I see you, Milla. I see all of you. The good, the better, and the best because there is no bad in you. You are enough."
"Wanting you isn't hard, princess. It's all the rest that makes it difficult."
"I hope you don't expect me to go without you. We're a package deal now. Where you go, I go. Till death parts us."
-peaky blinders vibes
-magic
-marriage of convenience
-rivals to lovers
-touch her her + die
-a+ banter
July 31, 2024
This breathed life into the romantasy genre for me. It felt like something so different then all the rest I have been reading.
For one this is no fae romance. It's actually an urban steam punk setting, there's guns and politicians and a war between the humans and the magic users. But the non magic users use science to help even the playing field.
There's an important train😂
A marriage of convenience
A metal hand👀
Our male main character is known to be ruthless but a serious softie at heart.
I loved the banter between them, but also loved the small moments between them.
Please please please pick this one up
For one this is no fae romance. It's actually an urban steam punk setting, there's guns and politicians and a war between the humans and the magic users. But the non magic users use science to help even the playing field.
There's an important train😂
A marriage of convenience
A metal hand👀
Our male main character is known to be ruthless but a serious softie at heart.
I loved the banter between them, but also loved the small moments between them.
Please please please pick this one up
November 8, 2024
3 stars
I liked this, but do think it was right book wrong time.
Romantasy with mafia elements? Loved that aspect! The magic system was interesting, the banter was fabulous and I think I have more of a crush on Milla than I do on Nico. ALTHOUGH, the fact that this MAN is dyslexic and spent ALL NIGHT writing a marriage proposal (albeit, against her will) for her so that he could present her with something that she would take seriously and would impress her had me SWOONING.
Now, the plot twists did not twist for me, but I read this for the vibes, not for an intricate plot so I was okay with that!
Definitely recommend if you just want a fun Romantasy book!
I liked this, but do think it was right book wrong time.
Romantasy with mafia elements? Loved that aspect! The magic system was interesting, the banter was fabulous and I think I have more of a crush on Milla than I do on Nico. ALTHOUGH, the fact that this MAN is dyslexic and spent ALL NIGHT writing a marriage proposal (albeit, against her will) for her so that he could present her with something that she would take seriously and would impress her had me SWOONING.
Now, the plot twists did not twist for me, but I read this for the vibes, not for an intricate plot so I was okay with that!
Definitely recommend if you just want a fun Romantasy book!
April 26, 2024
DNF @ 49%
House of Bane and Blood is one of those books which made me feel gaslit because of its exceptionally high reviews. What is wrong with me? What is everyone else seeing that I'm not?
And because of these glowing reviews, I gave it much longer than it deserved. As such, I'm confident that the issue isn't me 😝
Here's what I couldn't look past and ultimately made me DNF:
⟶ The worldbuilding is wayyyyy too sparse, and what we do get is confusing as hell. Is this steampunk? Urban fantasy? What are the limits of technology? How the fuck does the magic system work? It seemed like the author was trying to avoid info-dumps with such ferocity that they swung the pendulum to the other side instead of finding an appropriate middle ground.
⟶ For the life of me, I could not navigate the inconsistencies we get with character speech patterns. Not only did this play into the mess that was the worldbuilding (ex. having characters who never use contractions tells you a lot about the time period, social expectations, etc.) but it meant I couldn't make any determinations about the characters themselves when their speech was changing so drastically from, in some cases, the last thing they said.
⟶ The writing needed at least one more round of line edits. Even though I'm slightly more likely to give iffy writing a pass when listening to audios, there were sentences so bizarre that I genuinely had to pause, go back, and relisten just to make sure I hadn't heard them incorrectly and made it up in my head. For example: "...only because he could hurt my family hard if he wanted to."
Notes on the audiobook
⟶ Dual narration. (Is it terrible that, these days, I'm expecting indies to be done in duet?)
⟶MMC Even this being narrated by James Cavenaugh/Fouhey, the same voice actor who brings to life Foz Meadow's Tithinai series (along with Vikas Adams) wasn't enough to keep me going.
⟶FMC Jacci Prior is a new-to-me narrator. There were no ticks or strange choices, so I'm looking forward to seeing what she does with a book that isn't (I'm sorry in advance... but...) a turd.
House of Bane and Blood is one of those books which made me feel gaslit because of its exceptionally high reviews. What is wrong with me? What is everyone else seeing that I'm not?
And because of these glowing reviews, I gave it much longer than it deserved. As such, I'm confident that the issue isn't me 😝
Here's what I couldn't look past and ultimately made me DNF:
⟶ The worldbuilding is wayyyyy too sparse, and what we do get is confusing as hell. Is this steampunk? Urban fantasy? What are the limits of technology? How the fuck does the magic system work? It seemed like the author was trying to avoid info-dumps with such ferocity that they swung the pendulum to the other side instead of finding an appropriate middle ground.
⟶ For the life of me, I could not navigate the inconsistencies we get with character speech patterns. Not only did this play into the mess that was the worldbuilding (ex. having characters who never use contractions tells you a lot about the time period, social expectations, etc.) but it meant I couldn't make any determinations about the characters themselves when their speech was changing so drastically from, in some cases, the last thing they said.
⟶ The writing needed at least one more round of line edits. Even though I'm slightly more likely to give iffy writing a pass when listening to audios, there were sentences so bizarre that I genuinely had to pause, go back, and relisten just to make sure I hadn't heard them incorrectly and made it up in my head. For example: "...only because he could hurt my family hard if he wanted to."
Notes on the audiobook
⟶ Dual narration. (Is it terrible that, these days, I'm expecting indies to be done in duet?)
⟶MMC Even this being narrated by James Cavenaugh/Fouhey, the same voice actor who brings to life Foz Meadow's Tithinai series (along with Vikas Adams) wasn't enough to keep me going.
⟶FMC Jacci Prior is a new-to-me narrator. There were no ticks or strange choices, so I'm looking forward to seeing what she does with a book that isn't (I'm sorry in advance... but...) a turd.
October 25, 2024
The setting, romance, and vibes were really solid for me.
I had a few issues with world building and plotting.
It was giving me Devil of Downtown by Joanna Shupe meets steam punk vibes.
I had a few issues with world building and plotting.
It was giving me Devil of Downtown by Joanna Shupe meets steam punk vibes.
August 28, 2024
steampunk + mafia society + fantasy magic = a great freaking read
“𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚. 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡.”
TBH, this book kind of reminded me of Avatar: Legend of Korra, like that society where it's humans vs. benders, but better—and you know, spicier 😏.
Camilla Marchese is the heiress of the train empire, and her only purpose is to marry to save the company. Little did she know that her arranged marriage would be with Nicolai Attano—the leader of their rival family. The way they met, developed feelings, and navigated the politics behind it all made this book such a fast-paced read. I loved the tension, the spice is there but isn't the whole book, and I totally ate up the politics, idk why 👀
ALSO cannot forget how delicious Nicolai Attano was with his ✨she's my wife✨ vibes aghhhhh gimme gimme more! Can't wait to dive into the second one!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a fantasy with a bucket of mafia elements!
Tropes:
ꪆৎ arranged marriage
ꪆৎ humans vs magical abilities
ꪆৎ touch her and 💀
ꪆৎ possessive mmc
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱: *insert new audiobook into rotation* I have a friend that raves about this book non-stop so let's give it a try shall we
“𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚. 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡.”
TBH, this book kind of reminded me of Avatar: Legend of Korra, like that society where it's humans vs. benders, but better—and you know, spicier 😏.
Camilla Marchese is the heiress of the train empire, and her only purpose is to marry to save the company. Little did she know that her arranged marriage would be with Nicolai Attano—the leader of their rival family. The way they met, developed feelings, and navigated the politics behind it all made this book such a fast-paced read. I loved the tension, the spice is there but isn't the whole book, and I totally ate up the politics, idk why 👀
ALSO cannot forget how delicious Nicolai Attano was with his ✨she's my wife✨ vibes aghhhhh gimme gimme more! Can't wait to dive into the second one!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a fantasy with a bucket of mafia elements!
Tropes:
ꪆৎ arranged marriage
ꪆৎ humans vs magical abilities
ꪆৎ touch her and 💀
ꪆৎ possessive mmc
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱: *insert new audiobook into rotation* I have a friend that raves about this book non-stop so let's give it a try shall we
August 6, 2025
Tropes and Vibes:
💍 Marriage of convenience
💔 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Morally gray MMC
🔮 Dark/urban magic
🏙️ Mafia houses & cartel politics
🗡️ Serial‑killer hunt
🏠 Forced proximity (newlyweds)
♟️ Power plays & intrigue
🔥 Slow-burn tension with spice
I have no idea why this book isn’t getting more attention, it’s a hidden gem that absolutely deserves a place on BookTok! House of Bane and Blood sucked me in from the start with its gritty, magical world and fast-paced plot. If you’re into dark fantasy with political intrigue, family secrets, and steamy tension, this is one you need to read.
The dynamic between Milla and Nico is everything. The banter? On point. Their chemistry? Electric. It’s the perfect slow-burn, (supposed to be) enemies-ish-to-lovers setup, but with real emotional depth that makes you root for them beyond just the romance.
There are several plot twists throughout the book—some I saw coming, but that only made the reveal more satisfying because it was so well-executed. Watching everything unfold, especially with the mystery of the Collector and the stakes of Milla’s family legacy, made for a really immersive reading experience.
The worldbuilding feels like Peaky Blinders vibes, full of arcane science, political tension, and a post-industrial magical landscape that’s both gritty and lush. I’m dying to see more from this world.. especially if Alexis decides to build the series out more!
Highly recommend for anyone into dark, twisty fantasy with strong heroines, morally gray love interests, and a whole lot of secrets.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for an ARC!
💍 Marriage of convenience
💔 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Morally gray MMC
🔮 Dark/urban magic
🏙️ Mafia houses & cartel politics
🗡️ Serial‑killer hunt
🏠 Forced proximity (newlyweds)
♟️ Power plays & intrigue
🔥 Slow-burn tension with spice
I have no idea why this book isn’t getting more attention, it’s a hidden gem that absolutely deserves a place on BookTok! House of Bane and Blood sucked me in from the start with its gritty, magical world and fast-paced plot. If you’re into dark fantasy with political intrigue, family secrets, and steamy tension, this is one you need to read.
The dynamic between Milla and Nico is everything. The banter? On point. Their chemistry? Electric. It’s the perfect slow-burn, (supposed to be) enemies-ish-to-lovers setup, but with real emotional depth that makes you root for them beyond just the romance.
There are several plot twists throughout the book—some I saw coming, but that only made the reveal more satisfying because it was so well-executed. Watching everything unfold, especially with the mystery of the Collector and the stakes of Milla’s family legacy, made for a really immersive reading experience.
The worldbuilding feels like Peaky Blinders vibes, full of arcane science, political tension, and a post-industrial magical landscape that’s both gritty and lush. I’m dying to see more from this world.. especially if Alexis decides to build the series out more!
Highly recommend for anyone into dark, twisty fantasy with strong heroines, morally gray love interests, and a whole lot of secrets.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for an ARC!
December 4, 2023
I loved this so much, I immediately bought the hardback after reading on kindle unlimited!
The setting is what really did it for me. I loved the industrial island and magic system. This arranged marriage of convenience plot had plenty of twists and turns. There were secrets, hidden agendas, and betrayals, and each of these characters had enough power to work their angles. In the midst of it all, the two main characters had great chemistry and interaction.
Mila, the FMC, was plenty capable, which I really liked. I found her motivations and ambitions to be the least inspiring of all the characters though, and her naive spunk irked me at times when I wanted her to be more calculating. To be fair, this story definitely gave me Grisha-verse vibes (big compliment), so I can't help but compare, and no one can touch Inej. So there's that.
The setting is what really did it for me. I loved the industrial island and magic system. This arranged marriage of convenience plot had plenty of twists and turns. There were secrets, hidden agendas, and betrayals, and each of these characters had enough power to work their angles. In the midst of it all, the two main characters had great chemistry and interaction.
Mila, the FMC, was plenty capable, which I really liked. I found her motivations and ambitions to be the least inspiring of all the characters though, and her naive spunk irked me at times when I wanted her to be more calculating. To be fair, this story definitely gave me Grisha-verse vibes (big compliment), so I can't help but compare, and no one can touch Inej. So there's that.
November 2, 2023
Mob vibes meets fantasy.
Will come back to this review 🐍
Will come back to this review 🐍
October 21, 2023
4.5⭐️ I ate this book up like it was breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So many of my favorite tropes that were done right. Milla and Nico will live in my head rent free from here on out. The banter and tension, A+. The world building and plot were so intriguing. The magic system and some of the politics confused me a little, but if I go back and reread some things, I’m sure it’ll make more sense. I need book 2! Bravo Alexis, you out did yourself with this one.
I absolutely loved the vibes that this book gave off! The pitch of shadow and bone meets peaky blinders was spot on.
I absolutely loved the vibes that this book gave off! The pitch of shadow and bone meets peaky blinders was spot on.
March 6, 2024
*sigh* I see the author put a lot into this, and I liked the concept, but for me it fell flat and at points actually annoyed me to read. I think the magic system had real potential, as did the peaky blinders vibe, and the love story was sweet if a bit irratic. Nico and his family were amazing and I wish we’d had more of them!
Still, there are a few reasons this one just wasn’t for me:
📕 Was half of the book edited out or are we missing the world building and explanation of the magic system for a sense of anticipation? I was irked the whole way through. It felt like the grand ambitions for a complex magic, geographical and social system far exceeded the willingness to put in the work to build it. Every time a new faction or character of import was introduced, it was off the cuff and fleeting and that made me want to DNF 50% through, because the author was adding more and more factions and people into a mix that already seemed out of control. It all led to me really not caring about many of the characters that were “vital” for the plot.
📕 The pivotal plot points felt shoved in to pay lip service to the need for some story development. I was never sure why I was meant to care about anything that was supposed to be a big reveal. The story seemed to hop about randomly just to allow the two MCs to interact and to make sure our peripheral characters didn’t fade into insignificance, which was unsatisfying. The scene on the bridge was a bit of a farce, didn’t seem to fit with the rest of what little there was of a story whatsoever, and was simply too quick and convenient. It felt like there needed to be a lazy way out of any real conflict / difficulties for Nico.
📕 The focus is on the copy paste YA fantasy romance. I liked the romance, don’t get me wrong, but I’d prefer it if authors would simply write *that* book and don’t half-bake a whole world to do it. The chemistry between Milla and Nico (although often exaggerated and unbelievable) was definitely the strong suit in this book.
📕 I agree with other reviewers on GRs that the dialogue is often a tad cringe. The description of characters is similarly cringe for me because it’s clear we’re meant to see them as powerful / scary / threatening / impactful but it is impossible to do that because there is no substance to these characters at all.
📕 Where was the editor? Some parts of this book straight up made no sense and I felt at least 2-3 more rounds of edits were needed to overcome that. This really ranged from stupid stuff - why does he smell like cheese? how can leggings keep her feet warm on cold tiles? why are we balls deep in her IBS history when her food allergies have no plot relevance? - to pure misuse of words and grammar.
I’ve never DNFd a book but this one came closer because I was lost for the majority of it. If my reading experience for this book had a tagline it would be “am I missing something here?”
1.5-2 ⭐️ max from me. I wanted to like this but simply couldn’t
Still, there are a few reasons this one just wasn’t for me:
📕 Was half of the book edited out or are we missing the world building and explanation of the magic system for a sense of anticipation? I was irked the whole way through. It felt like the grand ambitions for a complex magic, geographical and social system far exceeded the willingness to put in the work to build it. Every time a new faction or character of import was introduced, it was off the cuff and fleeting and that made me want to DNF 50% through, because the author was adding more and more factions and people into a mix that already seemed out of control. It all led to me really not caring about many of the characters that were “vital” for the plot.
📕 The pivotal plot points felt shoved in to pay lip service to the need for some story development. I was never sure why I was meant to care about anything that was supposed to be a big reveal. The story seemed to hop about randomly just to allow the two MCs to interact and to make sure our peripheral characters didn’t fade into insignificance, which was unsatisfying. The scene on the bridge was a bit of a farce, didn’t seem to fit with the rest of what little there was of a story whatsoever, and was simply too quick and convenient. It felt like there needed to be a lazy way out of any real conflict / difficulties for Nico.
📕 The focus is on the copy paste YA fantasy romance. I liked the romance, don’t get me wrong, but I’d prefer it if authors would simply write *that* book and don’t half-bake a whole world to do it. The chemistry between Milla and Nico (although often exaggerated and unbelievable) was definitely the strong suit in this book.
📕 I agree with other reviewers on GRs that the dialogue is often a tad cringe. The description of characters is similarly cringe for me because it’s clear we’re meant to see them as powerful / scary / threatening / impactful but it is impossible to do that because there is no substance to these characters at all.
📕 Where was the editor? Some parts of this book straight up made no sense and I felt at least 2-3 more rounds of edits were needed to overcome that. This really ranged from stupid stuff - why does he smell like cheese? how can leggings keep her feet warm on cold tiles? why are we balls deep in her IBS history when her food allergies have no plot relevance? - to pure misuse of words and grammar.
I’ve never DNFd a book but this one came closer because I was lost for the majority of it. If my reading experience for this book had a tagline it would be “am I missing something here?”
1.5-2 ⭐️ max from me. I wanted to like this but simply couldn’t
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
literally fantasy peaky blinders with the mmc as a mix of thomas shelby and bucky barnes!!
this book was EXACTLY what i needed to start off my reading year. it’s fun and flirty with just the right amount of romance to support an AMAZING plot. that being said the plot weakened ever so slightly in the middle towards the end that made me lose a touch of interest in the romance between the main characters, however it’s still exciting and interesting enough to keep going because the plot kept me hooked.
it’s predictable at least for me it was, but i still enjoyed it nonetheless!! a lot of the scenarios especially in the beginning is super similar to the plot of peaky blinders so it becomes pretty obvious that this book is heavily inspired by the show BUT it’s still done in a new way that makes it interesting to read still if you’re worried about it being too similar.
guys when i tell you the plot is SO entertaining. it’s the main thing that kept me going because i LOVED the plot so so much. so even when the romance fell a touch flat bc it seemed cringey to me, the plot held through.
tropes:
- METAL ARM MMC
- found family
- marriage of convenience
- unique world building
- 1900s crime thriller vibes
- “where’s my wife?” (a personal favorite lol)
—————————
you do not understand how fucking EXCITED i am to read this book after seeing the art on its cover PLUS the tropes???
the entire setting sounds SCRUMPTIOUS
ALSO THE FUCKING COVER
literally fantasy peaky blinders with the mmc as a mix of thomas shelby and bucky barnes!!
this book was EXACTLY what i needed to start off my reading year. it’s fun and flirty with just the right amount of romance to support an AMAZING plot. that being said the plot weakened ever so slightly in the middle towards the end that made me lose a touch of interest in the romance between the main characters, however it’s still exciting and interesting enough to keep going because the plot kept me hooked.
it’s predictable at least for me it was, but i still enjoyed it nonetheless!! a lot of the scenarios especially in the beginning is super similar to the plot of peaky blinders so it becomes pretty obvious that this book is heavily inspired by the show BUT it’s still done in a new way that makes it interesting to read still if you’re worried about it being too similar.
guys when i tell you the plot is SO entertaining. it’s the main thing that kept me going because i LOVED the plot so so much. so even when the romance fell a touch flat bc it seemed cringey to me, the plot held through.
tropes:
- METAL ARM MMC
- found family
- marriage of convenience
- unique world building
- 1900s crime thriller vibes
- “where’s my wife?” (a personal favorite lol)
—————————
you do not understand how fucking EXCITED i am to read this book after seeing the art on its cover PLUS the tropes???
the entire setting sounds SCRUMPTIOUS
ALSO THE FUCKING COVER
November 25, 2025
4.5⭐️
Vibes were IMMACULATE in this!!
Peaky blinders x magic x vampires x mafia yesssss please!
I really liked the magic system in this, and how it was this really cool urban/historic mafia-esque setting fantasy
I loved the romance between Milla and Nico, they’re in a marriage of convenience between two rival families two sides of the city, Milla is an heiress to the steam train empire which Nico wants to take over, but soon the lines between whose side she’s on gets blurred as they develop feelings for each other.
The magic was really cool, there are 4 classes that you can be a remnant of, which decides what powers you have like shape shifting, wielding air, controlling thoughts etc and in some parts of the city magic is suppressed or not allowed to be used so that the mundane can be safe! I wish there was a bit more focus around the magic in this but the romance UGH THE TENSIONNNN!!! Plus, the plot was a bit jumpy but going straight into book two after that ending 😍
Vibes were IMMACULATE in this!!
Peaky blinders x magic x vampires x mafia yesssss please!
I really liked the magic system in this, and how it was this really cool urban/historic mafia-esque setting fantasy
I loved the romance between Milla and Nico, they’re in a marriage of convenience between two rival families two sides of the city, Milla is an heiress to the steam train empire which Nico wants to take over, but soon the lines between whose side she’s on gets blurred as they develop feelings for each other.
The magic was really cool, there are 4 classes that you can be a remnant of, which decides what powers you have like shape shifting, wielding air, controlling thoughts etc and in some parts of the city magic is suppressed or not allowed to be used so that the mundane can be safe! I wish there was a bit more focus around the magic in this but the romance UGH THE TENSIONNNN!!! Plus, the plot was a bit jumpy but going straight into book two after that ending 😍
May 20, 2024
Not what I was expecting but I loved it??
July 20, 2024
I would also call Nico daddy
January 3, 2025
cute! for a peaky blinders inspired fantasy novel, I had very high expectations. Loved the banter & “WHERES MY WIFE!” trope never disappoints 🩷 felt a bit rushed and the magic system could’ve been explained better in the beginning but I caught on eventually. Enemies to lovers wasn’t that believable but I enjoyed their dynamic nonetheless
Starting sequel the same day bc it ends on a cliffhanger -__-
Starting sequel the same day bc it ends on a cliffhanger -__-
November 16, 2024
I guess I’ll need to keep looking for that Peaky Blinders-inspired magical romance. 😕
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🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
Romance Safety:
Technically sort of safe. To me, it felt unsafe on the technicalities. I will explain:
Nico had past lovers. He seems to go from girl to girl. He sees Milla and then makes a plan to marry her, all in the heat of the moment, so that his enemies don’t have access to her family’s company. Nico intends to honor their marriage vows, meaning he will stay loyal to her - no matter what. I was very pleased with that decision from the author until she poured acid all over it.
Nico is a ladies’ man, and the way the author lets us know is by everyone and their mother throwing themselves at him. At first, when he was turning down one of his lovers, Vanya, I was annoyed. It was alright, though, because he was talking about honoring his vows even when he didn’t have to.
But then the stupidity began.
He gets hurt on mission, and the nearest house he can find a magical doctor belongs to ANOTHER woman with whom he has a romantic entanglement with. She tries to kiss him and succeeds because of alcohol. It doesn’t go any further because he calls her by his wife’s name. I didn’t get any indication he was going to stop. I have the scene here so you can decide for yourself:
“Don’t tease me like that.” She spoke the words into my neck. It had been months since I’d been touched so affectionately, but I was already crossing a line I promised myself I wouldn’t go near. Even if Milla hated me, I wouldn’t treat her like Isaac had treated his own wife. Even if she never touched me like this, or seated her wide hips on top of mine, or if she refused to let those perfect pouty lips suck my neck. The jewel of Lynchaven, the Princess of Steam, the very bane of my ambition. Why did her last name have to be Marchese?
“I can’t do this, Lilian.”
“Nicolai,” she whispered in my ear. “Touch me, love.”
The whiskey had already taken its toll, blurring this reality and my wildest fantasies. And then those hands that would never touch me were suddenly stroking my chest, her foul mouth kissing the column of my throat. Golden hazel eyes blinked down at me, soft with lust and desire.
“Nico,” she moaned.
“Milla . . .”
“Milla?”
Lilian pushed off me with a start, looking down from her seat in my lap. Her gentle features were sharp with disdain. “Who in the void is Milla?”
I swallowed, sobering quickly. “My wife.”
So romantic!
Give me a f******* break 🤢
They never even talk about it. The plot moves along, and it just makes me sick.
I would have been done, but once again, I liked Milla and wanted to see if her fiery nature was flammable enough to torch Nico’s eyebrows off for his stupidity later on (SPOILERS: she doesn’t).
When she thinks he is out and about with another woman, she stays home 😐.
Later, when Milla and Nico have begun establishing their relationship, ANOTHER woman enters the picture. 🤦♀️
For context this Lady Summoner was with Nico, and Milla interrupted them. The Summoner had the great idea of kissing Nico to distract from the fact that they were not supposed to be seen talking.
Here is the scene:
“Soft footsteps were approaching, closing in on the only door on this side hall. “Nico?” And spoken by the very last voice I wanted to hear at this moment. I panicked, glanced around the small bathroom, but nothing could hide either of us.
“Nico, are you alright?” she asked, the knob on the door turned.
The Summoner slammed her lips onto mine, shoving me against the wall so that her back was to the door, and I had a perfect view of Milla’s face as she discovered this woman forcing her kiss on me. From her reaction, the Summoner’s ruse worked well. Milla slammed her eyes shut in mortification. She ducked her head, muttered an apology, and quickly shut the door without another word.
I shoved the woman off my face. A new fury pumping my heart into a frenzy. “What the hells was that for?”
“I was covering for the both of us,” she said, wiping her mouth. “Doubt she’ll be asking questions now.”
“You have no idea who you’re dealing with,” I groaned, scrubbing my face. “Make sure my money is in my account the next day. I have an investment I’ll need to put down a payment for.” Shoving the Summoner aside, I spat at her before opening the door, “And don’t ever summon me in front of my family—or my wife—ever again.”
I already didn’t like Nico, yet this would be the moment where my respect for Milla would break. I didn’t want her to retaliate on the same low caliber as him (I’m not into playing dirty; I’m all about playing smart — keep your conscience and soul intact while letting his imagination run wild). However, I wanted her to force honesty and make him uncomfortable, leaving him wondering and suffering the same way he has her.
Guess what this girl does?
She goes out shopping with the wallet she stole from him, accompanied by one of the male cousins who likes her.
Ok? A start there. I don’t know why he would care; he is super rich, and that is not something he is sensitive about, so I hold out for the confrontation. she comes back home, and they have a stare-off. Then goes all soft, ending up cutting his hair after a half-baked explanation:
“His shoulders fell an inch, his stare to his glass. “I’m sorry about today. That . . . wasn’t supposed to happen.” He was being sincere. I’d known Nico long enough to know his apologies were rare and that pitiful look he wore like a sad puppy was almost nonexistent.
“Well, I’m sorry I spent all your money.” I wasn’t, but it was better than saying I forgave him.”
That wasn’t supposed to happen?? What the hell is that supposed to mean? I know he did not want to kiss her, Milla doesn’t! This could have many meanings. Was he not supposed to kiss her or was Milla not supposed to catch them?
Do you think she asks any of these simple questions, ladies and gentlemen?
NO! SHE DOESN’T!
She looks into his eyes and melts. They cuddle, he reads a book to her, and they brush past this GLARING ISSUE.
*Deep breaths*
This has a funny ending, though! It made me cackle—at least, a mirthless sound more reminiscent of a bird of prey, but still a cackle.
🚨BIG SPOILERS AHEAD. THIS IS A DOUBLE WARNING EVEN IF YOU ARE HERE ALREADY.🚨
Milla’s confidant and spy for her brothers, Sera, pretends to be Milla. She is shapeshifter, therefore, so of course Nico thought that was Milla. When they shoot her, he watches his “wife”die. He kisses her goodbye, while poor dying Seba is over there like: “shit shit shit, don’t say you love me, dumbass. I ain’t your wife!”
⚰️
“What do you mean?”
“You love her,” she said weakly. “You should tell her, before it’s too late.”
“Milla, I don’t love anyone else, I promise. I love—”
“No! Don’t waste those words on me,” she said, grimacing.
I shook my head just as her eyes rolled back, fluttering shut. “Milla, wait! Don’t leave me yet.” She obeyed, forcing them open, looking straight at me once more.
“Bring my body back,” she sighed. “Show them all what was done today.”
“Whatever you want.” The pad of my thumb traced her bottom lip, and I kissed them one last time. The drag of her mouth on mine tore a fresh hole in my chest until I felt nothing but the loss of her, even as I still held a fraction of her life in my arms. “Just please, grant me more time with you. Saints, I needed more time.”
I knew the author was just mocking me now. I didn’t find it funny. I wanted Nico to suffer but this was more ludicrous than anything.
He later find out Milla is alive. In the heat of the moment, he did not fully register that Milla was acting strange (color me surprised — this dumbass doesn’t even know his own “wife”).
So yeah, I would count the second OW interaction as cheating — even if the marriage was a sham —because he sort of promised to keep his vows and didn’t.
Plenty of OW action, as you can see. Minimal OW drama (crying inside).
Oh, almost forgot! Milla is super inexperienced. She had one single encounter with a man and kept her clothes on. The good old trope of the guy has his fun, and the girl never has any.
😐
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🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
Romance Safety:
Technically sort of safe. To me, it felt unsafe on the technicalities. I will explain:
Nico had past lovers. He seems to go from girl to girl. He sees Milla and then makes a plan to marry her, all in the heat of the moment, so that his enemies don’t have access to her family’s company. Nico intends to honor their marriage vows, meaning he will stay loyal to her - no matter what. I was very pleased with that decision from the author until she poured acid all over it.
Nico is a ladies’ man, and the way the author lets us know is by everyone and their mother throwing themselves at him. At first, when he was turning down one of his lovers, Vanya, I was annoyed. It was alright, though, because he was talking about honoring his vows even when he didn’t have to.
But then the stupidity began.
He gets hurt on mission, and the nearest house he can find a magical doctor belongs to ANOTHER woman with whom he has a romantic entanglement with. She tries to kiss him and succeeds because of alcohol. It doesn’t go any further because he calls her by his wife’s name. I didn’t get any indication he was going to stop. I have the scene here so you can decide for yourself:
“Don’t tease me like that.” She spoke the words into my neck. It had been months since I’d been touched so affectionately, but I was already crossing a line I promised myself I wouldn’t go near. Even if Milla hated me, I wouldn’t treat her like Isaac had treated his own wife. Even if she never touched me like this, or seated her wide hips on top of mine, or if she refused to let those perfect pouty lips suck my neck. The jewel of Lynchaven, the Princess of Steam, the very bane of my ambition. Why did her last name have to be Marchese?
“I can’t do this, Lilian.”
“Nicolai,” she whispered in my ear. “Touch me, love.”
The whiskey had already taken its toll, blurring this reality and my wildest fantasies. And then those hands that would never touch me were suddenly stroking my chest, her foul mouth kissing the column of my throat. Golden hazel eyes blinked down at me, soft with lust and desire.
“Nico,” she moaned.
“Milla . . .”
“Milla?”
Lilian pushed off me with a start, looking down from her seat in my lap. Her gentle features were sharp with disdain. “Who in the void is Milla?”
I swallowed, sobering quickly. “My wife.”
So romantic!
Give me a f******* break 🤢
They never even talk about it. The plot moves along, and it just makes me sick.
I would have been done, but once again, I liked Milla and wanted to see if her fiery nature was flammable enough to torch Nico’s eyebrows off for his stupidity later on (SPOILERS: she doesn’t).
When she thinks he is out and about with another woman, she stays home 😐.
Later, when Milla and Nico have begun establishing their relationship, ANOTHER woman enters the picture. 🤦♀️
For context this Lady Summoner was with Nico, and Milla interrupted them. The Summoner had the great idea of kissing Nico to distract from the fact that they were not supposed to be seen talking.
Here is the scene:
“Soft footsteps were approaching, closing in on the only door on this side hall. “Nico?” And spoken by the very last voice I wanted to hear at this moment. I panicked, glanced around the small bathroom, but nothing could hide either of us.
“Nico, are you alright?” she asked, the knob on the door turned.
The Summoner slammed her lips onto mine, shoving me against the wall so that her back was to the door, and I had a perfect view of Milla’s face as she discovered this woman forcing her kiss on me. From her reaction, the Summoner’s ruse worked well. Milla slammed her eyes shut in mortification. She ducked her head, muttered an apology, and quickly shut the door without another word.
I shoved the woman off my face. A new fury pumping my heart into a frenzy. “What the hells was that for?”
“I was covering for the both of us,” she said, wiping her mouth. “Doubt she’ll be asking questions now.”
“You have no idea who you’re dealing with,” I groaned, scrubbing my face. “Make sure my money is in my account the next day. I have an investment I’ll need to put down a payment for.” Shoving the Summoner aside, I spat at her before opening the door, “And don’t ever summon me in front of my family—or my wife—ever again.”
I already didn’t like Nico, yet this would be the moment where my respect for Milla would break. I didn’t want her to retaliate on the same low caliber as him (I’m not into playing dirty; I’m all about playing smart — keep your conscience and soul intact while letting his imagination run wild). However, I wanted her to force honesty and make him uncomfortable, leaving him wondering and suffering the same way he has her.
Guess what this girl does?
She goes out shopping with the wallet she stole from him, accompanied by one of the male cousins who likes her.
Ok? A start there. I don’t know why he would care; he is super rich, and that is not something he is sensitive about, so I hold out for the confrontation. she comes back home, and they have a stare-off. Then goes all soft, ending up cutting his hair after a half-baked explanation:
“His shoulders fell an inch, his stare to his glass. “I’m sorry about today. That . . . wasn’t supposed to happen.” He was being sincere. I’d known Nico long enough to know his apologies were rare and that pitiful look he wore like a sad puppy was almost nonexistent.
“Well, I’m sorry I spent all your money.” I wasn’t, but it was better than saying I forgave him.”
That wasn’t supposed to happen?? What the hell is that supposed to mean? I know he did not want to kiss her, Milla doesn’t! This could have many meanings. Was he not supposed to kiss her or was Milla not supposed to catch them?
Do you think she asks any of these simple questions, ladies and gentlemen?
NO! SHE DOESN’T!
She looks into his eyes and melts. They cuddle, he reads a book to her, and they brush past this GLARING ISSUE.
*Deep breaths*
This has a funny ending, though! It made me cackle—at least, a mirthless sound more reminiscent of a bird of prey, but still a cackle.
🚨BIG SPOILERS AHEAD. THIS IS A DOUBLE WARNING EVEN IF YOU ARE HERE ALREADY.🚨
Milla’s confidant and spy for her brothers, Sera, pretends to be Milla. She is shapeshifter, therefore, so of course Nico thought that was Milla. When they shoot her, he watches his “wife”die. He kisses her goodbye, while poor dying Seba is over there like: “shit shit shit, don’t say you love me, dumbass. I ain’t your wife!”
⚰️
“What do you mean?”
“You love her,” she said weakly. “You should tell her, before it’s too late.”
“Milla, I don’t love anyone else, I promise. I love—”
“No! Don’t waste those words on me,” she said, grimacing.
I shook my head just as her eyes rolled back, fluttering shut. “Milla, wait! Don’t leave me yet.” She obeyed, forcing them open, looking straight at me once more.
“Bring my body back,” she sighed. “Show them all what was done today.”
“Whatever you want.” The pad of my thumb traced her bottom lip, and I kissed them one last time. The drag of her mouth on mine tore a fresh hole in my chest until I felt nothing but the loss of her, even as I still held a fraction of her life in my arms. “Just please, grant me more time with you. Saints, I needed more time.”
I knew the author was just mocking me now. I didn’t find it funny. I wanted Nico to suffer but this was more ludicrous than anything.
He later find out Milla is alive. In the heat of the moment, he did not fully register that Milla was acting strange (color me surprised — this dumbass doesn’t even know his own “wife”).
So yeah, I would count the second OW interaction as cheating — even if the marriage was a sham —because he sort of promised to keep his vows and didn’t.
Plenty of OW action, as you can see. Minimal OW drama (crying inside).
Oh, almost forgot! Milla is super inexperienced. She had one single encounter with a man and kept her clothes on. The good old trope of the guy has his fun, and the girl never has any.
😐
October 3, 2025
Nicolai Attano… I would die for you! 😮💨🤌🏼
January 2, 2024
Dialogue was so cringe, the magic system didn’t make much sense and I can’t even begin to comprehend all this over …. A train. A literal train.
I cared about none of these characters and HATED the setting, also we knew nothing of the “impactful deaths” characters so it seemed like it was thrown in on a third edit in order to shock??
Just not for me in any shape or form.
I cared about none of these characters and HATED the setting, also we knew nothing of the “impactful deaths” characters so it seemed like it was thrown in on a third edit in order to shock??
Just not for me in any shape or form.
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