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Lunaria Realms #1
A House of Fangs & Deceit
The fae are gone and the monsters reign.
I am Samara Harker, and ruling is in my blood. As the Heir to House Harker, I’ve spent my life preparing for the union with another House’s Heir. The plan was simple: My future husband and I would jointly govern his House, and I’d fortify the delicate bonds between the Moroi Houses, Velesian Packs, and what remained of the Furies.
No one feels the weight of disappointment more than I do when my carefully orchestrated marriage and life crumble into ruins. After enduring betrayal and humiliation, I find myself forced to retreat to House Harker.
Returning home means encountering both old friends and adversaries. But things have shifted since my youth. In those days, I was promised to another. Now, I’m unshackled, free to pursue whatever—or whoever—my heart craves.
Unfortunately, my desire might have to wait. Because the monsters lurking in the shadows are growing stronger by the day… and my own people are helping them.
A House of Fangs & Deceit is book one of the Lunaria Realms series. This is a spicy why choose fantasy romance which means there is no choosing between love interests by the end of the story. You can expect different types of relationships ranging from sweet and playful to dark enemies-to-lovers; set in a world full of monsters with a dark history.
I am Samara Harker, and ruling is in my blood. As the Heir to House Harker, I’ve spent my life preparing for the union with another House’s Heir. The plan was simple: My future husband and I would jointly govern his House, and I’d fortify the delicate bonds between the Moroi Houses, Velesian Packs, and what remained of the Furies.
No one feels the weight of disappointment more than I do when my carefully orchestrated marriage and life crumble into ruins. After enduring betrayal and humiliation, I find myself forced to retreat to House Harker.
Returning home means encountering both old friends and adversaries. But things have shifted since my youth. In those days, I was promised to another. Now, I’m unshackled, free to pursue whatever—or whoever—my heart craves.
Unfortunately, my desire might have to wait. Because the monsters lurking in the shadows are growing stronger by the day… and my own people are helping them.
A House of Fangs & Deceit is book one of the Lunaria Realms series. This is a spicy why choose fantasy romance which means there is no choosing between love interests by the end of the story. You can expect different types of relationships ranging from sweet and playful to dark enemies-to-lovers; set in a world full of monsters with a dark history.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2024
499 people are currently reading
3226 people want to read
About the author
Alex Frost
3 books82 followersAlex Frost is… actually Maddox Grey. Dun dun duuuuun!
Okay probably not that dramatic of a reveal since it isn’t exactly a closely guarded secret. The pen name Alex Frost was created to publish the spicier fantasy series that fall under the “Why Choose” genre.
Why Alex Frost? Because Maddox is a freaking nerd. After being trained by local baristas to respond to the name “Alex” instead of Maddox, it seemed like the perfect pen name. Half of it anyway.
Since Maddox already shares their last name with Jean Grey of the X-Men, it seemed fitting to borrow Emma Frost’s last name for their other persona.
If you know, you know. (insert smirking face)
Okay probably not that dramatic of a reveal since it isn’t exactly a closely guarded secret. The pen name Alex Frost was created to publish the spicier fantasy series that fall under the “Why Choose” genre.
Why Alex Frost? Because Maddox is a freaking nerd. After being trained by local baristas to respond to the name “Alex” instead of Maddox, it seemed like the perfect pen name. Half of it anyway.
Since Maddox already shares their last name with Jean Grey of the X-Men, it seemed fitting to borrow Emma Frost’s last name for their other persona.
If you know, you know. (insert smirking face)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
December 4, 2025
Rating
4.5 💎
2.5 🌶️
Quick Summary
Samara totally stole the show, she is smart, fierce, and rocking her femininity like a queen! The world-building, sizzling chemistry, and found-family vibes had me hooked, and I’m so ready for the next adventure.
Listening Thoughts
📕Samara was portrayed as a intelligent, smart, strong FMC and it was so appealing
📕I loved how Samara was so confident with her femininity
📕The world was brilliant and explained at the right pace so you can keep everything together
📕Loved the dynamics with the MMC’s, some really strong emotions between them that I loved listening too
📕Great found family friendships, with some mystery around these too
📕The chemistry and sexuality explored in this book was on point
📕This world is just beginning to open up and I am here for the next book
Words that linger
🍷If I taste you, than you are mine.
🍷If I see something I want I am going to take it
🍷let’s hear that poetry, Heir
Tropes
🛁Vampires / Furies
🛁Shifters / Fae
🛁Strong & intelligent mid size FMC
🛁Friends to lovers
🛁Why choose
Thank you Beyond the Pages and Alex Frost for gifting me the audiobook to review.
4.5 💎
2.5 🌶️
Quick Summary
Samara totally stole the show, she is smart, fierce, and rocking her femininity like a queen! The world-building, sizzling chemistry, and found-family vibes had me hooked, and I’m so ready for the next adventure.
Listening Thoughts
📕Samara was portrayed as a intelligent, smart, strong FMC and it was so appealing
📕I loved how Samara was so confident with her femininity
📕The world was brilliant and explained at the right pace so you can keep everything together
📕Loved the dynamics with the MMC’s, some really strong emotions between them that I loved listening too
📕Great found family friendships, with some mystery around these too
📕The chemistry and sexuality explored in this book was on point
📕This world is just beginning to open up and I am here for the next book
Words that linger
🍷If I taste you, than you are mine.
🍷If I see something I want I am going to take it
🍷let’s hear that poetry, Heir
Tropes
🛁Vampires / Furies
🛁Shifters / Fae
🛁Strong & intelligent mid size FMC
🛁Friends to lovers
🛁Why choose
Thank you Beyond the Pages and Alex Frost for gifting me the audiobook to review.
October 29, 2024
I really, really liked this book at the beginning. I couldn't put it down, and by the middle of the book the only thing I didn't like was that they kept repeating a lot of the same information with very slight variants. Still, the book deserved 4.5 stars.
Then came the Roth incident. I liked Roth. They were one of my favourite if not my favourite, characters. Strong-willed, near-perfect representation and use of pronouns, interesting, and not overly sexualized—until they weren't, and that took away any respect I had for the book.
I was okay with the sex. I like spicy books, but if I want porn, I want porn, and if I want a story, I want a story that has a story, and if I'm reading for both, it should have both. This book had both until the scene with Roth. They completely changed their personality so they could shoehorn in some more sex scenes. It was unnecessary and ruined a good character. I could get behind Roth and Alaric getting it on or Sam and Roth getting it on if it had the story infrastructure to support it, but it didn't. Sam read poetry in another language and smart, strong-willed Roth threw themselves at Sam... It didn't make sense. It didn't flow. It offered nothing to the story, and it bothered me to have it in there.
Save it for another book or make it make sense, it didn't here.
Then came the Roth incident. I liked Roth. They were one of my favourite if not my favourite, characters. Strong-willed, near-perfect representation and use of pronouns, interesting, and not overly sexualized—until they weren't, and that took away any respect I had for the book.
I was okay with the sex. I like spicy books, but if I want porn, I want porn, and if I want a story, I want a story that has a story, and if I'm reading for both, it should have both. This book had both until the scene with Roth. They completely changed their personality so they could shoehorn in some more sex scenes. It was unnecessary and ruined a good character. I could get behind Roth and Alaric getting it on or Sam and Roth getting it on if it had the story infrastructure to support it, but it didn't. Sam read poetry in another language and smart, strong-willed Roth threw themselves at Sam... It didn't make sense. It didn't flow. It offered nothing to the story, and it bothered me to have it in there.
Save it for another book or make it make sense, it didn't here.
![Profile Image for Yves V.H. [Slow reading].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1768482628i%2F170151541._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 30, 2024
This. Book. Is. Amazing.
That's it. That's my review.
Kidding. In all seriousness, I really do think that the world building and plot is great! I think I would give a better review if I divided it by category, so, I will.
World building
Is a chef's kiss. I really like the idea of it all. I love the idea that the author created their own version of vampires. I want to know more about why, but according to the author, it will be explained in the next book. So I definitely can't wait to know more about Lunaria. There's a lot of information, though this is not thrown into just one whole chapter; it is given to you piece by piece. I was worried about it because Lunaria is divided into multiple houses, which means there is lots of information to take in, but no...The information is given at the right moment and just the right amount of it. Definitely no info-dumping here. Your brain will grasp the information with ease.
Plot
Right in the beginning, you will be hit by a wave of emotions coming from Samara. I 100% support her decision, and I love that she didn't even think twice at that moment and just thought to free herself. What I'm saying is that the first chapter is already a good hook to read until the end. The plot is very easy to follow. The flow and pacing are smooth. There was not a moment when I was confused. And since I really have a very short attention span, when I get confused, it's very hard for me to refocus, but that didn't happen here.
This is a 'why choose' trope and I've read a few books that share the same trope and honestly, I think this one has the best one yet. I just feel like nothing is forced here; all the relationships developed rightfully the way it should. Everything just falls naturally.
Characters
Samara
Brave brave woman. Also very hornknee. Can you blame her though? She's always surrounded by attractive people and plus, she was deprived. I think her ex-husband really lost a gem when he didn't take care of her.
Kieran
He's very open to sharing Samara. Which I didn't expect because I thought he's the type that is very territorial but apparently not or at least, not the way I thought he would be. But still, I think compared to the rest, he and Samara have the best dynamic. Probably because they are very close friends.
Alaric
My favorite character is Alaric. I love his sarcasm 😂 Like A LOT since I'm a very sarcastic person myself. I vibe with him. I enjoyed his POV the most because of it. I wish there'd be more of him in the next book, like more development between him and Samara.
Vail
There's nothing much about him yet (between him and Samara). So I will be waiting for more of him in the next book. And he's the least that I have interest in.
Roth
Not sure if they are a love interest as well but I'm just going to include them because that scene came out of nowhere! 😂 BUT I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I was just caught off guard that I had to reread the chapter to figure out how it started. Anyway, I think they are, as well, a very interesting character.
Overall, in characters, I love how I could identify which is which because they are all written really well. No characters have the same quirk or personality (which is what I REALLY REALLY love) it's an instant 5 star for me because I know the author really took their time to create them.
Entirely, the book is a great read. I love that the seriousness of the plot is balanced with a fair amount of humor (mostly coming from Alaric), so it didn't feel as heavy. I am definitely going to read more from the author because
I love their writing style.
Thank you, Alex Frost, for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily 💙
That's it. That's my review.
Kidding. In all seriousness, I really do think that the world building and plot is great! I think I would give a better review if I divided it by category, so, I will.
World building
Is a chef's kiss. I really like the idea of it all. I love the idea that the author created their own version of vampires. I want to know more about why, but according to the author, it will be explained in the next book. So I definitely can't wait to know more about Lunaria. There's a lot of information, though this is not thrown into just one whole chapter; it is given to you piece by piece. I was worried about it because Lunaria is divided into multiple houses, which means there is lots of information to take in, but no...The information is given at the right moment and just the right amount of it. Definitely no info-dumping here. Your brain will grasp the information with ease.
Plot
Right in the beginning, you will be hit by a wave of emotions coming from Samara. I 100% support her decision, and I love that she didn't even think twice at that moment and just thought to free herself. What I'm saying is that the first chapter is already a good hook to read until the end. The plot is very easy to follow. The flow and pacing are smooth. There was not a moment when I was confused. And since I really have a very short attention span, when I get confused, it's very hard for me to refocus, but that didn't happen here.
This is a 'why choose' trope and I've read a few books that share the same trope and honestly, I think this one has the best one yet. I just feel like nothing is forced here; all the relationships developed rightfully the way it should. Everything just falls naturally.
Characters
Samara
Brave brave woman. Also very hornknee. Can you blame her though? She's always surrounded by attractive people and plus, she was deprived. I think her ex-husband really lost a gem when he didn't take care of her.
Kieran
He's very open to sharing Samara. Which I didn't expect because I thought he's the type that is very territorial but apparently not or at least, not the way I thought he would be. But still, I think compared to the rest, he and Samara have the best dynamic. Probably because they are very close friends.
Alaric
My favorite character is Alaric. I love his sarcasm 😂 Like A LOT since I'm a very sarcastic person myself. I vibe with him. I enjoyed his POV the most because of it. I wish there'd be more of him in the next book, like more development between him and Samara.
Vail
There's nothing much about him yet (between him and Samara). So I will be waiting for more of him in the next book. And he's the least that I have interest in.
Roth
Not sure if they are a love interest as well but I'm just going to include them because that scene came out of nowhere! 😂 BUT I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I was just caught off guard that I had to reread the chapter to figure out how it started. Anyway, I think they are, as well, a very interesting character.
Overall, in characters, I love how I could identify which is which because they are all written really well. No characters have the same quirk or personality (which is what I REALLY REALLY love) it's an instant 5 star for me because I know the author really took their time to create them.
Entirely, the book is a great read. I love that the seriousness of the plot is balanced with a fair amount of humor (mostly coming from Alaric), so it didn't feel as heavy. I am definitely going to read more from the author because
I love their writing style.
Thank you, Alex Frost, for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily 💙
March 1, 2024
A House of Fangs and Deceit had me immediately hooked on the snarky banter alone. The personalities and wit are strong with everyone. And Samara is a heck of a lead. Shes smart, strategic, and not afraid to speak up.
I loved that this book wasn’t just your typical magical creatures. There were some I hadn’t heard of before (and was creeped out by!) and others that I’ve read plenty of books about but had been elaborated on. It’s always nice when there are differences to make the book stand out.
This book also has some spice that fit naturally into the plot line. One scene in particular stood out to me but I won’t ruin the journey of character relationships telling you!!
I’m 100% continuing this series and can’t wait to see what happens with the full gang!!
I loved that this book wasn’t just your typical magical creatures. There were some I hadn’t heard of before (and was creeped out by!) and others that I’ve read plenty of books about but had been elaborated on. It’s always nice when there are differences to make the book stand out.
This book also has some spice that fit naturally into the plot line. One scene in particular stood out to me but I won’t ruin the journey of character relationships telling you!!
I’m 100% continuing this series and can’t wait to see what happens with the full gang!!
June 24, 2025
This was right up my alley and somehow just not for me. Everything that it set up is what I read but it just fell short for me. spoilers.
Let's start with Sam. I think my problem is the show and tell issues of her personality. We keep getting told she is intelligent and a huge piece of her house and she can be such an asset. She went to college and she is super clever.....what we are being shown however is that she is vapid, shallow, and thinks more about her sex life and how her lovers perceive her than anything else. She also comes off as vain and easily angered the whole time she is at house Laurent and "sticking it out" for three years doesn't seem like a lot for immortal creatures. Yes her husband cheated and her mother in law sucked but what did you expect from a politically motivated marriage?
The guys:
Kieran isn't really in this book except for release of tension. Which fine, that's his role in her life but we don't know him at all. We get some of his POV but he still comes off at the golden retriever courtier even though again he claims he's not just that. Another example of the show and tell being something different in the book.
Alaric:
I mean, he was okay. Just grumpy and there for the most part. I actually didn't see the point of her picking at him constantly then getting all emotional when he snapped back. Maybe don't be annoying and purposely bother him and he won't be mean to you? It's one of the things that lead me to dislike our main character. You are supposed to be heir of your house and a diplomat and you purposely bother the person you work with the most for no reason? Other than that Alaric doesn't have any personality.
Vail:
Grumpy murderous man with the flimsiest reason to hate someone ever. Are we sticking with this 10 year grudge that has no standing? What adult looks at that situation, especially a trained and seasoned guard and goes "Yup I totally could've saved my parents at 13, if the 10 year old girl hadn't knocked me out". Come on, j can't even pretend that this grudge is a good one or worth reading their POV on it.
Roth:
Couldnt remember if they were gender neutral or identified as male so in this category with that disclaimer. This one came out of absolutely nowhere and seemed to be more of a "Sam is sexually fluid and can be attracted to anyone" versus actually having a basis for the sex and attraction. Roth is rude, and barely acknowledged her, yet here we are thinking she wants to keep them and getting it in her head Roth needs to be hers. I guess? Roth had like 4 sentences not related to studying books, and even their sex life revolved around her reading unseelie, which again came out of nowhere. I get wanting to be more inclusive and add characters with gender fluidity and what I'm assuming is ASD for the sake of representation but if that's the case like them a real character not the token character that gets a few scenes.
Overall I see that they are trying to have the plot of betrayal and intrigue but we get so caught up in Sam's self centered narrative, and how many sexy dresses with thigh slits she can wear that it fails to come together. Be sexy, be sexually empowered but don't be annoying about it.
Let's start with Sam. I think my problem is the show and tell issues of her personality. We keep getting told she is intelligent and a huge piece of her house and she can be such an asset. She went to college and she is super clever.....what we are being shown however is that she is vapid, shallow, and thinks more about her sex life and how her lovers perceive her than anything else. She also comes off as vain and easily angered the whole time she is at house Laurent and "sticking it out" for three years doesn't seem like a lot for immortal creatures. Yes her husband cheated and her mother in law sucked but what did you expect from a politically motivated marriage?
The guys:
Kieran isn't really in this book except for release of tension. Which fine, that's his role in her life but we don't know him at all. We get some of his POV but he still comes off at the golden retriever courtier even though again he claims he's not just that. Another example of the show and tell being something different in the book.
Alaric:
I mean, he was okay. Just grumpy and there for the most part. I actually didn't see the point of her picking at him constantly then getting all emotional when he snapped back. Maybe don't be annoying and purposely bother him and he won't be mean to you? It's one of the things that lead me to dislike our main character. You are supposed to be heir of your house and a diplomat and you purposely bother the person you work with the most for no reason? Other than that Alaric doesn't have any personality.
Vail:
Grumpy murderous man with the flimsiest reason to hate someone ever. Are we sticking with this 10 year grudge that has no standing? What adult looks at that situation, especially a trained and seasoned guard and goes "Yup I totally could've saved my parents at 13, if the 10 year old girl hadn't knocked me out". Come on, j can't even pretend that this grudge is a good one or worth reading their POV on it.
Roth:
Couldnt remember if they were gender neutral or identified as male so in this category with that disclaimer. This one came out of absolutely nowhere and seemed to be more of a "Sam is sexually fluid and can be attracted to anyone" versus actually having a basis for the sex and attraction. Roth is rude, and barely acknowledged her, yet here we are thinking she wants to keep them and getting it in her head Roth needs to be hers. I guess? Roth had like 4 sentences not related to studying books, and even their sex life revolved around her reading unseelie, which again came out of nowhere. I get wanting to be more inclusive and add characters with gender fluidity and what I'm assuming is ASD for the sake of representation but if that's the case like them a real character not the token character that gets a few scenes.
Overall I see that they are trying to have the plot of betrayal and intrigue but we get so caught up in Sam's self centered narrative, and how many sexy dresses with thigh slits she can wear that it fails to come together. Be sexy, be sexually empowered but don't be annoying about it.
November 3, 2024
House of Fangs & Deceit is a knockout start to the Lunaria Realms series, mixing amazing spice, high-stakes drama, and a post-divorce glow-up journey in a world ruled by monsters and magic. Samara is a powerhouse of a protagonist—dealing with spousal betrayal, navigating old alliances and enemies, and, refreshingly, not having to choose just one love interest. The story flaunts a vibrant spectrum of relationships, from sweet to intense enemies-to-lovers, while embracing a why choose approach that feels empowering.
The world itself is mesmerizing. With remnants of fae and monstrous looming threats, the setting pulses with dark intrigue and danger. It’s layered with political alliances and cities that are now far from safe havens, creating an atmosphere that’s as gritty as it is alluring.
Frost claims that we can choose a favorite love interest even if Samara won't and it's Kieran! His best-friend-turned-something-more dynamic with Samara is addictive. But honestly.... it's difficult to choose. Roth with their poetry and magic. Alaric with his tightly controlling grumpy vibes. And of course those who are lurking around the edges that will likely become more with our fav gal Sam. Each character shines as their own person, with distinct personalities and motivations that add so much depth to the story.
The spice level? Off the charts. I got chills. Frost weaves intense chemistry through each relationship with a skill that makes it all feel genuine and powerful. And alongside all that fire is a diverse cast that reflects the world’s complexities and makes every interaction richer. Action scenes and plot twists are equally intense, keeping you breathless from start to finish.
This isn’t just a fantasy romance; it’s a masterclass in escapism. For anyone on the fence about why choose romances, House of Fangs & Deceit is the book to convert you. I'm OBSESSED.
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The world itself is mesmerizing. With remnants of fae and monstrous looming threats, the setting pulses with dark intrigue and danger. It’s layered with political alliances and cities that are now far from safe havens, creating an atmosphere that’s as gritty as it is alluring.
Frost claims that we can choose a favorite love interest even if Samara won't and it's Kieran! His best-friend-turned-something-more dynamic with Samara is addictive. But honestly.... it's difficult to choose. Roth with their poetry and magic. Alaric with his tightly controlling grumpy vibes. And of course those who are lurking around the edges that will likely become more with our fav gal Sam. Each character shines as their own person, with distinct personalities and motivations that add so much depth to the story.
The spice level? Off the charts. I got chills. Frost weaves intense chemistry through each relationship with a skill that makes it all feel genuine and powerful. And alongside all that fire is a diverse cast that reflects the world’s complexities and makes every interaction richer. Action scenes and plot twists are equally intense, keeping you breathless from start to finish.
This isn’t just a fantasy romance; it’s a masterclass in escapism. For anyone on the fence about why choose romances, House of Fangs & Deceit is the book to convert you. I'm OBSESSED.
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
March 16, 2024
okay wow I loved this. AND THAT ENDING. yall I freaking LOVE plot twists. and I know I'm really bad at guessing what's gonna happen but I literally did not see that coming. if you've read this (which, if you haven't, go add it to your tbr/preorder it etc, so you can when it comes out) WHAT DID YOU THINK. bc I'm literally just aaaaAAAAHHHHHH
🤣🤣
okayokay actual review:
I really enjoyed this. I loved the beginning and the world-building and magic system was really cool. and I loved the ending (if you didn't get that from the last paragraph).
but... I did have just two tiny issues while reading. which, overall, didn't *really* affect my enjoyment (I'm still rating it a 4.5) but it was something that sorta took me out of the story a little:
1. from the like 15-40% ish range, I was kinda bored? and the writing felt a bit different than the rest of the story. and I'm not sure exactly how to explain it but I know I mentioned it on my instagram that I was about to DNF it if it didn't get better by the 50% mark (which it did!!). I can't put my finger on exactly what felt off but yeah that was one thing
2. and the second was that after the initial world-building was set up, everything after it felt a bit like you were just kinda expected to know? and I went back a few chapters a couple of times to make sure I hadn't missed an explanation bc I had no idea what was going on 😅 and after reading the entire thing, some of the things I was confused about did end up making a bit more sense later, it threw me off a little when i was actively reading it.
anyways, other than those two little things, I loved it. I liked the FMC and I LOVE slow burn why choose romances bc the build-up & tension between her and the other MCs is * chef's kiss *
4.5 ☆ | arc review
🤣🤣
okayokay actual review:
I really enjoyed this. I loved the beginning and the world-building and magic system was really cool. and I loved the ending (if you didn't get that from the last paragraph).
but... I did have just two tiny issues while reading. which, overall, didn't *really* affect my enjoyment (I'm still rating it a 4.5) but it was something that sorta took me out of the story a little:
1. from the like 15-40% ish range, I was kinda bored? and the writing felt a bit different than the rest of the story. and I'm not sure exactly how to explain it but I know I mentioned it on my instagram that I was about to DNF it if it didn't get better by the 50% mark (which it did!!). I can't put my finger on exactly what felt off but yeah that was one thing
2. and the second was that after the initial world-building was set up, everything after it felt a bit like you were just kinda expected to know? and I went back a few chapters a couple of times to make sure I hadn't missed an explanation bc I had no idea what was going on 😅 and after reading the entire thing, some of the things I was confused about did end up making a bit more sense later, it threw me off a little when i was actively reading it.
anyways, other than those two little things, I loved it. I liked the FMC and I LOVE slow burn why choose romances bc the build-up & tension between her and the other MCs is * chef's kiss *
4.5 ☆ | arc review
February 25, 2024
Samara’s plan was simple - help House Harker in any way possible, even if that meant marry for political gain rather than love. Unfortunately, the House she’s married into is ruled by a matriarch that refuses to allow Samara to utilize her political skills and negotiating prowess. After finding her husband cheating on her, Samara leaves to return to her own House and dissolve the marriage. She’s decided she’s no longer going to hold back in love and life, but the reoccurring attacks on outposts and new monsters rising to take power may put her ambitions on hold.
A House of Fangs & Deceit surprised me by how much I enjoyed it. The story was brand new, and I loved the world the author has built and can’t wait to see more of it. The pacing was excellent, and the romance well done. I expected this to be more why choose, since it was advertised this way, but I assume it hasn’t truly ventured into that realm only because this is the first book in a series. The ending cliff hanger and betrayal sets up the next book, and I’m literally itching to get my hands on it. I thoroughly had a great time reading this and can’t wait for more!
Thank you to R&R Book Tours, Alex Frost, and Greymalkin Press for an early copy, I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
A House of Fangs & Deceit surprised me by how much I enjoyed it. The story was brand new, and I loved the world the author has built and can’t wait to see more of it. The pacing was excellent, and the romance well done. I expected this to be more why choose, since it was advertised this way, but I assume it hasn’t truly ventured into that realm only because this is the first book in a series. The ending cliff hanger and betrayal sets up the next book, and I’m literally itching to get my hands on it. I thoroughly had a great time reading this and can’t wait for more!
Thank you to R&R Book Tours, Alex Frost, and Greymalkin Press for an early copy, I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2024
This is a hard review for me to write. I DNFed at about 67%. But I don't think it's an awful book. If you took out a lot of the phrasing and lines that are repeated (for example...the bloodlines and how the strongest were the ones who created the Houses), I think it would be a really good book. Even great actually. There is a lot of world-building taking place in this book and I have a feeling it's setting us up for a lot more to come in book 2.
November 28, 2025
Thank you to Behind the Pages and Alex for entrusting me with a review copy!
A House of Fangs and Deceit by Alex Frost
Lunaria Realms book 1
Duet narration by Eva Caine and Zane Daniels
Eva and Zane did a great job with this, and I especially loved Eva's performance, which was the majority of at least book 1. Her voice is so lovely! They brought the characters to life and I always enjoy duet narration!
Multiple POV, why choose, one sort of fast burn and the rest are slow burn, revisiting a previous forbidden romance, hate to friends, enemies to ?, monsters, great female friendship, humans turned into paranormal beings a few generations ago with a spell (new take on vampires, shifters, and furies), political intrigue
This was such an interesting world! We begin with Samara being married into a house that doesn't value her contributions. So once she discovers her husband cheating on her, she flees back to her own house. Her supportive aunt who is in charge lets her stay, and they begin the paperwork to cancel her marriage contract. But being back home means she is back with old friends and enemies and lots of feelings that she ignored before when she was betrothed. We get a fun mix of almost second chance romance, someone who hates her begrudgingly starting to like her, someone who wants her dead, and more! All while they are trying to protect their people from the monsters that their wards are no longer protecting them from.
I love Samara and how smart she is and how she is over trying to be the perfect heir and wife. And how she is ready to take what she wants! I'm enjoying these characters and this story and I'm off to start book 2!
A House of Fangs and Deceit by Alex Frost
Lunaria Realms book 1
Duet narration by Eva Caine and Zane Daniels
Eva and Zane did a great job with this, and I especially loved Eva's performance, which was the majority of at least book 1. Her voice is so lovely! They brought the characters to life and I always enjoy duet narration!
Multiple POV, why choose, one sort of fast burn and the rest are slow burn, revisiting a previous forbidden romance, hate to friends, enemies to ?, monsters, great female friendship, humans turned into paranormal beings a few generations ago with a spell (new take on vampires, shifters, and furies), political intrigue
This was such an interesting world! We begin with Samara being married into a house that doesn't value her contributions. So once she discovers her husband cheating on her, she flees back to her own house. Her supportive aunt who is in charge lets her stay, and they begin the paperwork to cancel her marriage contract. But being back home means she is back with old friends and enemies and lots of feelings that she ignored before when she was betrothed. We get a fun mix of almost second chance romance, someone who hates her begrudgingly starting to like her, someone who wants her dead, and more! All while they are trying to protect their people from the monsters that their wards are no longer protecting them from.
I love Samara and how smart she is and how she is over trying to be the perfect heir and wife. And how she is ready to take what she wants! I'm enjoying these characters and this story and I'm off to start book 2!
March 31, 2024
This is the first book in the Lunaria Realms series, a why choose fantasy romance series with fae, vampires, and shifters. Tropes include a building why choose, found family, banter, political intrigue, queer representation and a sassy FMC.
The Lovely: I loved the world-building and how it reimagined the genesis of different types of beings and their use of magic. This fed in nicely to the plot and how the story developed. I felt like the pacing was solid and kept moving, never leaving the reader to get bored. I enjoyed trying to unravel the mystery along with the characters.
Also Lovely: I also liked the FMC, Samara, and how she wanted to do and be more after a lackluster marriage. I was glad to see she took charge of her life and what she wanted rather than standing idly by.
The Mundane: My only meh was this was marketed as a why choose story but never really got to that point in this first book. I suspect the series as a whole will be why choose but I would have liked to have really seen that in the first book.
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: That ending went boom! It made me wonder about other things we think we knew as the reader and opens up a number of new questions. I can’t wait to read book two when it comes out this fall. If you like a growing why choose fantasy romance and different types of magical beings, I think you would like this book.
The Lovely: I loved the world-building and how it reimagined the genesis of different types of beings and their use of magic. This fed in nicely to the plot and how the story developed. I felt like the pacing was solid and kept moving, never leaving the reader to get bored. I enjoyed trying to unravel the mystery along with the characters.
Also Lovely: I also liked the FMC, Samara, and how she wanted to do and be more after a lackluster marriage. I was glad to see she took charge of her life and what she wanted rather than standing idly by.
The Mundane: My only meh was this was marketed as a why choose story but never really got to that point in this first book. I suspect the series as a whole will be why choose but I would have liked to have really seen that in the first book.
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: That ending went boom! It made me wonder about other things we think we knew as the reader and opens up a number of new questions. I can’t wait to read book two when it comes out this fall. If you like a growing why choose fantasy romance and different types of magical beings, I think you would like this book.
December 10, 2025
This book was so easy to fall into, and I’m incredibly grateful to have received ALCs for all three books in the series—the third one drops in December, and after finishing book one, I’m already ready for the next one. This was a solid 3.5 stars for me, so rounding up to 4!
We’ve got vampires, Furies, magical beasts, demons, and a world that feels immediately immersive without ever being confusing. While this is a why choose romance, the plot absolutely takes center stage, and it’s done so well.
Our FMC, Samara, is honestly refreshing. She’s just… normal. Not trying too hard to be a sword-wielding badass, not annoyingly whiny—just a grounded, relatable heroine who’s been through it. After an unfortunately arranged marriage to a House that never deserved her (and an unfaithful husband who REALLY didn’t), she returns home as the rightful heir. I loved how naturally she slips back into her old life—no over-the-top power grab, no “now I must be ruler” arc. Her aunt is ruling, doing a fantastic job, and Samara respects that. Thank you, authors, for avoiding the tired female-power-struggle trope.
And of course… the boy she once loved? Now a flirty, charming, beautiful man who absolutely knows what he’s doing. Plus, she has a few new romantic connections now that she’s unmarried, and I loved every minute of it. All of the characters have been enjoyable so far.
But the real heart of this story is the mission: protecting the outposts and uncovering what’s behind the brutal attacks that are wiping out entire villages. There’s so much happening and we get danger, mystery, magic, and just enough romance to make it delicious.
As an audiobook, this was fantastic.The female narrator was phenomenal. Her voice is smooth, engaging, never cringy, and she gives each character a distinct tone. I was hooked. I would honestly listen to any book the narrates from just this experience...is that weird? The male narrator, though, wasn’t my favorite. Mostly because his pacing is so different that I kept having to adjust my listening speed (I’m a 2x girly). Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable. He also didn't change tones depending on what voice he was doing, so the POVs got a little confusing IMO. I honestly had no idea who was talking until the end of the chapter usually 😅
Overall, an amazing start to the series, and I cannot wait to dive straight into book two🩸✨
We’ve got vampires, Furies, magical beasts, demons, and a world that feels immediately immersive without ever being confusing. While this is a why choose romance, the plot absolutely takes center stage, and it’s done so well.
Our FMC, Samara, is honestly refreshing. She’s just… normal. Not trying too hard to be a sword-wielding badass, not annoyingly whiny—just a grounded, relatable heroine who’s been through it. After an unfortunately arranged marriage to a House that never deserved her (and an unfaithful husband who REALLY didn’t), she returns home as the rightful heir. I loved how naturally she slips back into her old life—no over-the-top power grab, no “now I must be ruler” arc. Her aunt is ruling, doing a fantastic job, and Samara respects that. Thank you, authors, for avoiding the tired female-power-struggle trope.
And of course… the boy she once loved? Now a flirty, charming, beautiful man who absolutely knows what he’s doing. Plus, she has a few new romantic connections now that she’s unmarried, and I loved every minute of it. All of the characters have been enjoyable so far.
But the real heart of this story is the mission: protecting the outposts and uncovering what’s behind the brutal attacks that are wiping out entire villages. There’s so much happening and we get danger, mystery, magic, and just enough romance to make it delicious.
As an audiobook, this was fantastic.The female narrator was phenomenal. Her voice is smooth, engaging, never cringy, and she gives each character a distinct tone. I was hooked. I would honestly listen to any book the narrates from just this experience...is that weird? The male narrator, though, wasn’t my favorite. Mostly because his pacing is so different that I kept having to adjust my listening speed (I’m a 2x girly). Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable. He also didn't change tones depending on what voice he was doing, so the POVs got a little confusing IMO. I honestly had no idea who was talking until the end of the chapter usually 😅
Overall, an amazing start to the series, and I cannot wait to dive straight into book two🩸✨
February 27, 2024
I’ve been really into Vampire books lately and this was an interesting take!
I got originals vibes with how the vampires, furies and shifters were originally made and they’re not your typical creatures.
It was interesting to me that the vampires eat normal food but drink from eachother rather than humans as there isn’t really any humans for them to drink from.
The MFC Samara is fun and unapologetic for who she is. Love her! Her husband doesn’t want her. Well f you then! Ima go and have fun with a few people because why choose! We have enemies to lovers, we have it’s always been you and others! I’m here for it.
I also love an animal sidekick and Zosa is a sassy girl!
The only reason this isn’t a 5 star is because I struggled to understand what was going on a little as it wasn’t 100% clear. But hopefully book 2 will expand on this and it will make more sense.
That ending though. Need book 2 like now!
I got originals vibes with how the vampires, furies and shifters were originally made and they’re not your typical creatures.
It was interesting to me that the vampires eat normal food but drink from eachother rather than humans as there isn’t really any humans for them to drink from.
The MFC Samara is fun and unapologetic for who she is. Love her! Her husband doesn’t want her. Well f you then! Ima go and have fun with a few people because why choose! We have enemies to lovers, we have it’s always been you and others! I’m here for it.
I also love an animal sidekick and Zosa is a sassy girl!
The only reason this isn’t a 5 star is because I struggled to understand what was going on a little as it wasn’t 100% clear. But hopefully book 2 will expand on this and it will make more sense.
That ending though. Need book 2 like now!
December 31, 2025
I'm torn on this one. I tried with the audiobook at first but the female narrator was horrible. Her voice was nice but it sounded like she was just reading off the page until the sex scenes. That's the only time she had any personality. She had a weird lilt to the ending of her sentences for me. After i switched to reading things went much better. It was an interesting world and in general i liked the characters. There were a lot of repetitive phrases and a bit of info repeating as well. Like how many times do we have to be told how much Vail wants her dead? Roth and their ribbons, Alaric and their back and forth annoying each other? How much Samara wants everyone for herself but they better not think about being with anyone else? I don't know if i'll continue the series or not. I would like to know what happens with everyone, but i'm not sure i care enough to read the next book.
January 21, 2024
Steamy RH paranormal romance series.
Samara, heir of Harker house has to navigate politics, allegiances, ambition and her own desires when she decides to end her arranged political marriage and travels home to change her fate.
Now she's torn with shifting feelings towards Kieran her flirty and loyal lifelong friend/crush, Alaric her old rival, and Veil who despises her existence.
There's also the growing mysterious threat from monsters, dark magic and unseelie corruption.
So much sexual tension and drama, great spicy scenes, intriguing plot lines and mystery, and a bad ass FMC taking control.
So looking forward to more in this series, and what a Cliffhanger!
Honest and Voluntary ARC review
Samara, heir of Harker house has to navigate politics, allegiances, ambition and her own desires when she decides to end her arranged political marriage and travels home to change her fate.
Now she's torn with shifting feelings towards Kieran her flirty and loyal lifelong friend/crush, Alaric her old rival, and Veil who despises her existence.
There's also the growing mysterious threat from monsters, dark magic and unseelie corruption.
So much sexual tension and drama, great spicy scenes, intriguing plot lines and mystery, and a bad ass FMC taking control.
So looking forward to more in this series, and what a Cliffhanger!
Honest and Voluntary ARC review
October 5, 2024
Why did I wait so long to read this?! I'm so glad vampires are making a comeback!
After the fae have disappeared, humans are barely surviving and decide to perform a ritual to turn themselves into monsters so they have a fighting chance.
Now, hundreds of years later, Samara is back at home after dissolving her arranged political marriage. She's forced to confront her feelings about some complicated relationships from her past whilst also trying to figure out what's been killing off her kind. I may get hate for this, but Alaric is my favorite of the harem she's surrounded herself with. Hoping to see some spice with him in the next book 😏
After the fae have disappeared, humans are barely surviving and decide to perform a ritual to turn themselves into monsters so they have a fighting chance.
Now, hundreds of years later, Samara is back at home after dissolving her arranged political marriage. She's forced to confront her feelings about some complicated relationships from her past whilst also trying to figure out what's been killing off her kind. I may get hate for this, but Alaric is my favorite of the harem she's surrounded herself with. Hoping to see some spice with him in the next book 😏
did-not-finish
August 18, 2025DNF @ 20%
I was moving along pretty nicely but then I put A HOUSE OF FANGS & DECEIT down and I haven't picked it up in a week (which is not a good sign for me) and I've read 2 other books in the meantime. I love vampire romance so I was really looking forward to that but it was so understated in this book. Maybe it gets better but it honestly felt like I was reading a regular fantasy about humans. Additionally, there was something about the writing that made it feel younger though I can't pinpoint why. After looking at some reviews for this and the future books I can tell that I won't really like where things go in books 2 and 3 and so I'm going to let this one go.
I was moving along pretty nicely but then I put A HOUSE OF FANGS & DECEIT down and I haven't picked it up in a week (which is not a good sign for me) and I've read 2 other books in the meantime. I love vampire romance so I was really looking forward to that but it was so understated in this book. Maybe it gets better but it honestly felt like I was reading a regular fantasy about humans. Additionally, there was something about the writing that made it feel younger though I can't pinpoint why. After looking at some reviews for this and the future books I can tell that I won't really like where things go in books 2 and 3 and so I'm going to let this one go.
June 5, 2024
This book gripped me so hard, it didn’t let go until I finished it in one sitting.
I love, love, LOVED the FMC!
Bold, brave stunning, badass and the best sense of humour.
Though the world building might not be everyone’s cup of tea…
And that cliffhanger! Straight to jail!🚨
I tried to put off the book until the sequel released but I just couldn’t!
Now I have to wait till October to read it! 😭
I love, love, LOVED the FMC!
Bold, brave stunning, badass and the best sense of humour.
Though the world building might not be everyone’s cup of tea…
And that cliffhanger! Straight to jail!🚨
I tried to put off the book until the sequel released but I just couldn’t!
Now I have to wait till October to read it! 😭
July 31, 2025
4.25⭐️
what???? I need to read the second book asappppp🤭🤭🤭
quotes:
••
“𝕭𝖆𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝖔𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖞 𝖞𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖕𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖞 𝖉𝖗𝖔𝖔𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖒𝖊. 𝕴’𝖒 𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖚𝖒𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖆𝖓𝖘𝖜𝖊𝖗 𝖎𝖘 𝖞𝖊𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖘𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉𝖊𝖗 𝖗𝖚𝖇.”
“𝕴𝖙’𝖘 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖒𝖞 𝖘𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴’𝖒 𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖎𝖓 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖗𝖚𝖇𝖇𝖊𝖉,”
...
“𝕴’𝖒 𝖌𝖔𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖗𝖞 𝖆 𝖓𝖊𝖜 𝖒𝖔𝖙𝖙𝖔 𝖎𝖓 𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖊.” “𝕺𝖍?”
“𝖄𝖊𝖆𝖍, 𝕴𝖋 𝕴 𝖘𝖊𝖊 𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙, 𝕴’𝖒 𝖌𝖔𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖎𝖙.”
••
“𝓐𝓻𝓮𝓷’𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓸𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰? 𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮, 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰.”
“𝓘𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓪𝓼𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯𝓯?”🤭
••
what???? I need to read the second book asappppp🤭🤭🤭
quotes:
••
“𝕭𝖆𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝖔𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖞 𝖞𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖕𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖞 𝖉𝖗𝖔𝖔𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖒𝖊. 𝕴’𝖒 𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖚𝖒𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖆𝖓𝖘𝖜𝖊𝖗 𝖎𝖘 𝖞𝖊𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖘𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉𝖊𝖗 𝖗𝖚𝖇.”
“𝕴𝖙’𝖘 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖒𝖞 𝖘𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴’𝖒 𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖎𝖓 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖗𝖚𝖇𝖇𝖊𝖉,”
...
“𝕴’𝖒 𝖌𝖔𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖗𝖞 𝖆 𝖓𝖊𝖜 𝖒𝖔𝖙𝖙𝖔 𝖎𝖓 𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖊.” “𝕺𝖍?”
“𝖄𝖊𝖆𝖍, 𝕴𝖋 𝕴 𝖘𝖊𝖊 𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙, 𝕴’𝖒 𝖌𝖔𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖎𝖙.”
••
“𝓐𝓻𝓮𝓷’𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓸𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰? 𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮, 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰.”
“𝓘𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓪𝓼𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯𝓯?”🤭
••
December 6, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
I was given a copy of this audio by Alex Frost and behind the pages PA ahead of the upcoming release of books 3
It’s a super spicy why choose fantasy and I loved that it wasn’t just spice but has a mix of court politics, scheming, but also some really interesting powers and plot running though.
A great start to the series and I’m interested to find out what comes next.
I was given a copy of this audio by Alex Frost and behind the pages PA ahead of the upcoming release of books 3
It’s a super spicy why choose fantasy and I loved that it wasn’t just spice but has a mix of court politics, scheming, but also some really interesting powers and plot running though.
A great start to the series and I’m interested to find out what comes next.
August 4, 2024
3.5-3.75 rounded up
January 1, 2025
This was such a fun surprise. Not only is the plot incredibly interesting, but I enjoy every character so far especially the FMC.
September 10, 2025
I just don't know. it was like if all fantasy world stories converged to create one super world of generica
November 18, 2025
Ultimately forgettable. It took me like two weeks to get through this, and usually I'm a "book a day" girl. Will not be reading others in the series.
November 26, 2025
This had lots of good action, a great story, and characters. I am enjoying the different relationships she is currently building up. Samara is spunky and witty and just lots of fun so far! Book two should be interesting after that ending!
December 12, 2025
Paranormal with a large helping of why choose
I really enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this story. There's a lot of politics and court intrigue. The magic is interesting. The mystery of the storyline is enthralling. The why choose is a bit of a turn off for me but that's just a personal preference. There are so many love interests that I, as a reader, got overwhelmed. Like how do you keep up with so many people's needs and wants? Phew, I'm exhausted! But the spice is quite spicy and well written. I did notice some repetition in the writing but it wasn't enough to be bothersome. I listened to the audiobook. It's a duet audiobook which I just love and it's done really well by both Eva Caine and Zane Daniels.
I really enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this story. There's a lot of politics and court intrigue. The magic is interesting. The mystery of the storyline is enthralling. The why choose is a bit of a turn off for me but that's just a personal preference. There are so many love interests that I, as a reader, got overwhelmed. Like how do you keep up with so many people's needs and wants? Phew, I'm exhausted! But the spice is quite spicy and well written. I did notice some repetition in the writing but it wasn't enough to be bothersome. I listened to the audiobook. It's a duet audiobook which I just love and it's done really well by both Eva Caine and Zane Daniels.
October 20, 2024
I was hooked from the start of this book, House of Fangs and Deceit was the first Why Choose book I've read and really loved it!
The FMC is a Badass woman ready to fight for her life and everyone she loves, the love affairs are well written and handled great.
The last part of the book is definitely my favorite, full of twists and turns I didn't see coming. I really can't wait to read the second one!
The spicy part are pure fire!
The FMC is a Badass woman ready to fight for her life and everyone she loves, the love affairs are well written and handled great.
The last part of the book is definitely my favorite, full of twists and turns I didn't see coming. I really can't wait to read the second one!
The spicy part are pure fire!
December 15, 2025
I grabbed this one for free in a stuff your kindle event, and those books too often get lost on my kindle amongst the ARCs so I’ve tried to make a point to pick one of those out every month or two. I had a lot of fun with this one! I was bummed to see the rest of the series isn’t available on KU, but I think I’ll grab them after the first of the year when my holiday reads are out of the way because I have A LOT of questions that I assume will be answered. It’s an interesting world that I feel like we’ve only scraped the surface of. This book wasn’t too chunky, less than 400 pages, which isn’t much when introducing a new world, magic/paranormal creature system, and a slew of characters, so there’s a lot left to be discovered. I really like Samara’s character as well as several of the love interests we’ve met so far.
December 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🔥🔥🔥🔥
A House of Fangs & Deceit by Alex Frost
This was such a fun, spicy, why-choose read! The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and I really enjoyed the unique spin on traditional paranormals and yes, there are vampires, shifters, and familiars we know, but Frost adds her own fresh lore and political dynamics that make the houses feel alive and dangerous.
The book opens with FMC Samara catching her husband cheating, and instead of wallowing or staying out of obligation, she immediately walks away, even knowing it will complicate her future and status. I absolutely loved that for her no back and forth, no self doubt spiral just a woman choosing her dignity and power first.
The romance is deliciously tangled in the best way:
• Kieran — her loyal childhood love & protector
• Alaric — her sharp-tongued former rival
• Veil — who hates her… and yet can’t stay away
It leans fully into the why-choose dynamic, and the chemistry across all three is chef’s kiss. The spice level sits comfortably at a 4/5 intense, emotional, and paced well with the plot.
I listened on audio and the narrators were perfect. Each voice felt distinct, emotionally grounded, and matched the tone of their character. The recording quality is crisp and immersive no tinny moments, no awkward volume jumps.
Be prepared: this does end on a cliffhanger, but not the frustrating kind more like the “okay, I’m starting book 2 immediately” kind. Which… I did.
If you’re into dark romantasy with political tension, found-family loyalties, multiple love interests, and a heroine reclaiming her life with claws out, this one absolutely delivers.
A House of Fangs & Deceit by Alex Frost
This was such a fun, spicy, why-choose read! The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and I really enjoyed the unique spin on traditional paranormals and yes, there are vampires, shifters, and familiars we know, but Frost adds her own fresh lore and political dynamics that make the houses feel alive and dangerous.
The book opens with FMC Samara catching her husband cheating, and instead of wallowing or staying out of obligation, she immediately walks away, even knowing it will complicate her future and status. I absolutely loved that for her no back and forth, no self doubt spiral just a woman choosing her dignity and power first.
The romance is deliciously tangled in the best way:
• Kieran — her loyal childhood love & protector
• Alaric — her sharp-tongued former rival
• Veil — who hates her… and yet can’t stay away
It leans fully into the why-choose dynamic, and the chemistry across all three is chef’s kiss. The spice level sits comfortably at a 4/5 intense, emotional, and paced well with the plot.
I listened on audio and the narrators were perfect. Each voice felt distinct, emotionally grounded, and matched the tone of their character. The recording quality is crisp and immersive no tinny moments, no awkward volume jumps.
Be prepared: this does end on a cliffhanger, but not the frustrating kind more like the “okay, I’m starting book 2 immediately” kind. Which… I did.
If you’re into dark romantasy with political tension, found-family loyalties, multiple love interests, and a heroine reclaiming her life with claws out, this one absolutely delivers.
December 18, 2023
This was my first time reading works by this author and I really enjoyed the writing style. I had a hard time putting the book down. I am very interested in what happens next in this story!! I was hooked by the prologue but connected with the introduction of the book even more.
I loved the tension between the characters and the growth of Samara (the FMC). However, the love interests were a little on the predictable side, except for one. I am going to try to avoid spoilers here, but one of the love interests seemed to come out of left field and there was not a lot of detail about the evolution of that relationship. The other relationships between characters seemed much more planned out and available "on screen" for readers to discover.
The spice in this book is well done and not overwhelming. There is certainly more plot than spice. Readers are not left wanting on either front!
I cannot wait to see how Samara's bestie trio evolves, there seems to be a lot to explore there. I hope there is more focus on the three characters and their growth. I understand when a romance takes center stage in the plot, but I love it when a girl gets to keep her friends too.
And the cliffhanger!!! I have a love/hate relationship with a cliffhanger. I am happy to see this story continue but so sad about the wait!!
I loved the tension between the characters and the growth of Samara (the FMC). However, the love interests were a little on the predictable side, except for one. I am going to try to avoid spoilers here, but one of the love interests seemed to come out of left field and there was not a lot of detail about the evolution of that relationship. The other relationships between characters seemed much more planned out and available "on screen" for readers to discover.
The spice in this book is well done and not overwhelming. There is certainly more plot than spice. Readers are not left wanting on either front!
I cannot wait to see how Samara's bestie trio evolves, there seems to be a lot to explore there. I hope there is more focus on the three characters and their growth. I understand when a romance takes center stage in the plot, but I love it when a girl gets to keep her friends too.
And the cliffhanger!!! I have a love/hate relationship with a cliffhanger. I am happy to see this story continue but so sad about the wait!!
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