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Searching for Lucian
Violet Connor is a recently divorced twenty-nine year old just trying to get on with her life. There was nothing particularly bad about her marriage, but there wasn’t that spark—that feeling that screams “home.”
But when a tall, mysterious stranger moves in next door, she feels a draw toward him that she’s never felt before. Though after their first meeting, she’s convinced he may just be the rudest man she’s ever met.
As they get to know each other, and earn each other’s trust, Violet soon learns the world she lives in is not what she thought it was. Not at all. Seemingly overnight, she’s introduced to a world of beings she’s only ever dreamed of.
Now she needs to decide—does she go back to the way things were? Or does she follow her heart and the danger that choice could bring to her doorstep?
This book contains mature language, themes, and content that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised.
But when a tall, mysterious stranger moves in next door, she feels a draw toward him that she’s never felt before. Though after their first meeting, she’s convinced he may just be the rudest man she’s ever met.
As they get to know each other, and earn each other’s trust, Violet soon learns the world she lives in is not what she thought it was. Not at all. Seemingly overnight, she’s introduced to a world of beings she’s only ever dreamed of.
Now she needs to decide—does she go back to the way things were? Or does she follow her heart and the danger that choice could bring to her doorstep?
This book contains mature language, themes, and content that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2024
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 12, 2024
First off our FMC, Violet, was so damn relatable. Maybe it’s just because I’m also a short midwestern who hates beer but I LOVED her. Mariah Chantel did an incredible job giving insight on Violet’s past without making it feel like it was being shoved down your throat. It really helped me understand her as a character and made her feel real.
Honestly all of the characters were lovable. I think Namir was my favorite 🥰 I just love a (mostly 😉) platonic guy friend. And Lucian 😍 let’s just say the dedication is true 👀
This story had the perfect mix of romance and world building. I never felt like the fantasy aspects were overwhelming the romance. The only reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me is because there were times I wished the writing did a little more ‘showing’ and a little less ‘telling’ but other than that this book was exactly what I was looking for 🖤
It’s an incredible debut and if you’re a dark romance fan this needs to be on your TBR. Mariah thank you so much for choosing me as an ARC reader. It was an honor and I can’t wait for book two! Searching for Lucian comes out on June 28th but you can preorder it now ❤️
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
My Favorite Quote is a 2 Parter:
“Then why is Lucian a fucking wreck right now?”
Which later leads to…
“…you walking away from me the other day brought me to my fucking knees. It felt as if Death himself slit my goddamn throat.”
I mean COME ON 🥵
Honestly all of the characters were lovable. I think Namir was my favorite 🥰 I just love a (mostly 😉) platonic guy friend. And Lucian 😍 let’s just say the dedication is true 👀
This story had the perfect mix of romance and world building. I never felt like the fantasy aspects were overwhelming the romance. The only reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me is because there were times I wished the writing did a little more ‘showing’ and a little less ‘telling’ but other than that this book was exactly what I was looking for 🖤
It’s an incredible debut and if you’re a dark romance fan this needs to be on your TBR. Mariah thank you so much for choosing me as an ARC reader. It was an honor and I can’t wait for book two! Searching for Lucian comes out on June 28th but you can preorder it now ❤️
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
My Favorite Quote is a 2 Parter:
“Then why is Lucian a fucking wreck right now?”
Which later leads to…
“…you walking away from me the other day brought me to my fucking knees. It felt as if Death himself slit my goddamn throat.”
I mean COME ON 🥵
July 27, 2025
I just finished Searching for Lucian by Mariah Chantel and my heart is full. This is the kind of story that lingers—sweet, sexy, and so deeply real.
What I loved:
The FMC is refreshingly real. She isn’t some blushing, innocent ingenue. She’s in her late twenties, freshly divorced, a little battered by life, and not on good terms with her parents. She’s complicated, messy, strong—and it made me love her even more.
Imperfectly perfect details. These characters don’t just live in a fantasy—they live in the real world. We get surprise periods, killer cramps, rough hangovers, those embarrassing, all-too-human moments that make them leap right off the page. It’s raw and honest in a way you rarely see in fantasy romance.
Lucian is so much more than a brooding MMC. He isn’t some “I was dead inside until you” trope. He had a life before the FMC. He’s loved before, lost, broken, and—maybe best of all—he heals, grows, and finds new hope with her. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful to watch two people meet each other as equals, each with their own wounds, and slowly knit themselves back together.
But let’s be honest…
This book has so much heart. The banter is genuine, the tension is electric, and the chemistry—whew. Lucian and the FMC are fiery, stubborn, messy, and utterly magnetic together. They challenge each other. They see each other. And it’s not just about the steam (though, trust me, you’ll need a fan)—it’s about watching two imperfect people choose each other, day after day.
If you’re tired of perfect heroines and cardboard heroes, Searching for Lucian is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s full of laughter, longing, late-night confessions, and that bittersweet ache of letting yourself fall for someone when you’re not sure you deserve it. The side characters are just as vivid and messy—friends who feel like family, exes who are complicated, and all the beautifully tangled threads of real life.
One tiny warning for my fellow hopeless romantics:
This book does end on a cliffhanger. I know, I know—I screamed a little too. But honestly? That just means I’ll be right here, counting down the days until I get my next fix of Lucian and this wild, beautiful world Mariah Chantel has built.
If you’re craving a romance that feels real—one that isn’t afraid to get a little messy, a little vulnerable, and a lot swoony—let Lucian ruin you the way he ruined me.
Still hugging this book to my chest and already impatient for the sequel.
What I loved:
The FMC is refreshingly real. She isn’t some blushing, innocent ingenue. She’s in her late twenties, freshly divorced, a little battered by life, and not on good terms with her parents. She’s complicated, messy, strong—and it made me love her even more.
Imperfectly perfect details. These characters don’t just live in a fantasy—they live in the real world. We get surprise periods, killer cramps, rough hangovers, those embarrassing, all-too-human moments that make them leap right off the page. It’s raw and honest in a way you rarely see in fantasy romance.
Lucian is so much more than a brooding MMC. He isn’t some “I was dead inside until you” trope. He had a life before the FMC. He’s loved before, lost, broken, and—maybe best of all—he heals, grows, and finds new hope with her. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful to watch two people meet each other as equals, each with their own wounds, and slowly knit themselves back together.
But let’s be honest…
This book has so much heart. The banter is genuine, the tension is electric, and the chemistry—whew. Lucian and the FMC are fiery, stubborn, messy, and utterly magnetic together. They challenge each other. They see each other. And it’s not just about the steam (though, trust me, you’ll need a fan)—it’s about watching two imperfect people choose each other, day after day.
If you’re tired of perfect heroines and cardboard heroes, Searching for Lucian is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s full of laughter, longing, late-night confessions, and that bittersweet ache of letting yourself fall for someone when you’re not sure you deserve it. The side characters are just as vivid and messy—friends who feel like family, exes who are complicated, and all the beautifully tangled threads of real life.
One tiny warning for my fellow hopeless romantics:
This book does end on a cliffhanger. I know, I know—I screamed a little too. But honestly? That just means I’ll be right here, counting down the days until I get my next fix of Lucian and this wild, beautiful world Mariah Chantel has built.
If you’re craving a romance that feels real—one that isn’t afraid to get a little messy, a little vulnerable, and a lot swoony—let Lucian ruin you the way he ruined me.
Still hugging this book to my chest and already impatient for the sequel.
August 16, 2024
Searching for Lucian is a gripping fantasy erotica novel with masterfully crafted romance, suspense and intrigue. The seamless blend of heart-pounding actions and swoon- worthy, sizzling romance is definitely something you can watch out for this book.
The story follows Violet Connor who is a 29 year old divorcee. Her marriage has become monotonous and there was something amiss. When a new neighbour moves in next door she is quite enthralled by him. He is impossibly handsome, tall and an aura of mystery about him however their first meeting is not as planned and began on the wrong foot.
With the arrival of this new stranger, Violet’s seemingly mundane and ordinary life changes in a flash because all of a sudden she is introduced to a whole new revelation about the world that we reside in. Now, she has a polar opposite decision to make. And that would not be easy.
This book was utterly captivating right from the start. The author’s charming writing style whether it was the characters, or the plot was absolutely amazing. The intricate twists weaved into the story as well as the perils and crossroads of emotions were well written. Lucian and Violet were amazing protagonists and their dynamics of interactions were engaging. There were plenty of twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat. It was definitely a good book and worth my reading time.
I cannot wait to read the second book. If you are a reader with a knack for captivating fantasy books with passionate romance then this book should be on your next read.
The story follows Violet Connor who is a 29 year old divorcee. Her marriage has become monotonous and there was something amiss. When a new neighbour moves in next door she is quite enthralled by him. He is impossibly handsome, tall and an aura of mystery about him however their first meeting is not as planned and began on the wrong foot.
With the arrival of this new stranger, Violet’s seemingly mundane and ordinary life changes in a flash because all of a sudden she is introduced to a whole new revelation about the world that we reside in. Now, she has a polar opposite decision to make. And that would not be easy.
This book was utterly captivating right from the start. The author’s charming writing style whether it was the characters, or the plot was absolutely amazing. The intricate twists weaved into the story as well as the perils and crossroads of emotions were well written. Lucian and Violet were amazing protagonists and their dynamics of interactions were engaging. There were plenty of twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat. It was definitely a good book and worth my reading time.
I cannot wait to read the second book. If you are a reader with a knack for captivating fantasy books with passionate romance then this book should be on your next read.
June 10, 2024
Protagonist Violet Conner is living her normal Midwestern life when a mysterious new next-door neighbor, Lucian, moves in and turns her world upside down.
TWs include sexual content, murder, kidnapping, mental/emotional abuse, stalking, and violence.
I enjoyed reading from Violet’s POV and found her to be very relatable. She’s a normal girl trying to get her life back on track after a recent divorce while keeping her overbearing and emotionally abusive parents off her back. It seems that she finds herself constantly sacrificing her wellbeing for the happiness of others. Enter Lucian.
Lucian is that protector boyfriend we all love! The man knows how to pamper AND bring the heat in the bedroom (or anywhere else they find themselves, honestly 😉). He’s got a big secret under wraps and doesn’t let his walls down easily, but once he does, buckle up!
The world building is top-notch, and I had a great mental visual as I read. I could easily picture the hot summer evenings, and Chris Valdese to accompany the steamy banter between Violet and Lucian. The plot moved quickly and kept me engaged to the end.
POV from Lucian’s perspective would be a great addition to future novels about this duo. If that became bonus content for scenes from this book, I’d read that all day long! 🥵
If spicy modern romance with an enemies to lovers theme is your vibe I think you’ll enjoy Searching For Lucian!
TWs include sexual content, murder, kidnapping, mental/emotional abuse, stalking, and violence.
I enjoyed reading from Violet’s POV and found her to be very relatable. She’s a normal girl trying to get her life back on track after a recent divorce while keeping her overbearing and emotionally abusive parents off her back. It seems that she finds herself constantly sacrificing her wellbeing for the happiness of others. Enter Lucian.
Lucian is that protector boyfriend we all love! The man knows how to pamper AND bring the heat in the bedroom (or anywhere else they find themselves, honestly 😉). He’s got a big secret under wraps and doesn’t let his walls down easily, but once he does, buckle up!
The world building is top-notch, and I had a great mental visual as I read. I could easily picture the hot summer evenings, and Chris Valdese to accompany the steamy banter between Violet and Lucian. The plot moved quickly and kept me engaged to the end.
POV from Lucian’s perspective would be a great addition to future novels about this duo. If that became bonus content for scenes from this book, I’d read that all day long! 🥵
If spicy modern romance with an enemies to lovers theme is your vibe I think you’ll enjoy Searching For Lucian!
June 14, 2024
If you are looking for a fantasy romance look no further! Be prepared to read this book all night with all the juicy details and suspenseful twists and turns. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book before you enjoy it.
Trigger warnings include:
🔴Explicit sexual scenes
🔴Mental/emotional abuse
🔴Murder
🔴Kidnapping
🔴Stalking
🔴Sexual harassment
🔴Explicit language
🔴Violence
Violet and Lucian have the kind of love and lust that one can only dream of. Between the dark romance and the spicy scenes you will need water to cool down! Lines like “I will make myself fit, and you’ll take every inch of me like a good girl.”😳 will make you weak in the knees.
The amount of emotion put into this book is spectacular. “Searching for Lucian” just came out and I am already excited for more books from this phenomenal writer!
Trigger warnings include:
🔴Explicit sexual scenes
🔴Mental/emotional abuse
🔴Murder
🔴Kidnapping
🔴Stalking
🔴Sexual harassment
🔴Explicit language
🔴Violence
Violet and Lucian have the kind of love and lust that one can only dream of. Between the dark romance and the spicy scenes you will need water to cool down! Lines like “I will make myself fit, and you’ll take every inch of me like a good girl.”😳 will make you weak in the knees.
The amount of emotion put into this book is spectacular. “Searching for Lucian” just came out and I am already excited for more books from this phenomenal writer!
July 12, 2024
I had not read a modern day fantasy romance until now. Violet is a little spitfire little human, but there are valid reason why. The author hits on those reasons very well. And who doesn't love falling for a mystical being? Especially one who treats you like you matter. *swoon* Add a good balance of side characters. 🥰 I feel like Namir should have an origin novella. 😊 He's my favorite.
I enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to more world building. I want to know more about Lucian and his people.
I enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to more world building. I want to know more about Lucian and his people.
June 30, 2024
A modern day fantasy complete with magical creatures, trauma representation, strong friendships, and an evil organization threatening chaos. But also, nothing so complicated or intense that non-fantasy readers can't enjoy it. I didn't even fully remember this was a modern fantasy when I started it 😂
Violet was a fun FMC. She had her own thoughts and very strong feelings about people which was nice. Even though she was immediately drawn to Lucian she had no hesitation to call him out for being a grump, which was often.
Lucian was a well developed and dreamy MMC. He was inspired by Thranduil from the Hobbit and he absolutely delivered. I am beyond excited and now very impatiently waiting for book 2. 5 stars. 10/10 recommend.
Violet was a fun FMC. She had her own thoughts and very strong feelings about people which was nice. Even though she was immediately drawn to Lucian she had no hesitation to call him out for being a grump, which was often.
Lucian was a well developed and dreamy MMC. He was inspired by Thranduil from the Hobbit and he absolutely delivered. I am beyond excited and now very impatiently waiting for book 2. 5 stars. 10/10 recommend.
August 2, 2024
Spicy, good plot and not just another fae!
September 25, 2024
This book really kept me on my toes! I can't wait to read more about them. I have so many questions I want answered. All the feels were happening!
July 13, 2024
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ !
Please be aware of the content warnings! -mental/ emotional abuse
-explicit sexual scenes
- kidnapping
- Stalking
- Murder
- Violence/ gore
- Explicit language
- Sexual harassment
I LOVED every moment of this book!
Lucian is such a dream of a man he has a filthy mouth and is incredibly hot! - think thranduil but better 😩🥵
I adored the storyline throughout this book it was so compelling and the world Mariah has created is just amazing! I adored Lucian and Violet and their relationship! Violet loves painting and craft fairs and blueberry muffins (my favourite) and she’s just amazing 🥰🥰 I love loved how Lucian was so thoughtful and comforting! There are some incredible stunning beautiful moments in this book which felt like a warm tight hug on a bad day.
This book was a wild ride from beginning to end it hooked me straight away and I did not want it to end! I am so so grateful to have been able to read this! Seriously if you like neighbours to lovers, dark romance, an absolutely wonderful friend and protector, flowers, and sharply dressed and sharper jawline 🫢 angst filled men then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. It’s out June 28th and is available to pre order now 🥰
Please be aware of the content warnings! -mental/ emotional abuse
-explicit sexual scenes
- kidnapping
- Stalking
- Murder
- Violence/ gore
- Explicit language
- Sexual harassment
I LOVED every moment of this book!
Lucian is such a dream of a man he has a filthy mouth and is incredibly hot! - think thranduil but better 😩🥵
I adored the storyline throughout this book it was so compelling and the world Mariah has created is just amazing! I adored Lucian and Violet and their relationship! Violet loves painting and craft fairs and blueberry muffins (my favourite) and she’s just amazing 🥰🥰 I love loved how Lucian was so thoughtful and comforting! There are some incredible stunning beautiful moments in this book which felt like a warm tight hug on a bad day.
This book was a wild ride from beginning to end it hooked me straight away and I did not want it to end! I am so so grateful to have been able to read this! Seriously if you like neighbours to lovers, dark romance, an absolutely wonderful friend and protector, flowers, and sharply dressed and sharper jawline 🫢 angst filled men then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. It’s out June 28th and is available to pre order now 🥰
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews