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A Nevermore Duet #1
Black Bird
He's not your average detective...
She's not your average victim.
When Boston Detective, Athan Kane, submits to his insatiable bloodlust, he preys on a woman who was unlike any other...her blood gave his ancient heart back its life, but at a cost he could hardly bear.
Leaving her in that alley was the hardest thing he ever had to do.
When his captain sends him to question the only surviving witness in a string of strange murders, the heart that started beating again within him, nearly stopped...
...Sarah St. James was very much alive...
The lines are drawn when he's forced to keep his dark secret, while pretending to find Sarah's attacker...all while trying not to fall for the beautiful victim that he's dying to taste again. Will he be able to fight off the night, and the emotions he's never felt before?
...Quoth the Raven..."Nevermore."
She's not your average victim.
When Boston Detective, Athan Kane, submits to his insatiable bloodlust, he preys on a woman who was unlike any other...her blood gave his ancient heart back its life, but at a cost he could hardly bear.
Leaving her in that alley was the hardest thing he ever had to do.
When his captain sends him to question the only surviving witness in a string of strange murders, the heart that started beating again within him, nearly stopped...
...Sarah St. James was very much alive...
The lines are drawn when he's forced to keep his dark secret, while pretending to find Sarah's attacker...all while trying not to fall for the beautiful victim that he's dying to taste again. Will he be able to fight off the night, and the emotions he's never felt before?
...Quoth the Raven..."Nevermore."
- GenresDarkParanormal
552 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2024
102 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
H.B. Elliott
7 books105 followersH.B. Elliott is an over-caffeinated book nerd from North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, her two amazing children, a dog that thinks she's a chew toy, and a cat that's ten times more temperamental.
She started writing in her early teens, and was inspired by dark moody legends like Edgar Allan Poe. Art and photography were a staple in her creative development and remains that way into her adulthood. Her main genre and focus is Romance, though she's acquired a good many hats within that spectrum.
Fantasy is a gateway.
Historical fiction is a drug.
Dark romance is non-negotiable.
Love is more binding than the spine of any book.
Elliott is a firm believer in the Savior, and credits all her success to His name.
After all...He's the one who told her she can do all things.
He also still reprimands her on a regular basis of all the smut she continues to read.
She started writing in her early teens, and was inspired by dark moody legends like Edgar Allan Poe. Art and photography were a staple in her creative development and remains that way into her adulthood. Her main genre and focus is Romance, though she's acquired a good many hats within that spectrum.
Fantasy is a gateway.
Historical fiction is a drug.
Dark romance is non-negotiable.
Love is more binding than the spine of any book.
Elliott is a firm believer in the Savior, and credits all her success to His name.
After all...He's the one who told her she can do all things.
He also still reprimands her on a regular basis of all the smut she continues to read.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 26, 2025
Okay…ya know what? I’m stopping at 75% because I am TIRED. Can athan give ME a cigarette?! Here’s the thing…this book has so much going on at the same time, like spread it out! You’re telling me all of this has to be occurring at the simultaneously?! This is 7 books all crammed into one. Each plot point in this book is very interesting but they deserve their own time slot and their own book. damn everyone’s after her? At the same time? LET ME BREATHE
June 24, 2024
Oh where to even begin!!! She's done it again yall! Absolutely captured my heart and soul within the pages of a book! When I say I could not put this book down I am not kidding!!!! This is easily my number one favorite vampire book and as a vampire reading girlie that's saying a lot! Books like this are why I LOVE reading! Being so thoroughly transported into the world in pages that when I look up I forget where and who I am!! The plot was PHENOMENAL! The spice was BURNING! If Athan Kane is not there to greet me into heaven I'll simply wait at the gates until he is LOL! This is a MUST READ!!!!!
November 30, 2025
I went into this book blind — like walked into a dark alley on purpose blind — and the opening chapters slapped me around for it. Confused? Babe, I was flailing. But then something shifts. The fog lifts. The plot stops side-eyeing you and actually lets you in…
And then — BOOM — twist. Right across the face. In the first damn chapters. Rude, honestly.
And the POVs? Oh, you thought you’d just be following the MCs? Cute.
This book hands the mic to everyone — the full damn cast. Main characters, villains, side characters, random plot-relevant gremlins, people who probably shouldn’t be allowed POV privileges — and somehow it works. It’s shockingly genius actually. Seeing the story through heroes, villains, and everyone in between added depth that one or two POVs could never deliver. It made the world bigger, darker, richer. The writing style might be unusual, but it fits this story like a knife fits a ribcage — like a bruise you keep pressing.
We’ve got modern vampires, werewolves, and humans trying their best. Deals with devils — or, more accurately, demonic bitches with too much free time. Hearts beating when they shouldn’t. A firecracker BFF who was clearly born to meddle. Add political schemes, a pet raven with more personality than some humans, and you’ve got a story that’s chaotic in the exact right way. It’s messy. It’s unhinged. It spins you — and you let it. Happily.
Our FMC? Sarah — stubborn enough to break down walls with her forehead and hell-bent on uncovering the truth behind her mother’s death. And by hell-bent, I mean she refuses to back down EVER, even when she’s dead wrong, spiraling into danger, or dragging other people with her. Her hardheadedness walks a tightrope between “badass queen” and “girl, sit DOWN before you die stupidly,” but somehow… she still works for me. She’s brilliant, reckless, infuriating, sassy, sharp — all the things that make a heroine feel alive. Sometimes I wanted to hug her. Sometimes I wanted to throw her like a frisbee. Both feelings are valid.
Her BFF? A firefly-redhead with zero chill. A mouthy menace, and I adore her.
Her ex-fiancé? Look, hate him if you want — I won’t. The man messed up, sure, but he tries. Hard. He spends the whole book attempting to redeem himself. People might hate him, but honestly? I really like him.
And then there’s Aethan Fucking Kane.
A vampire detective who refuses to snack on humans — because yes, he’s that broody, morally-conflicted, emotionally-damaged gentleman of the night. The kind of character who steps onto the page and the temperature drops. Controlled, yet barely holding himself together. A good man forced into a bad corner. I fiercely love this man — perfection wrapped in undead brooding and simmering rage.
His werewolf partner and BFF — snarky, loyal, claws out — is the only thing keeping him from combusting, and she’s a fluffy menace I would die for. Sure, she had a moment that made me want to scream into the void, but she had her reasons.
The villains? Deliciously complicated. Some pure evil. Some tragically stupid. Some just… red flags arranged in a human shape. Shades of red everywhere — blood, guilt, regret. A feast.
This book is unique, gritty, emotional, chaotic, gutting, and occasionally deranged — in the best way. I laughed. I cried. I swore loud enough to scare the neighbour.
And that ending… “Intense, bloody, dramatic” doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s the kind of finale that feels like being dragged down a staircase but somehow makes you say, “Do it again.”
Drama, betrayal, vengeance, love, closure — and blood flowing like a river. I was strapped into this emotional rollercoaster with no seatbelt, no warning, and no regrets.
Book two, sharpen your fangs. I’m coming.
And then — BOOM — twist. Right across the face. In the first damn chapters. Rude, honestly.
And the POVs? Oh, you thought you’d just be following the MCs? Cute.
This book hands the mic to everyone — the full damn cast. Main characters, villains, side characters, random plot-relevant gremlins, people who probably shouldn’t be allowed POV privileges — and somehow it works. It’s shockingly genius actually. Seeing the story through heroes, villains, and everyone in between added depth that one or two POVs could never deliver. It made the world bigger, darker, richer. The writing style might be unusual, but it fits this story like a knife fits a ribcage — like a bruise you keep pressing.
We’ve got modern vampires, werewolves, and humans trying their best. Deals with devils — or, more accurately, demonic bitches with too much free time. Hearts beating when they shouldn’t. A firecracker BFF who was clearly born to meddle. Add political schemes, a pet raven with more personality than some humans, and you’ve got a story that’s chaotic in the exact right way. It’s messy. It’s unhinged. It spins you — and you let it. Happily.
Our FMC? Sarah — stubborn enough to break down walls with her forehead and hell-bent on uncovering the truth behind her mother’s death. And by hell-bent, I mean she refuses to back down EVER, even when she’s dead wrong, spiraling into danger, or dragging other people with her. Her hardheadedness walks a tightrope between “badass queen” and “girl, sit DOWN before you die stupidly,” but somehow… she still works for me. She’s brilliant, reckless, infuriating, sassy, sharp — all the things that make a heroine feel alive. Sometimes I wanted to hug her. Sometimes I wanted to throw her like a frisbee. Both feelings are valid.
Her BFF? A firefly-redhead with zero chill. A mouthy menace, and I adore her.
Her ex-fiancé? Look, hate him if you want — I won’t. The man messed up, sure, but he tries. Hard. He spends the whole book attempting to redeem himself. People might hate him, but honestly? I really like him.
And then there’s Aethan Fucking Kane.
A vampire detective who refuses to snack on humans — because yes, he’s that broody, morally-conflicted, emotionally-damaged gentleman of the night. The kind of character who steps onto the page and the temperature drops. Controlled, yet barely holding himself together. A good man forced into a bad corner. I fiercely love this man — perfection wrapped in undead brooding and simmering rage.
His werewolf partner and BFF — snarky, loyal, claws out — is the only thing keeping him from combusting, and she’s a fluffy menace I would die for. Sure, she had a moment that made me want to scream into the void, but she had her reasons.
The villains? Deliciously complicated. Some pure evil. Some tragically stupid. Some just… red flags arranged in a human shape. Shades of red everywhere — blood, guilt, regret. A feast.
This book is unique, gritty, emotional, chaotic, gutting, and occasionally deranged — in the best way. I laughed. I cried. I swore loud enough to scare the neighbour.
And that ending… “Intense, bloody, dramatic” doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s the kind of finale that feels like being dragged down a staircase but somehow makes you say, “Do it again.”
Drama, betrayal, vengeance, love, closure — and blood flowing like a river. I was strapped into this emotional rollercoaster with no seatbelt, no warning, and no regrets.
Book two, sharpen your fangs. I’m coming.
November 22, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing. The writing is perfection. There are vampires, werewolves, yearning and romance, spice, suspense, banter and plot. The amount of detail the author put into this story is unbelievable. You will fall in love with the characters and this story immediately. I could not put this book down. I would give more stars if it was possible. This is the second book that I have read by this author and she has become an auto but author for me. The way she tells a story is amazing. It will suck you into the story and you feel as if you are right there witnessing everything in person. I highly, highly recommend this book.
September 12, 2025
So I've been transported to a world with hot vampires (omg) my soul left body at some point through this book. it took a little while to get into this story but holy shit . I got into this . the story was so well written. I loved the way we had perspective on every character. It was so in depth and to be honest I thought this would be slow but it really wasn't . I fell hard for Athan and the main characters. I really think I stopped breathing at some point. Thank you H. B Elliott for allowing me to leave my life and live in this world. 5 shining stars girl ❤️
November 21, 2024
Wow! just Wow!
Black Bird is nothing short of a masterpiece. The plot. The angst. The romance. I loved every minute reading this book. There was never a dull moment. The tension was thick and satisfying.
Solid character development. The spice was enough to keep you satiated, but not so much that it took away from the story.
I am truly satisfied all the way around.
I cannot wait for the next installment.
Black Bird is nothing short of a masterpiece. The plot. The angst. The romance. I loved every minute reading this book. There was never a dull moment. The tension was thick and satisfying.
Solid character development. The spice was enough to keep you satiated, but not so much that it took away from the story.
I am truly satisfied all the way around.
I cannot wait for the next installment.
July 23, 2024
Buckle up and enjoy the ride! This book has everything you need and more! Vampires, werewolves, spicy scenes, betrayal, just, lies, and so much more! The comradery between these characters will have your hearts melting and make you feel like you're immersed in the story with them! I can't wait for the second book in this duology <3
September 21, 2025
Last week, I read Seven Graves and I loved it! 😍 A solid 5 star read. 💖 So... I wanted to read another book written by this author. Looking in GR, H.B. Elliott has not written a lot of books yet?
I ended up reading Black Bird, book #1 of the Nevermore duet. Had a little trouble getting into the story. Lots of POV's, which I always find confusing 🫣 lol. But when I got into the story... I really got into it! 😆 To be honest, Black Bird was not a solid 5 star read, more like 4,4. 🤭
This story didn't have just 2 main characters. Yes, Athan and Sarah are the main couple, but Wren, Brent, Rhaena, captain Foley and even a few others were just as significant to the story.
It's a looong book, though! And I'm not sure (yet?), whether I want to continue with book #2 White Raven??? 🤔 Knowing very well that if I don't read it now, I probably never will. Because, unfortunately with my shitty memory, 😔 I'll soon have forgotten a lot from the first book anyway. And book #2 is even longer than book #1! 😆
Anyway... because of the length of this book, I feel that 'I had enough for now'. 😉
I always love discovering new writers; I'll definitely keep an eye on H.B. Elliott! 😀
I ended up reading Black Bird, book #1 of the Nevermore duet. Had a little trouble getting into the story. Lots of POV's, which I always find confusing 🫣 lol. But when I got into the story... I really got into it! 😆 To be honest, Black Bird was not a solid 5 star read, more like 4,4. 🤭
This story didn't have just 2 main characters. Yes, Athan and Sarah are the main couple, but Wren, Brent, Rhaena, captain Foley and even a few others were just as significant to the story.
It's a looong book, though! And I'm not sure (yet?), whether I want to continue with book #2 White Raven??? 🤔 Knowing very well that if I don't read it now, I probably never will. Because, unfortunately with my shitty memory, 😔 I'll soon have forgotten a lot from the first book anyway. And book #2 is even longer than book #1! 😆
Anyway... because of the length of this book, I feel that 'I had enough for now'. 😉
I always love discovering new writers; I'll definitely keep an eye on H.B. Elliott! 😀
July 5, 2025
5 / 5 ⭐️
3 / 5 🌶️
Method: KU 👩🏼💻
So I’m scrolling thru Insta one day and see this reel for a book…. It’s only 26 seconds but has me sold! It bumped straight to the top of my TBR list.
And thank goodness I saw it, cos I LOVED it!
Our FMC Sarah St James, sees a gorgeous stranger across the room in a dark nightclub and has all feels from just a glance, but he leaves before she can find out more. She leaves her friend at the club to head home and is violently attacked by an unknown assailant.
Our MMC Detective Athan Kane, has a dark secret. Last night, he submitted to his insatiable bloodlust and preyed on a woman who was like no other. Tasted like no other.
When he’s sent by his Captain to question a survivor of a vicious attack, his newly beating heart stops….
The survivor, is the prey he left for dead in the alley.
He’s forced to keep his secrets, while he pretends to find Sarah’s attacker… all whilst not trying to fall for her, even though he’s dying for another taste….. 🫦
There’s plot. There’s angst. There’s romance. There’s an amazing group of characters that are so well developed, complex and their intertwined storylines are like nothing I’ve read before.
I so HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book and cannot wait to start book 2 in this duology..
3 / 5 🌶️
Method: KU 👩🏼💻
So I’m scrolling thru Insta one day and see this reel for a book…. It’s only 26 seconds but has me sold! It bumped straight to the top of my TBR list.
And thank goodness I saw it, cos I LOVED it!
Our FMC Sarah St James, sees a gorgeous stranger across the room in a dark nightclub and has all feels from just a glance, but he leaves before she can find out more. She leaves her friend at the club to head home and is violently attacked by an unknown assailant.
Our MMC Detective Athan Kane, has a dark secret. Last night, he submitted to his insatiable bloodlust and preyed on a woman who was like no other. Tasted like no other.
When he’s sent by his Captain to question a survivor of a vicious attack, his newly beating heart stops….
The survivor, is the prey he left for dead in the alley.
He’s forced to keep his secrets, while he pretends to find Sarah’s attacker… all whilst not trying to fall for her, even though he’s dying for another taste….. 🫦
There’s plot. There’s angst. There’s romance. There’s an amazing group of characters that are so well developed, complex and their intertwined storylines are like nothing I’ve read before.
I so HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book and cannot wait to start book 2 in this duology..
May 12, 2025
This book is so good I read 86% of it in one sitting. I am a big Edgar Allan Poe fan, and all the bits of pieces of him sprinkled in this book made me so fucking happy. It switches around to multiple POVs, and while that is not something I like a lot, it worked really well with this book as it helps develop the plot and you know more about what is going on. I love all the main characters we follow so much. I think the circumstances in which the Sarah and Athan meet are extremely interesting even if traumatizing. And our MMC Athan Kane? PHEW! He’s dark, tattooed, broody, but also touch her and 💀. Sarah is also just as hot. They are one of my top favorite book couples now.The spicy scenes are perfect too, not too much and not too little, except the 🔫 scene 🤭🌶��. The end was very satisfying and I’m super excited for what comes next!
October 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 Stars
“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” — Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven
Black Bird pulled me straight into its haunting world — a perfect mix of mystery, passion, and supernatural danger. The writing is dark and beautiful, the atmosphere pure gothic perfection.
I loved the vampires, werewolves, and unlikely friendships that added heart to all the chaos. Athan and Sarah’s connection? Intense, magnetic, and unforgettable.
Only reason it’s not a full 5 stars — those long chapters! But honestly, I didn’t want it to end. I’m already counting down to book 2. 🖤
“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” — Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven
Black Bird pulled me straight into its haunting world — a perfect mix of mystery, passion, and supernatural danger. The writing is dark and beautiful, the atmosphere pure gothic perfection.
I loved the vampires, werewolves, and unlikely friendships that added heart to all the chaos. Athan and Sarah’s connection? Intense, magnetic, and unforgettable.
Only reason it’s not a full 5 stars — those long chapters! But honestly, I didn’t want it to end. I’m already counting down to book 2. 🖤
January 11, 2026
Pure magic
This is an absolute gift of a book i couldn't get enough of these characters Great story telling everything woven together seamlessly If you dont read this book you will have lost out
To be honest I didn't think I would enjoy it as much but ready to read the next one right now
This is an absolute gift of a book i couldn't get enough of these characters Great story telling everything woven together seamlessly If you dont read this book you will have lost out
To be honest I didn't think I would enjoy it as much but ready to read the next one right now
February 21, 2025
This was of the most amazingly written books. Vampires, werewolves, secrets, enemies to lovers…what more can you ask for.
July 14, 2025
Very quickly became my favorite book, ever. It's phenomenal!!! It's like a contemporary, paranormal soap opera. And I LOVE the nods to Poe's stories. I love the side characters and their stories as much as I love the MMCs. Cannot recommend enough!!
July 20, 2025
Wow, just wow.
With multiple POV’s this novel was so well written.
Vampires and werewolves and fated mates. Plus the spice wasn’t bad 😏
The cliffhanger though 😭
With multiple POV’s this novel was so well written.
Vampires and werewolves and fated mates. Plus the spice wasn’t bad 😏
The cliffhanger though 😭
July 20, 2024
Beautiful story!
This was such a good story! I fell in love with all the characters. Sarah and Athan stole my heart and imagination. Ms. Elliott amazes me with her writing. I love how she was able to bring this story together so we'll! This is the second book I've read by her and I'm looking forward to her next one!! Really loved this one!!!
This was such a good story! I fell in love with all the characters. Sarah and Athan stole my heart and imagination. Ms. Elliott amazes me with her writing. I love how she was able to bring this story together so we'll! This is the second book I've read by her and I'm looking forward to her next one!! Really loved this one!!!
September 2, 2024
Wow 🤌🏻😍 This book is one of my top favorites for this year! So so good. I was captivated by the characters, how everything came together, the twists & turns throughout the book, the spice, and the overall storyline. I can't wait to see what the 2nd book brings. Absolute must read!
June 19, 2025
A very heavy book plot wise, took me a bit longer than usual to read, but I loved it.
June 24, 2025
3.5⭐️
I think this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter!
I think this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter!
October 9, 2025
No Thank you, always the same, the mmc can fuck around after he met the fmc while she cannot not 🙄 also, i did not connect or liked neither of them, flat characters especially the fmc
September 1, 2025
🖤Oh I’m soo obsessed with this🖤
Poe inspired with
Vampires and Werewolves, It’s a bloody good time!
This is a thick book and it follows several POV’s. I really liked all the main characters.
It’s been awhile that a book has just really made me giddy and really let me connect and care so much about all the characters. Not many books I’ve read lately do that. This is truly an amazing read!!!
It’s dark but not over done, It is well written with a gripping and intense story that really keeps you wanting more. Can’t wait for the second book.👏🏼 🖤💕
Poe inspired with
Vampires and Werewolves, It’s a bloody good time!
This is a thick book and it follows several POV’s. I really liked all the main characters.
It’s been awhile that a book has just really made me giddy and really let me connect and care so much about all the characters. Not many books I’ve read lately do that. This is truly an amazing read!!!
It’s dark but not over done, It is well written with a gripping and intense story that really keeps you wanting more. Can’t wait for the second book.👏🏼 🖤💕
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews