Delve

by Emma Lowe, Anja Cota

Relationships are complicated.... When Zara Blackheart (an undeclared witch who's studying media journalism in the mortal realm) decides to visit a local BDSM club, she never expected to meet Isaac Ryker (a hue-turned-vampire who's secretly the leader of a rebellion gang). Despite their complicated pasts, the two lose themselves in what was supposed to be one hot, steamy night of passion. Complications arise when Isaac decides to stay in town, going undercover as a professor who happens to work at Zara's university. Relations between them are strictly forbidden for various reasons, but the two find themselves drawn to each other. Emotions run high when Isaac learns that his current "mission" involves possibly harming the Blackheart witch, along with other sacrifices that he's not sure he's willing to make. Torn between his past and present feelings, Isaac needs to decide whether to save the woman he could potentially fall in love with or bring his old flame back from the dead.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

Award-winning novelist, Emma Lowe, has been writing professionally since 2010, when she was featured in Girlfriend magazine for her first online edition of Newborn. Since then, Emma has published multiple novels and had many of her stories go viral on Wattpad. When not writing, Emma chooses to spend her free time rescuing stray cats, doing various kinds of volunteer work, and also running her Youtube channel, where she posts videos to help guide budding writers. Beyond that, Emma enjoys reading fantasy novels, collecting Pop Funko from her favourite TV shows, and mentally dating fictional characters.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

If 50 Shades of Grey and True Blood had a kinky cousin, her name would be Delve.

[FUN FACT: DJ’s “downstairs hair” was digitally added in the 50 Shades movie. Can you imagine that on your resume?
Becca: “You should let other people tell you they're fun. “]

For NC17 novels to work, they need to have interesting characters, compelling situations, and escalating challenges — just like PG-rated romcoms. Collaborators Emma Lowe and Anja Cota achieve this and then some by crafting a fantastic story that feels real because the FMC is both sympathetic and overcomes “real world” problems. I’m not a high fantasy fan generally, but I enjoyed the ride.

Still, the best parts were definitely the vampire and the witch’s escalating interactions. Lowe/Cota aren’t overly reliant on simile or metaphor, preferring a raw style that’s far more effective that poetic prose. The couple’s meet cute happens at a BDSM party but their continued interactions take place on campus, where the vampire dom gives new meaning to “Office Hours.”

And if you feel like Delve has scraped some deeply hidden details from your own imagination, you’re not alone. There’s something sexier than sex, and while the movie version of 50 seemed like a game I’d play as a fifth grader (“‘kay, now I spank you but you have to call me ‘Daddy’”) I think the film version of Delve might bring the ones rewatching Twilight for the 20th time back to the theaters. But can we please get a sequel?!

[Klaudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immerse yourself in a world of supernatural entanglements with Zara Blackheart and Isaac Ryker's forbidden connection. The authors have expertly woven the complexities of Zara's witchcraft studies and Isaac's dual identity as a hue-turned-vampire and leader of a rebellion gang, creating a multi-layered storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

The authors have crafted a narrative that beautifully balances passion with peril, exploring the forbidden nature of their relationship while delving into moral and ethical dilemmas. For example, Isaac's internal conflict when confronted with a mission that could harm the Blackheart witch add thought-provoking depth to the plot. As the characters navigate their pasts and an uncertain future, themes of love, sacrifice, and duty clash with personal desires, making for an emotionally charged journey.

This novel challenges conventional boundaries with its compelling blend of supernatural and emotional intricacies, leaving readers contemplating the complex web of choices that shape the characters' destinies. Don't miss out on this gripping tale that promises to take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions! 10/10 read - recommending this to all of my friends :)

[Katherine York · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a spectacular read...Where does a girl even start? I had to give it five stars because this book did it for me. It deserved it for, the well-thought-out plot, the funny unique characters, the flow that made it impossible for me to put the book down, the dialogue that had me cackling and fangirling, and the descriptive writing that tied up (pun intended) everything together. The FL Zara was likable, witty and daring when she needed to be. The ML Isaac is a dangerous but delicious dom who had my heart from the start. His points of view were my favorite parts because you could see how complex a character he is. Their chemistry was undeniable. I knew they'd have a hard time keeping their hands off each other. Also, I have to point out, this book set the precedent for a world that we yet have to discover in upcoming books and the thought of it thrills me. You can tell the authors had put thought and care into creating a tangled world and they allowed a few sneak peeks here and there. I also have a favorite side character that I'm hoping to see again in the continuation of this series. Overall this book is a must-read.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books and writings I've read over the years, Emma Lowe's writing has been the only one that I've never gotten tired of. She creates a world that is so in-depth and real that sometimes it literally feels more real than my own. The characters are so diverse that there's one for anybody that reads it, and they aren't shallow characters either. Every character has a past and a personality and so many details that you'd think she was stealing actual people and shoving them into her storylines. But seriously, don't even get me started on the storylines. You may have thought you've read supernatural books before (and I've read so many), but this is so much more than a fantasy romance. This world is so original that you'd never be able to read another vampire book again. It just pales in comparison.

11/10 recommend this to anyone and everyone. Trust me, there's no possible way to be disappointed. If I could give more than five stars, I would.

[Bre Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this

I’ve been a fan of Emma Lowe for years, since Spellbound was being released on Wattpad. I loved the series and am so sad that it hasn’t gotten an ending yet. I’ve had never heard of Anja Cota before this one though. This book was so good and it was written so well. The last chapter destroyed me though. Everything seemed good! Everything was okay! And then, BAM ruined. Thanks a lot 😭😭. Ugh I can’t wait for book 2. What even was that ending?

🖤BDSM
🩸Vampires
🔮Witches
⛓️Smex Club
📚Student/Teacher
❤️Age Gap

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I beta read for this book and the chemistry between these two characters is amazing. Both writers did a great job at capturing the very different characters, their viewpoints, and the forbidden romance and yearning between them. Isaac is very moral, yet struggling with his desires and "what's right." And Zara is very innocent and eager to learn about the world (i.e., why he makes the perfect teacher). Over all, the fire in this novel is incredible. There's some comedy, which is nice, but also a lot of spicy scenes where they're put in a situation where they get so close to intimacy and then can't, so they just pine... It's art. Highly recommend and eagerly awaiting book #2!

[D.L. Blade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Love. Love

I need book two now! This was such a fun read. Sexy, comedic at the perfect moments, emotional and the spice was chef's kiss. The characters were very well done and the plot hooked me from the start. This is the first book I've read from these authors and it won't be the last. I absolutely fell in love with Isaac and I need more of him. Well done.