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Highblood
HOUSEMATE WANTED
Must not mind bloodstains or screaming at any hour. Low rent in exchange for full confidence.
The last thing Henry Solomon Crow wants is to live with a human. Yes, he’s bound by law to keep him in touch with his “humanity”, but shouldn’t the fact that he’s half human give him an advantage?
Ordered to hunt down a serial killer with a penchant for staging victims’ bodies as nursery rhymes, Henry is told that Evelyn Dynan is here to stay. Something he is all too willing to rectify.
But Evelyn Dynan is sure that if she can survive three-day tequila hangovers, then Henry Solomon Crow is a glass of water. Determined to make her recent move to London a success, Evelyn is far too busy partying, painting or preparing for another night of debauchery to take notice of how much blood Henry drags in.
Providing a false alibi to protect Henry, the two housemates are forced into a dance of pretence to keep the other safe. Riots are breaking out across London, Henry’s bosses are sure Evelyn is a threat, and an exposé brings Henry’s connection to Evelyn under unwanted attention.
Because the killer is after a fresh kill.
And Evelyn Dynan is the perfect addition.
A delicious gothic urban fantasy where the most dangerous man in London might also be the only one keeping you alive...
Must not mind bloodstains or screaming at any hour. Low rent in exchange for full confidence.
The last thing Henry Solomon Crow wants is to live with a human. Yes, he’s bound by law to keep him in touch with his “humanity”, but shouldn’t the fact that he’s half human give him an advantage?
Ordered to hunt down a serial killer with a penchant for staging victims’ bodies as nursery rhymes, Henry is told that Evelyn Dynan is here to stay. Something he is all too willing to rectify.
But Evelyn Dynan is sure that if she can survive three-day tequila hangovers, then Henry Solomon Crow is a glass of water. Determined to make her recent move to London a success, Evelyn is far too busy partying, painting or preparing for another night of debauchery to take notice of how much blood Henry drags in.
Providing a false alibi to protect Henry, the two housemates are forced into a dance of pretence to keep the other safe. Riots are breaking out across London, Henry’s bosses are sure Evelyn is a threat, and an exposé brings Henry’s connection to Evelyn under unwanted attention.
Because the killer is after a fresh kill.
And Evelyn Dynan is the perfect addition.
A delicious gothic urban fantasy where the most dangerous man in London might also be the only one keeping you alive...
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2025
15 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Earle
5 books15 followersElizabeth Earle started life by waking up and becoming unsatisfied with reality. A member of a big family, always being lumbered with the stool at Sunday Dinner and specialising in beating grown (somewhat tipsy) men at left handed arm wrestling, she is the author of Tartarus and the series of The Adventures of Benedict and Blackwell and most recently The Contract of Maddox Black.
Elizabeth studied at the Norwich University College of the Arts after studying a National Diploma in Fine Art. Within the first year of studying a Degree in Fine Art, she quickly changed her mind and decided to pursue her life long ambition of becoming a writer, and embarked on a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing.
Currently travelling the world as a salty sailor and travel writer, she is the creator of The Delos Diaries with SV Delos. Her adventures have included sailing from Africa to Brazil, visiting islands rules by penguins, finding shipwrecks, diving with sharks and dancing with the locals in the streets. She is most happy when she is on an adventure.
Elizabeth studied at the Norwich University College of the Arts after studying a National Diploma in Fine Art. Within the first year of studying a Degree in Fine Art, she quickly changed her mind and decided to pursue her life long ambition of becoming a writer, and embarked on a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing.
Currently travelling the world as a salty sailor and travel writer, she is the creator of The Delos Diaries with SV Delos. Her adventures have included sailing from Africa to Brazil, visiting islands rules by penguins, finding shipwrecks, diving with sharks and dancing with the locals in the streets. She is most happy when she is on an adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 9, 2026
Evelyn Dynan is braving London to establish herself as a painter, but her fresh start is tedious to say the least. When the opportunity to stay arises, she catches it with both hands, desperate. She only has to be a momentary live-in to a Highblood. A hybrid Highblood. A moody, private one. How hard could it be? She will be able to live in London, find a nice studio, pay the rent cheap. Everything will be perfect. Right? Thing is, the arrangement is far from easy, and staying with Henry puts her in a difficult position, with all of the current rise of hate towards Highbloods, not to mention Henry’s late night escapades and her own struggles coming into play. Will Evelyn crush London or will it eat her alive?
It was fabulous.
What a satisfying, organic slow-burn with touches of delightful humour. It was without a doubt delectable. I couldn’t put the book down. The pace and the length of the chapters made it so easy to fly through it, wanting nothing more than to consume it in its entirety, yet not wanting for it to be over too quickly. Because, let’s be real, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Henry yet. Broody, intelligent, private, sociopathic. Dreamy sighs. (Just in books, lovelies, just in books).
The dialogues flowed seamlessly, they were so real!? The characters were engaging and, speaking of Evelyn, relatable. In a lot of aspects. I knew I would like this book, but still, I was excitedly surprised at how immersive the story was and how enraptured I was in the cast and their Londonian escapades. Fantasy bits aside, it resonated with me on a deeper level: strip out the coping humour and you’re left with instrinsic, raw material.
I opened the book, giggled at the dedication and fell head first into another world (my own forgotten) that gave me great comfort. Like a cuppa made for me.
Also. The ‘’forced’’ proximity? On point. What nurtured between Henry and Evelyn is exquisite.
Suffice to say, Highblood figures now in my all time favorite books.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
It was fabulous.
What a satisfying, organic slow-burn with touches of delightful humour. It was without a doubt delectable. I couldn’t put the book down. The pace and the length of the chapters made it so easy to fly through it, wanting nothing more than to consume it in its entirety, yet not wanting for it to be over too quickly. Because, let’s be real, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Henry yet. Broody, intelligent, private, sociopathic. Dreamy sighs. (Just in books, lovelies, just in books).
The dialogues flowed seamlessly, they were so real!? The characters were engaging and, speaking of Evelyn, relatable. In a lot of aspects. I knew I would like this book, but still, I was excitedly surprised at how immersive the story was and how enraptured I was in the cast and their Londonian escapades. Fantasy bits aside, it resonated with me on a deeper level: strip out the coping humour and you’re left with instrinsic, raw material.
I opened the book, giggled at the dedication and fell head first into another world (my own forgotten) that gave me great comfort. Like a cuppa made for me.
Also. The ‘’forced’’ proximity? On point. What nurtured between Henry and Evelyn is exquisite.
Suffice to say, Highblood figures now in my all time favorite books.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
December 12, 2025
Such a thrilling read. Have enjoyed this so much. Absolutely loved the slow burn between Henry and Evelyn and the Beauty and the Beast type romance. I was gripped throughout, have found it hard to put down. Really hoping there's a second book as soon as possible I need to find out what happens next!!
December 8, 2025
I could not put this book down! I loved the tension between Henry and Evelyn and enjoyed the development of both characters. Several of the books I’ve read lately have felt rushed but the pacing of Highblood was spot on, I didn’t want it to end (I’d kill for a sequel)! Definitely worth the read!
January 28, 2026
4.5 ⭐
When Elizabeth called this slow burn ”like crawling through acid rain”, she did not lie.
But it is the type of acid rain I would gladly dance in, just to read about the tension that is Henry and Evelyn. Highblood was such a joy to read!
“You see how I love. Imagine how I hate.”
For someone who tends to be fascinated by the British language and culture, this book is it. The writing flows easily, mixed with British slang and sayings, and the exceptional humor that is very typical of the UK. I absolutely ate this up, and had so much fun reading it! Cackling away while simultaneously messaging my British friends about it.
This Sherlock-inspired gothic fiction had me in my seat, kicking my feet at the tension and stress-gasping at the revelations.
Highblood is a paranormal slow burn fantasy set in modern-day London. The city is as you can imagine, but with the additional race highbloods, and their Authority. They are considered strong, vicious, and slightly sociopathic, lacking human emotions. As a way to keep the peace between the two races, highbloods must have a human live-in, to make them keep in touch with their humanity.
Born and raised in the Midlands, Evelyn comes to London to make it or break it as an artist. To solve the living situation that is London, she agrees to become Henry Solomon Crow’s live-in and housemate, a highblood hybrid assassin and the Authority’s ”pet”, whose only wish is to live alone. All while a revolution seems to be brewing, and influential people end up murdered on the streets.
Now, a party gal and a slightly sociopathic assassin may not be the combination you think will be made in heaven, but it turns out, those two mix rather well. After some incidents, that is. And tea. Lots, and lots of tea. Maybe even a carrot cake, or two. All while the tension is brewing both in the gatehouse, and in London.
This story captivates you in the best of ways. Watching Evelyn match Henry at every turn, something he does not make easy for her, makes for a setup I could read about until my eyes bleed. She’s smart, and won’t back down from a challenge, not even when her own demons make an appearance.
Henry on the other hand, tries his best to keep Evelyn at arm's length. Something he’s spectacularly fails at, even if he would never admit it himself. Seeing them slowly start to care for each other, denying it until they can’t, was the kind of slow burn tension I’ve been yearning for for a long time now.
Paranormal fantasy romance
Modern-day London
Murder mystery
Found family
Queer normative
Slow burn
No spice
You cannot not love both Evelyn and Henry, it’s humanly (highbloodily?) impossible. Their banter is some of the best I’ve read, and the times they both made me cackle are too many to count. But fear not, this book also had me sat at the edge of my seat, clutching my heart and rooting for them. Stressing out as if they were my real-time friends, trying to solve the riddle.
The book may not end with a cliff-hanger, but I’m so hoping we will get a continuation of Henry and Evie’s story, because I need more!
My only negative I think comes from me being a non-native English speaker. The book alternates between first and third person POV, which I have nothing to complain about in itself, but since the chapters don’t state which POV you’re reading, it took me a while to figure out whose POV it was. This however got better the more I read, and after some help from a friend. But the confusion in the beginning did take away my focus from the story.
In other words, this could be a me thing and nothing that makes me not recommend this book.
When Elizabeth called this slow burn ”like crawling through acid rain”, she did not lie.
But it is the type of acid rain I would gladly dance in, just to read about the tension that is Henry and Evelyn. Highblood was such a joy to read!
“You see how I love. Imagine how I hate.”
For someone who tends to be fascinated by the British language and culture, this book is it. The writing flows easily, mixed with British slang and sayings, and the exceptional humor that is very typical of the UK. I absolutely ate this up, and had so much fun reading it! Cackling away while simultaneously messaging my British friends about it.
This Sherlock-inspired gothic fiction had me in my seat, kicking my feet at the tension and stress-gasping at the revelations.
Highblood is a paranormal slow burn fantasy set in modern-day London. The city is as you can imagine, but with the additional race highbloods, and their Authority. They are considered strong, vicious, and slightly sociopathic, lacking human emotions. As a way to keep the peace between the two races, highbloods must have a human live-in, to make them keep in touch with their humanity.
Born and raised in the Midlands, Evelyn comes to London to make it or break it as an artist. To solve the living situation that is London, she agrees to become Henry Solomon Crow’s live-in and housemate, a highblood hybrid assassin and the Authority’s ”pet”, whose only wish is to live alone. All while a revolution seems to be brewing, and influential people end up murdered on the streets.
Now, a party gal and a slightly sociopathic assassin may not be the combination you think will be made in heaven, but it turns out, those two mix rather well. After some incidents, that is. And tea. Lots, and lots of tea. Maybe even a carrot cake, or two. All while the tension is brewing both in the gatehouse, and in London.
This story captivates you in the best of ways. Watching Evelyn match Henry at every turn, something he does not make easy for her, makes for a setup I could read about until my eyes bleed. She’s smart, and won’t back down from a challenge, not even when her own demons make an appearance.
Henry on the other hand, tries his best to keep Evelyn at arm's length. Something he’s spectacularly fails at, even if he would never admit it himself. Seeing them slowly start to care for each other, denying it until they can’t, was the kind of slow burn tension I’ve been yearning for for a long time now.
Paranormal fantasy romance
Modern-day London
Murder mystery
Found family
Queer normative
Slow burn
No spice
You cannot not love both Evelyn and Henry, it’s humanly (highbloodily?) impossible. Their banter is some of the best I’ve read, and the times they both made me cackle are too many to count. But fear not, this book also had me sat at the edge of my seat, clutching my heart and rooting for them. Stressing out as if they were my real-time friends, trying to solve the riddle.
The book may not end with a cliff-hanger, but I’m so hoping we will get a continuation of Henry and Evie’s story, because I need more!
My only negative I think comes from me being a non-native English speaker. The book alternates between first and third person POV, which I have nothing to complain about in itself, but since the chapters don’t state which POV you’re reading, it took me a while to figure out whose POV it was. This however got better the more I read, and after some help from a friend. But the confusion in the beginning did take away my focus from the story.
In other words, this could be a me thing and nothing that makes me not recommend this book.
January 6, 2026
Where do I start with the perfection that is this book!?
What better way to return to full posting than this story that is my new favorite of all time?
Elizabeth Earle - What have you done?
The characters. The plot. The action. The banter. The sidecharacters. Their interactions.
The TENSION.
Honestly, the author captured this Sherlock-gone-dark character so damn well, Henry is everything and his darkness only makes the moments when he's gentle all the more epic.
Never has danger and snark felt so alive.
Evelyn is such an amazing roommate, she is exactly what Henry needed - and their dialogues and banter are on fire!
The concept of the Highbloods, that rule that they need a human live-in to keep their humanity, is deliciously thrilling and can go wrong in so many ways... unless you find the perfect match 😏
I live for Henry and Evelyn and the growing sizzling tension between them. My GOD, Henry can turn on the heat if he wants to 🔥
I was thrilled, I laughed, my heart somersaulted, I was gripping my cup, I nearly cried.
Elizabeth Earle, you wrote a masterpiece.
Henry Solomon Crow... you are a thorn in my side. 🥰
What better way to return to full posting than this story that is my new favorite of all time?
Elizabeth Earle - What have you done?
The characters. The plot. The action. The banter. The sidecharacters. Their interactions.
The TENSION.
Honestly, the author captured this Sherlock-gone-dark character so damn well, Henry is everything and his darkness only makes the moments when he's gentle all the more epic.
Never has danger and snark felt so alive.
Evelyn is such an amazing roommate, she is exactly what Henry needed - and their dialogues and banter are on fire!
The concept of the Highbloods, that rule that they need a human live-in to keep their humanity, is deliciously thrilling and can go wrong in so many ways... unless you find the perfect match 😏
I live for Henry and Evelyn and the growing sizzling tension between them. My GOD, Henry can turn on the heat if he wants to 🔥
I was thrilled, I laughed, my heart somersaulted, I was gripping my cup, I nearly cried.
Elizabeth Earle, you wrote a masterpiece.
Henry Solomon Crow... you are a thorn in my side. 🥰
January 2, 2026
Absolutely amazing. I loved this book from main characters to the plot to the overall vibes of taking place in London. Literally had no clue of what this book would be about going into it but it was so so so good. Evelyn and Henry together is chef’s kiss 🫶 I need the second book NEOWWW
January 17, 2026
I absolutely, 100%, body and soul fell in love with Highblood. I didn’t want it to be over. I tried to drag it out as long as I possibly could but alas, all good things must come to an end eventually…
Highblood sees budding, and somewhat traumatised, artist Evelyn move from the Midlands to London to try and make a name for herself. Why would anyone move to London? Good question! Though one I can’t answer. And neither can she…
‘Your first mistake was moving in’
Evelyn winds up being a human live-in with the Sherlock Holmes inspired Henry, a perfectly insufferable, infuriating and let’s face it, a little bit sexy assassin 👀 We have a front row seat as they try to navigate a raucous London and their rocky living arrangement…
Ugh, the writing, sublime 😩 two supposedly insufferable characters were written so perfectly that you couldn’t help but fall in love with them, like you now know them so thoroughly they’ve become a part of you.
I could go on and on, but I’ll restrain myself as I believe it’s best that you find out for yourself just how intoxicating this book is.
Highblood sees budding, and somewhat traumatised, artist Evelyn move from the Midlands to London to try and make a name for herself. Why would anyone move to London? Good question! Though one I can’t answer. And neither can she…
‘Your first mistake was moving in’
Evelyn winds up being a human live-in with the Sherlock Holmes inspired Henry, a perfectly insufferable, infuriating and let’s face it, a little bit sexy assassin 👀 We have a front row seat as they try to navigate a raucous London and their rocky living arrangement…
Ugh, the writing, sublime 😩 two supposedly insufferable characters were written so perfectly that you couldn’t help but fall in love with them, like you now know them so thoroughly they’ve become a part of you.
I could go on and on, but I’ll restrain myself as I believe it’s best that you find out for yourself just how intoxicating this book is.
December 11, 2025
The tension between Henry and Evelyn was exquisite and excruciating in equal measure. 5 stars for that alone.
December 20, 2025
I couldn't stop reading the book. That should say enough. I swallowed it whole in one week, and I would have finished it in a couple of days if I didn't have to drop it to still go to work, eat and sleep, still.
The characters are really addictive. It's got the ingredients that made me love Maddox Black, and a bit more power-balance dynamics, wrapped up in a totally different universe - different to ours, yet so close in many respects. I'm SO looking forward the second one already!
I think this author really deserves a wider audience.
The characters are really addictive. It's got the ingredients that made me love Maddox Black, and a bit more power-balance dynamics, wrapped up in a totally different universe - different to ours, yet so close in many respects. I'm SO looking forward the second one already!
I think this author really deserves a wider audience.
February 1, 2026
I loved everything this book was and everything it gave to me.
A character driven book, with a supernatural killer, Henry, and struggling artist, Evelyn, coming together to be this amazing and chaotic dynamic duo.
Showing both of their lives - his: Mysterious, dark, full of blood, killings and crimes. How he seems cold and uncaring.
And hers: Extroverted, colourful and hardworking. With a traumatic past, a struggling present and an unknown future. She is stubborn, determined and kind, yet turns to the bottle when life is hard.
How both of their narratives and worlds slowly intertwines. How they get pulled into each other's realities and fights for one another.
They start as housemates. Then they banter. They fight.
And even when they seem to never truly get along - she will worry and care for him, when he is wounded. And he will harm whoever dare touch a hair on her head.
They start to show care and slowly become friends.
And then, beneath the surface and between the lines - they become so more for one another.
They develop so much together! And along the political mystery and the suspenseful danger - it is the everyday life that becomes the buildup and is the heart. It is slow-paced - but in the most wonderful way. Yet the further the plot thickens and the danger rises, the pace gets more tense, more fast, until everything collides.
I want to read it for the first time again.
I want to reread it and scrutinise and dissect everything with new eyes and learned knowledge.
It was not a flawless book and often the shift of character POV would change abruptly - without sectioning, the timeframe and time-pace seems off or odd here and there, and the book might not be for everyone - but I was indulged throughout! It deserves my 5 stars!
Whether it was mundane (or as much as it could be) moments spend in the flat, or out on the streets hunting or fleeing, I was devouring it.
Giving the feel of a mix of neo-gothic and noir, with a hint of classic '90s or early 2000's crime thriller films added, and definitely giving Sherlock and Watson vibes - yet it still feels genre-bending when delivering the different lives and worlds of Henry and Evelyn.
The reader have to keep their wits about them, because little details early on, names and gut feelings will most likely be important later on, even if it may seem easily forgettable.
I think it was a clever story, with quite the political element - truly important and realistic as it is easily compared to the very real world. It is full of great banter and personality, humanity, dark humour and struggles. Of heartfelt cravings, support, friendships and the different types of love. It is a thrilling story, yet a story full of development and hope.
I knew from the very first moment Henry was on page, that I would love him. That he would entertain me and make me laugh. I also knew that his story would be deep and his development journey grand.
And I knew from the first sentence from Evelyn, that she would succeed. That she was a character to relate to, one way or another. That I would break with her and heal with her and win with her.
And in the end I am satisfied how it was wrapped up. I feared a cliffy but was thankfully spared. With an ending either open for the reader to decide with themselves what is to happen OR open for a sequel to whatever may happen next.
A character driven book, with a supernatural killer, Henry, and struggling artist, Evelyn, coming together to be this amazing and chaotic dynamic duo.
Showing both of their lives - his: Mysterious, dark, full of blood, killings and crimes. How he seems cold and uncaring.
And hers: Extroverted, colourful and hardworking. With a traumatic past, a struggling present and an unknown future. She is stubborn, determined and kind, yet turns to the bottle when life is hard.
How both of their narratives and worlds slowly intertwines. How they get pulled into each other's realities and fights for one another.
They start as housemates. Then they banter. They fight.
And even when they seem to never truly get along - she will worry and care for him, when he is wounded. And he will harm whoever dare touch a hair on her head.
They start to show care and slowly become friends.
And then, beneath the surface and between the lines - they become so more for one another.
They develop so much together! And along the political mystery and the suspenseful danger - it is the everyday life that becomes the buildup and is the heart. It is slow-paced - but in the most wonderful way. Yet the further the plot thickens and the danger rises, the pace gets more tense, more fast, until everything collides.
I want to read it for the first time again.
I want to reread it and scrutinise and dissect everything with new eyes and learned knowledge.
It was not a flawless book and often the shift of character POV would change abruptly - without sectioning, the timeframe and time-pace seems off or odd here and there, and the book might not be for everyone - but I was indulged throughout! It deserves my 5 stars!
Whether it was mundane (or as much as it could be) moments spend in the flat, or out on the streets hunting or fleeing, I was devouring it.
Giving the feel of a mix of neo-gothic and noir, with a hint of classic '90s or early 2000's crime thriller films added, and definitely giving Sherlock and Watson vibes - yet it still feels genre-bending when delivering the different lives and worlds of Henry and Evelyn.
The reader have to keep their wits about them, because little details early on, names and gut feelings will most likely be important later on, even if it may seem easily forgettable.
I think it was a clever story, with quite the political element - truly important and realistic as it is easily compared to the very real world. It is full of great banter and personality, humanity, dark humour and struggles. Of heartfelt cravings, support, friendships and the different types of love. It is a thrilling story, yet a story full of development and hope.
I knew from the very first moment Henry was on page, that I would love him. That he would entertain me and make me laugh. I also knew that his story would be deep and his development journey grand.
And I knew from the first sentence from Evelyn, that she would succeed. That she was a character to relate to, one way or another. That I would break with her and heal with her and win with her.
And in the end I am satisfied how it was wrapped up. I feared a cliffy but was thankfully spared. With an ending either open for the reader to decide with themselves what is to happen OR open for a sequel to whatever may happen next.
January 28, 2026
Not an ARC reader, I just got lucky with this hidden gem.
To start with, the characters are pretty excellent. The FMC gets on my nerves in a very good way, meaning she’s annoying in the way that real people are annoying. She’s an extrovert and her emotional needs are exhausting. She’s got good qualities too, with a lot of empathy and kindness. And endless patience. I can’t relate to her at all, but I like her a lot. Those are the best kinds of characters imo.
You get the supernatural element from the MMC, who’s like, the John Wick of half vampires. The author doesn’t try to make him human, and it’s easy to see how he became the way he is. His asshole behavior is defensive rather than offensive, and his growth is enjoyable to watch.
I also really like the descriptions. My memory is nearly nonfunctional, and a significant cause or effect (who can tell?) is an inability to create images in my mind. I don’t have any use for descriptions of eyes and muscles. To me, characters in books are mostly colors, shadows, and ideas. Unfortunately, romance books focus so heavily on physical looks that they forget to build a deeper image. This author didn’t have this problem. This is an example of a description (not the MMC):
“He wanted me to be impressed as his tanned arms folded against his crisp white linen shirt. He was a handsome man, tall, athletic, a poster boy for films in the nineteen twenties, with a body language that screamed a past education with only England’s finest. But despite his good looks, I wouldn’t even consider him one-night stand material. Men like that were always terrible in bed.”
I read that and knew exactly who she was talking about. She told me so much more than what his jawline and eye color say about him. She gave me a whole history, because I’ve met that guy before, many times.
This is one of those books that’s strong in the journey department but a bit shaky at the destination. The end wrapped up suddenly and in a confusing way. It was written by someone who knew the ending, but forgot that the audience didn’t know it. There were some strange leaps within scenes that left me a bit confused, but we got there in the end. I’m not terribly bothered by it because the rest was so fun, and books are mostly about the journey anyway. I also had some trouble with the sudden 180 on the Josiah front. There are some loose threads too.. the cuffs? The FMCs spy job? Not enough to require a sequel, but enough to leave me wondering.
There were some creative liberties taken with English vocabulary, but language is fluid and all that.
Safety info:
No OW or OM drama of any kind. Relationship histories aren’t even discussed, if I remember correctly.
This is the slowest of slow burns, (mild) enemies to lovers style. The development of the romance is only shown and never told (or admitted to). It’s nice to take a break from the very spicy RHs from time to time.
To start with, the characters are pretty excellent. The FMC gets on my nerves in a very good way, meaning she’s annoying in the way that real people are annoying. She’s an extrovert and her emotional needs are exhausting. She’s got good qualities too, with a lot of empathy and kindness. And endless patience. I can’t relate to her at all, but I like her a lot. Those are the best kinds of characters imo.
You get the supernatural element from the MMC, who’s like, the John Wick of half vampires. The author doesn’t try to make him human, and it’s easy to see how he became the way he is. His asshole behavior is defensive rather than offensive, and his growth is enjoyable to watch.
I also really like the descriptions. My memory is nearly nonfunctional, and a significant cause or effect (who can tell?) is an inability to create images in my mind. I don’t have any use for descriptions of eyes and muscles. To me, characters in books are mostly colors, shadows, and ideas. Unfortunately, romance books focus so heavily on physical looks that they forget to build a deeper image. This author didn’t have this problem. This is an example of a description (not the MMC):
“He wanted me to be impressed as his tanned arms folded against his crisp white linen shirt. He was a handsome man, tall, athletic, a poster boy for films in the nineteen twenties, with a body language that screamed a past education with only England’s finest. But despite his good looks, I wouldn’t even consider him one-night stand material. Men like that were always terrible in bed.”
I read that and knew exactly who she was talking about. She told me so much more than what his jawline and eye color say about him. She gave me a whole history, because I’ve met that guy before, many times.
This is one of those books that’s strong in the journey department but a bit shaky at the destination. The end wrapped up suddenly and in a confusing way. It was written by someone who knew the ending, but forgot that the audience didn’t know it. There were some strange leaps within scenes that left me a bit confused, but we got there in the end. I’m not terribly bothered by it because the rest was so fun, and books are mostly about the journey anyway. I also had some trouble with the sudden 180 on the Josiah front. There are some loose threads too.. the cuffs? The FMCs spy job? Not enough to require a sequel, but enough to leave me wondering.
There were some creative liberties taken with English vocabulary, but language is fluid and all that.
Safety info:
No OW or OM drama of any kind. Relationship histories aren’t even discussed, if I remember correctly.
This is the slowest of slow burns, (mild) enemies to lovers style. The development of the romance is only shown and never told (or admitted to). It’s nice to take a break from the very spicy RHs from time to time.
January 24, 2026
I loved the murder mystery and the fact that I couldn’t
see it coming who the murderer was. The development of the main characters Evelyn and Henry and their relationship was especially fun to read. I loved the dry humor and great dialogue. I also enjoyed the fantasy aspect of the story. It was a thrilling, can’t put the book down, page turner of a novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
see it coming who the murderer was. The development of the main characters Evelyn and Henry and their relationship was especially fun to read. I loved the dry humor and great dialogue. I also enjoyed the fantasy aspect of the story. It was a thrilling, can’t put the book down, page turner of a novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
February 1, 2026
Absolutely incredible.
The writing was so lovely and the plot was so interesting to read about and such a breath of fresh air in this genre.
I especially loved the British humour from it gives such an air of comfort and familiarity. Also the found family and relationships between characters was top tier it’s quite rare these days to find without it feeling kind of forced and just written to fulfil a certain trope.
I need a sequel or anything please cause I’m definitely gonna be in a reading slump after this ◡̈
The writing was so lovely and the plot was so interesting to read about and such a breath of fresh air in this genre.
I especially loved the British humour from it gives such an air of comfort and familiarity. Also the found family and relationships between characters was top tier it’s quite rare these days to find without it feeling kind of forced and just written to fulfil a certain trope.
I need a sequel or anything please cause I’m definitely gonna be in a reading slump after this ◡̈
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