A Love So Deadly: A Dark Vampire Romance

by Harper A. Brooks

I came to VMR to find my best friend. She walked into this billion-dollar media empire and vanished without a trace. No calls. No messages. Just… gone.

So when a job opens up, I take it. I need answers, and the only way to get them is from the inside.

That’s when I meet him.

Lucian Vale. CEO. Enigma. Predator in a perfectly tailored suit.

From the moment his cold gaze locks onto mine, I know he’s not just a man. There’s something ancient in the way he moves, something deadly in the way he watches me. And when he offers me the job as his personal assistant, I know I should run.

But I don’t.

The pull between us is inescapable—dark, primal, and all-consuming. He wants me, but he knows what happened to my friend. I just have to find her before I’m in too deep.

Because in his world, love is a deadly thing. And if I’m not careful, it just might cost me everything.

A Love So Deadly is Part One of the Kiss of Darkness Duet. A shortened version was previously published in the Sinners & Stardust 2025 Anthology, but the story has been expanded for its re-release.

Genres: Vampires, Novella, Paranormal Romance

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

About the author

Harper A. Brooks may be a Jersey girl at heart, but now she likes to hideout in the mountains of Virginia with bigfoot and all his little woodland friends. Even though classic authors have always filled her bookshelves, she finds her writing muse drawn to the dark, magical, and romantic. When she isn’t creating entire worlds with sexy shifters or legendary love stories, you can find her either with a good cup of coffee in hand or at home snuggling with her furry, four-legged son, Sammy.


RONE Award Winner
USA Today Bestselling Author
Amazon International Bestselling Author

Reviews

[T.P.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author has been a hit or miss for me, but one thing that I can say is that the elements of a good story are always there. I absolute adore vampires, regardless of my fascination with all supernatural creatures, there is just something so alluring about immortal individuals, who have passed through the centuries experiencing empires being created and witnessing them falling down, their mindset is like a complex puzzle that draws me straight in.
This did start off quite promising, but things just happened too quickly, the FMC was under the spell of her new employer, who most certainly had that captivating charisma that vampires are associated with too quickly. It felt like she completely forgot about her main objective, discovering what happened with her best friend. This ends on a cliffhanger, predictable one if I need to be honest, but then kind of necessary considering that nothing has been resolved so far.
I do realise that this is a very contradictory review, but frankly I am not sure how I feel about it. I wanted to love it, but unfortunately this time this simply did not happen.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting setup; Elliot’s friend is missing, so she sets out to find her. Elliot ends up in an unexpected situation with some dangerous company. There seems to be a bit of a vampire problem, and one of them seems to be particularly enticing to Elliot. Some good chemistry going on with Elliot and Lucien; good banter and some nice spice! Enjoy the bit of mystery surrounding the missing friend too, and Elliot’s tenacity. This is a duet, so the story will continue on in the next book. Overall, an entertaining read!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read my fair share of Harper books, so I know what to expect but heck did Ms Brooks manage to surprise me! THIS book was so unique and cool, I was glued to the pages from the first word! Although an awesome read like all her other books, she added something special here, she infused it with the unexpected, constantly, Elliot being the first gobsmack... I'm reading along merrily and about 15% in, I'm saying to myself, "like what now????" ....you need to read it to find out why...

Elliot and Kayla are best friends, roomies and share everything together and suddenly, Kayla is missing. Since she started a new job at VMR, she...changed, she became reclusive, neater, total personality change and then she was gone. Just gone. The authorities are disinterested in finding her so Elliot decided to take matters in hand, to discover where and what happened to Kayla. So Elliot does the only thing that makes sense, applies for a job at VMR except, it's not as it seems, that's when things get really, ummm, interesting for Elliot. Meeting Lucian was interesting, Elliott's reaction is interesting and this continues. As Elliott takes on new challenges, all with the sole purpose of uncovering what VMR is all about and, most importantly, why Kayla simply disappeared. Elliot is no wallflower, dishing out a no holds attitude, or mouth, a strong, determined individual.

Now, if I thought Elliot was surprised, well heck, Lucian was floored! He's so meticulously gorgeous, I kind of liked him from the beginning, which grew to full blown I REALLY LIKE HIM the more I got to know him, oh, yes, it's dual POV which I love, so I get a taste (nooooo....not a physical taste!) of each one's personality. And gosh did Ms Brooks outdo herself! Oh golly did I love the reaction Elliot and Lucian have around each other, I could see the ropes of electric tension flying between them. And that banter, superb! On the other side of the scale, there's Vittoria, cruel, ruthless, absolutely no humanity. Pfft, that's a given but even as a human she had no humanity! But she's loyal to Lucian, and me thinks there might even be a little spark of protectiveness too.

When rules don't fit "the plan", when vampire mafia and regular Mafia collide, in a near heart stopping collision of collateral damage, all bets are off, all plans fly out the window. This book was full of drama and suspense, full of raw magmatism between 2 people who really neither wanted. But, fate had other plans... Ms Brooks got the pacing perfectly, she captured the intense emotions perfectly, she steamed up my glasses a time or two and she had my pulse throbbing from anxiety! Those last scenes, written for maximum impact, drained all the blood from MY veins, while had same blood pounding incessantly, erratically! One of my favourite Harper A Brooks reads, I'm desperate for book 2!

[Lory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book like a vampire starved for centuries.

A Love So Deadly is pure magic dark, dangerous, and so addicting. I was glued to the pages from the very first line, completely lost in Harper A. Brooks’ world of secrets, shadows, and scorching tension.

Elliot she’s exactly the kind of FMC I live for fierce, stubborn, and unapologetically strong. Her best friend is missing, and she’ll burn the world down to get answers. I admired her grit, her loyalty, and her refusal to back down, no matter how dangerous the path becomes.

And then enters Lucian… broody, ancient, deadly hot. He’s seen too much, felt too little, and wants nothing to do with complications until Elliot barges into his undead life with fire in her eyes and zero patience for his cold detachment. The chemistry between these two is electric. Seriously, it sizzles. Every interaction is this delicious mix of tension, frustration, and heat that had me yelling at the pages.

The world building? Impeccable. The writing? Smooth, vivid, and atmospheric. I felt like I was right there with them, unraveling the mystery, dodging danger, and falling headfirst into something dark and beautiful.

And don’t even get me started on that ending. I didn’t see it coming and now I’m absolutely dying for the next book. If you love your paranormal romance with a sharp edge, unforgettable characters, and a plot that grabs you by the throat read this. Immediately.

📌 As always, my reviews are 100% voluntary no monetary compensation involved. These thoughts are entirely my own

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Love So Deadly by Harper A. Brooks is a dark vampire romance that blends mystery, obsession, and supernatural tension with spice and emotional grit. It’s fast-paced, seductive, and just the right amount of dangerous.

When Elliot's best friend goes missing, she goes looking for answers and infiltrates VMR to find her.

What she finds instead is Lucian Vale: CEO, predator in a tailored suit, and absolutely not human. He is cold, calculating, and ancient — the kind of vampire who doesn’t ask, just takes.

From the moment he locks eyes with her, it’s clear she’s in over her head. The pull between them is primal, magnetic, and laced with secrets she’s not ready to uncover.

The romance is dark and consuming, but never loses sight of the emotional stakes.

I loved the atmosphere and pacing. It’s sharp, seductive, and exactly what I want from a vampire novella. A Love So Deadly is part one of a duet, and I’m already bracing myself for what comes next.

Tropes
• Fated Mates / Soulbond
• Billionaire Vampire CEO
• Workplace Romance
• Touch Her and Die
• Mystery & Obsession
• Predator/Prey Dynamic
• Found While Searching

Trigger Warnings
• On-page violence, blood, gore
• Sexual tension with power imbalance
• Death/missing person
• Stalking and emotional manipulation
• Dubious consent themes

Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 
intense, seductive, and emotionally charged, but not fully graphic in every scene.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Love So Deadly: Kissed By Darkness Part 1 by Harper A. Brooks is a contemporary paranormal romance.  Elliot has been investigating VMR Media since her best friend, Kayla disappeared. Since VMR media practically owns her town of Tenbris, all her accusations and questions have earned her no answers and gotten her blackballed from her work as a reporter.  When she finds a job application for personal assistant to Lucian Vale, CEO of VMR, she might have found her way in.  However neither is what the other expected.  Could they be just what the other needs or will they prove to be each other's downfall?

     I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.  I had to warm up to it before I started to enjoy it.  It is an interesting read.  I enjoyed the world-building around Lucian's powers and his thrall.  Despite Lucian being a deadly criminal he turns out to be more gray than black. He may be the most powerful but not the most evil in the story.  I enjoyed the slow dance between Elliot and Lucian as they moved through each other's orbits. 

     With 149 pages this is a fairly short read perfect for when you need something quick to read. It is spicy but the storyline isn't ruled by it.  If you enjoy contemporary paranormal romances with vampires, secrets, steam, MF, vampire human relationship, bondage, blood play, organized crime, murder, and violence then you'll enjoy A Love So Deadly.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Love So Dark is a true villain-gets-the-girl romance. Make no mistake about it, Lucian Vale is a bad guy. I'm talking about the horror movie type of vampire who plays with humans and then drains them dry. He's dark and controlling, aloof. While I have been known to fall for a villain, I don't like Lucian, but I can admit he does have a certain pull. I liked Elliot, though. She's smart, loyal, sassy, and a risk-taker.


There's a pull between Elliot and Lucian. They can't help but be drawn to each other. El is kind of hazy because of all the mesmerizing (think compulsion) Lucian is doing to her. It kind of gives her an unreliable character vibe, which I like. This story alternated between highs and lows. I wished I could have gotten more into it. Some parts of the story moved at a snail's pace, while other parts were exciting. I especially enjoyed all the criminal underworld stuff. The club and the gala were very vampire-meets-mobster, and I loved it. I don't trust Vittoria, Lucian's right hand. That woman is the devil incarnate, and I get a bad feeling from her. Something is most definitely up.


Omg, that ending! It was the best part and the reason why I rounded up my rating. Sometimes you waffle on a story, then something happens, and it hooks you. That's what happened with A Love So Deadly. I have to know what happens next.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first time that I started reading Harper's books I fell in love with her characters. I love how she keeps you engaged with everything that happens in the story to the very end and she leaves you wanting for more. The scenario of A Love So Deadly plays out with a very surprising ending. I wouldn't say the ending is a Cliffy but she leads you to wanting the next book quickly... Everything is tied up with a nice red bow around it.
I loved the FMC on how she handles the fact that her bestfriend goes through changes and then goes missing after landing the best job that she has ever had. Our FMC is witty and quick to catch on when things go awry. She pursues the trail that her bestfriend and roommate left behind with bloodhound skills.
The MMC I found to be very exciting and very easy on the eyes. He's also protective with what is his. He gives of the aura of "Touch her and Disappear Permanently". I found him to be very delightful and wanted more to happen between him the FMC. I found the nicknames that they gave to each other to be fitting and the nicknames made me snicker when I read them.
So, if you enjoy Strong Headed FMC's, Handsome Delicious MMC's, Touch Her and Perish and Heated Scenes that melt the paint of the walls then this is exactly what you need... It has it all.

[Samantha Silensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like it teased the edges of mystery and thriller, at the same time. When Elliot’s best friend Kayla gets a new job at VMR and suddenly starts acting strange, she’s suspicious. Then just as suddenly Kayla is gone without a trace. Bent on finding out what happened, when the police brush her off and say she likely just skipped town, Elliot decides it’s up to her to find out what happened to her friend, and learn the mysterious VMR holds. she’s determined, but when she starts her first day, nothing could have prepared her for Lucien.

Lucien is ancient. He’s also in need a new assistant. His current one was pregnant, and a pregnant assistant around Vampires? Even Lucien with his fantastic restraint, it’s a struggle. Some of the others aren’t going to have his restraint. He puts out job offers, but in a way you have to be intelligent and put effort in to find them. When he gets a bite, numbered applications showing the person was smart enough to find and number them? He’s impressed. So he brings this “man” named Elliot in for an interview. Little did he know just how much that was going to change EVERYTHING.

[Cassandra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Love So Deadly by Harper A. Brooks is a thrilling and atmospheric romance novel that expertly blends elements of suspense with deep emotional undertones. The story follows Elliot, who finds herself entangled in a web of danger and passion that pushes her to the edge, both physically and emotionally while trying to find her friend. This is where she meets Lucian and the tension is palpable from the very beginning, as the reader is drawn into a world where love and danger intertwine. The plot is expertly crafted, with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring they are invested in the story until the very last page.
The chemistry between the main characters is electric, characterized by both undeniable attraction and conflicting emotions. Brooks navigates complex themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of love in a high-stakes environment. The internal struggles of the protagonist add depth to her character, making her growth throughout the narrative compelling and relatable.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was pretty good, and what really carried it for me was the chemistry.

Elliot and Lucian have a strong, simmering dynamic that works well for a dark, power-imbalanced romance. Their interactions feel charged right from the start—tense, magnetic, and just dangerous enough to keep things interesting. Lucian fits the role of the enigmatic, predatory CEO perfectly, and Elliot’s determination (especially driven by her missing best friend) gives her a solid reason to stay in a situation she knows she should run from.

The mystery element adds a nice layer to the story, keeping the plot moving beyond just the romance. I liked that there was something tangible at stake outside of attraction, even if the answers are clearly being saved for later.

That said, this is part one of a duet, and it reads like it. Some threads feel intentionally unfinished, and the story focuses more on setup and tension than full payoff. Still, the pacing worked for me, and the chemistry was strong enough that I’m interested in seeing where things go next.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, I love this book! I finished it in a day because I could not put it down. Elliot is my favorite kind of FMC: feisty, strong willed and not willing to take crap. Her best friend is missing, and she is willing to do anything to get answers. Lucian is an old, broody, smoking hot vampire who has seen it all and has lost any real sense of passion in his life. The chemistry between them is intense, despite both of them trying to initially fight it. Lucian's got dark desires, and he wants to share them all with Elliot. It's definitely got some insta-love/insta-lust but I loved every second of it. The spice is top tier but let's not forget the missing bff and the appearance of a nefarious gangster who is set on making his anger everyone's problem. This book has plenty of action and keeps your attention from beginning to end. You will get smacked in the face with a cliffhanger at the worst time imaginable, so prepare yourself. I can't wait for the next book. This is a great read!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the intrigue and mystery that is intertwined throughout this story will have you glued to it. This story pulled me in right from the very beginning. Elliot is a strong and resilient lady. She is trying to find out what happened to her friend. She gets hired to work for Lucian at VMR Media. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. The tug and pull between them will have you so invested that you absolutely have to see what is going to happen. As with everything I have read by Harper A. Brooks writes the story is extremely well written and developed. Harper A. Brooks creates a world that will leave you in awe as you journey alongside the amazing characters that are created. I loved how the story is developed and has you following along as if these were friends of yours and you absolutely have to know how their journey ends. The ending of this book was completely shocking and has me absolutely excited to see how it will continue. An absolute must read!

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well then…

I picked this book up a couple of hours ago, and I’ve only just put it down. I feel like I was seduced.

I didn’t know what to expect. After the opening, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be in this world or even on this journey with Elliot.

Her friend is missing, and even before her disappearance, she hadn’t been herself. Red flags pop up everywhere, but Elliot doesn’t care. One might think she has a death wish, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth. This is a rush for her. Even before she knows what’s really happening, she’s a moth to a flame, chasing answers. And part of me thinks it isn’t just about her friend, it’s because Elliot has her own need to hunt, to figure things out.

Her hunt is derailed by Lucian, and she lets him derail it. He’s intrigued, then enthralled, just as caught by Elliot as she is by him.

This book is pure seduction. It’s honey and melon with a bitter tang of danger… or maybe the danger is the sweetest part of all.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, Addictive and Utterly Unputdownable!

From the very first page, A Love So Deadly had me hooked. The suspense, the chemistry, the danger, it’s all woven together so brilliantly that I couldn’t tear myself away. The mystery of the missing friend drew me in, but it was Lucian Vale who kept me utterly captivated. He’s magnetic, dangerous, and impossible to resist, the kind of enigmatic character you both fear and crave.

The tension between him and the heroine is electric, dark, primal, and completely addictive. Every stolen glance and every sharp exchange had me holding my breath, waiting to see what would happen next. The pacing was flawless, the writing sharp, and the atmosphere deliciously intense.

By the time I reached the final page, I was gutted. It ended far too soon, and now I’m desperately waiting for part two. This is exactly the kind of dark, twisty romance that stays with you long after you finish.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love so deadly is right!!

Elliot goes pseudo-undercover to the company that her best friend worked for before she went missing. She doesn’t believe that she just ran away since it would have never happened… she knows that the huge media company is somehow behind it, and when a position opens as the admin to the CEO, she knows that she has to find out what is going on there.

Lucian, the CEO, is an old vampire and hides his identity from the world. When he hires Elliot, who he initially thinks is a man, he can’t seem to make himself not keep her on, even knowing that she is hiding something. He struggles with having her around, but she is like an addiction that he can’t stay away from. When one of the local mafia heads doesn’t like that he won’t do business with them, they don’t know exactly what they are up against, but things go awry when Elliott tries to save him.

After that ending, I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!!!

[R Rais · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theres no mystery in it. From the start we all know Lucian is a vamp. The only one who doesnt know is Monty, and yet " funny "  enough, her innuendos all sounds like she knows what or who Lucian is. Thats for me, its like the author werent sure where she stand and as a reader its annoying. Cause it makes me keep forgetting that Monty didnt know so when the fact that she didnt know keep coming up, i have to hold my self not to scream or dnf cause for me... hello, wtf!
At the end, Monthy just comes out as playing stupid while she knows! Get what i mean?

This...plot becomes the frame of the story line for me. On how Monty react on finally learn the truth. Cold and flat.
On how the end goes. Predictable, for me. On how the word love was use so easily. On how as a vamp, Lucian doesnt intrigued me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Spice: 2/5

MF
Paranormal
Vampire MMC
Workplace Romance
Hidden Identity
InstaLust
Novella

A Love So Deadly is book one in the Kissed by Darkness series. It ends on a mild cliffhanger.

Elliot is searching for her best friend who mysteriously disappeared after starting a new job at a media giant. She decides to go undercover in the company to find out what happened.

Lucian is a very old vampire and owner of VMR media company. He has fingers in almost every pie while fiercely protecting his identity and the existence of vampires.

Lucian and Elliot are immediately struck with an instant attraction despite it not being in either’s best interest to fall for one another.

This was a quick paranormal read. Perfect for spooky season and fans of instant love.

[Leigh The Spoonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 1 of a duet of a vampire paranormal romance. FMC Elliot’s best friend disappeared after starting work at media company VMR so she grabs the opportunity of a job there to try and find out what happened to her. What she isn’t prepared for is her vampire boss Lucian and the magnetic pull between them.
The story was good, it just felt a bit predictable or done before in the large part. Maybe it’s because it’s a shorter book and therefore less time, I just felt like I wanted more.
I liked Elliot’s character, sassy and not afraid to say what she’s thinking. Lucian was interesting, obviously the sexy vampire with touch her and die vibes, mixed with I want to resist her but completely unable to is for me anyway a winning combination. I would have liked to have had the why no humans information earlier in the story as for me that gave a very different perspective to him.

[katy andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Elliot's search to find out what happened to her missing friend finds her on VMR's doorstep she isn't expecting to receive a job as the assistant to the big boss and she definitely is not expecting the feelings he evokes.

When Lucian meets Elliot for the first time he's firstly hoping she's a guy, he believes it will make things easier for him and his kind. What he isn't expecting is to find a fiesty, angelic-looking temptation that will make him break all his carefully made rules!

As Lucy and Monty workout their dynamics it becomes apparent that there is far more to each of them that the other expects, unable to fight the lust brewing between them they enter into something unexpected.

Brilliant book, looking forward to the next. Can't wait to see what happens after that ending!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliott's friend Kayla disappeared when working for VMR, a big company with some shady businesses and not so pristine reputation. Now Elliott, as a journalist, is determined to get inside the organization and find out what happened to her friend. When she finds the ads for personal assistant to the CEO, she sends her CV - but meeting the man in person is a different experience. His charm and allure are making things complicated from day one...
Flashlights like in Hollywood, underworld and crime, investigative journalism, and vampires. All can be found in this short and fast story. There is insta-chemistry between the main characters, and some steam on the pages too. I actually liked Vittoria's character the most, so hard and calculating and cold. Now that the crime scene brought a twist to the story, let's see what the second book of this duet brings.

[Paula Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to A Love So Deadly not knowing what to expect as this is my first Harper book and wow, I was floored! Elliot and Kayla are best friends and roommates until Kayla starts acting strangely after landing a job at VMR. Then she vanishes without a trace. The authorities aren’t interested, so Elliot takes matters into their own hands by getting a job at VMR, determined to uncover the truth.
Enter Lucian Vale. Cold, magnetic, dangerous, and oh-so-compelling. From the start, the tension between Elliot and Lucian crackles and is dark, primal, and impossible to look away from. Their banter, their reactions to each other, and the push-pull of attraction had me hooked.
The story is packed with drama, suspense, mafia and vampire twists, and a ruthless side character you’ll love to hate. Harper nailed the pacing, the emotion, and the intensity.

[Shirley Monas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining novel and not what I expected. I started this book blind, so I had no idea what this book was about, however it captured my interest from the start. This is a modern paranormal book, with the FMC trying to find her roommate who went missing. The roommate worked for the MMC, who is the CEO of a large publishing company. She finds a way to get into the company and gets hired as his personal assistant. He is immediately enraptured by her. She starts to snoop, but doesn’t get far. There were a few questions that I had as I was reading, some questions were answered, but others were not. This book does end in a pretty big cliffy…which makes me eager to read the second book.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sometimes don’t exactly know by a book blurb exactly what sort of genre I’m reading until I read it, but since I really like this author and have read her before, I gave this one a try. Well, this book’s genre isn’t really my favorite, but it did definitely grab me from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the end. There is almost a frantic quality to the writing that gives this book a sense of urgency which was very interesting and made the book go by very quickly. However, this book is less about suspense with romance and is more about all romance which isn’t my jam. I will be reading the next one, though, to find out about what’s going on. Give it a try especially if you like this genre. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot is applying for jobs at VMR, this huge corporation was where my friend was working and she has disappeared. As luck would have it I did manage to get hired to be the personal assistant to Lucian, while his current assistant is on maternity leave. Besides being handsome there is something about Lucian that I am instantly drawn to him. Lucian was looking for a human male assistant, to avoid complications with human females. However, when Elliot walks in Lucian can’t help himself and hires her. What will happen now as Elliot tries to find what happened to her friend? Who is Nell and what about Lucien’s progeny Vittoria? What about the mob bosses? This is a quick read, but the story is fast and hot, hate having the cliff hanger!!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read, more of a novella than an actual full book at 149 pages. That being said, the intrigue and mystery that is intertwined throughout this story will have you glued to it. This story pulled me in right from the very beginning. Elliot is a strong and resilient lady. She is trying to find out what happened to her friend. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. The tug and pull between them will have you so invested that you absolutely have to see what is going to happen. I loved how the story is developed and has you following along, wanting to know how their journey ends. The ending of this book was a complete shock; I didn’t see that ending coming and has me absolutely excited to see how it will continue. An absolute must-read!

[FluffPandas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo if there was a better word for chemistry that didn't blow the guidelines out the water - I would be using it!

This book was smoking hot and you could feel the heated stares and the smoulder-y eyes

As someone else has said "Good Vampires don't sparkle, they smolder"!

Lucian is definitely my fave - I am an absolutely sucker (haha) for sexy touch her and die vibe vampires and he had me hooked like I was on a garlic wreath!

Elliott was sassy and everything you could want in a no nonsense FMC, who is trying to uncover what happened to her friend!

This is the darker side of romance but I am invested and want to know where our couple's story takes them (and us).

I hope more smolder-ing is in my future!

[Del Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading the shortened version of this when I came out in the S&S anthology—I’m thrilled to see it get made into its own full length duet. It was intriguing as a novella, and it’s amazing as a book. I really love Elliot’s tenacity in tracking down her friend, though I do question her sanity the slightest bit. Lucian is not a good man, morally grey would be understating it.
The writing is stellar, as you can always expect with Harper Brooks. Very beautiful descriptions, and well edited. Elliott and Lucian’s chemistry is electric from the beginning! I do think the characters need more time to build a true emotional connection—as right now it feels more physical.
That being said, I loved the book and cannot wait for the next one!

[Cristal Juarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.
We have Elliott who is desperately is looking for her best friend started to change and then disappeared without a trace. She applies to a job at the same company trying to find out what happened to her friend. She meets and is drawn to Lucian who is a Vampire. Lucian swore he would never be with a human after Nell, but he starts to fall for Elliott. There are some sketchy guys in this book who try to harm Lucian. I do feel like Vittoria will eventually try to do something against Lucian or Elliott because she is power hungry and it is mentioned a couple times in this story. I can’t wait for the second part of this duet to come out to find out. I 100% recommend this book.

[countryhuntress01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So dark, so dangerous, so spicy❤️‍🔥This book got hot and fast. Elliot sets herself up to get inside of VMR, a company she hates so much because that’s where her best friend worked before she disappeared. When she interviews, she meets Lucien, the totally hot CEO and she falls hard. There’s something about him though that she can’t quite figure out… She starts working as his personal assistant which seems like a total in, but the more she pries, the more certain things… slip. Elliot started out at VMR to seek answers to Kayla’s disappearance but what she uncovers may be a fatal web far more tangled than she ever imagined. “I need answers, and the only way to get them is from the inside.” What a way to start off this gripping & spicy thriller.