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My Darling Malady #1
Château Valmont and an Inheritance of Thirst
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26A sweeping Gothic romance and novel-length sequel to the series-opening novella, Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted, with a duet multi-cast narration audiobook soon to follow. Perfect for fans of A Dowry of Blood, Penny Dreadful, Crimson Peak, Knives Out, and Taratoa Stappard's Mārama.
After a storm-ravaged voyage aboard the Hesper and a sleepless train ride into Paris, Jacques brings Annie and her grandmother to safety. He’s determined to prove his intentions remain honorable, even as his first days as a new vampire threaten to make a liar of him. But the hôtel particulier of his youth hides nothing: not the stain of opulence upon its walls, nor the hunger coiling beneath his skin.
As Annie makes the acquaintance of the ghosts of Jacques’s past, the Theatre across the street stirs quietly to life. When Amah’s curiosity draws them into its velvet-draped corridors, they discover Jacques isn’t the only one keeping secrets—and that the evil they’d left in London has no intention of staying behind. With the Comtesse’s autumn assembly fast approaching and esteemed expectations tightening around them, they embark for the secluded forest estate, where Jacques realizes he can no longer outrun the curse woven into his blood, or the burgeoning feelings for his quick-witted captive.
Navigating halls lined with watching portraits and the quivering quill of a notary who seems to record more than inheritance, Annie must decide where her trust belongs—and whether she dares claim a future that threatens to unmake everything she’s ever known.
After a storm-ravaged voyage aboard the Hesper and a sleepless train ride into Paris, Jacques brings Annie and her grandmother to safety. He’s determined to prove his intentions remain honorable, even as his first days as a new vampire threaten to make a liar of him. But the hôtel particulier of his youth hides nothing: not the stain of opulence upon its walls, nor the hunger coiling beneath his skin.
As Annie makes the acquaintance of the ghosts of Jacques’s past, the Theatre across the street stirs quietly to life. When Amah’s curiosity draws them into its velvet-draped corridors, they discover Jacques isn’t the only one keeping secrets—and that the evil they’d left in London has no intention of staying behind. With the Comtesse’s autumn assembly fast approaching and esteemed expectations tightening around them, they embark for the secluded forest estate, where Jacques realizes he can no longer outrun the curse woven into his blood, or the burgeoning feelings for his quick-witted captive.
Navigating halls lined with watching portraits and the quivering quill of a notary who seems to record more than inheritance, Annie must decide where her trust belongs—and whether she dares claim a future that threatens to unmake everything she’s ever known.
475 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2026
About the author
Briar Somerset
11 books80 followersBriar Somerset writes a spellbinding blend of Gothic Paranormal Romance and Dark Romantasy for those rooting for the monster. She's known for her immersive audio-forward Gothic Paranormal Romance series, My Darling Malady, which traces two bloodthirsty partners through the spectral margins of Victorian society—and her SOVAS (Society of Voice Arts and Sciences) Award-nominated debut Dark Renaissance Romantasy series, A Lay of Ruinous Reign.
Born and raised in Hawai'i and a member of the Medieval Academy of America, Medievalists of Color, and an Active Member of the Horror Writers Association, Somerset curates tales that examine identity and dread through a Southeast Asian diasporic lens.
Born and raised in Hawai'i and a member of the Medieval Academy of America, Medievalists of Color, and an Active Member of the Horror Writers Association, Somerset curates tales that examine identity and dread through a Southeast Asian diasporic lens.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 17, 2026
I loved every single second of this book! The relationship progression, and the side characters absolutely steal the show. Amah and Charlie have my whole heart, and Mui Mui the attack hen 🖤 her.
That being said, Annabelle and Jacques remain my favourites. Annabelle and her stabbing tendencies keeping Jacques on his toes, and Jacques—with his Milo Thatch-coded look and yearning—completely melted me. It's a perfect read. Seriously, no notes!
That being said, Annabelle and Jacques remain my favourites. Annabelle and her stabbing tendencies keeping Jacques on his toes, and Jacques—with his Milo Thatch-coded look and yearning—completely melted me. It's a perfect read. Seriously, no notes!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Did you ever wish Hercule Poirot was a vampire? And HOT?
(I know Jacques isn't Belgian, but let me have this giggle.)
Because apparently what I needed in my life was a morally questionable vampire detective, aristocratic family drama, dark secrets and a casual heart-chomping moment. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.
⭐5/5
🌶️4/5 – Annie’s back with her shears
Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst is the second instalment in the My Darling Malady series, and it is every bit as beautifully Gothic, macabre, mysterious and atmospheric as I'd hoped. Briar Somerset has written a love letter to Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Victor Hugo with a delicious paranormal twist. And I’m so here for it.
First things first: Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted is required reading. Book two begins immediately after the novella, following Jacques, Annie and Amah as they flee Victorian London for France after the shocking events at Beecham's Infirmary. I absolutely adored the novella (I rated it 5 ⭐’s), so consider this your excuse to go and read it before September. What are you waiting for?
Jacques is now a reluctant vampire, struggling with his new reality and the fear that he will become the monster he believes himself to be. His transformation is a genuine internal conflict rather than simply a way to create a mysterious and attractive MMC (although it definitely succeeds there too). We explore Jacques’ childhood home, his heritage and why he and his father rejected the expectations of aristocracy.
Set during France's Second Republic, the novel doesn't simply use history as decoration. Colonialism, class inequality and the realities faced by migrants become meaningful parts of the story, making the world feel richer and more authentic. Annie and Jacques come from very different backgrounds, and watching those perspectives collide and evolve made the setting feel incredibly immersive. I genuinely feel like I learned so much while reading this book.
Unlike most dual-POV romances, the story spends much more time in Jacques' perspective than Annie's. Whilst initially jarring, I quickly grew to love the choice. It allows us to experience Jacques' struggle with his new vampiric nature, his grief and his obsession with Annie in a way that feels incredibly intimate.
Speaking of Jacques... what a character. A private investigator, estranged French aristocrat and newly made vampire who is so hopelessly, spectacularly down bad for Annie. I have an embarrassing number of highlighted passages waiting for publication day, when I can finally share my favourite quotes knowing the text is final.
Annie Castro-Tan is a fantastic FMC. She is strong, independent and absolutely takes no shit. Watching Annie realise she can love someone while still remaining completely and unapologetically herself was a beautiful part of her character arc. I would have loved a little more time inside Annie’s head, especially as the story is primarily told from Jacques’ perspective, but his POV is so compelling that it never became a major issue. Annie sees Jacques as different rather than something to fear, while still acknowledging the danger of what he has become.
Their relationship begins from such a complicated place. Jacques maybe-sort-of-definitely kidnapped Annie in the first book, and I appreciated that the impact of this was acknowledged rather than brushed aside. Annie’s trust had to be rebuilt, Jacques took accountability, and their relationship developed naturally from there.
I appreciated that the slower pace of this book gave their romance room to develop. The novella had to prioritise its mystery, so while the initial chemistry was always there, this sequel allows the emotional connection and romantic tension to flourish alongside the Gothic horror. Their romance feels wonderfully balanced; despite Jacques’ ties to nobility and his social position, Annie is his equal. She makes her own choices, challenges him and even rescues him when he needs it.
The spicy scenes were a fantastic addition and felt like a natural continuation of their relationship. Annie still has her dressmaking shears, I have nothing else to say on the matter.
And then there's Amah.
THE ICON.
She provides emotional support, wisdom, challenges Jacques when he needs it and has some of the funniest moments in the book. Between stealing fancy teacups, attending questionable establishments and casually handling a firearm, I wish she was real so I could adopt her as my grandmother.
The reveals were shocking and satisfying without feeling impossible, although there are still plenty of questions that I desperately need answers to. I’d do just about anything to get my grubby little paws on the next book right now.
Tropes
Gothic paranormal romance
Historical fiction
Supernatural mystery
Private investigator MMC
Reluctant vampire
Independent FMC
Forced proximity
Diverse romance
30+ year-old protagonists
Slow-burn romance
Found family
Knotting?!?
Content Warnings
Graphic violence
Blood and gore
Body horror
Murder
Medical experimentation
Emetophobia
Death and grief
Emotional abuse
Consensual and non-consensual bloodletting between romantic partners
Discussions of infertility and pregnancy
Discrimination
I will absolutely be recommending this book to my friends and family. If you can stomach the content warnings, save the date and pick up Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst on 15 September 2026.
Thank you to Vellichor & Vein Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
(I know Jacques isn't Belgian, but let me have this giggle.)
Because apparently what I needed in my life was a morally questionable vampire detective, aristocratic family drama, dark secrets and a casual heart-chomping moment. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.
⭐5/5
🌶️4/5 – Annie’s back with her shears
Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst is the second instalment in the My Darling Malady series, and it is every bit as beautifully Gothic, macabre, mysterious and atmospheric as I'd hoped. Briar Somerset has written a love letter to Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Victor Hugo with a delicious paranormal twist. And I’m so here for it.
First things first: Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted is required reading. Book two begins immediately after the novella, following Jacques, Annie and Amah as they flee Victorian London for France after the shocking events at Beecham's Infirmary. I absolutely adored the novella (I rated it 5 ⭐’s), so consider this your excuse to go and read it before September. What are you waiting for?
Jacques is now a reluctant vampire, struggling with his new reality and the fear that he will become the monster he believes himself to be. His transformation is a genuine internal conflict rather than simply a way to create a mysterious and attractive MMC (although it definitely succeeds there too). We explore Jacques’ childhood home, his heritage and why he and his father rejected the expectations of aristocracy.
Set during France's Second Republic, the novel doesn't simply use history as decoration. Colonialism, class inequality and the realities faced by migrants become meaningful parts of the story, making the world feel richer and more authentic. Annie and Jacques come from very different backgrounds, and watching those perspectives collide and evolve made the setting feel incredibly immersive. I genuinely feel like I learned so much while reading this book.
Unlike most dual-POV romances, the story spends much more time in Jacques' perspective than Annie's. Whilst initially jarring, I quickly grew to love the choice. It allows us to experience Jacques' struggle with his new vampiric nature, his grief and his obsession with Annie in a way that feels incredibly intimate.
Speaking of Jacques... what a character. A private investigator, estranged French aristocrat and newly made vampire who is so hopelessly, spectacularly down bad for Annie. I have an embarrassing number of highlighted passages waiting for publication day, when I can finally share my favourite quotes knowing the text is final.
Annie Castro-Tan is a fantastic FMC. She is strong, independent and absolutely takes no shit. Watching Annie realise she can love someone while still remaining completely and unapologetically herself was a beautiful part of her character arc. I would have loved a little more time inside Annie’s head, especially as the story is primarily told from Jacques’ perspective, but his POV is so compelling that it never became a major issue. Annie sees Jacques as different rather than something to fear, while still acknowledging the danger of what he has become.
Their relationship begins from such a complicated place. Jacques maybe-sort-of-definitely kidnapped Annie in the first book, and I appreciated that the impact of this was acknowledged rather than brushed aside. Annie’s trust had to be rebuilt, Jacques took accountability, and their relationship developed naturally from there.
I appreciated that the slower pace of this book gave their romance room to develop. The novella had to prioritise its mystery, so while the initial chemistry was always there, this sequel allows the emotional connection and romantic tension to flourish alongside the Gothic horror. Their romance feels wonderfully balanced; despite Jacques’ ties to nobility and his social position, Annie is his equal. She makes her own choices, challenges him and even rescues him when he needs it.
The spicy scenes were a fantastic addition and felt like a natural continuation of their relationship. Annie still has her dressmaking shears, I have nothing else to say on the matter.
And then there's Amah.
THE ICON.
She provides emotional support, wisdom, challenges Jacques when he needs it and has some of the funniest moments in the book. Between stealing fancy teacups, attending questionable establishments and casually handling a firearm, I wish she was real so I could adopt her as my grandmother.
The reveals were shocking and satisfying without feeling impossible, although there are still plenty of questions that I desperately need answers to. I’d do just about anything to get my grubby little paws on the next book right now.
Tropes
Gothic paranormal romance
Historical fiction
Supernatural mystery
Private investigator MMC
Reluctant vampire
Independent FMC
Forced proximity
Diverse romance
30+ year-old protagonists
Slow-burn romance
Found family
Knotting?!?
Content Warnings
Graphic violence
Blood and gore
Body horror
Murder
Medical experimentation
Emetophobia
Death and grief
Emotional abuse
Consensual and non-consensual bloodletting between romantic partners
Discussions of infertility and pregnancy
Discrimination
I will absolutely be recommending this book to my friends and family. If you can stomach the content warnings, save the date and pick up Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst on 15 September 2026.
Thank you to Vellichor & Vein Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book, and am providing my honest review.
If you haven’t read Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted, I highly recommend it. It’s a short read and a solid introduction to how the characters end up in their present predicament where the story picks up again.
Firstly, this story is primarily told from the perspective of the MMC Jacques. I don’t typically enjoy books from the MMC perspective and most of the romances I read are from the FMC perspective with some MMC POV chapters. While the POV may not be my favorite, that doesn’t stop this from being a highly compelling story and world with enjoyable complex characters. I ended up devouring this book quite quickly after starting.
Kind of Spoilers? for Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted: In the prequel, Jacques is a private investigator from France who is brought in to investigate Beecham’s suspicious infirmary to find a couple’s missing daughter. He starts in the prequel as a human, but as this book opens up he is newly transformed into a vampire, and adjusting to all the instincts and impulses that come with the condition.
Annie is a talented seamstress from London who is independent, loyal, and sharp (whether or not she’s armed with scissors). Annie’s POV chapters were by far my favorite.
Annie and Jacques have a tumultuous start to their relationship (kidnapping/being on the run can do that) and while I sometimes felt their arguments were repetitive, they earned the progress they made in their relationship where this book ends. They have to navigate their society, conspiracies, themselves, and vampirism on top of it all.
Amah is an absolute treasure, and if anything happens to her (or Mui Mui) I will riot.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gothic, macabre, atmospheric and absolutely unputdownable. Briar Somerset has done it again and I am not okay.
This is book two in the My Darling Malady series and it picks up immediately after the events of Beecham's Infirmary, whisking Jacques, Annie, and the incomparable Amah out of Victorian London and straight into France. If you have not read the novella yet, stop everything and go read it first. You have no excuse.
Jacques is now a reluctant vampire, and his internal struggle with what he is becoming feels genuinely compelling rather than just a convenient excuse to make the MMC brooding and attractive. Though it absolutely succeeds there too. Watching him wrestle with his heritage, his grief, and his completely spectacular obsession with Annie is a privilege. This man is so hopelessly down bad it should be studied.
Annie is sharp, independent, and takes absolutely no nonsense from anyone, including a lovesick vampire aristocrat. Their relationship starts from a complicated place because yes, he maybe sort of definitely kidnapped her in book one, and the story does not brush past that. Trust is rebuilt slowly and earned completely, making their romance feel wonderfully real.
And Amah. Stealing teacups, frequenting questionable establishments, casually handling firearms. An absolute icon who I would adopt as my grandmother without a single hesitation.
The spice was a fantastic addition. Annie still has her dressmaking shears. That is all I will say.
Read the novella. Then read this. Then suffer alongside the rest of us waiting for book three.
This is book two in the My Darling Malady series and it picks up immediately after the events of Beecham's Infirmary, whisking Jacques, Annie, and the incomparable Amah out of Victorian London and straight into France. If you have not read the novella yet, stop everything and go read it first. You have no excuse.
Jacques is now a reluctant vampire, and his internal struggle with what he is becoming feels genuinely compelling rather than just a convenient excuse to make the MMC brooding and attractive. Though it absolutely succeeds there too. Watching him wrestle with his heritage, his grief, and his completely spectacular obsession with Annie is a privilege. This man is so hopelessly down bad it should be studied.
Annie is sharp, independent, and takes absolutely no nonsense from anyone, including a lovesick vampire aristocrat. Their relationship starts from a complicated place because yes, he maybe sort of definitely kidnapped her in book one, and the story does not brush past that. Trust is rebuilt slowly and earned completely, making their romance feel wonderfully real.
And Amah. Stealing teacups, frequenting questionable establishments, casually handling firearms. An absolute icon who I would adopt as my grandmother without a single hesitation.
The spice was a fantastic addition. Annie still has her dressmaking shears. That is all I will say.
Read the novella. Then read this. Then suffer alongside the rest of us waiting for book three.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Château Valmont and an Inheritance of Thirst was an absolute delight! Not-so-poor, good-natured, new vampire Jacques just can't catch a break; every time you think things might finally go his way, fate has other plans. It makes him impossible not to root for. Then there's Annie, who is an absolute force to be reckoned with. She steals every scene she's in with her determination, wit, and refusal to let anyone stand in her way, especially Jacques.
The story races along at a fantastic pace, blending historical fiction with gothic vibes in the streets and shadows of Paris. Between the atmospheric setting, vampire antics, and memorable characters, I found myself flying through the story.
If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced gothic adventure with plenty of charm, this one delivers. I loved it and can't wait to see what they get up to next!
Thank you to the author for the ARC ❤️
The story races along at a fantastic pace, blending historical fiction with gothic vibes in the streets and shadows of Paris. Between the atmospheric setting, vampire antics, and memorable characters, I found myself flying through the story.
If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced gothic adventure with plenty of charm, this one delivers. I loved it and can't wait to see what they get up to next!
Thank you to the author for the ARC ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
If "Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted" was a taste of the world Briar Somerset was pulling me into, "Chateau Valmont" is a full seven course meal. Bolstered by the vivid world building and captivating chemistry of its predecessor, Chateau was impossible to put down. Deliciously dark, compellingly mysterious, and scorchingly sexy, this sequel delivers on the promises made in "Beecham's", while simultaneously ensuring I'll be gnawing at the bars of my proverbial enclosure waiting for the next installments.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story hooked me from the prequel novella (Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted) and I remained hooked throughout this one.
He's a vampire detective who kidnaps the FMC. She can't help falling for him despite everything.
The world, the vampires, the strong female characters. Loved it all.
POV: Dual POV
Standalone: No- book 2
Tropes/Vibes:
- historical romance
- vampires
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- found family
He's a vampire detective who kidnaps the FMC. She can't help falling for him despite everything.
The world, the vampires, the strong female characters. Loved it all.
POV: Dual POV
Standalone: No- book 2
Tropes/Vibes:
- historical romance
- vampires
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- found family
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to start this review by thanking the author and NetGalley for the arc copy of this book.
I actually jumped into this series straight with book two, and Château Valmont completely blew me away. The author did a great job cat atching me up, so I never felt lost. The dark, eerie French setting is incredibly atmospheric, and the tension between the main characters was absolutely delicious. I'm completely hooked now and need to go back and read the prequel!
I actually jumped into this series straight with book two, and Château Valmont completely blew me away. The author did a great job cat atching me up, so I never felt lost. The dark, eerie French setting is incredibly atmospheric, and the tension between the main characters was absolutely delicious. I'm completely hooked now and need to go back and read the prequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really loved diving into a world of gothic mystery, vampires, and a "quest-like" search for a missing child. This book gives me dark and paranormal Sherlock Holmes meets Stalking Jack the Ripper vibes. Very enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another amazing installment in this series. I am loving this story and the character development in this book was spot on. I can't wait to read more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews