Demons and Diplomacy

Ministry of Supernatural Affairs #1

by Megan Frampton, Zara Hampton-Brown (Narrator)

A tantalizing pact between an ordinary woman and the silver-tongued son of the Devil is all that stands between Britain—and all hell breaking loose.

1851, London. All supernatural species have emerged from hiding, a result of The Great Revelation, led by Her Majesty, the vampiric Queen Victoria, and her dhamphir consort, Prince Albert.

Cora Hastings is the British government’s Species Ombudsman, a human tasked with keeping the peace between supernatural creatures. It’s run-of-the-mill enforcing the newly created shifting parameters, negotiating contracts between species, and generally making certain all Londoners are treated equally.

That is, until the Devil himself decides he wants to leave his hellish home and see the results of Prince Albert’s greatest accomplishment, the Great Exhibition. His arrival could upset the uneasy peace between creatures, and worse—he’s brought his son.

The Marquis of Hell is diabolically good-looking, unnaturally perceptive, and, well, a demon. Cora navigates her sinfully seductive diplomatic assignment as best she can, until she catches wind of a secret conspiracy set to come to fruition at the opening of the Great Exhibition. This leaves her with an impossible Either Cora enters an unholy alliance with the Devil’s son, or she watches as her world is torn asunder….

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Historical, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Adult

Audible Audio

First published August 25, 2026

About the author

Megan Frampton writes romantasy and historical romance under her own name and romantic women's fiction as Megan Caldwell. She loves reading danmei, listening to K-pop (SHINee!), and defending the Oxford comma. She lives in Brooklyn with her daughter.

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started so well. Interesting world and plot, a great main character, and I liked the author’s writing style. Cora actually reminds me a little bit of Veronica Speedwell, very resourceful with her multifunctional cane, which I loved.

But then the romance happened.

I like slow burn. A lot. Sadly that’s not what we have here. This is also not my favorite type of romance. Everything happens too soon and with not enough built up. Which means that I, well… yes, I hated it. Shocker.

Anything Cora did or thought related to Marcellus gets a -1 because she sounded like a completely different person. There is also a dub con scene around 25% and it was so out of the blue. He forced himself on her and kissed her, but she apparently loved it? And when he pulled back, she kissed him again? I was shocked, confused and honestly a little disgusted. Why was that necessary? 😭 I know that after the fact she says it was consensual but that’s not what it looked like.

The MMC is also boring. He has a low voice, and laughs and smirks and he’s the Devil’s son. If I didn’t think about it too much he was fine, but when I did think about it he just felt one dimensional. He’s basically a glorified babysitter for his dad, the Devil, but has zero life besides that. I would have loved to know more about him but I got nothing. I guess he likes to cook? And that’s the extent of his depth. For someone who is supposed to be very evil, he’s incredibly blank. It feels like the author forgot to give him a personality.

Cora’s friends, Hannah and Lily, also felt like they were just there to supplement the romance. They only showed up at the end of the day to talk about the latest developments with Marcellus or what to wear, and then disappeared into the background once their part was done. Those were honestly the most boring scenes.

Overall, there was a lot that I liked, but a lot more that I didn’t.

Side note: I don't think I’ve ever seen an author actually use the word ‘penis’ during a smut scene. That was unexpected 😳 and also terrible. I didn’t like it 😂

─ ✦ ────

✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: i requested this on a whim, but i’m kinda loving it? 👀 just give me a good slow burn, please and thank you 🙏

⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the arc!

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨😈 Demons and Diplomacy 😈✨

5 star read

Bestie really said yes to the son of the Devil 💅🏽

And he cooks for her??? Yeah… I was sold 😍
Demons need love too 😌

This was such a fun read set in a supernatural Victorian London. The worldbuilding and political setup pulled me in right away. I’m very happy this is a series. I will absolutely be continuing.

Sidenote... the Devil was truly unhinged and I loved how she basically gentle parented him 🤣

❤️‍🔥What to Expect
• Demon MMC
• Human FMC
• Forced alliance
• Political intrigue
• Supernatural London
• Victorian setting
_ _ _ _

⭐ Final Rating: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun historical/paranormal romance that reminds me a bit of the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger! Cora is a regular human working as a diplomatic attache for the vampiric Queen Victoria and is assigned to demon visitors from hell. She falls for the son of the Devil while also working to solve a mystery. It's funny and has a light touch, while also having something to say about immigration. I was definitely a fan. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and also know the author personally. All opinions are my own.

[EmJustReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demons and Diplomacy is a cozy, witty romance with a sprinkle of mystery.

Based on the title I had thought it would have more “spooky” themes, but it was very much romance and problem solving focused.

The story is set in London, complete with a FMC who is SERIOUS about tea, after the Great Revelation. That title is attributed to the event where the Queen revealed she is a vampire, and it was discovered that the world was full of other beings (besides only humans)

It’s a great comparison for society and demonstrates relationships and reactions that people have when around people with differences. Basically highlighting the importance of accepting “people’s” differences.

It was an easy and fun read. The FMC was very witty and had the gentle personality of an all-loving angel. There was some good banter between the FMC and the Devil’s son, and I really liked their secret trysts.

I will say the climax and ending seemed to be underwhelming, and it was all resolved very quickly. It didn’t really hurt by rating, but I wish we would’ve had more substance because we spend so much time building up to it.

Overall, this was a delightful, exaggerated commentary about tolerance for people who are different than you - and how to have diplomatic interactions.

I read this as an ARC thank you to the author and Berkley. Release date: August 25th

[Jeannine · Rating 2 out of 5]

An alternative Victorian England, where humans have become part of a society that includes fae, demons, and other supernatural beings sounds interesting. Queen Victoria is a vampire. Humans are at the bottom of the pecking order. Our main character is a woman serving as an ambassador (ombudsman) to other species and the Devil is visiting with his entourage. The FMC has chemistry with the Devil’s son, a demon, who is going to inherit his father’s role at some point. Seems like an “against all odds” set up!

The main subplot is that someone is trying to kill supernatural beings, and the FMC is teaming up with the MMc to figure out who the villain is. Humans being the weakest of the beings makes for some head-scratching, but I tried to suspend my disbelief.

Berkley cut back on historical romances and [allegedly] told authors to pivot to romantasy. This is what we get. Megan Framton is an established historical romance author writing a historical romantasy for the first time. There are shades of her old style, but the pace is off. At the end of the first act, around 25%, we have a kiss that comes out of nowhere. In a traditional historical, that might have worked, but a part of this first section is spent world-building, so the leap in the relationship between the main characters hasn’t been developed as much and the action feels abrupt and unnatural.

[Shay Pasquan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

When Berkley reached out to me to review this ARC, I was so excited. Demons & Diplomacy was at the top of my list of paranormal romances to read this fall, and it didn’t disappoint!

In this historical fantasy taking place in Victorian England, magical creatures have just revealed their existence to the human world. Now humans have to live alongside werewolves, fairies, and more- even Queen Victoria is a vampire!

Main character Cora is a Species Ombudsman, aka a diplomat tasked with ensuring smooth relations between humans and magical creatures. When she gets assigned to escort the Devil around London, she’s surprised to learn that his son, the Marquis of Hell, is incredibly handsome.

Guys, this book is absolutely hilarious. I love the banter between Cora and the Marquis. Cora’s also amazing on her own- her thoughts and observations about the magical world are incredibly witty and entertaining.

If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy fall read full of magic and surprisingly cozy vibes, look no further than Demons & Diplomacy!

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4. This is the love story of the human ombudsman and a demon heir to Hell. Told in the first person by Cora Hastings, the ombudsman, we learn that the Victorian Era included a "Great Revelation," where all sorts of supernatural beings revealed their existence. (Queen Victoria herself is a vampire, for example.) Cora's job is to mediate between species. Her latest assignment? Escort the delegation from Hell around London.⁠
⁠
Along the way, she falls in love with Lord Marcellus, devilishly handsome, actual son of Satan. But when it turns out that someone is framing the Hellegation, can they work together to thwart a plot against both crowns while resisting their own irresistible connection?⁠
⁠
The book is fun and the idea is REALLY fun, but I found that the book dragged a bit. I'm a big fan of Frampton's historical romances so I'm glad her foray into romantasy was more of a gaslamp romantasy. The themes and some of the language choices verge on the modern side, for readers who care about that kind of thing. ⁠
⁠
It also feels like it can't quite figure out the right line between "fun" and just a little bit introspective. Unlike, for example, Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, which is ridiculously silly while also taking seriously the impact supernatural creatures have on Victorial society, Demons and Diplomacy is really just "OMG this hot demon is into me!" Which is its own brand of fun, I suppose!⁠
⁠
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Kim · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

Thank you MTMC tours for the early review copy.

I really loved the premise of this one. The blend of the supernatural and Victorian setting was such an interesting concept, especially with the backdrop of a revolution and the reveal that Queen Victoria is actually a vampire. The idea of humans having to live alongside other supernatural beings had so much potential, and I was really intrigued to see where it would go.

I also really enjoyed Cora as a character. She was witty, resourceful and definitely one of the highlights for me.

Unfortunately, I just don’t think the execution quite lived up to the premise. Some of the dialogue was a little too cringe for me, and don’t even get me started on the use of the word ‘nub’ during the smut scenes🥴 It just took me right out of the moment.

I also struggled to connect with the mmc. He was handsome, had a deep voice and liked to cook… that’s pretty much all I can tell you about him😭 I wanted more depth and personality from him, especially when it came to his relationship with Cora.

Overall, this had such an intriguing set-up, but it just didn’t quite deliver on its potential for me. A shame, because I really wanted to love this one more!

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

What fun.

In Frampton’s 1800s London, the world has experienced the Great Revelation where humans learned about supernaturals from trolls to Queen Victoria, their vampire ruler. Cora is entirely human, but unlike most humans, she finds the supernatural around her fascinating. Which is how she landed the job of Cora as a Species Ombudsman. When the Devil, Satan himself, decides to vacation in London right before the Great Exhibition, Cora is charged with having things run smoothly. The tale that unfolds offered an addictive story complete with a romance.

Cora lives in a boarding home popular in the era with a proprietor who serves meals. Cora’s home is a mix of species, and her closest friend is a fairy. She is nervous about the Devil’s visit and even more so when she meets his devilishly handsome son Marcellus, the Marquis of Hell. I loved their interactions, and of course the Devil himself was moody and surprisingly curious about things.

I loved seeing Cora and Marcellus’s relationship develop from a professional level to a more intimate one. Frampton did a fantastic job of fleshing them out as we jetted around London.

From humor to lessons, this tale had it all. Someone is trying to sabotage the visit, and the two must work together to avoid an international disaster and conflict between humans and subs. The author balanced the suspenseful threads with moments between the couple and those at her boarding house. I loved getting to know secondary characters and hope to learn more as the series continues.

If you love supernatural fantasy, romance and suspense in a alternate historical setting with famous sites and moments, you’ll want to grab Demons and Diplomacy. Zara Hampton-Brown narrates the audio and brings this couple and the supernatural creatures to life. I plan to continue the series in audio.

This review was originally published at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to Berkley/NetGalley for the ARC

[Mattie Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolute delight to read. The “Post-Revelation” world and guide was hilarious, and at times I felt like the guide was helpful not just to the supernatural aspect of this story, but to the real world. Cora and Marcellus were PERFECT, and I loved the way that they grew towards each other. Also, the Devil being compared to a debutante was hilarious! Such a great read!

[Sarah Wahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know that this book was actually published in late August, but I am trying my best to get caught up with all my reading now that I am done with my degree! As I have said before, I am drawn to romance with supernatural beings as one of the love interests, otherwise known as monster romance. Anything with a non-human main character is immediately added to my TBR or sought after on NetGalley. This book had a love interest between a human and a demon, more specifically the Marquis of Hell; however, it didn't feel like a traditional monster romance. The author seems to have also published historical romance, which made me feel like it was more of a historical romance that happened to dabble in the supernatural realm. At times, I also felt it was just a regular fantasy book, as there were small entries between chapters on how to navigate living in a world with all of these supernatural beings harmoniously. Well, at least it advised trying to live as harmoniously as possible. It was clear that it was supposed to be from the main character's perspective, as Cora Hastings acted as a human ombudsman to the various species living in a fantastical version of Victorian England. At times, these snippets made me smile, but more often than not, I just wanted to skip past them entirely because there didn't seem to be any true purpose. One could say that it solidifies Cora's feelings about the various supernatural beings she works for, but I think the author already did a good job of that through her words and actions. They were even called "revolutionary" by her peers because of how strongly she feels about human-species relationships, so why need one-page vignettes to show what is already depicted?

Back to the story at hand. The two main characters are Cora and Marcellus, a human and the Marquis of Hell. They don't really get off on the right foot, but soon the two start interacting with each other every day, as that is in her contract to show the Devil around Victorian-era England. Side note: in this book, Queen Victoria is a vampire!! How cool is that!! The Devil decides he wants to see everything that London has to offer, including a circus, a church bazaar, and the Tower of London, which Ms. Hastings is required to accompany him to. Of course, with the Devil coming to visit good old London town, there isn't just a calm moment in his presence. Some other humans, especially from the church, are upset by his presence, causing him and the other demons to be targets. As much as Cora doesn't want to be in harm's way, she knows that it is her duty as an ombudsman to work with the Devil and his demons to ensure that they are safe. What she doesn't expect is to fall for the Devil's son, Marcellus - the Marquis of Hell. They have small moments together that show that the attraction they have for each other is mutual, and their relationship grows as they try to stop any other attack on the Devil and his minions. As Marcellus's time in London is coming to an end, Cora has to decide what she should do: confess her love to Marcellus and start a relationship, or accept their differences and feel miserable about the choice.

Overall, the romance is fairly sweet, with one moment of dubious consent that had me a bit surprised. They have to learn to trust each other, especially as demons have this notion of deceiving and cheating to get what they want. As they work together to solve the mystery of who is targeting them, which I totally called who it would be so shortly after I started the book, Marcellus and Cora realize that there is a side of them that the other brings out. They are a cute couple, but nothing too crazy. At times, I felt like I wanted more interactions between Cora and her friends, not Cora and Marcellus being dragged to another outing for the Devil. However, I think it makes sense given the circumstances. I would be interested in reading another novel from this author, but only if she wrote a book more based on the supernatural caste system instead of a human and demon falling in love.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks & happy reading!!

[Minna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley, NetGalley, and Ms. Frampton for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. An honest review was requested but not required.

The premise of this was so interesting, an alternate-history London set during Victoria's reign in which species have outed themselves en masse and humans are aware they're now at the bottom of the totem pole. I really liked Cora, too, who came across as a "modern girl" in Victorian times. Another reviewer said she was reminded of Veronica Speedwell and I think that comparison is apt. The beginning of this book was SO good and I was tearing through it. Marcellus, the Marquis of Hell, was described in such a way that I... well, I kept picturing Zhang Linghe, sorry NOT SORRY NOT EVER.

In summary I was prepared to really really REALLY like this.

However, and I want to get this off my chest fast, like ripping off a bandaid, because I *really* don't want to have to say it:
-The romance between Cora and Marcellus had very little foundation and an inexplicable conclusion
-The mystery of who wanted to kill/discredit/frame/I'm not sure the Devil was so weak as to be a nonissue, but also the mystery-solving efforts were completely half-assed
-Poor Marcellus has... no actual life? He's second in command but all he does is play social secretary for his dad? I'm confused. I was expecting, well, MORE, I guess
-What happened to Dante? He, and to a somewhat lesser extent Cora's girl friends, were such afterthoughts

To recap, I wanted to like this, I started off very much liking this, but the overall execution left something to be desired. Despite everything I liked the author's style a lot and I think with a little polishing up this could have been a 4 star book at least. I would definitely try another book by this author.

3 stars

[mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

happy pub day to demons and diplomacy by megan frampton!! thanks to berkley romance, i had the opportunity to read this early — and it was so fun!! it takes place in 1850s london, where supernatural beings and humans coexist (although it was a rather recent revelation), when the devil and his entourage visit from hell. cora hastings, the new interspecies ombudsman is tasked with accompanying them on various outings — but it quickly becomes evident that someone is plotting against this visit — and rather aggressively. sooo, cora and marcellus, the devil’s rather handsome son, investigate both the attacks and their growing attraction and affection for each other.


ahhh i had such a wonderful time reading this!! it was so full of magic, shenanigans, and flirtinggg!! cora is perceptive, dedicated, and brave — and i loved reading how she learns more about the worlds and people around her. marcellus is obviously rather taken by her from the beginning and i adored the little dance they had between flirtation, action, and scheming. i def recommend and look forward to reading more of the author’s works!!

[Peggy · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for giving me access to the ARC.

I liked it, it isn't my favourite read this year but it was an easy one! It was cute, not sure if it was meant to be, but it definitely read as a cozy romantasy to me. I wouldn't say that this book was a comedy though. There are light parts, but I don't think I laughed out loud at anything.

Cora Hastings, the FMC, reads as an older woman from Victoria England. I was surprised to learn she was in her 20's! Although... I suppose in that day and age she probably was considered and old woman...

The book tried to be deep and introspective about racism in society (or I guess I'm this context, specisim?) but it was too light/cozy to be super impactful for me. I did, however, like the quote
What we do can affect us, of course, but unless we let it, our actions dont change us irrevocably.

Also, at the beginning of the book it felt like the author kept repeating "At least [he/she/they] knew my name." But it was never revealed why that was so impactful for Cora.

[Stacee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Megan's historical romances, so I requested this on her name and that title.

I liked Cora. She's level headed and smart and absolutely the person I'd want to be around if there was a catastrophe. Marcellus is bland and more of a cliché than anything. Together they might have chemistry, but I didn't really see i lt on the page.

Plot wise, it's okay. It seemed like I was dropped in the middle of this happening and was already supposed to know the new world dynamic. The mystery part of the story was lacking and at times the romance felt forced. I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy it, I did, yet I wanted more depth.

Overall, I was intrigued by the set up and the promise this series has. I'll definitely be read the next book.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

[AlligatorReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute! I absolutely loved that it was a rom com, a mystery, and a paranormal romance all wrapped into one little package. I thoroughly enjoyed that things weren't as expected, and that it was modern day and regency era as one. The devil comes to London and it is definitely not what I expected! I blew through this book in a day because I needed to see what Cora and Marcellus were up to. The tension and yearning was sweet, but also devilish 😉

I would absolutely read more by Meghan Frampton

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise but most of it fell kind of flat. It did read very well and I didn't have a hard time believing the Victorian England setting, even if it was a magical one with supernatural creatures. Other than that, it was a fun romp but felt very meh. The big plot wasn't shocking or surprising and the romance wasn't the best either. Very mid--it was good, in an entertaining way, but that's about it.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see how some said to the author, “We’ll take historical romance, but make it romantasy.” But this book is so funny and so fun, I don’t care about the hows or whys it came about. Is this the start of a series? I hope so. I want more! Thanks to Berkley for the arc.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were entertaining, and Frampton's wit is fantastically dry, but Cora's clinical eye and practical nature really detracted from the swoon.

Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.

[EKO_TheNeurospicyAfterDarkArchive Oakley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Demons & Diplomacy
Author: Megan Frampton
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Subgenres: Alternate Historical Romance | Gaslamp Fantasy | Supernatural Romance | Demon Romance | Political Intrigue | Historical Fantasy
⭐️ My Rating: 4/5
🌶️My Spice Rating: 3/5 – open door romance with substantial supernatural heat
Publication Date: August 25th 2026  Out Now!

Tropes & Vibes
• Human FMC × demon MMC
• The Devil’s dangerously charming son
• Forbidden supernatural romance
• Reluctant allies & uneasy alliance
• Forced proximity
• Opposites attract
• Competence kink
• He sees straight through her
• Political intrigue and conspiracy
• Victorian alternate history
• Supernatural society
• Seductive banter
• Saving the world together
• “Making a deal with the Devil” — almost literally
• Powerful, perceptive MMC
• Independent, capable FMC
• Diplomacy with benefits

Content Care & Trigger Warnings
Potential content includes:
• Supernatural violence
• Threats of mass violence
• Political conspiracy
• Danger
• Demonic imagery
• Religious themes
• Prejudice and discrimination between species
• Manipulation
• Power imbalances
• References to Hell and the Devil
• Coercive political circumstances
• Sexual content
As always, content sensitivities are highly individual, so I recommend checking the author’s complete warning list before reading.

The Quick & Dirty Synopsis
In an alternate version of Victorian London, supernatural beings no longer hide in the shadows. Following the Great Revelation, the British Empire is ruled by the vampiric Queen Victoria (hehe, I loved this) and her dhampir consort, Prince Albert…and humans must now share their society with vampires, shifters, demons, and other supernatural species. Oh, the absolute horror…

Cora Hastings is the British government’s “Species Ombudsman”, an ordinary human responsible for resolving decidedly extraordinary disputes. Whether she is negotiating contracts between supernatural factions, enforcing new shifting regulations, or attempting to ensure that every species receives equal treatment, Cora has built her career around maintaining a fragile peace.

Then the Devil announces that he wants to visit London for the opening of the Great Exhibition.

As if entertaining the ruler of Hell were not politically hazardous enough, the Devil brings along his son: the Marquis of Hell. He is devastatingly attractive, unnervingly observant, and equipped with precisely the kind of silver tongue one would expect from infernal royalty.

When Cora discovers evidence of a conspiracy surrounding the Exhibition, she must decide whether she can trust the demon assigned to complicate her life. Forming an alliance with the Devil’s son may be the only way to save London—but bargains with Hell rarely come without consequences.

My Neurospicy Thoughts
Demons & Diplomacy had me at “vampiric Queen Victoria,” but adding an overworked civil servant, supernatural bureaucracy, a politically inconvenient demon, and a conspiracy at the Great Exhibition made this feel specifically engineered to hijack my dopamine receptors and give me that much needed dopamine hit. Happy to say, it certainly worked for me.

This story combines historical romance with imaginative paranormal worldbuilding and political intrigue. The supernatural elements are not simply decorative (thank god for that, as it could have gone that direction); they are integrated into the laws, social structures, prejudices, and administrative complications of this alternate Britain. Apparently, even after revealing the existence of vampires and demons, society’s first response is still to create regulations and assign an exhausted woman to enforce them.

Honestly? Believable.

The book’s greatest appeal is the contrast between Cora’s practical, methodical approach and the Marquis’s seductive, morally flexible energy. She is trying to prevent an international—or possibly interdimensional—incident. He appears uniquely qualified to become one.

Cora Hastings: The FMC
Cora is exactly the kind of heroine I enjoy: intelligent, capable, observant, and forced to perform emotional labor for an entire society that probably does not appreciate her nearly enough. My readers, I feel like Cora lately…won’t lie to you. It is probably why I liked her so much.

As Species Ombudsman, she occupies an uncomfortable position between humans and supernatural beings. She is expected to remain impartial while negotiating disputes shaped by fear, prejudice, and unequal power. Her humanity could easily make her seem insignificant beside creatures with supernatural strength and centuries of experience, but her authority comes from her intelligence, persistence, and ability to understand competing perspectives. She is capable, no nonsense take no prisoner type of woman and I loved that about her.

Her competence is one of her most attractive qualities. Cora does not need magical powers to become essential. She understands systems, recognizes inconsistencies, and knows when someone is attempting to manipulate a negotiation.

For me I felt that her work reveals a strong moral center i.e. she is not merely protecting government interests but trying to ensure that different species are treated fairly. I love this, it really appealed to my justice sensitivity.

At the same time, her sense of responsibility can become a burden and I felt that while reading the book. To me she is accustomed to managing conflict, anticipating consequences, and controlling her reactions but when she meets the Marquis and wants to explore even subconsciously a new relationship, she hoists a deep sense of responsibility upon her shoulders. That makes the Marquis particularly disruptive because he notices more than she wants him to and he refuses to remain conveniently categorized as either a diplomatic assignment or an obvious enemy.

The Marquis of Hell: The MMC
The Marquis is dangerously charming in the way only a demon with excellent conversational skills and questionable intentions can be. He was delicious to me from the start. I do love me a competent, bad boy MMC.

He is beautiful, confident, unnaturally perceptive, and in my honest opinion…entirely too comfortable testing Cora’s composure. I appreciated that his overall appeal does not rest on physical attractiveness alone. He watches, listens, and identifies the things other people try to conceal. That perceptiveness gives his interactions with Cora an intimate edge even before their physical relationship develops.

There is an entertaining tension between what Cora assumes a demon must be and what the Marquis actually reveals through his choices. He belongs to Hell’s ruling family and carries all the dangers associated with that position, but he is not a one-dimensional embodiment of evil, the dude has him some layers and Cora is perplexed when she started to realize it, I enjoyed that aspect of the plot alot. His intelligence, humor, curiosity, and shifting motivations make it difficult for Cora (read: the reader) to decide exactly how much he can be trusted.

He brings temptation, power, and moral ambiguity into every scene but to me more importantly, he respects Cora’s mind.

He does provoke her relentlessly, but he does not treat her humanity as a weakness or her professional authority as irrelevant. For a literal demon, the bar may be located somewhere beneath the Earth’s crust, but he clears it with considerable style.

Their Chemistry
Cora and the Marquis have the kind of chemistry built on verbal sparring, mutual observation, and the growing realization that each has finally encountered someone capable of keeping up.

I felt that their attraction works because it is tied to more than proximity or physical appearance. Cora is fascinated despite every rational argument telling her that trusting him is a terrible idea. The Marquis, meanwhile, is drawn to her intelligence, restraint, courage, competence and her absolute refusal to be overwhelmed by his title or supernatural power.

I loved that their conversations carry multiple layers i.e. diplomacy on the surface, flirtation underneath, and strategic calculation woven through both. Every exchange feels like a negotiation in which neither participant intends to reveal how much they actually want one another.

I loved that the Marquis challenges Cora’s rigid sense of control, while she challenges his assumptions about ordinary humans. I firmly believe that relationships, especially romantic partners, should challenge and make one another better.
He may possess infernal power, but Cora brings the judgment and practical intelligence necessary to use that power effectively. Their strengths complement one another, creating a partnership that feels balanced even though their supernatural abilities are anything but equal.

Cora and the Marquis Together
The relationship develops within an atmosphere of uncertainty. Cora cannot separate the Marquis from the political danger represented by his father, and she cannot afford to forget that demons are associated with bargains, manipulation, and hidden costs. Trusting him is not just an emotional risk—it could have consequences for Britain’s entire supernatural population.

That external pressure gives their romance additional weight. Each step toward intimacy requires Cora to reassess her assumptions about him, while the Marquis must prove that his interest extends beyond amusement or temptation.

Their alliance allows both characters to be appreciated for what they contribute. Cora possesses institutional knowledge, diplomatic experience, and an understanding of London’s supernatural tensions. The Marquis has access to infernal power, insider knowledge, and a willingness to operate outside polite human rules. Together, they become far more effective—and substantially more dangerous—than either would be alone.

The result is a relationship fueled by temptation but strengthened by respect. The heat is delicious, but the intellectual compatibility is what makes the pairing memorable.

The Author’s Pen: Writing Style
Megan Frampton’s writing balances historical atmosphere, paranormal creativity, humor, romance, and danger without allowing any single element to overwhelm the others.

The alternate Victorian setting feels playful but purposeful. It was certainly the first bit in the description that sold me on the read. I loved that familiar historical figures and events are reimagined through a supernatural lens, while bureaucratic details help make the world feel lived-in. The Great Exhibition provides an especially effective backdrop because it already represents ambition, innovation, spectacle, and imperial power. Adding supernatural diplomacy and a conspiracy I felt really turns that historical setting into a pressure cooker.

The prose has a witty, accessible quality rather than feeling overly formal or burdened by historical detail. The dialogue is particularly effective during Cora and the Marquis’s exchanges, where political negotiation frequently becomes flirtation before either character is willing to acknowledge it.

There is a significant amount of worldbuilding, but much of it emerges through Cora’s work. Her position offers a natural way to introduce laws, supernatural groups, and political conflicts without making the information feel completely detached from the story.

What Worked for Me
• The alternate-history premise: A vampiric Queen Victoria and supernatural Great Revelation immediately distinguish this world from a standard Victorian romance.
• Cora’s professional role: Making the heroine a Species Ombudsman gives her meaningful authority and places her at the center of the political conflict.
• Competence-based attraction: The Marquis is interested in Cora’s intelligence and composure, not merely her appearance.
• The Banter: Their verbal exchanges combine flirtation, strategy, and mutual testing.
• Supernatural bureaucracy: Regulations governing shifting and interspecies agreements are clever details that make the world feel functional.
• The power balance: Cora may be physically ordinary, but the relationship does not treat her as insignificant.
• Romance with an actual plot: The conspiracy provides stakes beyond whether the characters will admit their attraction.
• The moral ambiguity: The Marquis is alluring because his intentions cannot be reduced to purely good or purely evil.
• The historical setting: The Great Exhibition creates a visually rich and politically charged backdrop for the conflict.

What Didn’t Work for Me
The ambitious combination of historical romance, paranormal worldbuilding, political conspiracy, and supernatural social policy means the story sometimes has a great deal to manage at once. It was handled well but there were some areas where details were confusing or just glossed over towards the end, certainly it did not detract from the overall read.

In addition, I wanted a little more space in certain moments for the emotional consequences of Cora’s choices to settle. Sometimes she was a little blasé or too quick to accept, I think she might have needed more time to cope and adjust.

The banter and external danger keep the story moving, but a few quieter scenes could have allowed the vulnerability beneath Cora’s and the Marquis attraction to breathe and solidify more.

Finally, some of the species’ politics I felt simplified extremely complicated questions of prejudice, integration, and power.

Before You Add It to Your TBR:
• This is a genre blend rather than a conventional historical romance.
• The paranormal worldbuilding and political plot receive substantial page time.
• The humor exists alongside genuine threats and supernatural danger.
• The romance involves a human woman and a powerful demon, so questions of trust and unequal power are part of the dynamic.
• The story plays creatively with historical people and events rather than attempting strict historical realism.
• Readers who enjoy banter, competence, conspiracies, and morally ambiguous supernatural love interests will likely have the best time.
• If your favorite phrase is “historical accuracy,” the vampiric monarch may require you to temporarily unclench.

My Final Thoughts
Overall, I felt that Demons & Diplomacy is a clever, seductive mixture of Victorian history, supernatural politics, conspiracy, and infernal romance. Cora is a highly competent heroine whose intelligence allows her to stand toe-to-toe with monsters, monarchs, and government officials. The Marquis of Hell is charming, perceptive, morally complicated, and he is exactly dangerous enough to make trusting him an irresistible but unavoidable mistake.

Their relationship delivers wit, temptation, and mutual respect, while the alternate-history setting gives the central romance a distinctive identity. Although the number of genres and political threads occasionally makes the story feel crowded, its creative premise and central chemistry kept me invested.

Come for vampiric Queen Victoria and supernatural bureaucracy. Stay because a chronically responsible and competent woman is trying to prevent Hell from breaking loose while the Devil’s devastatingly attractive son flirts with her during official government business. I know you will not be disappointed.

Apparently, diplomacy requires tact, patience, and occasionally making out with the opposition.

ARC Review Disclaimer
I received an advance reader copy of Demons & Diplomacy by Megan Frampton. I am posting this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Receiving an ARC did not influence my rating or commentary.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and easy read! When I read the description I knew I had to read it and was not disappointed. Normally I would want more world building with a fantasy book, but with Demons and Diplomacy I didn’t need it. I enjoyed all the characters and loved that it took place in 1850s London. The relationship between Cora and Marcellus, although a little rushed, was very cute. And I really liked the Incomplete Guide to Navigating Supernatural Species inserts in between each chapter. If you like historical fiction and romantasy, this book is perfect!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Cristina (Girl in the Pages) · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Being a fan of the historical romance, romantasy and paranormal genres, I was intrigued by this title that combines all three. Also vampire Queen Victoria? How could I not be compelled to pick up a copy?

Unfortunately, while an overall pleasant read, it wasn’t one that I found particularly engaging. While I liked the premise (humans and paranormal creatures have to co-exist since they were made aware of them several years ago (during “The Great Revelation) and Cora, the PMC’s, job is to handle the relations between them) the romance fell a bit flat. Marcus, the Marquis of Hell (the devil’s son) was entertaining at first, however his relationship with Cora just happened too fast. Not everything needs to be a slow burn, but given the obstacles they faced + the time period it all felt very convenient and once the romance was settled the focus was forced to shift to the “mystery” of who wanted to take down the devil (which let’s be honest, is probably most people).

There were some elements that made the book quirky and fun. Each chapter starts out with a page from Cora’s handbook/guide of working with paranormal species, and that was always funny. The writing style too is formal yet irreverent- similar in tone to Brigitte Knightley’s The Irresistible Urge to Fall in Love with Your Enemy, albeit less witty. And again, the premise had a lot of promise- I just think I was hoping for less cozy and more spooky.

One thing I think this story did really well was the social commentary. In Cora’s role as a species ombudsman, she’s had to learn to navigate the politics between various species and humans, and a lot of her inner monologue focuses on what she’s learned from these conflicts, how the social pecking order has changed, the challenges (but also equalizers) of the new world, etc.

Overall: A historical fantasy world with a ton of potential but not enough payoff for me

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[Beth | Bookwyrm.Beth · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

Thank you PRH Audio and Berkley for the gifted audiobook!

✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ✦
I was initially drawn to the premise of this, and it started out really fun. However, the witty dialogue and delightful misunderstandings began to get wildly repetitive around the 40% mark, and the lack of meaningful world building left the plot completely stranded. Everything just felt very disconnected and thrown together.

The central romance was insta-lust and suffered from a lack of genuine friction. Because the characters are quick to understand and accommodate one another, it almost completely ruins the promise of a forbidden mortal-immortal dynamic. The chemistry relies more on the reader accepting the archetypes of the “grumpy bureaucrat” and the “charming rogue” rather than actually developing any earned emotional progression.

Overall, I can see this working for lovers of cozy, historical romance, but I don’t recommend this to fantasy readers. Simply adding fantasy elements into a historical romance does not work.

✦ 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 ✦
Single Narration: Zara Hampton-Brown
Zara Hampton-Brown brought a lot of energy to this recording and I appreciated her comedic timing. She did a great job balancing a full cast, utilizing different voices and varying her delivery. If you are going to check this one out, I recommend the audio!


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[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2⭐ | "You wanted to see if it felt the same without the power," he said, finishing my thought. "And now, how do you know I used my power? It might have been impulse, Hastings. You in the moonlight being irascible might have proved too tempting for me."

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and I am very happy to report that Demons and Diplomacy absolutely delivered the wonderfully weird, romantic, supernatural Victorian adventure I was hoping for.

First of all, the premise alone had me sold. Victorian London, Queen Victoria is a vampire, supernatural species have recently revealed themselves to humanity, the Great Exhibition is about to open, and Cora Hastings (the government's Species Ombudsman) is somehow responsible for keeping the peace when the Devil himself comes to town. And naturally, he brings his ridiculously attractive demon son with him. What could possibly go wrong?

Cora was such a delightful FMC. She's intelligent, capable, organized, and genuinely committed to making this strange new world work. I loved that she approaches diplomacy with a practical, almost relentlessly reasonable attitude, even when she's dealing with demons, vampires, faeries, and whatever else happens to cross her desk. Marcellus was exactly the kind of MMC/love interest I wanted from this book. He's charming, mysterious, a little morally gray, and obviously dangerous on paper, but there's so much more tenderness to him than I expected. And yes, the fact that this demon prince cooks absolutely worked in his favor. A demon who can cook? Obsessed.

I really enjoyed Cora and Marcellus together. Their chemistry was apparent almost immediately, so if you're looking for a super slow-burn romance, this probably isn't it. But I liked that their attraction gradually developed into something more meaningful as they spent time together. Their banter was fun, their secret moments were even better, and there was a sweetness underneath all the supernatural chaos that made me genuinely root for them.

The world-building was probably my favorite aspect of the book, though. I loved the idea of the Great Revelation completely changing society and forcing humans and supernatural beings to figure out how to coexist. The little excerpts from the various guides and handbooks at the beginning of chapters were such a fun way to introduce the rules and history of this world. It made the setting feel established while still allowing us to experience a society that's essentially learning how to live together in real time.

There's also a surprisingly thoughtful thread about prejudice, acceptance, and what happens when people who have been feared or misunderstood suddenly become part of everyday society. The supernatural elements make it whimsical, but the underlying commentary about treating people as individuals rather than defining them by what they are gave the story a little more substance than I expected.

And then we get the mystery. What starts as Cora trying to manage the Devil's visit turns into something much bigger when a conspiracy threatens to disrupt the fragile peace between species. I actually enjoyed the investigative side of the story more than I expected. Watching Cora and Marcellus work together to uncover what was happening gave the book a nice balance between romance, fantasy, and political intrigue.

My one real complaint is that I wanted more from the climax. After so much buildup, the final resolution felt a little too quick, and I would have loved to spend more time with the mystery unraveling and the consequences of everything that happened. I also wish we'd gotten a bit more character depth, particularly with Marcellus, because there are clearly pieces of his history that I desperately want to know more about. Regardless, I still had so much fun reading this.

This is the kind of book that knows exactly what it is: charming, romantic, whimsical, a little ridiculous, and completely committed to the bit. It's Victorian historical fantasy where the Devil can show up for a vacation, Queen Victoria is a vampire, and your government-issued job description apparently includes babysitting supernatural royalty. Sign! Me! Up!

Demons and Diplomacy was one of those books I was excited about before reading, and thankfully it lived up to the hype for me. I'm already looking forward to spending more time in this world and seeing what Megan Frampton does with the rest of the series. If you like supernatural historical romance, demon MMCs, political intrigue, forced alliances, witty banter, alternative Victorian worlds, and a healthy amount of tea, put this one on your list.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC!

[Allie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Demons and Diplomacy is a really fun historical fiction with lots of supernatural creatures and a lighthearted, but captivating romance.

It follows Cora, the interspecies Ombudsman for the British government, who is informed that she will be personally responsible for taking care of their upcoming visitor's every whim. Oh, and that upcoming visitor just so happens to be the Devil himself. When the Devil arrives with his very, very handsome demon son (and Marquis of Hell), Marcellus, in tow, things quickly evolve into madness when portals get opened and an anonymous attempt is made on the Devil's life. Therefore, Cora and Marcellus must team up and start spying in order to figure out who has it out for the Devil.

For some reason, this book just really pleasantly surprised me. I guess I was expecting a stuffy, rigid, super slow-burn novel, but this is much more whimsical and spicy than I ever imagined. It's also much more romance-geared than I thought it would be, which I found to be perfectly delightful.

Cora is a likable protagonist, with enough anxiety to be realistic, but enough confidence to make her heroic. I found it unusual that a woman would hold such an important place in government in the 1850s, but this is addressed in the book as basically: what human is brave/stupid enough to WANT that role? But Cora is great at her job and cares about her career very much. I think it's a refreshing story about a woman in the 1800s, even if it's entirely fictional and kind of unrealistic that a woman would ever obtain that job. But why am I even thinking about that aspect when there are literal demons and faeries and like dog men things in this book? Also Cora is a tea A D D I C T. She always needs a stiff drink after anything mildly stressful happens and that drink is tea. She has whiskey at one point and I was like, "so you DOOOO drink???"

Marcellus is a really fun character, even if I don't really understand what makes him so empathetic when his dad is literally the Devil. He's a little bit of a bad boy, but not so morally dark that he's unlovable. In fact, he's actually a pretty decent guy lol. I'd like to find out more about his backstory because he's honestly nicer and more moral than most actual human men I know. So idk.

The relationship between Marcellus and Cora is bordering on insta-lust, but not so much that it turned me off. I like when there's an instant connection, but not usually when characters are just immediately tearing each other's clothes off. In this, Cora is definitely attracted to him immediately, but their relationship grows a little bit more personal before they start going crazy. However, this is definitely NOT slow-burn, so don't expect that. Sorry! It's very enjoyable, though.

I really liked the world Megan Frampton built overall. There are explanatory excerpts from their world's handbook, essentially, that give a little backstory and explain the protocol for interspecies communication and etiquette. Finding out this is the first book in a series excites me, as the world Frampton has started building has a lot of potential. All these creatures definitely make for a fun read.

Overall, don't expect Pride and Prejudice and Demons, expect something much more fast-paced with an insta-connection that draws you in immediately. Very fun!

[Kat | Tropes TBD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for this review copy.

3.5 stars!

I was so excited to see this new book from this author! I've really enjoyed some of Megan's previous books and this micro-genre of a human having a job dealing with mythical creatures, and everyone playing it straight, is one of my absolute favorites. This was a fun version of that set in a historical period.

In this book we have Cora, the supernatural ombudsman and Marcellus, son of the Devil. I really enjoyed both our leads, both on our own and as a couple. Cora is fun, good at her job, and has interesting friends (that I suspect may become leads in later books). Marcellus is generally broody, as one would expect as someone from hell, but he isn't just a typical morally-grey hero. He is very nice to Cora. I will say that I think Cora's personality kind of fades as the relationship develops and there is a bit of insta-lust and they get together far earlier than I would have liked.

You definitely need to be 200% okay with anachronisms with this book. This is not a typical historical romance. As noted, our leads get together very quickly rather than having the slowburn plodding of many HRs and there's a lot more talk of consent than what you'd expect in the Victorian period. In many ways, this makes sense in the world. Thing probably would change a lot if Supernatural creatures were revealed and Queen Victoria was a vampire. However, all these changes are pretty convenient to the plot. I feel like we cannot overstate how destabilizing for Europe the reveal that Hell is real would be. There were many, many sectarian wars in Europe and I think there would at least be some conflict if something as religiously important as this happened. As a non-religious person from a non-religious household, I learned what transubstantiation was for the first time in my European history class in high school while learning about wars. I okay with the anachronisms but a little disappointed that the book seemed uninterested in exploring how this would change the world beyond at the interpersonal level.

In general, I found the plot interesting but sparse. I wish the mystery, the anti-supernatural politics, the royal politics (very handwavy about how succession will work if the Queen is immortal, the Glorious Revolution was a century ago - where is parliament???) were more developed because what was there was interesting. Because the relationship develops earlier, more time goes to that rather than to a broader plot. I do wish that this book has retained the slower burn of other historical romances - personally, I find books where the leads get together earlier to be more boring and have less tension - but that didn't ruin the relationship for me. I still liked seeing them develop their partnership. I think one way I would have liked this more would have been if there was more an exploration of the culture of Hell. If it is more egalitarian, it would make sense why Marcellus has a different approach to relationships. That type of navigating different practices would have been interesting to see.

I will definitely continue the series. I really like Frampton's writing and this world is intriguing. I hope later books will flesh out the dynamics of this new London more.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Megan Frampton just released her new novel, Demons and Diplomacy, the first in her Ministry of Supernatural Affairs series. Set in 1851, it’s an alternate Victorian era England following the “Great Revelation.” Supernatural beings live among us, and in fact, Queen Victoria is a vampire. With so many species now openly living together, a new job opened up: Species Ombudsman, meant to smooth over interactions between differing beings. Cora Hastings is the only ombudsman so far, and her latest assignment is to help the Devil and his entourage (including his hot demon son, Marcellus, the Marquis of Hell) during their month-long stay in London. But someone doesn’t want demons in town, and Cora and Marcellus must figure out who’s instigating the attacks. Their attraction to each other only further complicates what should have been a straightforward assignment.

What I Liked:
- The whole premise. I love books about demons, and I’m enjoying the new rise in historical romances with a supernatural bent. That Cora has a job specifically meant to help the different species co-exist more peacefully is absolutely perfect! The setup for this was smart and fun, and I liked seeing Cora get to know her unexpected new charges… especially the Devil’s irresistible son, Marcellus.
- Blending work and pleasure. Look, it’s usually frowned upon to engage in romantic entanglements while working within a professional capacity. But Cora and Marcellus don’t waste much time in confessing their mutual interest in each other. Theirs is a quick, no-fuss romance, and only encouraged by Cora’s roommates/friends. The bigger issue is what to do when the four-week trip is over. Can a long-distance relationship work between them? Is it what either one of them wants?
- Promoting understanding and acceptance of beings different from you. In between chapters are excerpts from the “Incomplete Guide to Navigating Supernatural Species in the Post-Revelation World.” Though brief and often humorous in nature, they actually end up having important lessons woven in. These words are applicable in our real lives, too. We should all love and respect people for who they are, even if they’re different from you.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
- Humor style. The entirety of Demons and Diplomacy is written with a particular style of humor, and while it will likely work for many, it wasn’t my cup of tea. For me, it was somewhat distracting and slowed down the overall pace of the book.
- Ending was rushed. By contrast to the above point, the book came to a rather abrupt end. The reveals and solutions came so easily, and it ultimately felt kind of anticlimactic.

Final Thoughts
Demons and Diplomacy is a fun and quirky book for fans of the Victorian era, supernatural beings thrown into the mix, and a healthy mix of mystery and romance. I will look out for the next book in the Ministry of Supernatural Affairs series.

Special thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Ministry of Supernatural Affairs series. I got an ebook of this for review from NetGalley..

Thoughts: This was a quick and fun paranormal romance. I enjoyed the witty banter between the two main characters and enjoyed the world here. The story itself it a pretty straight-forward political mystery as the two main characters join forces to figure out who is trying to assassinate Satan.

The story follows Cora, Great Britain's Species Ombudsman who has been tasked with keeping peace between supernatural creatures. Cora's job gets a lot more challenging when she finds out she will coordinate Satan's visit to London. Satan wants to see the sites and is a bit of a spoiled debutante type of guy. However, Satan's son, The Marquis of Hell, is a whole different beast. The Marquis expects organization and perfection, and as he and Cora work together, they both seem to be finding perfection in each other. When someone seems bent on assassinating Satan, the two must join forces to stop a diplomatic incident from occurring.

This was an incredibly fun romp with lots of witty banter, lots of crazy circumstances, and also some very steamy romance scenes. The world-building here is also fun, if a bit loose. This is a world where supernatural creatures were revealed to humans not that long ago and now the Victorian world is trying to cope with that. The story is very focused in London.

Cora is your no-nonsense type of Victorian lady with a bit of a spicy streak. I enjoyed her a lot. I also really enjoyed the Marquis of Hell and Cora's two best friends (a succubus and a fairy). Most of the other side characters are fairly underdeveloped and don't feature much in the story. The chemistry between Cora and the Marquis is fantastic and so much fun.

This book does suffer from a bad case of insta-love, but it is done in a cute and fun way. So while I don't love that, I didn't hate it for this book either. There is a solid plot here. So the romance is well balanced with a good story and an intriguing world. There are some things that feel a bit rushed, like the first kiss. There are also some things that feel a bit inconsistent (like all the talk about how weak humans are but then using them to prevent conflict). However, this isn't a book to take too seriously.

This was incredibly easy to read and flowed well. This book practically read itself. I didn't want to put it down, and I was eager to pick it back up again. It was fun and left me feeling happy.

My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun and entertaining paranormal romance set in Victorian London. I am happy to have read it and plan on continuing the series. If you enjoy humorous paranormal Victorian romance similar to Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, I think you would enjoy this book. Also if you enjoyed this maybe check out the Parasol Protectorate series as well, it is very similar in tones and themes to this one.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was quite a bit of this that was really fun to read, Cora's character in particular; but if you are looking for something that blends fantasy/supernatural with historical romance I don't feel like this is really it. This says it takes place in 1851, but aside from taking place during Queen Victoria's reign there is absolutely nothing to indicate that this is taking place at that time. Honestly, there were several times I genuinely forgot this was in a historical setting because all of the societal pressures that typically accompany historical romance in particular were missing.

Cora's parents were basically hippies. They believed in equality for all, going with the flow, and acceptance of all others. This leads to Cora being the only person who applies to be the Species Ombudsman for the government (aka an interspecies mediator and ambassador). This has led to her meeting many great friends, especially her fairy and succubus housemates, and has also led to her getting a crash course in every species she's encountered. Her goal is to demonstrate the importance of her position, and ideally get budget approval to train more in her role.

Suddenly, though, she is assigned to escort the actual Devil for an entire month along with his entourage. That entourage includes his son Marcellus, and he and Cora hit it off rather quickly. Devilish antics (both of the actual Devil, who is compared to a drunken debutante as well as spicyness) occur and, while falling in love and getting in each others pants, Cora and Marcellus also have to solve assassination attempts and put a stop to whoever is attempting to foment chaos between England and Hell.

Cora and Marcellus have some fun banter, but their entire conflict centers around not a miscommunication but a complete lack of it (which is the type of miscommunication trope I hate). Like, for real, they don't even try to talk out the problems. They are also very open and not all that secretive about both their romance and their spicy escapades, which doesn't fit with what I would normally expect from the time period....Nor does Cora working in a fairly high profile government role, but I digress.

There is a world-based reason for the shift/lack of 1850's-style societal expectations, but it is such a real-world-blowing-up explanation that this may as well not take place in our world. So, while I had a good time reading it, I wish it would have either taken place in a more modern time or taken place in its own made up built world. This felt like it tried to ride a weird line between the two.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Megan Frampton for the arc in exchange for an honest review.