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House of Wolves
The Fallen Star series is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout. In House of Wolves, find a MlM adult dark romantasy that follows the budding love of a chronically ill vampire general as he negotiates with a werewolf shifting vampire count amidst threat of war.
Discussing wartime alliances with a man you can’t stop imagining naked is exhausting.
Razvan has gone from bedridden to the vampire tsar’s personal general. Now it’s his duty to secure alliances for the crown in a world ready to boil over. That’s exactly what he intends to do when he arrives on the fabled island of wolves, until a sudden pirate attack threatens to drag two of the most powerful vampire houses into war. Now he must work alongside Count Laki to stop bloodshed from arriving on their sandy shores. Except the Count’s charm is as dangerous as his smile, awakening feelings in Razvan’s undead heart that should have stayed buried.
It’s only a matter of time before his chronic illness and the insecurities he’s long kept hidden are revealed to the very man he wants to keep out. Then impending war demands for him to step into the role of general and confront this battle head on with strength he’s not sure he has. Now Razvan must find it within himself to break down the walls around his heart and risk it all for peace…and for the man who makes him feel alive again.
Infamous playboy and alpha-elect of the Koli House, Laki hides behind a mask of swagger and basks in a life of self-indulgence. He drowns his demons in wyne and silences his father’s disapproval in the ecstasy of his lovers. Beneath his swagger lies a man tormented by his own obligations, placed in the seat of potential but terrified he doesn’t deserve it.
When war arrives on his doorstep, Laki must finally prove himself worthy of his title and his pack. His unlikely ally comes in the form of the crown’s general, except that Razvan is mysterious and alluring in unexpected ways. In the reflection of Razvan’s eyes, Laki sees the worth he thought he didn't deserve, and that is all too dangerous to his carefully built facade. But with impending war, he can't afford to be distracted by his passions. Can Laki prove himself as the true alpha, or will he succumb to his father’s predictions?
In House of Wolves, explore what it means to have true power while swimming through waves of temptation and darkness.
House of wolves is an MlM dark romantasy with Disability Representation, Trauma Representation, Friends with Benefits to Lovers, Opposites attract, golden retriever MMC, Playboy MMC, Werewolves and Vampires, Instalust, Political intrigue, Talks Him Through It, Monster Smut, Plant daddy, and “We Make Each Other Worse”
Discussing wartime alliances with a man you can’t stop imagining naked is exhausting.
Razvan has gone from bedridden to the vampire tsar’s personal general. Now it’s his duty to secure alliances for the crown in a world ready to boil over. That’s exactly what he intends to do when he arrives on the fabled island of wolves, until a sudden pirate attack threatens to drag two of the most powerful vampire houses into war. Now he must work alongside Count Laki to stop bloodshed from arriving on their sandy shores. Except the Count’s charm is as dangerous as his smile, awakening feelings in Razvan’s undead heart that should have stayed buried.
It’s only a matter of time before his chronic illness and the insecurities he’s long kept hidden are revealed to the very man he wants to keep out. Then impending war demands for him to step into the role of general and confront this battle head on with strength he’s not sure he has. Now Razvan must find it within himself to break down the walls around his heart and risk it all for peace…and for the man who makes him feel alive again.
Infamous playboy and alpha-elect of the Koli House, Laki hides behind a mask of swagger and basks in a life of self-indulgence. He drowns his demons in wyne and silences his father’s disapproval in the ecstasy of his lovers. Beneath his swagger lies a man tormented by his own obligations, placed in the seat of potential but terrified he doesn’t deserve it.
When war arrives on his doorstep, Laki must finally prove himself worthy of his title and his pack. His unlikely ally comes in the form of the crown’s general, except that Razvan is mysterious and alluring in unexpected ways. In the reflection of Razvan’s eyes, Laki sees the worth he thought he didn't deserve, and that is all too dangerous to his carefully built facade. But with impending war, he can't afford to be distracted by his passions. Can Laki prove himself as the true alpha, or will he succumb to his father’s predictions?
In House of Wolves, explore what it means to have true power while swimming through waves of temptation and darkness.
House of wolves is an MlM dark romantasy with Disability Representation, Trauma Representation, Friends with Benefits to Lovers, Opposites attract, golden retriever MMC, Playboy MMC, Werewolves and Vampires, Instalust, Political intrigue, Talks Him Through It, Monster Smut, Plant daddy, and “We Make Each Other Worse”
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 11, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author
House of Wolves doesn’t just sink its teeth in… it lingers. Slow, sharp, and a little sinful.
This book reads like velvet dipped in venom. From the very first page, you’re dropped into a world teetering on the edge of war, where alliances are fragile, power is seductive, and desire is… wildly inconvenient. Because truly, nothing says “high-stakes diplomacy” like trying to negotiate peace while mentally undressing your political ally. Razvan, sir, I understand your struggle. I support it. I am entertained by it.
Razvan is a standout MC in every sense. A chronically ill vampire general who has clawed his way from weakness into power, he carries both strength and vulnerability in a way that feels painfully real. His internal battle hit just as hard as the external war brewing around him. Watching him navigate insecurity, duty, and desire? Quietly devastating in the best way.
And then there’s Laki.
This man walks into the story like a storm in silk—playboy swagger, sharp grin, and emotional damage tucked neatly behind charm. But peel back even a layer, and you get someone deeply unsure of his worth, desperate to prove himself, and completely undone by the one man he shouldn’t want. His dynamic with Razvan is electric, messy, and just the right kind of toxic-adjacent “we make each other worse” energy that makes you want to scream into a pillow and keep reading anyway.
Their chemistry? Immediate. Intense. Slightly reckless. The kind that turns political strategy meetings into a battlefield of their own.
Beyond the romance, the world-building is lush without being overwhelming. Vampires, werewolves, political intrigue, pirate attacks (yes, pirate attacks), all woven together into a story that balances action with emotional depth. The pacing keeps you hooked, but it’s the character work that keeps you invested.
And let’s talk about the representation—because it matters, and it’s handled with care. Razvan’s chronic illness isn’t erased or romanticized; it’s part of him, shaping his fears and his strength alike.
If you love:
✨ morally complex characters
✨ opposites attract with bite
✨ tension so thick it could snap
✨ dark romantasy with emotional weight AND spice
✨ and men who absolutely should not fall in love… but do anyway
…then House of Wolves will own you.
This isn’t just a romance. It’s a collision. A war. A slow unraveling of two men who find something dangerously close to hope in each other.
And honestly? I’d let it ruin me again.
House of Wolves doesn’t just sink its teeth in… it lingers. Slow, sharp, and a little sinful.
This book reads like velvet dipped in venom. From the very first page, you’re dropped into a world teetering on the edge of war, where alliances are fragile, power is seductive, and desire is… wildly inconvenient. Because truly, nothing says “high-stakes diplomacy” like trying to negotiate peace while mentally undressing your political ally. Razvan, sir, I understand your struggle. I support it. I am entertained by it.
Razvan is a standout MC in every sense. A chronically ill vampire general who has clawed his way from weakness into power, he carries both strength and vulnerability in a way that feels painfully real. His internal battle hit just as hard as the external war brewing around him. Watching him navigate insecurity, duty, and desire? Quietly devastating in the best way.
And then there’s Laki.
This man walks into the story like a storm in silk—playboy swagger, sharp grin, and emotional damage tucked neatly behind charm. But peel back even a layer, and you get someone deeply unsure of his worth, desperate to prove himself, and completely undone by the one man he shouldn’t want. His dynamic with Razvan is electric, messy, and just the right kind of toxic-adjacent “we make each other worse” energy that makes you want to scream into a pillow and keep reading anyway.
Their chemistry? Immediate. Intense. Slightly reckless. The kind that turns political strategy meetings into a battlefield of their own.
Beyond the romance, the world-building is lush without being overwhelming. Vampires, werewolves, political intrigue, pirate attacks (yes, pirate attacks), all woven together into a story that balances action with emotional depth. The pacing keeps you hooked, but it’s the character work that keeps you invested.
And let’s talk about the representation—because it matters, and it’s handled with care. Razvan’s chronic illness isn’t erased or romanticized; it’s part of him, shaping his fears and his strength alike.
If you love:
✨ morally complex characters
✨ opposites attract with bite
✨ tension so thick it could snap
✨ dark romantasy with emotional weight AND spice
✨ and men who absolutely should not fall in love… but do anyway
…then House of Wolves will own you.
This isn’t just a romance. It’s a collision. A war. A slow unraveling of two men who find something dangerously close to hope in each other.
And honestly? I’d let it ruin me again.
May 7, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author:
I went into the book head first having never read anything like it. It pulled me in and I could not put it down. The tension, the acceptance and the sacrifice. The world building! Chronic illness is a part of the main character but he doesn’t let it bring him down and isn’t romanticized. There’s war and love and found family! If you love Vampires, werewolves, opposites attract and spice this book is definitely for you.
I went into the book head first having never read anything like it. It pulled me in and I could not put it down. The tension, the acceptance and the sacrifice. The world building! Chronic illness is a part of the main character but he doesn’t let it bring him down and isn’t romanticized. There’s war and love and found family! If you love Vampires, werewolves, opposites attract and spice this book is definitely for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5 ⭐
I feel this book had a lot of potential with the different vampire Houses, the politics, and the romance. But it just had too many things that didn’t work for me. It might have worked a bit better if I had read the other books that are set in the same world.
The spicy scenes were interesting though. With the Koli vampires, it’s really a blend of vampire and werewolf anatomy, including the aspect of knotting. There are quite a few Vampire Houses, but in this book we only ever meet four of them. Again, the other Vampire Houses are likely mentioned in the other book series. I had to study the map to get an idea of which Vampire House Razvan belongs to. It’s not mentioned in the book itself. I could have used a bit more explanation on the crown and how that works in this world, because now I’m just guessing.
If you want to stay spoiler-free, this is your exit.
Spoilers ahead.
Here are some of my thoughts while reading:
What’s with the auras? From what I’ve read, the color depends on what kind of vampire you are. Do they have any other function than that?
Laki’s fruity scent is mentioned eleven times and is never described as anything else, like maybe intoxicating or something that doesn’t undermine the fruity scent. After a few times, it becomes quite repetitive. It is also mentioned multiple times that Edward’s fangs reach the edge of his chin.
The romance wasn’t flowing organically for me. It was this push and pull, but mostly push from Razvan. There was some intimacy on their first day of meeting each other, which I did not mind. Then nothing, other than innuendos from Laki. Nothing really happens until Raz gets upset about something Laki says and then, out of the blue, he blurts out this near-love declaration about caring about Laki and telling him he could never hurt him, twice for emphasis. All I could think was: where is this coming from? It feels like I missed some important steps, but I was willing to ignore it. Then Laki apologizes and Raz calls him darling and says he’ll always help him, only to push him away again right after. Keep in mind, they’ve hardly seen each other at this point. Where is this level of intimacy coming from?
It was also said that Tsar Roman did not want war. The offer Mona made ensures a war, and therefore that would not be what Roman wants. Yet shortly after, Raz says he’s betraying Roman by not accepting Mona’s offer because he would rather help Laki. That doesn’t add up. Mona’s offer meant war, the one thing Roman tried to avoid.
At one point, Laki gives a beautiful speech when Raz pushes him away again. He ends his speech by saying that Raz will come to realize that he has no choice but to accept they are meant to be. I have not read anything from Laki’s POV that would warrant this declaration. All I’ve read are sexual innuendos, not realizations of real feelings.
Then Laki suddenly has a dick piercing. He did not have it when they had sex right before they left on their separate ships. Was there a piercer on board of his ship? It feels very random to suddenly include that, and then not make it part of the spicy scene.
I did not buy their love. Laki leaves Raz behind to hunt after a fleeing Edward. So the love of your life might very well die and you leave him behind? In another chapter, Raz tells Laki “claim me now and for eternity,” and then many chapters later we read his thoughts where he says he isn’t ready to commit for an eternity. And when the mating bond is finally completed at the end of the book, it feels more symbolic, just scars of their bites, not like an actual bond was formed between them. Especially because Razvan leaves Laki to return to his found family, who he misses more, while Laki has sacrificed so much for him, even choosing him over his own people. It does not really compare.
I’m not saying the book is bad. Again, it might be better if you’ve read the other books. But I have to remain honest with myself, and that means I can’t rate it higher than this.
I feel this book had a lot of potential with the different vampire Houses, the politics, and the romance. But it just had too many things that didn’t work for me. It might have worked a bit better if I had read the other books that are set in the same world.
The spicy scenes were interesting though. With the Koli vampires, it’s really a blend of vampire and werewolf anatomy, including the aspect of knotting. There are quite a few Vampire Houses, but in this book we only ever meet four of them. Again, the other Vampire Houses are likely mentioned in the other book series. I had to study the map to get an idea of which Vampire House Razvan belongs to. It’s not mentioned in the book itself. I could have used a bit more explanation on the crown and how that works in this world, because now I’m just guessing.
If you want to stay spoiler-free, this is your exit.
Spoilers ahead.
Here are some of my thoughts while reading:
What’s with the auras? From what I’ve read, the color depends on what kind of vampire you are. Do they have any other function than that?
Laki’s fruity scent is mentioned eleven times and is never described as anything else, like maybe intoxicating or something that doesn’t undermine the fruity scent. After a few times, it becomes quite repetitive. It is also mentioned multiple times that Edward’s fangs reach the edge of his chin.
The romance wasn’t flowing organically for me. It was this push and pull, but mostly push from Razvan. There was some intimacy on their first day of meeting each other, which I did not mind. Then nothing, other than innuendos from Laki. Nothing really happens until Raz gets upset about something Laki says and then, out of the blue, he blurts out this near-love declaration about caring about Laki and telling him he could never hurt him, twice for emphasis. All I could think was: where is this coming from? It feels like I missed some important steps, but I was willing to ignore it. Then Laki apologizes and Raz calls him darling and says he’ll always help him, only to push him away again right after. Keep in mind, they’ve hardly seen each other at this point. Where is this level of intimacy coming from?
It was also said that Tsar Roman did not want war. The offer Mona made ensures a war, and therefore that would not be what Roman wants. Yet shortly after, Raz says he’s betraying Roman by not accepting Mona’s offer because he would rather help Laki. That doesn’t add up. Mona’s offer meant war, the one thing Roman tried to avoid.
At one point, Laki gives a beautiful speech when Raz pushes him away again. He ends his speech by saying that Raz will come to realize that he has no choice but to accept they are meant to be. I have not read anything from Laki’s POV that would warrant this declaration. All I’ve read are sexual innuendos, not realizations of real feelings.
Then Laki suddenly has a dick piercing. He did not have it when they had sex right before they left on their separate ships. Was there a piercer on board of his ship? It feels very random to suddenly include that, and then not make it part of the spicy scene.
I did not buy their love. Laki leaves Raz behind to hunt after a fleeing Edward. So the love of your life might very well die and you leave him behind? In another chapter, Raz tells Laki “claim me now and for eternity,” and then many chapters later we read his thoughts where he says he isn’t ready to commit for an eternity. And when the mating bond is finally completed at the end of the book, it feels more symbolic, just scars of their bites, not like an actual bond was formed between them. Especially because Razvan leaves Laki to return to his found family, who he misses more, while Laki has sacrificed so much for him, even choosing him over his own people. It does not really compare.
I’m not saying the book is bad. Again, it might be better if you’ve read the other books. But I have to remain honest with myself, and that means I can’t rate it higher than this.
May 7, 2026
"First, love of any kind cannot be wrong."
This story is heartbreaking as it is beautiful. It is bittersweet but achingly decadent. Razvan and Laki are two tortured souls that find solace and understanding within each other. Both men have endured difficult pasts that continue to haunt them differently. Raz looks and often feels weak due to his illness. He is often underestimated and has trouble believing he is worthy of love. I thought the disability rep was done so well. As a chronically ill girly, I felt seen. Laki is physically strong but hides his pain behind his smile and teasing flirtatious tone. He also feels unworthy and wrestles with failure.
The world building is top-notched. I thought it was interesting that Raz still deals with illness even as a "turned" vampire. Drinking wyne helps alleviate his pain. Also, I thought it was very cool that although Laki is a vampire, his true monster form is that of a werewolf. Very different ideas from other books and that I can appreciate. The Polynesian-like setting made me miss my island home. The imagery was "painted" so clearly-like a picture.
Immediately upon meeting each other, Raz and Laki are instalust. They are opposites and are magnetically drawn to each other. I felt like Laki knew he wanted more from Raz then just a hook up. He was the one that pursued Raz. Raz tries to be the rational one, putting duty over desires. However, when it's a hot Jason Momoa-like vampire; can you blame him?! We see Raz continue to struggle with this throughout the book.
The political intrigue is well written so there is plot with the hot AF s@x scenes. There's quite a bit of killing and death since there is a war going on. The side characters (especially the female ones) added some comic relief and friendship to the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and its characters very much. I look forward to reading the next book in the Fallen Stars series. Thank you Hypatia for this gifted arc. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
such a compelling, emotionally charged read that really leans into its dark romantasy elements while still carving out space for vulnerability and character growth. Razvan and Laki have a dynamic that’s instantly gripping—the tension, the attraction, the emotional push-and-pull all land well, especially with the added weight of political stakes and looming war. Their chemistry is intense from the start, and the blend of desire, insecurity, and reluctant trust makes their interactions feel layered and engaging. Razvan’s internal struggles, particularly around his chronic illness and sense of inadequacy, add a meaningful depth to his character. His journey toward stepping into his role as a general while also allowing himself to be emotionally seen is one of the stronger aspects of the book. Laki, on the other hand, brings a different kind of complexity—his bravado and indulgence masking deeper fears of failure and unworthiness. Watching those walls start to crack under pressure (both political and personal) is satisfying, and the way the two characters reflect and challenge each other works well thematically. There are moments where the pacing stumbles—some transitions between scenes feel abrupt, and at times it seems like there are gaps in the timeline that make certain developments feel less grounded than they could be. This especially impacts the romance, which, while undeniably intense, can come across as rushed. The shift from attraction to deeper emotional connection happens quickly, and a bit more buildup would have made those turning points hit harder. the book knows exactly what it wants to deliver in terms of tone and tropes, and it commits fully. The darker themes, the emotional vulnerability, and the high-stakes romance all come together. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2026
This is my first book by this author and will not be my last. The writing was rich and the world building was incredible. It is also my first time reading a book with the Polynesian culture as the background. The book is a long book with a very in depth story with a beautiful love story.
The two main characters are Razvan and Laki. Razvan was born human and turned into a vampire later in life to save him from an illness that was ravaging his body. Unfortunately, the turn didn't stop his body from the pain, but did make him immortal. Because of his illness he has light hair and eyes and is more frail looking than other vampire breeds. He is incredibly smart is described as beautiful by Laki. Laki's parents essentially disowned him when he was sick and gave him to a hospital and then walked away.
Laki is the head of his vampire clan that can shift into wolves. He is the leader because his father lost his mind after his two sons, Laki's brothers, were kidnapped and presumably dead. His father is horrible to Laki. He is verbally abused by his father and has been for years. There is definitely homophobic comments by his father as well.
The two meet when Razvan goes to the island to do the bidding of his Regent to get the wolf clan to back them. Immediately there is an attraction between the two.
The spice between them is VERY hot! Touch him and die vibes throughout.
I received a free book through book sprout but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Note:
- First person POV - dual POVs
- This is somewhat off a prequel to House of Darkness (M/F story)
- More books will be coming out
TWs:
- Abusive parent both sides
The two main characters are Razvan and Laki. Razvan was born human and turned into a vampire later in life to save him from an illness that was ravaging his body. Unfortunately, the turn didn't stop his body from the pain, but did make him immortal. Because of his illness he has light hair and eyes and is more frail looking than other vampire breeds. He is incredibly smart is described as beautiful by Laki. Laki's parents essentially disowned him when he was sick and gave him to a hospital and then walked away.
Laki is the head of his vampire clan that can shift into wolves. He is the leader because his father lost his mind after his two sons, Laki's brothers, were kidnapped and presumably dead. His father is horrible to Laki. He is verbally abused by his father and has been for years. There is definitely homophobic comments by his father as well.
The two meet when Razvan goes to the island to do the bidding of his Regent to get the wolf clan to back them. Immediately there is an attraction between the two.
The spice between them is VERY hot! Touch him and die vibes throughout.
I received a free book through book sprout but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Note:
- First person POV - dual POVs
- This is somewhat off a prequel to House of Darkness (M/F story)
- More books will be coming out
TWs:
- Abusive parent both sides
June 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Intense, immersive, and impossible to put down
I did not read House of Wolves. I got pulled into it and didn’t come up for air.
This book drops you straight into chaos. War, shifting alliances, and a world that feels like it is always on the edge of collapse. The fast pacing works because everything is unstable, so that urgency never feels out of place.
Laki is a standout main character, carrying constant pressure that makes every choice feel heavy. What really makes their story hit harder is their relationship with Razvan. It is not soft or easy. It feels strained, intense, and deeply intertwined with everything else going on. There is a constant push and pull between them, like they are balancing trust, loyalty, and unspoken tension all at once. Their connection adds emotional weight to the story without slowing it down, and every interaction feels like it matters just as much as the external conflict.
The worldbuilding is layered and trusts you to keep up. No hand holding, just factions, politics, and power plays that feel real and dangerous. The writing is like a movie captivating and gritty, making every scene
With strong slow-burn potential woven through everything. The relationships feel like they are building toward something more complicated and emotionally charged.
If you want something soft, this is not it. If you want dark fantasy that is intense, politically charged, and completely immersive? Then you WANT this series.
And if you loved this, dive into the The Fallen Star series. The characters are just as unhinged, chaotic, and fighting tooth and nail for the same kinds of social justice we are dealing with in real life.
I did not read House of Wolves. I got pulled into it and didn’t come up for air.
This book drops you straight into chaos. War, shifting alliances, and a world that feels like it is always on the edge of collapse. The fast pacing works because everything is unstable, so that urgency never feels out of place.
Laki is a standout main character, carrying constant pressure that makes every choice feel heavy. What really makes their story hit harder is their relationship with Razvan. It is not soft or easy. It feels strained, intense, and deeply intertwined with everything else going on. There is a constant push and pull between them, like they are balancing trust, loyalty, and unspoken tension all at once. Their connection adds emotional weight to the story without slowing it down, and every interaction feels like it matters just as much as the external conflict.
The worldbuilding is layered and trusts you to keep up. No hand holding, just factions, politics, and power plays that feel real and dangerous. The writing is like a movie captivating and gritty, making every scene
With strong slow-burn potential woven through everything. The relationships feel like they are building toward something more complicated and emotionally charged.
If you want something soft, this is not it. If you want dark fantasy that is intense, politically charged, and completely immersive? Then you WANT this series.
And if you loved this, dive into the The Fallen Star series. The characters are just as unhinged, chaotic, and fighting tooth and nail for the same kinds of social justice we are dealing with in real life.
May 5, 2026
I picked this up as my first MM romance, mainly because I’m trying to widen my reading habits a bit this year, and I’m really glad I did.
The setting completely pulled me in. The Polynesian-inspired backdrop was lush and immersive, with the ocean bungalows, dense jungle landscapes, and full moon ceremonies that gave the story such a vivid, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It felt different from a lot of the fantasy I usually read, and that alone made it stand out.
There were some really interesting ideas woven into the worldbuilding too. I loved the concept of vampires shifting into wolves, and the added layer that a turned vampire could still carry illness. It made the lore feel a little more grounded and a lot more intriguing. And any hint of plant magic will always win me over.
The romance does lean into instalove, but that wasn’t a surprise going in, and honestly, I enjoyed the ride for what it was. Sometimes you just want to sink into the feeling and go with it.
I did find the dual POV a bit tricky at times. I usually love this style, but with both characters written in first person and both being male, their voices occasionally blurred together, which pulled me out of the story here and there.
That said, I really enjoyed the political intrigue running through the plot, and the side characters were a highlight. The two female characters in particular brought a strong, grounded energy to the story and I’d happily read more about them.
Overall, a really enjoyable read with a unique setting and some fresh ideas, even if a couple of elements didn’t fully land for me.
Thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy.
The setting completely pulled me in. The Polynesian-inspired backdrop was lush and immersive, with the ocean bungalows, dense jungle landscapes, and full moon ceremonies that gave the story such a vivid, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It felt different from a lot of the fantasy I usually read, and that alone made it stand out.
There were some really interesting ideas woven into the worldbuilding too. I loved the concept of vampires shifting into wolves, and the added layer that a turned vampire could still carry illness. It made the lore feel a little more grounded and a lot more intriguing. And any hint of plant magic will always win me over.
The romance does lean into instalove, but that wasn’t a surprise going in, and honestly, I enjoyed the ride for what it was. Sometimes you just want to sink into the feeling and go with it.
I did find the dual POV a bit tricky at times. I usually love this style, but with both characters written in first person and both being male, their voices occasionally blurred together, which pulled me out of the story here and there.
That said, I really enjoyed the political intrigue running through the plot, and the side characters were a highlight. The two female characters in particular brought a strong, grounded energy to the story and I’d happily read more about them.
Overall, a really enjoyable read with a unique setting and some fresh ideas, even if a couple of elements didn’t fully land for me.
Thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed the story and definitely see myself going back to the first book and then into this one again. The characters were great (well besides Roko). I really love the world the author created especially as it's not just your typical vampires. This one also touched on another topic and that is when a human is changed into a vampire and happens to have a terminal illness.
Razvan is a great character. I love him. He's adorable. Terminally ill one moment then saved by Tsar Roman the next and losing his love Jeremie when they were caught in the act. He's had a hard life and is still really just experiencing what it's like to do things that he couldn't before. Going from a wheelchair to now needing blood and walking. He sees his illness as a weakness but he's strong in his own ways and where it counts.
Laki made for a really intriguing character. Playboy attitude, alpha. He's a lot more than the front he puts on though. He's someone who is really unsure of himself and he definitely had me hooked into the story. I'm eager to see what else can come into play with him with how the story ended. I do actually like the fact that they aren't just your average wolf in their shifted form.
I loved the world building within the story and felt like I could really just dive in and not stop (which is what I did) and devoured the book. I'm really curious to what comes next now and definitely want to go back and read House of Darkness.
Razvan is a great character. I love him. He's adorable. Terminally ill one moment then saved by Tsar Roman the next and losing his love Jeremie when they were caught in the act. He's had a hard life and is still really just experiencing what it's like to do things that he couldn't before. Going from a wheelchair to now needing blood and walking. He sees his illness as a weakness but he's strong in his own ways and where it counts.
Laki made for a really intriguing character. Playboy attitude, alpha. He's a lot more than the front he puts on though. He's someone who is really unsure of himself and he definitely had me hooked into the story. I'm eager to see what else can come into play with him with how the story ended. I do actually like the fact that they aren't just your average wolf in their shifted form.
I loved the world building within the story and felt like I could really just dive in and not stop (which is what I did) and devoured the book. I'm really curious to what comes next now and definitely want to go back and read House of Darkness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this ARC directly from the author, and think it is such a strong addition to the Fallen Star world.
I already really enjoy this series, but this installment gave me even more of what I love with additional world building, political tension, emotional vulnerability, and seriously spicy romance. Razvan and Laki were both compelling characters in very different ways. Laki’s golden retriever energy mixed with his touch-him-and-☠️ fierceness was everything, while Razvan’s insecurities and deep-rooted feelings of being “less than” hit me on a much more personal level. Watching him find someone who truly sees his worth was incredibly meaningful.
One of the standout aspects for me was Razvan’s chronic illness representation. It felt authentic and thoughtful, and knowing that this was inspired by the author’s own experiences made it resonate even more. Fantasy doesn’t always make space for that kind of representation in such a meaningful way, and Hypatia Rhodes handled it beautifully.
The pacing was strong throughout for me, the political intrigue, and romance really well. I also loved the Polynesian influences woven into the story through Laki's culture.
If you love emotionally layered MM romantasy with animal shifting vampires, political stakes, disability rep, and characters whose vulnerabilities make them even stronger, House of Wolves is absolutely worth picking up. I’m very excited to see where this series goes next.
I already really enjoy this series, but this installment gave me even more of what I love with additional world building, political tension, emotional vulnerability, and seriously spicy romance. Razvan and Laki were both compelling characters in very different ways. Laki’s golden retriever energy mixed with his touch-him-and-☠️ fierceness was everything, while Razvan’s insecurities and deep-rooted feelings of being “less than” hit me on a much more personal level. Watching him find someone who truly sees his worth was incredibly meaningful.
One of the standout aspects for me was Razvan’s chronic illness representation. It felt authentic and thoughtful, and knowing that this was inspired by the author’s own experiences made it resonate even more. Fantasy doesn’t always make space for that kind of representation in such a meaningful way, and Hypatia Rhodes handled it beautifully.
The pacing was strong throughout for me, the political intrigue, and romance really well. I also loved the Polynesian influences woven into the story through Laki's culture.
If you love emotionally layered MM romantasy with animal shifting vampires, political stakes, disability rep, and characters whose vulnerabilities make them even stronger, House of Wolves is absolutely worth picking up. I’m very excited to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
On the surface, this book is a monster romance, or smut, if you will. But at its heart, this is a story of “two broken boys who probably could use a hug.”
4.75 stars rounded up!
First you have Laki: Count of his clan, a reluctant leader, and not-quite (yet) Alpha. He’s wracked with guilt from the loss of his brothers, an event both he and his father blame him for. Unfairly, on both counts, btw.
Then you have Razvan—beautiful, broken, Raz. Disabled, even for a vampire, but also incredibly powerful. Broken-hearted, shunned by his homophobic parents, and afraid to accept a world where he is lovable… Raz is the tragic hero you love to root for, even if he wouldn't agree. “There was something broken within me, irreparable no matter how hard I tried.” And to him, he was the reason his parents “left him to rot,” why his first love never tried to find him when they were separated, and why Laki couldn’t possibly love him.
They aren’t magically cured by love. This isn’t that kind of story. But the tale puts them on the path to healing together, and that is a beautiful story I can get behind 100% of the time.
This novel has:
- A paranormal fantasy world with VERY STRONG AAPI influence (so refreshing!)
- Adorable banter
- LGBTQ+ rep
- Disability rep
- A fresh take on werewolves and vampires
- And oh my god… it also has some really good monster smut, y’all!
I was gifted an advance copy of this novel by the author. My review and opinions are 100% my own.
4.75 stars rounded up!
First you have Laki: Count of his clan, a reluctant leader, and not-quite (yet) Alpha. He’s wracked with guilt from the loss of his brothers, an event both he and his father blame him for. Unfairly, on both counts, btw.
Then you have Razvan—beautiful, broken, Raz. Disabled, even for a vampire, but also incredibly powerful. Broken-hearted, shunned by his homophobic parents, and afraid to accept a world where he is lovable… Raz is the tragic hero you love to root for, even if he wouldn't agree. “There was something broken within me, irreparable no matter how hard I tried.” And to him, he was the reason his parents “left him to rot,” why his first love never tried to find him when they were separated, and why Laki couldn’t possibly love him.
They aren’t magically cured by love. This isn’t that kind of story. But the tale puts them on the path to healing together, and that is a beautiful story I can get behind 100% of the time.
This novel has:
- A paranormal fantasy world with VERY STRONG AAPI influence (so refreshing!)
- Adorable banter
- LGBTQ+ rep
- Disability rep
- A fresh take on werewolves and vampires
- And oh my god… it also has some really good monster smut, y’all!
I was gifted an advance copy of this novel by the author. My review and opinions are 100% my own.
Review of advance copy
House of Wolves completely pulled me in from the very beginning and held my attention in a way I didn’t expect to be quite so intense—or so addictive.
There’s a sharp, atmospheric quality to this story that I really loved. It feels dark without being overwhelming, and layered without ever becoming confusing. The “wolves” element isn’t just aesthetic—it shapes the tone, the tension, and the way every interaction feels like it carries weight beneath the surface.
What really stood out to me was how invested I became in the characters. They’re not easy people to understand or predict, and that made them so much more compelling. I found myself constantly trying to read between the lines of their actions, especially in moments where trust felt fragile or deliberately withheld.
The emotional tension is where this book truly shines for me. There’s a constant push and pull between loyalty, instinct, and personal desire, and it kept me completely engaged. Even when the pacing slowed in certain sections, I didn’t mind—it felt like time being used to deepen the stakes rather than stall the story.
I also appreciated how polished the reading experience felt, which is always something I notice more when editing is strong. It allowed the story itself to shine without distraction, which made it easier to sink into the world.
There’s a sharp, atmospheric quality to this story that I really loved. It feels dark without being overwhelming, and layered without ever becoming confusing. The “wolves” element isn’t just aesthetic—it shapes the tone, the tension, and the way every interaction feels like it carries weight beneath the surface.
What really stood out to me was how invested I became in the characters. They’re not easy people to understand or predict, and that made them so much more compelling. I found myself constantly trying to read between the lines of their actions, especially in moments where trust felt fragile or deliberately withheld.
The emotional tension is where this book truly shines for me. There’s a constant push and pull between loyalty, instinct, and personal desire, and it kept me completely engaged. Even when the pacing slowed in certain sections, I didn’t mind—it felt like time being used to deepen the stakes rather than stall the story.
I also appreciated how polished the reading experience felt, which is always something I notice more when editing is strong. It allowed the story itself to shine without distraction, which made it easier to sink into the world.
Review of advance copy
ARC REVIEW
Omg. I loved this one so so much, maybe even more that the first book🫣
It had everything from the plot, revenge, vengeance and duplicity, villains and hateful characters to very sweet and warm love confessions, tension, banter and those stolen looks, yearning and willing to do anything for one another.
Razvan's story was very gutwrenching, especially after knowing what inspired to write it. His immense inner power to stand up and live, no matter how the world or others perceive him, the strength to fight no matter how weak he felt like. He had to live through a hell to become a person that was outstanding, brave, smart, lovely and kind to snatch the attention of the wolf playboy. Laki's character for a long time at least from the outside was seen as easy, clown like, but the inner thoughts, emotions and depth was all along there, making him suffer in pain alone. However that changed when the met Raz and decided to make both of them happy and pursue something that from the first sight might be deemed impossible. I loved their dynamics, the hot banter and yearning that they had, especially Laki. The way he would crawl and would give everything for Raz🫠
Also there was very interesting plot lines, that developed and discovered some new and interesting paths. I'm intrigued to see how it's going to impact the future.
Omg. I loved this one so so much, maybe even more that the first book🫣
It had everything from the plot, revenge, vengeance and duplicity, villains and hateful characters to very sweet and warm love confessions, tension, banter and those stolen looks, yearning and willing to do anything for one another.
Razvan's story was very gutwrenching, especially after knowing what inspired to write it. His immense inner power to stand up and live, no matter how the world or others perceive him, the strength to fight no matter how weak he felt like. He had to live through a hell to become a person that was outstanding, brave, smart, lovely and kind to snatch the attention of the wolf playboy. Laki's character for a long time at least from the outside was seen as easy, clown like, but the inner thoughts, emotions and depth was all along there, making him suffer in pain alone. However that changed when the met Raz and decided to make both of them happy and pursue something that from the first sight might be deemed impossible. I loved their dynamics, the hot banter and yearning that they had, especially Laki. The way he would crawl and would give everything for Raz🫠
Also there was very interesting plot lines, that developed and discovered some new and interesting paths. I'm intrigued to see how it's going to impact the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
House of Wolves — Hypatia Rhodes 🖤🐺
MM romantasy that cuts deep and heals even deeper.
This story is drenched in trauma-to-strength themes with sickness, loss, and the kind of family betrayal that leaves lasting scars. Laki, a powerful wolf-shifter vampire Count, has spent his life being shamed by the one person who should have loved him most. Strong on the outside, but carrying years of doubt within.
Razvan, on the other hand, is the one given a second chance at life but it comes at a cost. He battles a human virus that threatens to destroy him, leaving him feeling fragile and undeserving.
But Laki sees him differently.
“When will you learn my desire to shower you with all my affection has absolutely nothing to do with me thinking you’re weak and everything to do with the fact that I want to worship you?”
And that right there? That’s the heart of this story. Being seen. Being chosen. Being loved not despite your broken pieces but because of them.
Watching these two fight through their inner demons and grow into their strength and into each other, was raw, emotional, and completely consuming.
Hypatia Rhodes has done it again, proving she truly CAN “make a career out of delivering twisted romantasy with powerful trauma-to-strength arcs.” 🥰
✨ Dark, emotional, spicy, and deeply romantic. 5⭐️s
MM romantasy that cuts deep and heals even deeper.
This story is drenched in trauma-to-strength themes with sickness, loss, and the kind of family betrayal that leaves lasting scars. Laki, a powerful wolf-shifter vampire Count, has spent his life being shamed by the one person who should have loved him most. Strong on the outside, but carrying years of doubt within.
Razvan, on the other hand, is the one given a second chance at life but it comes at a cost. He battles a human virus that threatens to destroy him, leaving him feeling fragile and undeserving.
But Laki sees him differently.
“When will you learn my desire to shower you with all my affection has absolutely nothing to do with me thinking you’re weak and everything to do with the fact that I want to worship you?”
And that right there? That’s the heart of this story. Being seen. Being chosen. Being loved not despite your broken pieces but because of them.
Watching these two fight through their inner demons and grow into their strength and into each other, was raw, emotional, and completely consuming.
Hypatia Rhodes has done it again, proving she truly CAN “make a career out of delivering twisted romantasy with powerful trauma-to-strength arcs.” 🥰
✨ Dark, emotional, spicy, and deeply romantic. 5⭐️s
May 30, 2026
Yes! If you like monster smut and a good MM Romance then this is your book!!
In this story we follow Young Laki as he walks a path forced upon him by tragedy. In his father's eyes he'll never be good enough but to his people he's the one standing tall against it all. Now he must create an alliance with the Tsar's General of War. But when the General comes knocking Laki can't help but fall for every look, movement, and sound that comes from the general!
Razvan the General of War has always been considered weak due to his background. But when he's sent on a mission to form an aliance with the Koli House he knows that weakness is not an option. But when he comes face to face with the new head of the Koli he becomes weak in the knees. Razvan must do everything he can to keep his composure strong enough to form this aliance.
When the temptation of love is around every coner then would it be such a bad thing if an alliance is formed from love?
I loved every moment of this book. The details were amazing! The smut was to die for 🥵 and the protectiveness these two males have for each other is unbeatable! I highly suggest taking your chance with this book if you know it's something that sounds right up your ally!
This book does vontain: murder, war and violence, sexual scenes and homophobia!
In this story we follow Young Laki as he walks a path forced upon him by tragedy. In his father's eyes he'll never be good enough but to his people he's the one standing tall against it all. Now he must create an alliance with the Tsar's General of War. But when the General comes knocking Laki can't help but fall for every look, movement, and sound that comes from the general!
Razvan the General of War has always been considered weak due to his background. But when he's sent on a mission to form an aliance with the Koli House he knows that weakness is not an option. But when he comes face to face with the new head of the Koli he becomes weak in the knees. Razvan must do everything he can to keep his composure strong enough to form this aliance.
When the temptation of love is around every coner then would it be such a bad thing if an alliance is formed from love?
I loved every moment of this book. The details were amazing! The smut was to die for 🥵 and the protectiveness these two males have for each other is unbeatable! I highly suggest taking your chance with this book if you know it's something that sounds right up your ally!
This book does vontain: murder, war and violence, sexual scenes and homophobia!
May 9, 2026
Absolutely loved getting to know more about this universe. The world building and storytelling is beautifully done. This time we have Razvan’s and Laki’s story. Their relationship is so sweet and beautiful. The instant connection between them had me kicking my feet. The spice ended up being my absolute favorite. It was just addictive and exquisite.
This book has a good mix of romance, tension, political intrigue, spice, and action. It was truly a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way possible. It was interesting to see more of Raz and get an insight to see who he is as a person. He is going though so much mentally and emotionally. Despite all this he’s still a powerful person. I also loved the chronic illness representation. Learning the author wrote this character due to her own experience was very impactful and relatable. Laki was also a very interesting character. He has so much guilt on his mind. His people are weary and doubtful of his ability to lead. Yet he still continues to be the best leader possible. Raz and Laki ended up being such a cute and powerful couple. I’m excited to see what we get next.
I did receive an arc from the author. This is my honest review.
This book has a good mix of romance, tension, political intrigue, spice, and action. It was truly a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way possible. It was interesting to see more of Raz and get an insight to see who he is as a person. He is going though so much mentally and emotionally. Despite all this he’s still a powerful person. I also loved the chronic illness representation. Learning the author wrote this character due to her own experience was very impactful and relatable. Laki was also a very interesting character. He has so much guilt on his mind. His people are weary and doubtful of his ability to lead. Yet he still continues to be the best leader possible. Raz and Laki ended up being such a cute and powerful couple. I’m excited to see what we get next.
I did receive an arc from the author. This is my honest review.
May 12, 2026
First off, thank you Hypatia, for sharing such an intimate part of yourself. The insecurities, navigating sexuality, and family/religious trauma. Raz and Laki were so relatable at times it took my breath away!
Second, I am hooked! I didn't realize this was a prequel!! Fallen Star Series?!?! I don't read blurbs, I go off of tropes and triggers. When I read MM romance vampire shifters I was sold! And what a ride this was!
Raz has my whole heart! The self doubt, the trauma of his sexuality being evil, the putting himself last for duty, running away from his feelings, chronic illness, my heart aches for him! Honestly my heart still aches...that ending....um excuse me. I mean I get it but 😢 And Laki with how his father abuses him, the feeling of being less than, the guilt, covering up feeling with laughter and a happy front. Ugh these 2 deserve all the happiness they found in each other.
Aside from the relationship of these 2, the political intrigue, the slavery, the fight for what is right for basic human rights!! I ate it all up and will no doubt continue to follow this world!
Second, I am hooked! I didn't realize this was a prequel!! Fallen Star Series?!?! I don't read blurbs, I go off of tropes and triggers. When I read MM romance vampire shifters I was sold! And what a ride this was!
Raz has my whole heart! The self doubt, the trauma of his sexuality being evil, the putting himself last for duty, running away from his feelings, chronic illness, my heart aches for him! Honestly my heart still aches...that ending....um excuse me. I mean I get it but 😢 And Laki with how his father abuses him, the feeling of being less than, the guilt, covering up feeling with laughter and a happy front. Ugh these 2 deserve all the happiness they found in each other.
Aside from the relationship of these 2, the political intrigue, the slavery, the fight for what is right for basic human rights!! I ate it all up and will no doubt continue to follow this world!
Review of advance copy received from Author
~Prequel in the Fallen Star Series~
"The uncertainty, as I tugged him toward chaos and adventure. I wanted to drink it in for an eternity."
🤍 Razvan, chronically ill, on the verge of death, and is literally given a second chance at life when the Vampire Tsar Roman turns him, saving him. He assumes the role of a general dealing with foreign affairs on behalf of Roman and along his journey to make a peace treaty in a far away land- he meets a man who brings out every passion he attempted to bury deep within himself.
❤️🔥 Laki. Count of the House of Koli and a vampire/wolf shifter. Playboy, charmer, and a heart throb- he immediately sets his sights on the new general. Laki, like any highly determined vampire before him, he lures Razvan into a path of temptation, forbidden passion, and a loyalty that runs deep. "Eyes on me, totoka."
Tropes you'll love:
🤍 MM Romantasy
❤️🔥 Disability Rep
🤍 Vampires
❤️🔥 Werewolf Shifters
🤍 Political Intrigue
❤️🔥 Opposites Attract
🤍 He Falls First
❤️🔥 Eyes on Me
"The uncertainty, as I tugged him toward chaos and adventure. I wanted to drink it in for an eternity."
🤍 Razvan, chronically ill, on the verge of death, and is literally given a second chance at life when the Vampire Tsar Roman turns him, saving him. He assumes the role of a general dealing with foreign affairs on behalf of Roman and along his journey to make a peace treaty in a far away land- he meets a man who brings out every passion he attempted to bury deep within himself.
❤️🔥 Laki. Count of the House of Koli and a vampire/wolf shifter. Playboy, charmer, and a heart throb- he immediately sets his sights on the new general. Laki, like any highly determined vampire before him, he lures Razvan into a path of temptation, forbidden passion, and a loyalty that runs deep. "Eyes on me, totoka."
Tropes you'll love:
🤍 MM Romantasy
❤️🔥 Disability Rep
🤍 Vampires
❤️🔥 Werewolf Shifters
🤍 Political Intrigue
❤️🔥 Opposites Attract
🤍 He Falls First
❤️🔥 Eyes on Me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
House of Wolves
By Hypatia Rhodes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
🖤 Political Allies to lovers
✨️ MIM
🖤 Opposites attract
✨️ Vampire romance between men
🖤 Werewolves and Vampires
✨️ Knotting 😉
🖤 He talks him through it 😉
✨️ Disability and Trauma rep
I adored everything about this book from start to finish.
This tale follows the story of Razvan the terminally ill vampire Commander and Count Laki and let me just say WOW if you think you are loved now this book may just make you rethink things 😉
Laki the wolf shifting vampire has been a renowned playboy for YEARS, that is until Raz makes him realise just what he has been missing out on. He is ready to watch the world and his home burn for this man 😍
I didn't want this book to end, but it was such a key aspect in the world building of the Fallen Star Series 🖤
House of Wolves releases May 7th 😘🖤
#knotting #Vampires #werewolves #bookreview #booktok
By Hypatia Rhodes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
🖤 Political Allies to lovers
✨️ MIM
🖤 Opposites attract
✨️ Vampire romance between men
🖤 Werewolves and Vampires
✨️ Knotting 😉
🖤 He talks him through it 😉
✨️ Disability and Trauma rep
I adored everything about this book from start to finish.
This tale follows the story of Razvan the terminally ill vampire Commander and Count Laki and let me just say WOW if you think you are loved now this book may just make you rethink things 😉
Laki the wolf shifting vampire has been a renowned playboy for YEARS, that is until Raz makes him realise just what he has been missing out on. He is ready to watch the world and his home burn for this man 😍
I didn't want this book to end, but it was such a key aspect in the world building of the Fallen Star Series 🖤
House of Wolves releases May 7th 😘🖤
#knotting #Vampires #werewolves #bookreview #booktok
May 7, 2026
Hypatia knocks another 5 star read out of the park! I loved this so much I finished it in one setting!
The story of Razvan and Laki is so beautify written and will pull on your heart strings! Raz, battles a life long illness that threatened to take his human life. Vampirism may have saved his life, but did not cure all the physical effects from his illness. He deals with past trauma from tragically losing his first love and from being criticized regarding his sexuality. Laki, sees all of Razvan. He embraces him physically and emotionally even though he himself also deals with a dark past. Together they learn to overcome their barriers and are able to heal together. Their story is a perfect example of opposites attract!
I can really tell Hypatia put a lot of time into this book. Everything from the plot, pace and spice was written to perfection and I can't wait to see what she does next!!!
The story of Razvan and Laki is so beautify written and will pull on your heart strings! Raz, battles a life long illness that threatened to take his human life. Vampirism may have saved his life, but did not cure all the physical effects from his illness. He deals with past trauma from tragically losing his first love and from being criticized regarding his sexuality. Laki, sees all of Razvan. He embraces him physically and emotionally even though he himself also deals with a dark past. Together they learn to overcome their barriers and are able to heal together. Their story is a perfect example of opposites attract!
I can really tell Hypatia put a lot of time into this book. Everything from the plot, pace and spice was written to perfection and I can't wait to see what she does next!!!
May 7, 2026
My first read by Hypatia Rhodes and wow! I cannot wait for more!
Her writing pace is fluid and thrilling. With intense battle scenes as much as intense spice scenes! (Extreme spice!)
Razvan is a vampire whose vampirism barely saved him from his chronic disease in life. He doesn’t heal as well as other vampires and is constantly fighting with the strain of the two diseases warring. (Disability rep)
Laki is a wolf shifter who is the Count of his kingdom that is currently in turmoil.
When Laki calls in Razvan General of a kingdom he wishes to ally with, there is instant attraction. The two maneuver a political relationship while also beginning to maneuver a romantic one.
When tensions with enemy forces increase, Laki and Razvan are forced to make difficult political choices that end in bloodshed. Battles are fought, love is Claimed, and Hypatia keeps you all the more obsessed as you read.
Her writing pace is fluid and thrilling. With intense battle scenes as much as intense spice scenes! (Extreme spice!)
Razvan is a vampire whose vampirism barely saved him from his chronic disease in life. He doesn’t heal as well as other vampires and is constantly fighting with the strain of the two diseases warring. (Disability rep)
Laki is a wolf shifter who is the Count of his kingdom that is currently in turmoil.
When Laki calls in Razvan General of a kingdom he wishes to ally with, there is instant attraction. The two maneuver a political relationship while also beginning to maneuver a romantic one.
When tensions with enemy forces increase, Laki and Razvan are forced to make difficult political choices that end in bloodshed. Battles are fought, love is Claimed, and Hypatia keeps you all the more obsessed as you read.
May 10, 2026
The House of Wolves captivated me from the first page with its intense, dark, and deeply emotional atmosphere. This book combines MM romance, politics, action, and magnificent world-building, but its true heart lies in Razvan and Laki 🖤❤️
Razvan, marked by chronic illness and trauma, and Laki, a powerful leader burdened with guilt and family wounds, form a couple that feels raw, real, and utterly captivating. Their relationship is a perfect blend of vulnerability, desire, humor, and a desperate need to be seen and chosen for who they are. The portrayal of disability and trauma is beautifully handled.
The book has a little bit of everything: tension, political intrigue, steamy scenes 😉❤️🔥❤️🔥, intense battles, and tender moments.
This is my first book by this author, and it won't be my last. Ultimately, it's a beautiful and emotional rollercoaster ride ❤️
I read in advance, but my opinions are mine and mine alone.
Razvan, marked by chronic illness and trauma, and Laki, a powerful leader burdened with guilt and family wounds, form a couple that feels raw, real, and utterly captivating. Their relationship is a perfect blend of vulnerability, desire, humor, and a desperate need to be seen and chosen for who they are. The portrayal of disability and trauma is beautifully handled.
The book has a little bit of everything: tension, political intrigue, steamy scenes 😉❤️🔥❤️🔥, intense battles, and tender moments.
This is my first book by this author, and it won't be my last. Ultimately, it's a beautiful and emotional rollercoaster ride ❤️
I read in advance, but my opinions are mine and mine alone.
May 30, 2026
I've learned two things can be true by reading this book: I can absolutely love an author's writing style, but absolutely cringe at the content.
NO SHADE to anyone who likes this book, but it was insta-lust from their first interaction & I never truly felt like Laki & Razvan fell in love. Tbh I was getting flashbacks to my boomer of a grandfather telling me gay guys don't love, they only fuck.
With that being said, even while I didn't feel the emotional connection Hypatia can write some really good spice, and that's a talent!
(also I felt like it needed another editing pass because at one point Laki (I think) mentions he can't accept an alliance because it would upset Roman... but the alliance would start a war which he DOESN'T want, so which is it? I stumbled so hard at that part I thought I completely misread.)
overall? lukewarm, had moments of enjoyability. If you're more of a fan of insta-lust, super trope-y romances, and vampires, then you might enjoy this more than I did!
NO SHADE to anyone who likes this book, but it was insta-lust from their first interaction & I never truly felt like Laki & Razvan fell in love. Tbh I was getting flashbacks to my boomer of a grandfather telling me gay guys don't love, they only fuck.
With that being said, even while I didn't feel the emotional connection Hypatia can write some really good spice, and that's a talent!
(also I felt like it needed another editing pass because at one point Laki (I think) mentions he can't accept an alliance because it would upset Roman... but the alliance would start a war which he DOESN'T want, so which is it? I stumbled so hard at that part I thought I completely misread.)
overall? lukewarm, had moments of enjoyability. If you're more of a fan of insta-lust, super trope-y romances, and vampires, then you might enjoy this more than I did!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book!!! I signed up to receive an ARC of this book after reading House of Darkness. I loved that Raz got his own story because he was such a sweet character in HOD. We got to learn more of his backstory which was full of tragedy. He lost his first love, battled a terminal illness and was abandoned by his parents for loving another man before he is saved by Tsar Roman. The political tension between houses set the scene for a bloody war but the spice between Raz and Laki proved that vampires from different houses can be more that just allies… Raz is torn between his loyalty to the crown and helping the man he is falling for save his people. In between the drama and spice there are sweet moments between the MMCs such as Laki teaching Raz to swim and sharing stories together. House of Wolves really had it all :)
May 7, 2026
House of Wolves by Hypatia Rhodes is a dark, emotionally charged MM romantasy that blends danger and forbidden attraction into an addicting read. In this novel, we follow along beside a chronically ill vampire general named Razvan as he traverses his growing feelings for a werewolf shifting vampire named Laki during a time of possible war. One of the strongest aspects I feel about this book is how Rhodes was able to create an immersive and atmospheric world that favored mood and emotion over fast pacing. Overall, House of Wolves was an engaging fantasy romance that had me rooting for Razvan and Laki through each chapter! If you love dark paranormal romances with wolf shifter dynamics, please give this book a read and support the author!
I received an ARC copy from the author themself. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I received an ARC copy from the author themself. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
May 8, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much. This story is very heartbreaking, but exquisite.
I can't get over Razvan, his character has to be one of my favorite in any book I have read. He is a chronically ill vampire who still struggles physically and mentally. The representation here is handled very delicately, which I appreciated a lot, it wasn't just brushed over. His strength despite everything he went through and is still going through really moved me.
I love Laki as well, I feel like Laki is such a perfect name for him, fits him and his personality so well. On the outside, he seems like a playboy, but he's also suffering on the inside.
These two are polar opposites, but they fit as well together. The spice is great, and the political plot line had me hooked!
Thank you Hypatia Rhodes for writing this book and PRW for providing me with this ARC!
I can't get over Razvan, his character has to be one of my favorite in any book I have read. He is a chronically ill vampire who still struggles physically and mentally. The representation here is handled very delicately, which I appreciated a lot, it wasn't just brushed over. His strength despite everything he went through and is still going through really moved me.
I love Laki as well, I feel like Laki is such a perfect name for him, fits him and his personality so well. On the outside, he seems like a playboy, but he's also suffering on the inside.
These two are polar opposites, but they fit as well together. The spice is great, and the political plot line had me hooked!
Thank you Hypatia Rhodes for writing this book and PRW for providing me with this ARC!
April 22, 2026
I was honored with an advanced copy of House of Wolves. It is a prequel standalone book to House of Darkness from the Fallen Star series.
So hear me out…born vampires can shift into beast forms! We have Laki, our born vampire that can shift into a wolf. He is the count of his tribe and the weight of his decisions hang heavy on him.
Then we have Razvan, who was dying of a chronic illness when the vampire Tsar changed him into a vampire. He becomes the Tsar’s General to the Exterior. He has family trauma that he must overcome so he can accept who he really is and become truly himself.
Laki and Razvan’s journey is beautiful and I loved to see how their relationship grew. Queer love representation and chronic illness representation.
So hear me out…born vampires can shift into beast forms! We have Laki, our born vampire that can shift into a wolf. He is the count of his tribe and the weight of his decisions hang heavy on him.
Then we have Razvan, who was dying of a chronic illness when the vampire Tsar changed him into a vampire. He becomes the Tsar’s General to the Exterior. He has family trauma that he must overcome so he can accept who he really is and become truly himself.
Laki and Razvan’s journey is beautiful and I loved to see how their relationship grew. Queer love representation and chronic illness representation.
April 23, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
This book is the perfect romantasy read 📖✨
The story follows Razvan and Laki, who are total enemies but, through a series of events, are forced to work together. Razvan is a vampire, while Laki is a werewolf. They should hate each other… but in reality, they can’t stop thinking each other 👀🔥
This book was sooo good!! Omg, I loved how cocky Razvan was in the beginning and how much Laki hated that he loved it 😈😂 Their story progression was actually so beautiful!
It also touches on disability vulnerability, choosing your heart over what’s expected of you, and found family 💕
Honestly, I wish I could experience reading this for the first time again!
Read this for:
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Vampire x Werewolf
✨Slow Burn
✨MM Romance
✨Disability Representation
This book is the perfect romantasy read 📖✨
The story follows Razvan and Laki, who are total enemies but, through a series of events, are forced to work together. Razvan is a vampire, while Laki is a werewolf. They should hate each other… but in reality, they can’t stop thinking each other 👀🔥
This book was sooo good!! Omg, I loved how cocky Razvan was in the beginning and how much Laki hated that he loved it 😈😂 Their story progression was actually so beautiful!
It also touches on disability vulnerability, choosing your heart over what’s expected of you, and found family 💕
Honestly, I wish I could experience reading this for the first time again!
Read this for:
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Vampire x Werewolf
✨Slow Burn
✨MM Romance
✨Disability Representation
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Read Copy by the Author.
3.5 ⭐
While the tropes in this book were the first time I had encountered in my readings, the story itself was captivating. I loved the world building and how different this world is compared to the typical vampire/werewolf setting. Both characters, Razvan and Laki, contrast sharply, yet somehow that contrast made their dynamic work perfectly. Both characters have inner demons stemming from deep trauma or betrayals; I loved watching them grow individually and together into their strengths. I loved the message this story conveys: you are loved and chosen for who you are, no matter how broken you are. Sometimes you just need that right person, to show you that.
3.5 ⭐
While the tropes in this book were the first time I had encountered in my readings, the story itself was captivating. I loved the world building and how different this world is compared to the typical vampire/werewolf setting. Both characters, Razvan and Laki, contrast sharply, yet somehow that contrast made their dynamic work perfectly. Both characters have inner demons stemming from deep trauma or betrayals; I loved watching them grow individually and together into their strengths. I loved the message this story conveys: you are loved and chosen for who you are, no matter how broken you are. Sometimes you just need that right person, to show you that.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was dark romantasy chaos in the best way.
Razvan, my chronically ill vampire general, is all quiet strength and vulnerability, trying to carry duty and emotions at the same time, and it hits.
Then Laki rolls in with charm, bravado, and layers he swears he doesn’t have…But oh, Laki, we see you.
The two of them together? Tension. Conflict. We absolutely should not be doing this energy dialed all the way up. Their dynamic is messy, intense, and so much fun to watch unravel.
✨Vibes✨
• political intrigue + looming war
• vampires 🤝 werewolves (with ✨complications✨)
• feelings vs duty
• soft moments hiding in rough edges
My verdict: emotional, addictive, and just the right amount of chaotic. I will absolutely dive back into this world again.
Razvan, my chronically ill vampire general, is all quiet strength and vulnerability, trying to carry duty and emotions at the same time, and it hits.
Then Laki rolls in with charm, bravado, and layers he swears he doesn’t have…But oh, Laki, we see you.
The two of them together? Tension. Conflict. We absolutely should not be doing this energy dialed all the way up. Their dynamic is messy, intense, and so much fun to watch unravel.
✨Vibes✨
• political intrigue + looming war
• vampires 🤝 werewolves (with ✨complications✨)
• feelings vs duty
• soft moments hiding in rough edges
My verdict: emotional, addictive, and just the right amount of chaotic. I will absolutely dive back into this world again.
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