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Harbingers #1.5
Of Lust and Lunacy
They both knew better than to get involved, but the Fates had other plans.
After a brush with death leaves them both feeling reckless, two “best friends” fall into bed together, attempting to sate over a year’s worth of desperate yearning. But when lust becomes lunacy, and an affectionate friendship becomes a frantic fervor of heated flesh, tangled limbs, and mutual madness, Arken Asher and Kieran Vistarii are both left wondering if their inexplicable bond was ever truly platonic.
Before the gut-wrenching betrayal, there was first perfect bliss. Return to Sophrosyne as we delve even deeper into the star-split ties and explosive chemistry between a clever Light Conduit and her Shadow-wielding spymaster in this soft, sweet and spicy side novel.
Of Lust & Lunacy is Book 1.5 in the Harbingers series, taking place between Chapters 56 and 57 in Of Blood & Aether. Rife with sizzling tension, gut-wrenching angst, addictive banter and ever-growing stakes, the Harbingers series is perfect for fans of Callie Hart, Raven Kennedy, and Melissa K. Roehrich.
After a brush with death leaves them both feeling reckless, two “best friends” fall into bed together, attempting to sate over a year’s worth of desperate yearning. But when lust becomes lunacy, and an affectionate friendship becomes a frantic fervor of heated flesh, tangled limbs, and mutual madness, Arken Asher and Kieran Vistarii are both left wondering if their inexplicable bond was ever truly platonic.
Before the gut-wrenching betrayal, there was first perfect bliss. Return to Sophrosyne as we delve even deeper into the star-split ties and explosive chemistry between a clever Light Conduit and her Shadow-wielding spymaster in this soft, sweet and spicy side novel.
Of Lust & Lunacy is Book 1.5 in the Harbingers series, taking place between Chapters 56 and 57 in Of Blood & Aether. Rife with sizzling tension, gut-wrenching angst, addictive banter and ever-growing stakes, the Harbingers series is perfect for fans of Callie Hart, Raven Kennedy, and Melissa K. Roehrich.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2026
80 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Harper Hawthorne
2 books607 followersHarper Hawthorne is an adult fantasy, romance & speculative fiction author in love with telling dark, emotionally evocative, and character-driven tales. Her stories feature neurodivergent experiences, honest explorations of mental health, and queer-normative worlds in her favored realms of fantasy.
Though she was born and raised on the beaches of Los Angeles, CA, she currently resides in the forests of the East Coast with her husband, her collie, and a demonic entity disguised in the form of a very large tuxedo cat.
When not lost in the throes of drafting one to three novels simultaneously, she can be found wandering the woods, hunting for mushrooms, befriending local frogs, practicing witchcraft and screaming into the void.
Though she was born and raised on the beaches of Los Angeles, CA, she currently resides in the forests of the East Coast with her husband, her collie, and a demonic entity disguised in the form of a very large tuxedo cat.
When not lost in the throes of drafting one to three novels simultaneously, she can be found wandering the woods, hunting for mushrooms, befriending local frogs, practicing witchcraft and screaming into the void.
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Review of advance copy received from Author
4/26/26
do you like being hurt? do you choose to hurt yourself with your reads? if you answered yes to either of these questions, this is the companion novella for you!!!
now that this is almost out i can give my review, hehe
if you love of blood and aether like me, this is THE SWEETEST TREAT!!! the impact of the ending of ob&a really shows its ugly head (positive connotation) in this. genuinely just makes the ending that much more gut wrenching!!
10/10, if you like spice, good times, and again, hurting yourself a lil, THIS IS THE NOVELLA FOR YOU!!
——-
this was a beta read, so i can’t say much, buuuut… y’all, the SPICE!! mama mia!!
do you like being hurt? do you choose to hurt yourself with your reads? if you answered yes to either of these questions, this is the companion novella for you!!!
now that this is almost out i can give my review, hehe
if you love of blood and aether like me, this is THE SWEETEST TREAT!!! the impact of the ending of ob&a really shows its ugly head (positive connotation) in this. genuinely just makes the ending that much more gut wrenching!!
10/10, if you like spice, good times, and again, hurting yourself a lil, THIS IS THE NOVELLA FOR YOU!!
——-
this was a beta read, so i can’t say much, buuuut… y’all, the SPICE!! mama mia!!
Read
April 13, 2026theeeee most perfect little novella - i love how it takes place during book 1 like an extended cut scene.
of lust and lunacy adds so much depth to arken and kieran’s characters, especially with the dual POV. is this novella horny af? yeS. am i complaining? NOT AT ALL. and amidst all of that, there are such sweet moments and foreshadowing i think we’ll be referencing very soon. not to mention important conversations on consent and communication within the developing dynamic between them 👀
if you haven’t read of blood and aether, take this as your sign! these characters have such a special place in my heart. this was like a happy little love bubble amidst a dark fantasy that will probably soon hurt my feelings 🥺❤️🩹
of lust and lunacy adds so much depth to arken and kieran’s characters, especially with the dual POV. is this novella horny af? yeS. am i complaining? NOT AT ALL. and amidst all of that, there are such sweet moments and foreshadowing i think we’ll be referencing very soon. not to mention important conversations on consent and communication within the developing dynamic between them 👀
if you haven’t read of blood and aether, take this as your sign! these characters have such a special place in my heart. this was like a happy little love bubble amidst a dark fantasy that will probably soon hurt my feelings 🥺❤️🩹
April 20, 2026
“so yes, let arken asher be my reckoning. let her be my ruin. it might be worth it, just for this one, single night of being her everything.”
—
was this probably the spiciest book i’ve ever read? yes. am i looking for the nearest grass to touch? also yes.
in all seriousness, while the spice was fun and a little treat, we did get more depth into these characters! they had such good communication with consent and boundaries, as well as learning each other’s body language and tells. while it may seem like a bangathon spanning nine days, their emotional connection also developed further.
we also got more world building and lore drops, which i can’t wait to see advance in book two.
there were so many sweet moments i loved, and i adore how well these characters know each other. while kieran is very dominant and protective, he’s beyond sweet with arken. he sees her for who she truly is and understands her on such a deep level that she doesn’t even realize it at times. i love that we got more snippets into his backstory, and it made the ending of book one hurt even more.
arken, i love her so much. her vulnerability and internal conflict feel so real. finally getting something you’ve wanted for so long and fearing it’s going to slip between your fingers makes my heart ache for her.
this was the perfect bridging book that delivered with banter, tension, and longing. it was utterly addictive—raw, messy, but above all, real.
thank you so much harper hawthorne for gifting me an e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆. 𝒊 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓—𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏.”
—
was this probably the spiciest book i’ve ever read? yes. am i looking for the nearest grass to touch? also yes.
in all seriousness, while the spice was fun and a little treat, we did get more depth into these characters! they had such good communication with consent and boundaries, as well as learning each other’s body language and tells. while it may seem like a bangathon spanning nine days, their emotional connection also developed further.
we also got more world building and lore drops, which i can’t wait to see advance in book two.
there were so many sweet moments i loved, and i adore how well these characters know each other. while kieran is very dominant and protective, he’s beyond sweet with arken. he sees her for who she truly is and understands her on such a deep level that she doesn’t even realize it at times. i love that we got more snippets into his backstory, and it made the ending of book one hurt even more.
arken, i love her so much. her vulnerability and internal conflict feel so real. finally getting something you’ve wanted for so long and fearing it’s going to slip between your fingers makes my heart ache for her.
this was the perfect bridging book that delivered with banter, tension, and longing. it was utterly addictive—raw, messy, but above all, real.
thank you so much harper hawthorne for gifting me an e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆. 𝒊 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓—𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏.”
April 27, 2026
"This wasn’t just lust, it was lunacy—and I was blissfully lost in this mutual madness of ours.”
— ARKEN ASHER, OF BLOOD & AETHER
This is book 1.5 of the Harbingers series and it felt so damn good to be back in this world!!!
I missed my ultimate shadow daddy!
The absolute giddiness I felt when I found out this author was writing this, but it was nothing compared to reading it.
I loved every page of this slutty and sweet book! I adore that this took a peak into a moment in time that I always knew I needed.
I have been well feed and this will tie me over until I can get my hands on book two!
— ARKEN ASHER, OF BLOOD & AETHER
This is book 1.5 of the Harbingers series and it felt so damn good to be back in this world!!!
I missed my ultimate shadow daddy!
The absolute giddiness I felt when I found out this author was writing this, but it was nothing compared to reading it.
I loved every page of this slutty and sweet book! I adore that this took a peak into a moment in time that I always knew I needed.
I have been well feed and this will tie me over until I can get my hands on book two!
April 18, 2026
OBSESSED is an understatement, i will never be over these two 😍 this takes place over a week in between the events of chapter 56 & 57 in of blood and aether. you can choose to read this after obaa, or tandem read which i highly recommend! it was definitely more of an emotional read this way 🥹 this book is full of world building and lore that helps fuel the plot, and builds so much anticipation for book two! there's also a lot of relationship building 😏 it's definitely more romance forward, but no one writes spice like harper hawthorne imo ❤️🔥
these characters will always have a special place in my heart. i’m so invested in their journey and this story, i can’t wait to see what harper has in store for them ❤️🔥
• dual pov
• slow burn
• friends to lovers
• trainer x trainee
• bisexual rep
• audhd rep
• lover girl x lover boy
thank you so much to harper for an opportunity to read this earc 🫶 i can’t wait to add this gorgeous book to my shelf!
these characters will always have a special place in my heart. i’m so invested in their journey and this story, i can’t wait to see what harper has in store for them ❤️🔥
• dual pov
• slow burn
• friends to lovers
• trainer x trainee
• bisexual rep
• audhd rep
• lover girl x lover boy
thank you so much to harper for an opportunity to read this earc 🫶 i can’t wait to add this gorgeous book to my shelf!
Read
February 9, 2026beta read! - rtc!
all I can say is this was phenomenal and I loved every second of it. so greatful to be a beta reader for this story. I can’t wait to share full thoughts and ratings soon! love you harper 🥹🖤
all I can say is this was phenomenal and I loved every second of it. so greatful to be a beta reader for this story. I can’t wait to share full thoughts and ratings soon! love you harper 🥹🖤
April 27, 2026
What a spicy and sweet little extended cut into the world of Arken and Kieran. This is a 300 page novella that cuts right into book one right before chapter 57 where we get a clip of a 9 day closeup that highlights and really adds so much depth to their love story. This also adds so much foreshadowing to what continues on in Of Blood and Aether that it makes the ending results that much more heartbreaking.
Is this a lot of spice? Yes. But I am not complaining at all, seeing the amount of obsession and connection these two have was so fun. It wasn't just spice, though, there is a lot like I stated. There are sweet moments as well, and with the dual pov you get to go further into their heads and how they both have the same insecurities that they are unwilling to share with each other and hide behind placating words and need.
With lines like: "So yes, let Arken Asher be my reckoning. Let her be my ruin. It might be worth it, just for this one, single night of being her everything." How can you NOT want to dive all the way in?
I do recommend reading this right where it's supposed to slot into book one. I think it'll give a great little segue and the amount of impact to Of Blood and Aether to truly have you screaming and throwing the book in the best way. As well as join the rest of us in begging and pleading for book 2.
Thank you so much to Harper Hawthorne for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
Is this a lot of spice? Yes. But I am not complaining at all, seeing the amount of obsession and connection these two have was so fun. It wasn't just spice, though, there is a lot like I stated. There are sweet moments as well, and with the dual pov you get to go further into their heads and how they both have the same insecurities that they are unwilling to share with each other and hide behind placating words and need.
With lines like: "So yes, let Arken Asher be my reckoning. Let her be my ruin. It might be worth it, just for this one, single night of being her everything." How can you NOT want to dive all the way in?
I do recommend reading this right where it's supposed to slot into book one. I think it'll give a great little segue and the amount of impact to Of Blood and Aether to truly have you screaming and throwing the book in the best way. As well as join the rest of us in begging and pleading for book 2.
Thank you so much to Harper Hawthorne for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2026
What an absolutely perfect little novella. I forced myself to drag out reading this because I did NOT want it to end. Because I know what happens when this perfect little Arkieran bubble bursts :(
This novella adds so much to their characters, and is such a lovely little slice of heaven before the descent into Hel. So much depth, and little touches that make the characters (and even the side characters!) come to life.
I typically hate dual POV romances because I, in my heart of hearts, believe that it ruins the tension when you get both perspectives. But somehow, Harper Hawthorne has found out a way to KEEP THE TENSION while switching back and forth, and I genuinely do not understand how she’s managed to do that. Genuine fucking witchcraft.
I’m absolutely feral for book two >:(
This is an honest review in exchanged for an ARC. But tbh I preordered it anyway bc I will sell my soul for more of Harper’s writing.
This novella adds so much to their characters, and is such a lovely little slice of heaven before the descent into Hel. So much depth, and little touches that make the characters (and even the side characters!) come to life.
I typically hate dual POV romances because I, in my heart of hearts, believe that it ruins the tension when you get both perspectives. But somehow, Harper Hawthorne has found out a way to KEEP THE TENSION while switching back and forth, and I genuinely do not understand how she’s managed to do that. Genuine fucking witchcraft.
I’m absolutely feral for book two >:(
This is an honest review in exchanged for an ARC. But tbh I preordered it anyway bc I will sell my soul for more of Harper’s writing.
April 30, 2026
First I would like to say a huge thank you to Harper Hawthorne for trusting me with an eARC of her book, and all of these thoughts in this review are my own!
I have loved every minute of returning to Sophrosyne with Arken and Kieran and finally getting to explore the 9 missing days between their sheets! From the mind blowing sex to the never ending banter it has been the absolute best time! Yes this story is full of spice, but it’s really the soft and sweet moments for me that make it all the more torturous! Thank you so much Harper Hawthorne for filling us in on what happened between those chapters where they lost hours upon days of their lives, completely ravenous, it really wasn’t just lust it was lunacy, even though it makes it hurt all that much more in the end.
As a bonus tip If you want the full gut wrenching effect (and trust me you do) then read this novella in tandem with Of Blood and Aether between chapters 56 and 57, I promise you will not regret it!!
5✨/3🌶️/♾️emotions
I have loved every minute of returning to Sophrosyne with Arken and Kieran and finally getting to explore the 9 missing days between their sheets! From the mind blowing sex to the never ending banter it has been the absolute best time! Yes this story is full of spice, but it’s really the soft and sweet moments for me that make it all the more torturous! Thank you so much Harper Hawthorne for filling us in on what happened between those chapters where they lost hours upon days of their lives, completely ravenous, it really wasn’t just lust it was lunacy, even though it makes it hurt all that much more in the end.
As a bonus tip If you want the full gut wrenching effect (and trust me you do) then read this novella in tandem with Of Blood and Aether between chapters 56 and 57, I promise you will not regret it!!
5✨/3🌶️/♾️emotions
April 28, 2026
Perfection
This very generous over 300 pages novella is the perfect companion to its predecessor "Of blood and Aether".
As an avid romantasy reader, I get very frustrated when I read a super slow burn story and then, when we finally get to the spice, it's so trite and feels like a damp squib. Oh, not so with this story. Harper writes the best spice, but not only that, she weaves it flawlessly with the plot, as the supremely skilled writer she is. The surprise for me in reading this is how many hints at Aken's neurospicy nature I picked up this time, which would have gone completely over my head just a year ago. Who knew that Romantasy could be not only engaging, hot but also educational? Colour me very impressed, I very rarely give a book 5 stars I would give it six if I could. Run to read it!
This very generous over 300 pages novella is the perfect companion to its predecessor "Of blood and Aether".
As an avid romantasy reader, I get very frustrated when I read a super slow burn story and then, when we finally get to the spice, it's so trite and feels like a damp squib. Oh, not so with this story. Harper writes the best spice, but not only that, she weaves it flawlessly with the plot, as the supremely skilled writer she is. The surprise for me in reading this is how many hints at Aken's neurospicy nature I picked up this time, which would have gone completely over my head just a year ago. Who knew that Romantasy could be not only engaging, hot but also educational? Colour me very impressed, I very rarely give a book 5 stars I would give it six if I could. Run to read it!
April 13, 2026
Can a novella wreck you? YES. Yes it can.
Of Lust and Lunacy by Harper Hawthorne
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoughts: This spicy and sweet novella gave such beautiful insight to the week Arken and Kieran spent together during Of Blood and Aether. The banter is always fresh, and the characters are so relatable. I loved getting more glimpses of their thoughts! The anxiety, excitement, jealousy, romance, and need is done so well. Reading Harper’s writing just feels like coming home and I will forever shout about her books. Her characters jump off the page and I think about them so much. This is not a novella to skip and I will absolutely be reading this tandem with book 1 when I reread!
I ended up with 91 highlights 🙈 but here are some of my favorites!
“Oh, I am going to ruin your life, pretty girl.” - Kieran Fucking Vistarii
“To conquer what haunts you, you must become stronger than what you fear.”
“I might’ve let my feet break the surface a couple times, just to splash water in his face. Maybe.” -Arken
“But over the last few days, within the newfound sanctity of these four walls, a different woman was emerging. A woman who didn’t just ask for what she wanted from me… She fucking took it.”
“When your skin is paler than milk and you’ve got a habit of bumping into every stray corner in a room for lack of spatial awareness, you’ve got to learn how to love being a little banged-up.“ (Same Arken, same)
“Gods, someone bury me in a lemon grove. Even in death, I want to remember her when it rains.”
“It was as easy as breathing.”
“Be good,” I murmured.
“Only for you,” she murmured back.
And those three little words echoed in my mind long after she took her leave, pulsing through my head like a heartbeat.
“So yes, let Arken Asher be my reckoning. Let her be my ruin. It might be worth it, just for this one, single night of being her everything.”
😭😭😭😭😭
Damn. Knowing even more of the bliss makes book 1 hurt so much more! ❤️ I cannot wait to see where this series goes and highly recommend you read this dark fantasy romance!
Thank you to Harper Hawthorne for the gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💜
Of Lust and Lunacy by Harper Hawthorne
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoughts: This spicy and sweet novella gave such beautiful insight to the week Arken and Kieran spent together during Of Blood and Aether. The banter is always fresh, and the characters are so relatable. I loved getting more glimpses of their thoughts! The anxiety, excitement, jealousy, romance, and need is done so well. Reading Harper’s writing just feels like coming home and I will forever shout about her books. Her characters jump off the page and I think about them so much. This is not a novella to skip and I will absolutely be reading this tandem with book 1 when I reread!
I ended up with 91 highlights 🙈 but here are some of my favorites!
“Oh, I am going to ruin your life, pretty girl.” - Kieran Fucking Vistarii
“To conquer what haunts you, you must become stronger than what you fear.”
“I might’ve let my feet break the surface a couple times, just to splash water in his face. Maybe.” -Arken
“But over the last few days, within the newfound sanctity of these four walls, a different woman was emerging. A woman who didn’t just ask for what she wanted from me… She fucking took it.”
“When your skin is paler than milk and you’ve got a habit of bumping into every stray corner in a room for lack of spatial awareness, you’ve got to learn how to love being a little banged-up.“ (Same Arken, same)
“Gods, someone bury me in a lemon grove. Even in death, I want to remember her when it rains.”
“It was as easy as breathing.”
“Be good,” I murmured.
“Only for you,” she murmured back.
And those three little words echoed in my mind long after she took her leave, pulsing through my head like a heartbeat.
“So yes, let Arken Asher be my reckoning. Let her be my ruin. It might be worth it, just for this one, single night of being her everything.”
😭😭😭😭😭
Damn. Knowing even more of the bliss makes book 1 hurt so much more! ❤️ I cannot wait to see where this series goes and highly recommend you read this dark fantasy romance!
Thank you to Harper Hawthorne for the gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💜
April 22, 2026
“Of Lust and Lunacy” documents the intimate exploits of two of my favourite characters: Arken Asher, a freshling “Light Conduit” studying at Sophrosyne’s Arcane Studium, and Kieran Vistarii, the Scouting and Reconnaisance Captain of the Elder Guard.
Read OLAL as a delicious treat after finishing chapter 56 of “Of Blood Aether” (book 1 in the Harbingers series) but before reading chapter 57 (ie do a tandem read) to get the most out of this book!
Tropes:
🌹The “lovers” part of friends to lovers”
💛 Shadow daddy x lover girl
🌹 Only one horse
💛 Love bites and hand necklaces
🌹 He’s only soft for her
💛 Mutual obsession
🌹 Banter and spice for days
💛 The “burn” part of the slow burnt
I know I use this word a lot, but “Of Lust and Lunacy” is pure indulgence in novella form. It is so packed with sexual bravado; so teasing with its kink exploration; and so single-minded with its obsession, that you might just need something real for you to grab onto and bite. You truly will not want the story to end. I certainly didn’t. It distils all the banter, vulnerability and intimacy that I loved about “Of Blood and Aether” into a sexier and more concentrated form.
Thank you so much, Harper, for letting me read it early 💖
✨ 4.25/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
Read OLAL as a delicious treat after finishing chapter 56 of “Of Blood Aether” (book 1 in the Harbingers series) but before reading chapter 57 (ie do a tandem read) to get the most out of this book!
Tropes:
🌹The “lovers” part of friends to lovers”
💛 Shadow daddy x lover girl
🌹 Only one horse
💛 Love bites and hand necklaces
🌹 He’s only soft for her
💛 Mutual obsession
🌹 Banter and spice for days
💛 The “burn” part of the slow burnt
I know I use this word a lot, but “Of Lust and Lunacy” is pure indulgence in novella form. It is so packed with sexual bravado; so teasing with its kink exploration; and so single-minded with its obsession, that you might just need something real for you to grab onto and bite. You truly will not want the story to end. I certainly didn’t. It distils all the banter, vulnerability and intimacy that I loved about “Of Blood and Aether” into a sexier and more concentrated form.
Thank you so much, Harper, for letting me read it early 💖
✨ 4.25/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
April 27, 2026
*Thank you to BookFunnel and Harper Hawthorne for gifting me with the e-arc for this book*
This was so hard to get through in the best way🥲 knowing what I know after reading OBAA, reading through this blissful novella was actual torture 😭😭😭 every chapter, I was just in my head like, “MY BABIES WHY?!”
But it’s got me so excited to continue the story and I truly can’t wait for book 2 in the Harbingers series. I have so many questions that need answers, even though I know I’m probably gonna leave with more questions after book 2 lol
If you wanna torture yourself and live a blissful bubble for 300 pages then definitely pick this up!
This was so hard to get through in the best way🥲 knowing what I know after reading OBAA, reading through this blissful novella was actual torture 😭😭😭 every chapter, I was just in my head like, “MY BABIES WHY?!”
But it’s got me so excited to continue the story and I truly can’t wait for book 2 in the Harbingers series. I have so many questions that need answers, even though I know I’m probably gonna leave with more questions after book 2 lol
If you wanna torture yourself and live a blissful bubble for 300 pages then definitely pick this up!
April 11, 2026
Of Blood and Aether was one of my top reads of last year - so I was so excited to get an advance copy! This book did not disappoint. It feels like a guilty pleasure - a great mix of sweet and spice. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!
April 23, 2026
The way I devoured this was not human! I could not put this down. Of Blood and Aether was one of my favourite reads last year so when I saw the ARC application for this, I ran! This picks up part way through book 1 and explores the relationship between Arken and Kieran, the bond they build in that 11 days and the way they are both head over heels in love with each other and still refuse to admit it. This book was full of spice, full of banter and full of really touching moments that made my heart break even more. I love how relatable Arken is as a character, all her insecurities and quirks. My favourite thing about the relationship is how Kieran completely understands her and sees everything and loves every part of her. Now I am left with a hole in my heart whilst I impatiently wait for the next book 😭
April 21, 2026
Of Lust and Lunacy - ARC Read
Book 1.5 in the Harbingers series
This. was. Delicious 👏🏻
I’ve been a big fan of Arken and Kieran since I initially read Of Blood and Aether back in July 2024. Which by the way everyone NEEDS to read as this book doesn’t get the hype it so truly deserves!
I’d even read the bonus content Whispers & Waterfalls because I need everything I can of these two!
To have this spicy little novel to slot in between certain chapters has just reignited my love for them 😍
It makes me hella excited for book 2!
Here’s what you can expect:
✨ Shadow Daddy x Lover Girl 🖤 The “Lovers” Part of Friends-to-Lovers ✨ The “Burn” Part of the Slow Burn 🖤 Banter & Spice for Days (Literally!) ✨ Mutual Obsession 🖤 Only One Horse ✨ Bruises & Bitemarks as a Love Language 🖤 Inappropriate Use of Government-Owned Furnishings ✨ Smut Behind A Waterfall
Book 1.5 in the Harbingers series
This. was. Delicious 👏🏻
I’ve been a big fan of Arken and Kieran since I initially read Of Blood and Aether back in July 2024. Which by the way everyone NEEDS to read as this book doesn’t get the hype it so truly deserves!
I’d even read the bonus content Whispers & Waterfalls because I need everything I can of these two!
To have this spicy little novel to slot in between certain chapters has just reignited my love for them 😍
It makes me hella excited for book 2!
Here’s what you can expect:
✨ Shadow Daddy x Lover Girl 🖤 The “Lovers” Part of Friends-to-Lovers ✨ The “Burn” Part of the Slow Burn 🖤 Banter & Spice for Days (Literally!) ✨ Mutual Obsession 🖤 Only One Horse ✨ Bruises & Bitemarks as a Love Language 🖤 Inappropriate Use of Government-Owned Furnishings ✨ Smut Behind A Waterfall
April 17, 2026
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book.
I’m emotional writing this because I love these characters so much. If it’s not Kieran and Arken level mutual obsession I don’t want it. The softness, the vulnerability, and the spice were perfection. I loved all the sweet moments. Those made the ending of OBAA that much more agonizing. I am wrecked.
Arken’s character made me feel so seen. In her, I see myself reflected back in the way that she overthinks everything, the way she’s afraid to say the wrong thing, how she is so unsure of herself and her place sometimes. In finding Kieran, she found her safe place to exist and take up space. She can start to let herself just be. These feelings hit so close to home.
Both Arken and Kieran’s inner monologues were some of my favorite moments. Seeing their true thoughts that they were both afraid to speak out loud made me swoon, made my heart ache, and made me love both of them even more. I can’t wait for the moment they both finally feel secure saying those things out loud to each other. I have a feeling it’ll be a while but I’m here for more emotional damage. I’m ready to get my heart shattered again. I love this series, I love this book, and I love Harper’s writing.
I’m emotional writing this because I love these characters so much. If it’s not Kieran and Arken level mutual obsession I don’t want it. The softness, the vulnerability, and the spice were perfection. I loved all the sweet moments. Those made the ending of OBAA that much more agonizing. I am wrecked.
Arken’s character made me feel so seen. In her, I see myself reflected back in the way that she overthinks everything, the way she’s afraid to say the wrong thing, how she is so unsure of herself and her place sometimes. In finding Kieran, she found her safe place to exist and take up space. She can start to let herself just be. These feelings hit so close to home.
Both Arken and Kieran’s inner monologues were some of my favorite moments. Seeing their true thoughts that they were both afraid to speak out loud made me swoon, made my heart ache, and made me love both of them even more. I can’t wait for the moment they both finally feel secure saying those things out loud to each other. I have a feeling it’ll be a while but I’m here for more emotional damage. I’m ready to get my heart shattered again. I love this series, I love this book, and I love Harper’s writing.
April 13, 2026
Thank you SO MUCH to the author for this eARC!
Goodreads tells me I finished Of Blood & Aether on 1/8/25, but it honestly lives rent free in my head, so it feels like yesterday. Even while patiently waiting for what awaits Arken & Kieran after their heart-wrenching ending in OBAA, this story within a story FED ME.
Of Lust and Lunacy takes place between chapters 56 & 57 of the first in the Harbingers series, giving us a much deeper insight on their relationship, how they’ve grown to care for each other, and satiates that slow burn tension & yearning even more. Yes, the spice is SPICY 😮💨🔥 but it’s so much more than that, with vulnerable, sweet moments, and is honestly devastating bc we know how it ends 🥺❤️🩹 This gives me hope for them…they can make it ya’ll, in this book we learn more of how deep their love runs and how strong they are (I say as I hug myself, rocking back and forth, reliving the trauma).
Add to your TBR, release date 4.27.26!
Goodreads tells me I finished Of Blood & Aether on 1/8/25, but it honestly lives rent free in my head, so it feels like yesterday. Even while patiently waiting for what awaits Arken & Kieran after their heart-wrenching ending in OBAA, this story within a story FED ME.
Of Lust and Lunacy takes place between chapters 56 & 57 of the first in the Harbingers series, giving us a much deeper insight on their relationship, how they’ve grown to care for each other, and satiates that slow burn tension & yearning even more. Yes, the spice is SPICY 😮💨🔥 but it’s so much more than that, with vulnerable, sweet moments, and is honestly devastating bc we know how it ends 🥺❤️🩹 This gives me hope for them…they can make it ya’ll, in this book we learn more of how deep their love runs and how strong they are (I say as I hug myself, rocking back and forth, reliving the trauma).
Add to your TBR, release date 4.27.26!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⋆.𐙚 ̊𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀⋆.𐙚 ̊
I don’t even know how to properly put into words how much I LOVED this book.
𝑶𝒇 𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒚 completely consumed me—it’s the kind of story that lingers long after you’ve finished, settling somewhere deep in your chest and refusing to leave. (aka got me in a slump)
After 𝓞𝓯 𝓑𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭 & 𝓐𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻, I already had high expectations… but this?
This exceeded every single one of them!
What makes this installment so special is how INTIMATE it feels.
While the first book builds a rich, expansive world filled with magic, politics, and prophecy, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 narrows its focus—and somehow makes everything feel even more intense. The emotional stakes are higher, the tension is sharper, and every moment feels deliberate and meaningful.
The story dives headfirst into the aftermath of everything that’s been building, and it does so in a way that feels raw, messy, and completely addictive. It’s not just about what happens—it’s about what it means for the characters, and how it changes them.
And the chemistry?
Absolutely unreal!
Arken and Kieran completely stole the show for me.
The tension between them has been simmering for so long, and finally seeing it unfold was everything I hoped for and more. Their dynamic is layered, complicated, and deeply emotional; there’s a constant push and pull between desire and restraint, vulnerability and control.
Kieran is… a lot, in the best way. There’s a sharp edge to him, but also a surprising softness underneath it all. The way he sees Arken, the way he understands her—even when she doesn’t fully understand herself—adds so much depth to their connection.
And Arken… her internal conflict absolutely broke my heart. The way she struggles with wanting something so deeply while being terrified of what it could cost her felt incredibly real.
Her growth in this book isn’t loud or dramatic, but it’s powerful. You can feel her shifting, questioning, changing, and it makes every moment hit that much harder.
This book is bold, it’s unapologetic, and it absolutely delivers—but what makes it stand out is how emotional it is. There’s meaning behind every moment.
This book gave me ALL the feelings—tension, longing, warmth, heartbreak, and that kind of quiet, aching tenderness that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause and just sit with what you’re feeling for a moment before continuing.
As a 1.5 installment, it’s exactly what I want from a bridge book. It doesn’t feel like filler at all, it feels essential. It deepens the characters, strengthens their relationships, and raises the emotional stakes in a way that makes me even more excited (and slightly terrified) for what’s coming next.
Overall, 𝓞𝓯 𝓛𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓛𝓾𝓷𝓪𝓬𝔂 is an incredibly powerful addition to the series.
It’s emotional, intense, beautifully written, and completely addictive.
If you love romantasy with strong character development, complex relationships, and spice that actually means something, this is absolutely worth the read.
I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!
I love you Miss Harper Hawthorne and I am obsessed with this book and these characters! Eternally grateful to have received this ARC! LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!
∞/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
I don’t even know how to properly put into words how much I LOVED this book.
𝑶𝒇 𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒚 completely consumed me—it’s the kind of story that lingers long after you’ve finished, settling somewhere deep in your chest and refusing to leave. (aka got me in a slump)
After 𝓞𝓯 𝓑𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭 & 𝓐𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻, I already had high expectations… but this?
This exceeded every single one of them!
What makes this installment so special is how INTIMATE it feels.
While the first book builds a rich, expansive world filled with magic, politics, and prophecy, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 narrows its focus—and somehow makes everything feel even more intense. The emotional stakes are higher, the tension is sharper, and every moment feels deliberate and meaningful.
The story dives headfirst into the aftermath of everything that’s been building, and it does so in a way that feels raw, messy, and completely addictive. It’s not just about what happens—it’s about what it means for the characters, and how it changes them.
And the chemistry?
Absolutely unreal!
Arken and Kieran completely stole the show for me.
The tension between them has been simmering for so long, and finally seeing it unfold was everything I hoped for and more. Their dynamic is layered, complicated, and deeply emotional; there’s a constant push and pull between desire and restraint, vulnerability and control.
Kieran is… a lot, in the best way. There’s a sharp edge to him, but also a surprising softness underneath it all. The way he sees Arken, the way he understands her—even when she doesn’t fully understand herself—adds so much depth to their connection.
And Arken… her internal conflict absolutely broke my heart. The way she struggles with wanting something so deeply while being terrified of what it could cost her felt incredibly real.
Her growth in this book isn’t loud or dramatic, but it’s powerful. You can feel her shifting, questioning, changing, and it makes every moment hit that much harder.
This book is bold, it’s unapologetic, and it absolutely delivers—but what makes it stand out is how emotional it is. There’s meaning behind every moment.
This book gave me ALL the feelings—tension, longing, warmth, heartbreak, and that kind of quiet, aching tenderness that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause and just sit with what you’re feeling for a moment before continuing.
As a 1.5 installment, it’s exactly what I want from a bridge book. It doesn’t feel like filler at all, it feels essential. It deepens the characters, strengthens their relationships, and raises the emotional stakes in a way that makes me even more excited (and slightly terrified) for what’s coming next.
Overall, 𝓞𝓯 𝓛𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓛𝓾𝓷𝓪𝓬𝔂 is an incredibly powerful addition to the series.
It’s emotional, intense, beautifully written, and completely addictive.
If you love romantasy with strong character development, complex relationships, and spice that actually means something, this is absolutely worth the read.
I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!
I love you Miss Harper Hawthorne and I am obsessed with this book and these characters! Eternally grateful to have received this ARC! LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!
∞/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
April 28, 2026
Of Blood & Aether was a book I’d had on my radar for months before the Of Lust & Lunacy cover reveal. I had this gut feeling that I was going to love this story, and since there was going to be a tandem read opportunity with the new novella, I decided to wait a little longer. I’m happy to say that was the BEST decision I could have made. I can’t imagine doing it any other way now, the emotional devastation was top 👏 tier! 👏
So for this review, I’m going to keep in mind BOTH stories as ONE experience, since that’s the way I’m going to yap endlessly about it moving forward 😉
What I liked:
✏️ The addictive quality of Harper’s writing style. I am happy to report that my gut feeling is on point, because I wasn’t even two chapters in and I knew I was going to be hooked. Harper seamlessly blended eloquent language more commonly associated with epic fantasy novels, with modern phrases that fit the setting/character relations. The result was a story that felt distinguished but still sexy and fun!
🌎 The complex world-building. Though this story is very much entertaining and sexy, the level of detail put into the two realms and their celestial backstory was absolutely insane. There are prophecies, monsters, realm-specific language, fully-fleshed political structures, magical flora/insects, choreographed fight sequences, and even friggin textbook entry-level descriptions? At one point the FMC rattles off a scary-logical explanation of arcane theory that I had to re-read because it sounded so legitimately possible 😂
💕 The fate-defying, impossible-to-ignore longing between Arken and Kieran. We go through almost an entire YEAR of two people crafted by fate for each other trying to deny the fact that they’re compatible in every way, and try their best to stay platonic. The yearning was excruciating. If you love torturing yourself with a slow burn chock-full of bratty, instigatory flirtation, you’re gonna want to read these books - SPECIFICALLY in TANDEM. The ending of OBAE is so much more devastating that way.
Thank you, Harper for the opportunity to ARC-read Of Lust and Lunacy. Now I’m obsessed and have to go through the torture of waiting for book 2 💀🫶
So for this review, I’m going to keep in mind BOTH stories as ONE experience, since that’s the way I’m going to yap endlessly about it moving forward 😉
What I liked:
✏️ The addictive quality of Harper’s writing style. I am happy to report that my gut feeling is on point, because I wasn’t even two chapters in and I knew I was going to be hooked. Harper seamlessly blended eloquent language more commonly associated with epic fantasy novels, with modern phrases that fit the setting/character relations. The result was a story that felt distinguished but still sexy and fun!
🌎 The complex world-building. Though this story is very much entertaining and sexy, the level of detail put into the two realms and their celestial backstory was absolutely insane. There are prophecies, monsters, realm-specific language, fully-fleshed political structures, magical flora/insects, choreographed fight sequences, and even friggin textbook entry-level descriptions? At one point the FMC rattles off a scary-logical explanation of arcane theory that I had to re-read because it sounded so legitimately possible 😂
💕 The fate-defying, impossible-to-ignore longing between Arken and Kieran. We go through almost an entire YEAR of two people crafted by fate for each other trying to deny the fact that they’re compatible in every way, and try their best to stay platonic. The yearning was excruciating. If you love torturing yourself with a slow burn chock-full of bratty, instigatory flirtation, you’re gonna want to read these books - SPECIFICALLY in TANDEM. The ending of OBAE is so much more devastating that way.
Thank you, Harper for the opportunity to ARC-read Of Lust and Lunacy. Now I’m obsessed and have to go through the torture of waiting for book 2 💀🫶
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Instead of quenching my need for the sequel in this series, it has only ignited it further. Of blood & Aether was one of, if not the best book I read in 2025 and now I'm reminded why that is. I absolutely loved Arken & Kieran's banter. My absolute favorite thing in romance is when the characters first build a friendship with all the tension, until it finally breaks. What I love even more in this book, is that adding sex to the equation doesn't change their relationship in any other way. They're still friends, they still have a hilarious back-and-forth, and there's still so much tension. I don't know how she does it, but Harper Hawthorne manages to make the relationship even more interesting after the characters get together. That is virtually unheard of. In most cases, I find that characters, especially MMCs, get turn into completely different people when they get the girl (or guy). They lose their allure and morally-greyness and everything that makes them interesting. Not with these 2. It's like being together actually brings out the best (or worst) in each other, and they just keep spurring each other on, and it's amazing.
The spice is also some of the best I've read in fantasy. Not the same phrases and situations repeated again and again. Instead, the author made it so much more interesting with a dom/sub dynamic and the characters being all over the place. Literally.
While I'm usually not a fan of novellas, and most of the time they're not necessary to the story, I'm inclined to disagree in this case. I feel like we get some much-needed insight in Kieran's past which, to me, is valuable in understanding the ending of book 1, and going into book 2. We also get to see more of Arken and Kieran's relationship, not just the spice. This makes the ending of book 1 even more heartbreaking and I feel like it might make me more forgiving towards Kieran for whatever happens in book 2.
Instead of the spicy little novella I expected, I got an enlightening and heartwarming story that made me even more eager for book 2.
The spice is also some of the best I've read in fantasy. Not the same phrases and situations repeated again and again. Instead, the author made it so much more interesting with a dom/sub dynamic and the characters being all over the place. Literally.
While I'm usually not a fan of novellas, and most of the time they're not necessary to the story, I'm inclined to disagree in this case. I feel like we get some much-needed insight in Kieran's past which, to me, is valuable in understanding the ending of book 1, and going into book 2. We also get to see more of Arken and Kieran's relationship, not just the spice. This makes the ending of book 1 even more heartbreaking and I feel like it might make me more forgiving towards Kieran for whatever happens in book 2.
Instead of the spicy little novella I expected, I got an enlightening and heartwarming story that made me even more eager for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all thank you Harper Hawthorne for allowing me to read your new book. Just so you know you killed me. What a beautiful way to develop two of my favourite characters - Kieran and Arken from Of Blood & Aether.
Of Lust & Lunacy by Harper Hawthorne absolutely delivers-and then some. This novella dives deeper into Arken and Kiera's relationship, and I was completely hooked from start to finish.
First things first: the banter. It's sharp, effortless, and genuinely one of the standout elements of the story. Their dynamic feels so natural, and every exchange crackles with chemistry. And yes, it's worth saying twice-the banter is top tier.
What really impressed me, though, is how Harper evolves their relationship after they get together. So many stories lose momentum at that point, but here? It only gets better. Arken and Kieran remain true to themselves-their kinks, their insecurities, and especially Kieran’s morally grey edges are all still very much intact. It makes their connection feel authentic and layered rather than idealized.
The spice is some of the best I've read-intense, well-written, and deeply tied to their emotional growth. It never overshadows the relationship; instead, it enhances it as they learn each other's desires and boundaries.
And surprisingly for a novella, this story adds real weight to the overall series. It deepens everything we thought we knew from book one, making that ending hit even harder while also building anticipation for what's coming next.
Heartbreaking, hot, and incredibly well done-I'm already counting down to book two
First of all thank you Harper Hawthorne for allowing me to read your new book. Just so you know you killed me. What a beautiful way to develop two of my favourite characters - Kieran and Arken from Of Blood & Aether.
Of Lust & Lunacy by Harper Hawthorne absolutely delivers-and then some. This novella dives deeper into Arken and Kiera's relationship, and I was completely hooked from start to finish.
First things first: the banter. It's sharp, effortless, and genuinely one of the standout elements of the story. Their dynamic feels so natural, and every exchange crackles with chemistry. And yes, it's worth saying twice-the banter is top tier.
What really impressed me, though, is how Harper evolves their relationship after they get together. So many stories lose momentum at that point, but here? It only gets better. Arken and Kieran remain true to themselves-their kinks, their insecurities, and especially Kieran’s morally grey edges are all still very much intact. It makes their connection feel authentic and layered rather than idealized.
The spice is some of the best I've read-intense, well-written, and deeply tied to their emotional growth. It never overshadows the relationship; instead, it enhances it as they learn each other's desires and boundaries.
And surprisingly for a novella, this story adds real weight to the overall series. It deepens everything we thought we knew from book one, making that ending hit even harder while also building anticipation for what's coming next.
Heartbreaking, hot, and incredibly well done-I'm already counting down to book two
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank the author for approving me for an advanced review copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When I read Of Blood and Aether a couple of years back, it instantly jumped right up to my top five reads ever. When I heard news of the novella and the chance to arc read it? You can bet I jumped on that as fast as I possibly could.
This novella takes place between Chapter 56 and Chapter 57 of the first book. And after the ending of the first book, this novella was greatly appreciated. My favourite thing about this novella was getting more insight into the softer, more emotional side of Kieran. Arken is also just "that girl", so it goes without saying that she can do no wrong in my eyes.
Over these nine nights, we really see the physical side of their relationship develop. And while that is delicious in its own right (Kieran Vistarii, the man that you are), it was wonderful to read about how they grew more attuned to each other's antics, emotions, and tells. Their understanding of each other is deeply rooted, and it is one of my favourite things about reading friends-to-lovers.
This novella is definitely a five on the chilli pepper scale, but that didn't detract from the relationship on page. In fact, I think it really gives a deeper understanding as to why the first book ended the way it did.
Overall, this was worth the wait. I'm glad the author took the time she needed to overcome her burnout. I can't wait to tandem re-read this and the first book before the second book comes out (whenever that may be, I can be patient. :))
When I read Of Blood and Aether a couple of years back, it instantly jumped right up to my top five reads ever. When I heard news of the novella and the chance to arc read it? You can bet I jumped on that as fast as I possibly could.
This novella takes place between Chapter 56 and Chapter 57 of the first book. And after the ending of the first book, this novella was greatly appreciated. My favourite thing about this novella was getting more insight into the softer, more emotional side of Kieran. Arken is also just "that girl", so it goes without saying that she can do no wrong in my eyes.
Over these nine nights, we really see the physical side of their relationship develop. And while that is delicious in its own right (Kieran Vistarii, the man that you are), it was wonderful to read about how they grew more attuned to each other's antics, emotions, and tells. Their understanding of each other is deeply rooted, and it is one of my favourite things about reading friends-to-lovers.
This novella is definitely a five on the chilli pepper scale, but that didn't detract from the relationship on page. In fact, I think it really gives a deeper understanding as to why the first book ended the way it did.
Overall, this was worth the wait. I'm glad the author took the time she needed to overcome her burnout. I can't wait to tandem re-read this and the first book before the second book comes out (whenever that may be, I can be patient. :))
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, huge thanks to Harper Hawthorne for the ARC. I loved it and almost makes me want to forgive you. You know what I mean! 🤣
Fair warning for future readers, this is not a novella/standalone. You must read Book 1, to truly enjoy this book because the events here already happened in book 1 (off page). This is a more detailed, on page, devastating take on those magical, beautiful, mesmerizing and blissful days between chapters 57-58 from book 1. It made the ending in book one hurt a little bit more because I am emotionally invested, in too deep now, but hey, I’m not complaining. This book was sooooo delicious it makes me want to forgive and forget.
Can’t wait for book two. Please!! I’ll beg! This is me, begging! On my knees!!
Book: OF LUST & LUNACY: Harbingers 1.5
Release Date: April 27, 2026
Tropes and vibes:
✨ Shadow Daddy x Light Mommy Lover Girl
🖤 The “Lovers” Part of Friends-to-Lovers
✨ The “Burn” Part of the Slow Burn
🖤 Banter & Spice for Days (Literally!)
✨ Mutual Obsession
🖤 Only One Horse
✨ Bruises & Bitemarks as a Love Language
🖤 Inappropriate Use of Government-Owned Furnishings
✨ Smut Behind A Waterfall
Please, know that this book is very sexy and spicy. If that’s not your thing, refrain from reading. But, if you’re ok with that, then by all means, happy reading!
Also, this was beautifully written, thorough and so very intense and I will take no slander on the matter. 🫶🏻
✨ All thoughts are my own ✨
Fair warning for future readers, this is not a novella/standalone. You must read Book 1, to truly enjoy this book because the events here already happened in book 1 (off page). This is a more detailed, on page, devastating take on those magical, beautiful, mesmerizing and blissful days between chapters 57-58 from book 1. It made the ending in book one hurt a little bit more because I am emotionally invested, in too deep now, but hey, I’m not complaining. This book was sooooo delicious it makes me want to forgive and forget.
Can’t wait for book two. Please!! I’ll beg! This is me, begging! On my knees!!
Book: OF LUST & LUNACY: Harbingers 1.5
Release Date: April 27, 2026
Tropes and vibes:
✨ Shadow Daddy x Light Mommy Lover Girl
🖤 The “Lovers” Part of Friends-to-Lovers
✨ The “Burn” Part of the Slow Burn
🖤 Banter & Spice for Days (Literally!)
✨ Mutual Obsession
🖤 Only One Horse
✨ Bruises & Bitemarks as a Love Language
🖤 Inappropriate Use of Government-Owned Furnishings
✨ Smut Behind A Waterfall
Please, know that this book is very sexy and spicy. If that’s not your thing, refrain from reading. But, if you’re ok with that, then by all means, happy reading!
Also, this was beautifully written, thorough and so very intense and I will take no slander on the matter. 🫶🏻
✨ All thoughts are my own ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Just wanted to start by saying a huge thankyou to Harper for sending me an ARC copy of this novella to read before release. As the world's number 1 fan of the Harbingers series, I almost screamed when I saw the link appear in my inbox.
A whole novella of pure smut and spice? Erm, yes please. I've never been more excited for a new instalment in a series in my LIFE. I didn't want to put this one down, I was hooked from beginning to end.
Book 1 in this series is one of my all time favourite reads ever, and I have been eagerly awaiting to next book in the series. When I saw that it was going to be a novella delving deeper into some of the incredibly spicy scenes in book one, I could hardly wait.
The spice was SPICY in this one. If you aren't a lover of graphic details and a dom/sub dynamic, then this novella definitely won't be for you. But I personally loved it. I always enjoy a dual POV, so thoroughly enjoyed getting alternate Arken and Kieran chapters throughout. It was so much fun getting to see some of these scenes in more detail and from both perspectives, it definitely had me giggling and kicking my feet.
I dropped one star as I weirdly missed their being a plotline in this one. I loved the story so much in the first book, that I simply cannot wait to see what is going to happen next. As much as this novella gave me my Arken and Kieran fix for now, I still need book 2 like yesterday.
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Just wanted to start by saying a huge thankyou to Harper for sending me an ARC copy of this novella to read before release. As the world's number 1 fan of the Harbingers series, I almost screamed when I saw the link appear in my inbox.
A whole novella of pure smut and spice? Erm, yes please. I've never been more excited for a new instalment in a series in my LIFE. I didn't want to put this one down, I was hooked from beginning to end.
Book 1 in this series is one of my all time favourite reads ever, and I have been eagerly awaiting to next book in the series. When I saw that it was going to be a novella delving deeper into some of the incredibly spicy scenes in book one, I could hardly wait.
The spice was SPICY in this one. If you aren't a lover of graphic details and a dom/sub dynamic, then this novella definitely won't be for you. But I personally loved it. I always enjoy a dual POV, so thoroughly enjoyed getting alternate Arken and Kieran chapters throughout. It was so much fun getting to see some of these scenes in more detail and from both perspectives, it definitely had me giggling and kicking my feet.
I dropped one star as I weirdly missed their being a plotline in this one. I loved the story so much in the first book, that I simply cannot wait to see what is going to happen next. As much as this novella gave me my Arken and Kieran fix for now, I still need book 2 like yesterday.
May 3, 2026
best smut I’ve ever read. HANDS DOWN. all ten fingers too. i genuinely did not think i could love Kieran and Arken more than i already did after Of Blood and Aether, but Harper Hawthorne proved me wrong so fast. i did this as a tandem read and paused right where it fits in the timeline and honestly that made the whole experience even better. i went in expecting spice and yes it delivered, but what really got me was how much more depth we got into their relationship. it was not just heat, it was feelings, tension, and emotional damage in the best way. if you like your romance a little intense and want your heartstrings pulled while also having a good time, this setup is so worth it.
this felt like the perfect little obsession refill because i am once again completely gone over Kieran and Arken. the dual pov just made everything worse in the best way because you can see how deep they are in it with each other and it is a lot. also as someone who is neurodivergent, i really appreciated seeing bits of that reflected in Arken again, it just added another layer that made me love him more. one thing Harbingers always does right is characters, like not just the mains but everyone, and even in something shorter like this it still shines. i did stop reading after this because until book 2 i am pretending that ending does not exist, and honestly that feels like self care at this point.
✨Tropes✨
⭐️ shadow daddy x lover girl
🌙 banter FOR DAYSSSS
💫 the "lovers" part of friends to lovers
⭐️ the "burn" part of slow burn
🌙 one horse
💫 SMUT.
this felt like the perfect little obsession refill because i am once again completely gone over Kieran and Arken. the dual pov just made everything worse in the best way because you can see how deep they are in it with each other and it is a lot. also as someone who is neurodivergent, i really appreciated seeing bits of that reflected in Arken again, it just added another layer that made me love him more. one thing Harbingers always does right is characters, like not just the mains but everyone, and even in something shorter like this it still shines. i did stop reading after this because until book 2 i am pretending that ending does not exist, and honestly that feels like self care at this point.
✨Tropes✨
⭐️ shadow daddy x lover girl
🌙 banter FOR DAYSSSS
💫 the "lovers" part of friends to lovers
⭐️ the "burn" part of slow burn
🌙 one horse
💫 SMUT.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A quick note for prospective readers:
While Of Lust & Lunacy is a spice-heavy side novel within the Harbingers universe, it is not a standalone, nor is it intended to be read as one. You'll need to read Harbingers, Book 1: Of Blood & Aether in order to understand the context of this story - or at least up to Chapter 57 in OB&A, as this novel takes place canonically in between Chapters 56 & 57 in Book 1. Godspeed to anyone choosing the tandem read 🤭🫡
While this story is not considered required reading in order to proceed with the rest of the series, experiencing these nine days of perfect bliss and mutual madness should deepen your understanding of the world of Aemos and the inexplicable bond between Arken Asher and Kieran Vistarii in ways that will become even more apparent as the series progresses.
Your mental health & well-being matters: this is a book intended for adults only and may contain subject matter that is difficult or disturbing for some readers. Please check the content warnings, and feel free to reach out to me via DM or email if you have any specific questions about content you're trying to avoid.
With all the love in the Aetherverse,
🖤 Harper
While Of Lust & Lunacy is a spice-heavy side novel within the Harbingers universe, it is not a standalone, nor is it intended to be read as one. You'll need to read Harbingers, Book 1: Of Blood & Aether in order to understand the context of this story - or at least up to Chapter 57 in OB&A, as this novel takes place canonically in between Chapters 56 & 57 in Book 1. Godspeed to anyone choosing the tandem read 🤭🫡
While this story is not considered required reading in order to proceed with the rest of the series, experiencing these nine days of perfect bliss and mutual madness should deepen your understanding of the world of Aemos and the inexplicable bond between Arken Asher and Kieran Vistarii in ways that will become even more apparent as the series progresses.
Your mental health & well-being matters: this is a book intended for adults only and may contain subject matter that is difficult or disturbing for some readers. Please check the content warnings, and feel free to reach out to me via DM or email if you have any specific questions about content you're trying to avoid.
With all the love in the Aetherverse,
🖤 Harper
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fate favored me enough to receive Of Lust & Lunacy as an ARC. This 1.5 book expansion delivered beyond my wildest dreams!
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love Arken & Kieran more Harper finds a way to make me feel even more emotionally invested in these characters, damn her(but also like thank you and I’d like some more) … And y’all… THE SPICE🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️!!! My gods it was sooooo 🥵 and well done. 🤘🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻My bisexual ass has never been happier or more concerned with how obsessed I am with 2 fictional characters. Legitimately had me like “oh shit, ooookay”😅
I absolutely devoured OL&L and it’s made my anticipation for the next Harbingers book skyrocket to even greater heights, which honestly I didn’t think was possible, but here we are. Please for the love of the gods do yourself a favor and tandem read this when it comes out later this month (April) with Of Blood & Aether if you haven’t started the series. If you’ve read OB&A then you should already have this pre-ordered, but in case you don’t, give yourself a micro-dose of Sophrosyne and our beloved hot, horny menaces… it’s a must!!!
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love Arken & Kieran more Harper finds a way to make me feel even more emotionally invested in these characters, damn her(but also like thank you and I’d like some more) … And y’all… THE SPICE🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️!!! My gods it was sooooo 🥵 and well done. 🤘🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻My bisexual ass has never been happier or more concerned with how obsessed I am with 2 fictional characters. Legitimately had me like “oh shit, ooookay”😅
I absolutely devoured OL&L and it’s made my anticipation for the next Harbingers book skyrocket to even greater heights, which honestly I didn’t think was possible, but here we are. Please for the love of the gods do yourself a favor and tandem read this when it comes out later this month (April) with Of Blood & Aether if you haven’t started the series. If you’ve read OB&A then you should already have this pre-ordered, but in case you don’t, give yourself a micro-dose of Sophrosyne and our beloved hot, horny menaces… it’s a must!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ok so this was the first book I’ve ever signed up to ARC read bc I’m usually more of a star-rater than a reviewer, but Harper’s characters have lived in my brain rent-free ever since I read OBAE last year. Like that was my 6-star, top tier, roman empire read of 2025 and I’ve been begging for more ever since because Kieran and Arken are actually EVERYTHING TO ME.
And if I thought I was obsessed with them then? This novella just made it so much worse 😭
Idk how Harper does it, but a book that was probs about 75% spice (phenomenal spice btw) still had me swooning, giggling and kicking my feet like a school girl over every bit of banter and affection, too. And I loved how we got to see deeper into both characters, especially Kieran. I feel like I understand his actions at the end of OBAE more now, and I’m still mad at him, but also, I get it. Bb boy is even more traumatized than we thought 🥺
Anyway, this book was amazing, can’t wait for Book Two, even though I just know Harper is gonna destroy us all with the way she’s been teasing things… “Fates help us,” as my girl Ark would say.
*Ty to Harper for the gifted review copy.*
And if I thought I was obsessed with them then? This novella just made it so much worse 😭
Idk how Harper does it, but a book that was probs about 75% spice (phenomenal spice btw) still had me swooning, giggling and kicking my feet like a school girl over every bit of banter and affection, too. And I loved how we got to see deeper into both characters, especially Kieran. I feel like I understand his actions at the end of OBAE more now, and I’m still mad at him, but also, I get it. Bb boy is even more traumatized than we thought 🥺
Anyway, this book was amazing, can’t wait for Book Two, even though I just know Harper is gonna destroy us all with the way she’s been teasing things… “Fates help us,” as my girl Ark would say.
*Ty to Harper for the gifted review copy.*
May 6, 2026
*NOTE* If you have not read Of Blood and Aether, stop here and go read that first or you will be lost.
This is a spicy little novella in the Harbingers world that happens in the nine days that Arken and Kieran holed-up in his townhouse after they finally give into their attraction. In the main story, its just said they spend the time together, here we get to see that timespan in more depth.
We do get a lot of smexy times - that is literally the point, they say in the main book that they got lost in each other for a bit - but we also get some wonderful conversations between them while watching their dynamic as lovers develop in real time.
Its a quick read and completely worth it, the depth it adds to these two is fantastic and it has me even more eager to see how the betrayal and heartbreak in book one plays out.
FYI, this novella happens between chapters 56-57, so for maximum emotional damage you can read it in between those. I didn't know that going into the first book, but knowing how it ends, I recommend it if you like your stories to put you through it before they heal your soul.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a spicy little novella in the Harbingers world that happens in the nine days that Arken and Kieran holed-up in his townhouse after they finally give into their attraction. In the main story, its just said they spend the time together, here we get to see that timespan in more depth.
We do get a lot of smexy times - that is literally the point, they say in the main book that they got lost in each other for a bit - but we also get some wonderful conversations between them while watching their dynamic as lovers develop in real time.
Its a quick read and completely worth it, the depth it adds to these two is fantastic and it has me even more eager to see how the betrayal and heartbreak in book one plays out.
FYI, this novella happens between chapters 56-57, so for maximum emotional damage you can read it in between those. I didn't know that going into the first book, but knowing how it ends, I recommend it if you like your stories to put you through it before they heal your soul.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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