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Tenibrian Affairs #1
Err Apparent
What happens when you kill the monster but inherit its lair?
Gabriel escaped his abuser by killing him and wants nothing from the wreckage left behind. Not the cursed manor. Not the noble title. And certainly not the corrupt aristocracy demanding he toe their line.
But this is Averdon, where the dead can cause just as much trouble as the living.
Gabriel’s inheritance makes him legally unable to marry Miles, the mage who saved his life and the only one Gabriel refuses to lose. Miles is determined to help him walk away from it all, but Rookgate Manor refuses to let its new master go.
To claim a future together, Gabriel and Miles must return to the city that broke them and pit their blades, spells, and most outrageous schemes against those who oppose them.
Gabriel has one choice destroy the monster's power forever or remake it as his own. Preferably before his taxes are due.
A witty, high-heat M/M gaslamp romantasy featuring a ride-or-die power couple, found family, and a haunted house with opinions.
Err Apparent is the first book in the Tenibrian Affairs series, delivering gothic atmosphere, banter-rich romance, and emotionally grounded spice. With an HFN, this is perfect for readers who enjoy the quasi-historical fantasy of Freya Marske, KJ Charles, and Jordan L. Hawk, paired with the trauma-aware relationships and explicit heat of Foz Meadows, Lily Morton, and Tavia Lark.
See sensitivity details on the copyright page via Look Inside.
Gabriel escaped his abuser by killing him and wants nothing from the wreckage left behind. Not the cursed manor. Not the noble title. And certainly not the corrupt aristocracy demanding he toe their line.
But this is Averdon, where the dead can cause just as much trouble as the living.
Gabriel’s inheritance makes him legally unable to marry Miles, the mage who saved his life and the only one Gabriel refuses to lose. Miles is determined to help him walk away from it all, but Rookgate Manor refuses to let its new master go.
To claim a future together, Gabriel and Miles must return to the city that broke them and pit their blades, spells, and most outrageous schemes against those who oppose them.
Gabriel has one choice destroy the monster's power forever or remake it as his own. Preferably before his taxes are due.
A witty, high-heat M/M gaslamp romantasy featuring a ride-or-die power couple, found family, and a haunted house with opinions.
Err Apparent is the first book in the Tenibrian Affairs series, delivering gothic atmosphere, banter-rich romance, and emotionally grounded spice. With an HFN, this is perfect for readers who enjoy the quasi-historical fantasy of Freya Marske, KJ Charles, and Jordan L. Hawk, paired with the trauma-aware relationships and explicit heat of Foz Meadows, Lily Morton, and Tavia Lark.
See sensitivity details on the copyright page via Look Inside.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2026
About the author
H. Kamenar
2 books5 followersH. Kamenar writes ride-or-die power couples navigating moody fantasy worlds and laughing in the face of tragedy. Her spicy M/M romantasy novels are inspired by her love of D&D, happy endings, found family, and a good joke. She fell in love with writing tender, complex relationships after playing Baldur's Gate 3 in 2024. When she's not writing, she swims in the Adriatic Sea near her temporary home on Croatia's islands and plays weekly TTRPG games online.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 6, 2026my patience is being tested today. phrases like 'absolute aesthetic terrorism' and 'look snatched' do, in my humble opinion, not belong in a gaslamp/ historical romance. since I didn't make it nearly far enough in the book to form a deeper opinion, I will abstain from a rating out of respect, but so god help me if you write historical at least don't make the characters sound like they walked off of the last season of drag race (drag race is iconic, but everything has its time and place).
March 16, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Err Apparent is the first book in H. Kamenar’s Tenibrian Affairs series. It’s a mix of historical, fantasy, and paranormal. One of the most striking things about the series is how this first installment starts several months after the events that lead to Gabriel escaping Madaze and finding and falling for Miles. Put that way, this should have been “happily ever after.” While I was/am keenly interested in the full story that came before this one, Kamenar does an excellent job providing enough background information to support the narrative in this book.
In truth, I can’t recall the last time I’ve read a story featuring an established couple where the couple-getting-established wasn’t the focus (or had been the focus of in a previous installment). In the plus column, there’s no waiting around for Miles and Gabriel to fall in love.
The plot of this story was marvelously engrossing.
Readers who enjoy power couples and interesting characters who are clearly more than you see on page will surely enjoy this story. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone looking for a historical, magic-themed romance and don’t mind a HFN ending.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Err Apparent is the first book in H. Kamenar’s Tenibrian Affairs series. It’s a mix of historical, fantasy, and paranormal. One of the most striking things about the series is how this first installment starts several months after the events that lead to Gabriel escaping Madaze and finding and falling for Miles. Put that way, this should have been “happily ever after.” While I was/am keenly interested in the full story that came before this one, Kamenar does an excellent job providing enough background information to support the narrative in this book.
In truth, I can’t recall the last time I’ve read a story featuring an established couple where the couple-getting-established wasn’t the focus (or had been the focus of in a previous installment). In the plus column, there’s no waiting around for Miles and Gabriel to fall in love.
The plot of this story was marvelously engrossing.
Readers who enjoy power couples and interesting characters who are clearly more than you see on page will surely enjoy this story. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone looking for a historical, magic-themed romance and don’t mind a HFN ending.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
March 19, 2026
I loved every second of this tale of magic, mayhem, bureaucracy, mischief and healing. I adored the two main characters, I loved that their relationship was already established going in, that they have already been through a lot together, that they trust one another and work well together, confronting issues, communicating well throughout. Both have trauma to address, problems to solve, individual insecurities, but they work through them together. They are each other's constants.
Their friendships and connections were also well built. A friend with her own secrets, always willing to help but often ending up hurt, tangled up in everything, with a fiercely protective wife at home. A sentient house that suffered immensely under its previous owner, one of the MC's abusers and the reason for his new title, in need of comfort and company. A staunch bureaucratic rule follower, insistent on filing all the correct paperwork as slowly as possible, slowly becoming a frenemy then an ally in the most hilarious and satisfying was. A forensic cleaner in training being adopted as a protege by the guildsman MC, adorable and eccentric. And the prophetic reader turned steward, comforting, accepting and working with the house in the face of change and rejection. A strange and unlikely team working together to clean houses, file paperwork, kill zombies, rob houses, redecorate and expose a cult of aristocratic semi-immortal degenerates.
Loved this book from start to finish. Action and chaos and romance and magic and angst and hope and mysteries and more! What more can you want?
Their friendships and connections were also well built. A friend with her own secrets, always willing to help but often ending up hurt, tangled up in everything, with a fiercely protective wife at home. A sentient house that suffered immensely under its previous owner, one of the MC's abusers and the reason for his new title, in need of comfort and company. A staunch bureaucratic rule follower, insistent on filing all the correct paperwork as slowly as possible, slowly becoming a frenemy then an ally in the most hilarious and satisfying was. A forensic cleaner in training being adopted as a protege by the guildsman MC, adorable and eccentric. And the prophetic reader turned steward, comforting, accepting and working with the house in the face of change and rejection. A strange and unlikely team working together to clean houses, file paperwork, kill zombies, rob houses, redecorate and expose a cult of aristocratic semi-immortal degenerates.
Loved this book from start to finish. Action and chaos and romance and magic and angst and hope and mysteries and more! What more can you want?
March 17, 2026
To start with, I received an ARC copy of this novel.
Starting in the middle of a gripping, complex story is a bold choice, but it really paid off here. Gabriel's past could have been too much of a weight on this narrative, had we started there. Instead, we meet him when he is just barely on the road to recovery.
I loved the dynamics of Gabriel and Miles' relationship, the way they balanced but also challenged each other. A very minor critique is that sometimes Gabriel could come off as being unreasonably volatile, and Miles unreasonably understanding. I think that this may be due to NOT seeing the development of their relationship, and possibly the only downside of the choice to start them as an established couple.
Beyond that, the plot was gripping - exactly the right combination of unfolding mystery and complex aristocratic inheritance dynamics to be interesting without getting bogged down in minutiae. Another excellent authorial choice was not to define how magic here works too much, instead, making it a mystery even to the characters. It helps to maintain some of the suspense and prevents this from being a lecture on in-world lore.
All in all, a lovely read. The perfect sort of book to curl up with on a rainy day with a hot cup of tea and become utterly lost in. Very excited for the intended sequel.
Starting in the middle of a gripping, complex story is a bold choice, but it really paid off here. Gabriel's past could have been too much of a weight on this narrative, had we started there. Instead, we meet him when he is just barely on the road to recovery.
I loved the dynamics of Gabriel and Miles' relationship, the way they balanced but also challenged each other. A very minor critique is that sometimes Gabriel could come off as being unreasonably volatile, and Miles unreasonably understanding. I think that this may be due to NOT seeing the development of their relationship, and possibly the only downside of the choice to start them as an established couple.
Beyond that, the plot was gripping - exactly the right combination of unfolding mystery and complex aristocratic inheritance dynamics to be interesting without getting bogged down in minutiae. Another excellent authorial choice was not to define how magic here works too much, instead, making it a mystery even to the characters. It helps to maintain some of the suspense and prevents this from being a lecture on in-world lore.
All in all, a lovely read. The perfect sort of book to curl up with on a rainy day with a hot cup of tea and become utterly lost in. Very excited for the intended sequel.
March 21, 2026
This is genuinely one of the best and unique debuts I've read.
My attention was drawn with the promise that this is perfect for readers who also enjoy Jordan L. Hawk and the author delivered. It's definitely not historical, but that lovely mix between historical and fantasy. I loved the worldbuilding and the easiness you slip into that world.
Established couples are not something I usually love in a book. I love reading about people falling in love and I can get bored when that part is already over. This book is definitely an exception. At the point where this book starts the two MCs are already deeply in love and it's unique in the sense that at first you feel there's a whole book you missed. I love how the author tells the past in bits and pieces and leaves some things to your imagination. No chapter long flash backs, no MCs dreaming of the past, no endless monologues explaining said past,... you find stuff out by enjoying what is happening now. And at the end of the book, I felt like I knew exactly what I needed to know and can't wait to learn more in the next book.
My attention was drawn with the promise that this is perfect for readers who also enjoy Jordan L. Hawk and the author delivered. It's definitely not historical, but that lovely mix between historical and fantasy. I loved the worldbuilding and the easiness you slip into that world.
Established couples are not something I usually love in a book. I love reading about people falling in love and I can get bored when that part is already over. This book is definitely an exception. At the point where this book starts the two MCs are already deeply in love and it's unique in the sense that at first you feel there's a whole book you missed. I love how the author tells the past in bits and pieces and leaves some things to your imagination. No chapter long flash backs, no MCs dreaming of the past, no endless monologues explaining said past,... you find stuff out by enjoying what is happening now. And at the end of the book, I felt like I knew exactly what I needed to know and can't wait to learn more in the next book.
March 22, 2026
Gabriel is at his Cottage on the Wend, Briarleigh, that he shares with his lover Miles. They have lived there in freedom for six months. Gabriel was busy making a coat for Miles, which is a surprise. When a knock came to the door Gabriel tried to keep calm. He kept very quiet and avoided the door as the Avery Crown Messenger continued to knock. These messengers never came to someone like him. He did all he could to hold off answering the door. Let them leave the summons on the step. He still didn’t budge when the third knock came from the Crown’s lackey. When the fourth knock came he had decided to open the door, before the door was ruined and the neighbors would gossip.
The messenger announced “Delivery for Lord Gabriel Goldmar, resident at Cottage on the Wend, Briarleigh”. There wasn’t a Lord or Golmar residing here, but he was a Gabriel and that’s all the messenger needed. He didn’t take the envelope but noticed the seal of “The Office of Unclaimed Holdings and Stewardship” which he called the grave robbers of the bureaucracy. The messenger said he had to accept and sign for the envelope, for if he didn’t the local magistrate had to witness the refusal and he would be fined for obstructing Crown business. Once he reluctantly accepted the envelope and the messenger gone, he returned to making Miles coat. But that didn’t help, plus Miles would not be back for hours.
The script read: To Lord Gabriel Goldmar of Rookgate, Head of House Goldmar, and told of the death of Lord Madaze Goldmar, with no contesting claims it announced Gabriel’s succession. It had to be a joke, mistake, error as he had no relation to Madaze. Madaze was only his master. Something was seriously wrong and he examined all he could on the document, he even checked the signature of Palthor Quillmane the bureaucrat he was sure of, and the stamps were real too. He would need to be in Averdon within seven days to assume responsibilities and assists. He and Miles had run from the monster Madaze, once they had severed the magical leash. He couldn’t go back to the Averdon, for twenty-five years those who lived there knew what horrors Gabriel faced day by day. Madaze was a slaver, vampire and an illegal magic user.
Miles Beauchamp was an expert magic user. He is logical, keeps his wits about him and his patience is incredible. He has cared so deeply for Gabriel, but he also kept a secret from Gabriel. He’s a Hand of the Secret Order of the Unwritten, on leave at this time. He was Guild certified, a war vet and problem solver. But he had never told Gabriel. He saved Gabriel and gave him freedom. As Gabriel tried to hide the coat in the making, he also tried to hide the documents that the messenger brought. When Miles returned he knew something was wrong and he found out what it was. Keeping level headed, he explains to Gabriel it did no good to avoid the issue. If they did not go to Averdon and sign the rejection letter, the Crown would declare him a fugitive and he would be running forever with Miles. It was better to face what took place in the past and do it legally and walk away free.
But nothing is easy when they arrive at Averdon’s government office. The waiting is long and nothing is fast. They will have to go to the Rookgate Manor and assess the properties. For Gabriel this is a very stressful situation. He can’t forget all that had happen to him in this house because of Madaze. With Miles by his side they both face the eeriness and the resistance that the house poses towards them. What would this eerie Rookgate Manor do to Gabriel’s mind? Would it cause a divide in their relationship?
H. Kamenar creates a psychological mystery, dark, gothic, eerie story with “Err Apparent” the first book in the “Tenibrian Affair”. At first, I was a little confused with the beginning of the tale, but the author pulled it together quickly as the story continued. The author creates two MC’s with Miles and Gabriel that are very opposite. Gabriel is so intense, confused and even hyper with the situation and there are times when he irritates those who want to help. Miles is a saint, he believes and supports Gabriel and strives to help him make logical decisions, without hurting their relationship. Miles is also interesting with his focus on ghosts. His knowledge of: warming charms, combat magic, ward rules of parameters, folklore and legends of Madaze, casting methodologies, and illegal magic users. The concepts surrounding ghosts are very informative and gives a different perspective on them. The information on: Rookgate, Tenibrian, and Veil Isle, just make the story more enticing.
The relationship between Miles and Gabriel, isn’t smothered with the tragedy of what actually happen to Gabriel, but it sheds enough light so the idea is set. But their relationship has it’s ups and downs and they see their way through them. The steamy, intimate moments are perfectly written and reflect the love that they both share.
There are many great characters that add to the story: Genna Paystone and Bria, Nikka, Velma, Lucy Beauchamp, Lord Vellast, Viz Gardmore, and many more.
“Err Apparent” is also a fast paced mystery with action, chaos and is a definite page-turner. The “Tenibrian Affair” is a series I can really get behind and I hope H. Kamenar has another book in the works or even more to come! Entertaining!
The messenger announced “Delivery for Lord Gabriel Goldmar, resident at Cottage on the Wend, Briarleigh”. There wasn’t a Lord or Golmar residing here, but he was a Gabriel and that’s all the messenger needed. He didn’t take the envelope but noticed the seal of “The Office of Unclaimed Holdings and Stewardship” which he called the grave robbers of the bureaucracy. The messenger said he had to accept and sign for the envelope, for if he didn’t the local magistrate had to witness the refusal and he would be fined for obstructing Crown business. Once he reluctantly accepted the envelope and the messenger gone, he returned to making Miles coat. But that didn’t help, plus Miles would not be back for hours.
The script read: To Lord Gabriel Goldmar of Rookgate, Head of House Goldmar, and told of the death of Lord Madaze Goldmar, with no contesting claims it announced Gabriel’s succession. It had to be a joke, mistake, error as he had no relation to Madaze. Madaze was only his master. Something was seriously wrong and he examined all he could on the document, he even checked the signature of Palthor Quillmane the bureaucrat he was sure of, and the stamps were real too. He would need to be in Averdon within seven days to assume responsibilities and assists. He and Miles had run from the monster Madaze, once they had severed the magical leash. He couldn’t go back to the Averdon, for twenty-five years those who lived there knew what horrors Gabriel faced day by day. Madaze was a slaver, vampire and an illegal magic user.
Miles Beauchamp was an expert magic user. He is logical, keeps his wits about him and his patience is incredible. He has cared so deeply for Gabriel, but he also kept a secret from Gabriel. He’s a Hand of the Secret Order of the Unwritten, on leave at this time. He was Guild certified, a war vet and problem solver. But he had never told Gabriel. He saved Gabriel and gave him freedom. As Gabriel tried to hide the coat in the making, he also tried to hide the documents that the messenger brought. When Miles returned he knew something was wrong and he found out what it was. Keeping level headed, he explains to Gabriel it did no good to avoid the issue. If they did not go to Averdon and sign the rejection letter, the Crown would declare him a fugitive and he would be running forever with Miles. It was better to face what took place in the past and do it legally and walk away free.
But nothing is easy when they arrive at Averdon’s government office. The waiting is long and nothing is fast. They will have to go to the Rookgate Manor and assess the properties. For Gabriel this is a very stressful situation. He can’t forget all that had happen to him in this house because of Madaze. With Miles by his side they both face the eeriness and the resistance that the house poses towards them. What would this eerie Rookgate Manor do to Gabriel’s mind? Would it cause a divide in their relationship?
H. Kamenar creates a psychological mystery, dark, gothic, eerie story with “Err Apparent” the first book in the “Tenibrian Affair”. At first, I was a little confused with the beginning of the tale, but the author pulled it together quickly as the story continued. The author creates two MC’s with Miles and Gabriel that are very opposite. Gabriel is so intense, confused and even hyper with the situation and there are times when he irritates those who want to help. Miles is a saint, he believes and supports Gabriel and strives to help him make logical decisions, without hurting their relationship. Miles is also interesting with his focus on ghosts. His knowledge of: warming charms, combat magic, ward rules of parameters, folklore and legends of Madaze, casting methodologies, and illegal magic users. The concepts surrounding ghosts are very informative and gives a different perspective on them. The information on: Rookgate, Tenibrian, and Veil Isle, just make the story more enticing.
The relationship between Miles and Gabriel, isn’t smothered with the tragedy of what actually happen to Gabriel, but it sheds enough light so the idea is set. But their relationship has it’s ups and downs and they see their way through them. The steamy, intimate moments are perfectly written and reflect the love that they both share.
There are many great characters that add to the story: Genna Paystone and Bria, Nikka, Velma, Lucy Beauchamp, Lord Vellast, Viz Gardmore, and many more.
“Err Apparent” is also a fast paced mystery with action, chaos and is a definite page-turner. The “Tenibrian Affair” is a series I can really get behind and I hope H. Kamenar has another book in the works or even more to come! Entertaining!
March 29, 2026
An intensely angsty and riveting romantasy featuring magic, mayhem, and murder; a hurt-comfort read that delivers beat after beat of rising stakes, passion, twists, and true love. I enjoyed it very much. This is a debut.
First, although this is book 1 in a series, it reads like a sequel. We’re thrown into a situation and a previously established relationship and don’t get to see the MCs fall in love. An intriguing choice for a debut author.
However!
This is book 1 in the series, and there isn’t a previous book, and, most important, the opening presents just enough backstory during the present to make everything clear, no confusion, so, well done on that front. There are no annoying flashbacks that stop the developing forward momentum of the tale. And I likely would not have made it through a book in which the lovely heroic mage Miles helped the sex-enslaved and formerly magically compelled Gabriel escape his vile owner anyway, because while I bet it would have been a riveting and intense plot, seeing people forced to do sex work isn’t entertaining. I appreciated the author’s choice to start their story where they did, showing us what comes after Happy Ever After when “Oh 💩 we haven’t actually escaped this dead villain’s clutches after all” begins. Oof.
Fascinating. Brilliant plotting. Terrific chemistry between the MCs, who are so in love they survived and are learning to manage one’s ongoing PTSD from lifelong trauma and making a beautiful life together, only to be sucked back into the mud by government red tape and a truly evil dead antagonist’s sick manipulations. Masterfully done.
Talented tailor and former thief/sex slave Gabriel and powerful magic caster Miles just want to live a humble life and love each other in their little rented cottage. But when Gabriel is forced to accept the aristocratic title and estate of his dead abuser, they’re forced to return to the scene of too many crimes against Gabriel and others to count, including having to deal with many of the gross rich old men who paid to use him for their depraved pleasures, and find a way to overcome all odds once again. (His past isn’t shown in detail on page, we just know about it and want to kill anyone who ever touched him.)
The connection already established between the MCs is strong and wonderful, respectful, oh, so hot and steamy and careful of making sure Gabriel is present and fully consenting and desirous of anything physical they do. It’s that certainty in the love between them that helps them face untenable situations and come through stronger together.
Joined by a cast of intriguing and strong-willed women and other intriguing characters from all walks of life, Gabriel and Miles take on a truly villainous man, discover something quite disconcerting about Rookwood Manor, Gabriel’s former prison turned new country seat, and confirm that they love each other enough to survive anything, even not legally being allowed to marry.
Oh man. Rookwood Manor. Read it for the sentient house and all that goes on there. What a creepy cool hoot. And seeing Gabriel get to use all the thieving skills he learned against his will against the men who used to use and torture him…sublime. I love a good tale of vengeance.
We don’t get to see them fall in love. We don’t get to see them work through Gabriel’s PTSD around sex. But we do get to see the aftermath and a fantastically believable relationship that is in no way perfect but that is clearly forever.
I wasn’t sure how magic worked, that could have been better defined, but I loved the implements Miles used, and that we’ve also got a hedge witch with a mystery past and a fortune teller whose cards may have some sort of sentience as well. Super cool abilities going on.
Not to mention this book made paperwork—paperwork!—and political bureaucracy fun. WTF?!
Danger, conspiracies, villains, magic, and two heroes with unique and strong moral codes. Weird vampire element—Gabriel’s late master became a vampire, which is illegal in this country, mysteriously, and that is going to come into play. I’m in it. Where’s book 2?
HEA already happened, now we’re getting the fuckery that ensues. Mage and former sex slave/captive turned hugely reluctant aristocrat. Established couple. Romantasy, debut. Recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
First, although this is book 1 in a series, it reads like a sequel. We’re thrown into a situation and a previously established relationship and don’t get to see the MCs fall in love. An intriguing choice for a debut author.
However!
This is book 1 in the series, and there isn’t a previous book, and, most important, the opening presents just enough backstory during the present to make everything clear, no confusion, so, well done on that front. There are no annoying flashbacks that stop the developing forward momentum of the tale. And I likely would not have made it through a book in which the lovely heroic mage Miles helped the sex-enslaved and formerly magically compelled Gabriel escape his vile owner anyway, because while I bet it would have been a riveting and intense plot, seeing people forced to do sex work isn’t entertaining. I appreciated the author’s choice to start their story where they did, showing us what comes after Happy Ever After when “Oh 💩 we haven’t actually escaped this dead villain’s clutches after all” begins. Oof.
Fascinating. Brilliant plotting. Terrific chemistry between the MCs, who are so in love they survived and are learning to manage one’s ongoing PTSD from lifelong trauma and making a beautiful life together, only to be sucked back into the mud by government red tape and a truly evil dead antagonist’s sick manipulations. Masterfully done.
Talented tailor and former thief/sex slave Gabriel and powerful magic caster Miles just want to live a humble life and love each other in their little rented cottage. But when Gabriel is forced to accept the aristocratic title and estate of his dead abuser, they’re forced to return to the scene of too many crimes against Gabriel and others to count, including having to deal with many of the gross rich old men who paid to use him for their depraved pleasures, and find a way to overcome all odds once again. (His past isn’t shown in detail on page, we just know about it and want to kill anyone who ever touched him.)
The connection already established between the MCs is strong and wonderful, respectful, oh, so hot and steamy and careful of making sure Gabriel is present and fully consenting and desirous of anything physical they do. It’s that certainty in the love between them that helps them face untenable situations and come through stronger together.
Joined by a cast of intriguing and strong-willed women and other intriguing characters from all walks of life, Gabriel and Miles take on a truly villainous man, discover something quite disconcerting about Rookwood Manor, Gabriel’s former prison turned new country seat, and confirm that they love each other enough to survive anything, even not legally being allowed to marry.
Oh man. Rookwood Manor. Read it for the sentient house and all that goes on there. What a creepy cool hoot. And seeing Gabriel get to use all the thieving skills he learned against his will against the men who used to use and torture him…sublime. I love a good tale of vengeance.
We don’t get to see them fall in love. We don’t get to see them work through Gabriel’s PTSD around sex. But we do get to see the aftermath and a fantastically believable relationship that is in no way perfect but that is clearly forever.
I wasn’t sure how magic worked, that could have been better defined, but I loved the implements Miles used, and that we’ve also got a hedge witch with a mystery past and a fortune teller whose cards may have some sort of sentience as well. Super cool abilities going on.
Not to mention this book made paperwork—paperwork!—and political bureaucracy fun. WTF?!
Danger, conspiracies, villains, magic, and two heroes with unique and strong moral codes. Weird vampire element—Gabriel’s late master became a vampire, which is illegal in this country, mysteriously, and that is going to come into play. I’m in it. Where’s book 2?
HEA already happened, now we’re getting the fuckery that ensues. Mage and former sex slave/captive turned hugely reluctant aristocrat. Established couple. Romantasy, debut. Recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
March 15, 2026
First off: Bold move, H. Kamenar, starting this story where you did.
Most writers would have made "Err Apparent" the second in a series; we'd have met Gabriel while he was still sexually enslaved by the monstrous Lord Goldmar, and in the course of that first book he and Miles Beauchamp would have met, conspired together to kill Goldmar and free Gabriel, and fallen in love. Instead, "Err Apparent" takes off some months after all those events, with Gabriel and Miles living together happily in a small town, and we never do learn the details of their backstory.
I liked this choice. I liked it a lot. We don't have to wait for the story to begin; it has already begun before the first page. Also, HK has neatly avoided turning the narrative into trauma/torture porn but also has the chops to evoke the horrors of Gabriel's earlier life vividly enough that his present reactions and behavior are, mostly, intelligible and sympathetic.
Snag on that "mostly," because from time to time Gabriel's volatility and contrariness tip over into tantruming. He tears up his and Miles's room at the inn where they're staying; he pointlessly antagonizes people whose help they need. One of those people is a bureaucrat, and yes he's annoying as hell and somewhat obstructive, but also he's a source of necessary information. Others, like the card reader Velma, are actual allies in the struggle to extricate Gabriel and Miles from the complex troubles caused by the inheritance alluded to by the book's punning title.
The trouble is that Gabriel's behavior doesn't feel fully grounded. I don't think we need to have seen his horrific past in great detail, but it would have helped to see him reflect more on it, or to watch him struggling with his counterproductive dysregulation. We don't get much of that, and the lack makes him somewhat less sympathetic and far more annoying than he should be. (Possibly his enthusiasm for sex is also less credible on this account: if his emotional life is still so bound to his past, how did he come to recover so quickly from a years-long history of being raped?) There's also a knock-on effect with respect to Miles, who comes to seem inhumanly patient and forbearing.
So that's the downside for me. I found H. Kamenar's world satisfying, though, maybe especially because the magical aspects are in some part left unexplained, or seem as mysterious to the world's inhabitants as to us. Gabriel and Miles's all-too-familiar struggle with the bureaucracy of inheritance and obligation anchors all the paranormality in credible human life. And I especially liked a subplot that turns into a central plot: Gabriel's changing relationship with the house he inherited. That house is the place where he was enslaved and often tortured; it turns out to be something much more, which I'm not going to spoil except to say that it becomes a source of growth and recovery for him.
"Err Apparent" is the first in a planned series; it leaves us, in closing, with not quite a cliffhanger but a warning bell. I think Miles will need a lot of help in the next book, and I look forward to finding out whether I'm right.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.
Most writers would have made "Err Apparent" the second in a series; we'd have met Gabriel while he was still sexually enslaved by the monstrous Lord Goldmar, and in the course of that first book he and Miles Beauchamp would have met, conspired together to kill Goldmar and free Gabriel, and fallen in love. Instead, "Err Apparent" takes off some months after all those events, with Gabriel and Miles living together happily in a small town, and we never do learn the details of their backstory.
I liked this choice. I liked it a lot. We don't have to wait for the story to begin; it has already begun before the first page. Also, HK has neatly avoided turning the narrative into trauma/torture porn but also has the chops to evoke the horrors of Gabriel's earlier life vividly enough that his present reactions and behavior are, mostly, intelligible and sympathetic.
Snag on that "mostly," because from time to time Gabriel's volatility and contrariness tip over into tantruming. He tears up his and Miles's room at the inn where they're staying; he pointlessly antagonizes people whose help they need. One of those people is a bureaucrat, and yes he's annoying as hell and somewhat obstructive, but also he's a source of necessary information. Others, like the card reader Velma, are actual allies in the struggle to extricate Gabriel and Miles from the complex troubles caused by the inheritance alluded to by the book's punning title.
The trouble is that Gabriel's behavior doesn't feel fully grounded. I don't think we need to have seen his horrific past in great detail, but it would have helped to see him reflect more on it, or to watch him struggling with his counterproductive dysregulation. We don't get much of that, and the lack makes him somewhat less sympathetic and far more annoying than he should be. (Possibly his enthusiasm for sex is also less credible on this account: if his emotional life is still so bound to his past, how did he come to recover so quickly from a years-long history of being raped?) There's also a knock-on effect with respect to Miles, who comes to seem inhumanly patient and forbearing.
So that's the downside for me. I found H. Kamenar's world satisfying, though, maybe especially because the magical aspects are in some part left unexplained, or seem as mysterious to the world's inhabitants as to us. Gabriel and Miles's all-too-familiar struggle with the bureaucracy of inheritance and obligation anchors all the paranormality in credible human life. And I especially liked a subplot that turns into a central plot: Gabriel's changing relationship with the house he inherited. That house is the place where he was enslaved and often tortured; it turns out to be something much more, which I'm not going to spoil except to say that it becomes a source of growth and recovery for him.
"Err Apparent" is the first in a planned series; it leaves us, in closing, with not quite a cliffhanger but a warning bell. I think Miles will need a lot of help in the next book, and I look forward to finding out whether I'm right.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When the monster is dead, what happens to the survivors?
Gabriel has been freed from the control of the abusive vampire noble who kept him imprisoned, but not all is well. Despite his best efforts to turn to a new life in the country with Miles, the mage who helped kill Gabriel's abuser, he is not entirely without trauma. When a messenger arrives with a letter from his former home in Avedon, Gabriel is told that not only is he now the heir of his abuser's estate, but he's also got his title. This isn't a paycheck and a hearty handshake, but rather an absolute administrative nightmare that forces Gabriel to confront his worst memories and the people who ruined his life. Gabriel can't opt out and if he runs away, he and Miles will be chased to the ends of the earth for an overwhelming tax-debt. Gabriel becoming a noble overnight also ruins Miles' plans. Miles' plan to propose is shattered as with his role as a combat mage he is legally banned from marrying a noble thanks to Avedon law. To save their future, Miles begins to make lists and Gabriel plans to bring his elegance, sass, and sarcasm to show Avedon what a mess they are making.
A seemingly sentient house, a badass set of characters, and a trauma-aware M/M romance, make Err Apparent and absolute delight to read. Author H. Kamenar skillfully creates a traumatized character without hitting readers over the head with descriptions of the abuse. While much of what Gabriel has experienced is hinted at, it is so refreshing as a survivor not to have to read the nitty gritty details that so many authors feel the need to include. Gabriel doesn't have to justify his anger. Miles doesn't question if it really was all that bad but rather believes and supports his partner with the patience and grace that we would all be so lucky to find in a relationship. The miscommunications between Miles and Gabriel are treated not as an act 3 breakup plot point, but as believable arguments from two people who genuinely care about one another. Miles and Gabriel face problems differently, but with skill. Neither of them is more powerful than the other, and you can feel their respect for those they trust. I will also say that it is rare to find a writer who can write both fight scenes and sex scenes with equal skill, but H, Kamenar nails it with this one.
Err Apparent is the first book in H. Kamenar's Tenibrian Affairs series and I can't wait to read more.
Gabriel has been freed from the control of the abusive vampire noble who kept him imprisoned, but not all is well. Despite his best efforts to turn to a new life in the country with Miles, the mage who helped kill Gabriel's abuser, he is not entirely without trauma. When a messenger arrives with a letter from his former home in Avedon, Gabriel is told that not only is he now the heir of his abuser's estate, but he's also got his title. This isn't a paycheck and a hearty handshake, but rather an absolute administrative nightmare that forces Gabriel to confront his worst memories and the people who ruined his life. Gabriel can't opt out and if he runs away, he and Miles will be chased to the ends of the earth for an overwhelming tax-debt. Gabriel becoming a noble overnight also ruins Miles' plans. Miles' plan to propose is shattered as with his role as a combat mage he is legally banned from marrying a noble thanks to Avedon law. To save their future, Miles begins to make lists and Gabriel plans to bring his elegance, sass, and sarcasm to show Avedon what a mess they are making.
A seemingly sentient house, a badass set of characters, and a trauma-aware M/M romance, make Err Apparent and absolute delight to read. Author H. Kamenar skillfully creates a traumatized character without hitting readers over the head with descriptions of the abuse. While much of what Gabriel has experienced is hinted at, it is so refreshing as a survivor not to have to read the nitty gritty details that so many authors feel the need to include. Gabriel doesn't have to justify his anger. Miles doesn't question if it really was all that bad but rather believes and supports his partner with the patience and grace that we would all be so lucky to find in a relationship. The miscommunications between Miles and Gabriel are treated not as an act 3 breakup plot point, but as believable arguments from two people who genuinely care about one another. Miles and Gabriel face problems differently, but with skill. Neither of them is more powerful than the other, and you can feel their respect for those they trust. I will also say that it is rare to find a writer who can write both fight scenes and sex scenes with equal skill, but H, Kamenar nails it with this one.
Err Apparent is the first book in H. Kamenar's Tenibrian Affairs series and I can't wait to read more.
March 24, 2026
"Err Apparent" is the first book in the Tenibrian Affairs series. Readers will meet established couple, Gabriel and Miles. The action starts as Gabriel escapes his abusive past by killing his tormentor, only to inherit a cursed manor and noble title he never desired. The story unfolds in Averdon, where Gabriel's inheritance legally prevents him from marrying Miles, the mage who saved him and the love of his life. As Gabriel and Miles confront the corrupt aristocracy, they must navigate the challenges of a sentient, haunted house that holds onto its new master. Together, they embark on a journey back to the city that broke them, wielding magic and wit to dismantle their adversaries. Their love and resilience are tested as they battle both external foes and internal demons, seeking to destroy or reshape the power left behind by Gabriel's abuser.
I am so glad I read this book! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! Romance enthusiasts will appreciate "Err Apparent" for its rich, gothic atmosphere and the intricate interplay of romance and fantasy. The novel offers a unique blend of historical elements and magical realism, creating a world where societal constraints and supernatural challenges intersect. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives will find Gabriel and Miles' established relationship refreshing, as it explores themes of trust, healing, and resilience. The book's immersive world-building, combined with its nuanced portrayal of trauma and recovery, provides depth and emotional resonance. Moreover, the story's focus on overcoming societal barriers and embracing one's identity resonates with the transformative journeys often found in a Happy For Now story. I love the idea of a sentient house and I'm torn between Velma or Genna Paystone being my favorite secondary character. The author has a unique twist on the idea of what vampires are and how they become vampires. Oh, and it also really stood out to me how Gabriel chose his name as he was doing all the paperwork. I think the world building is just beginning and I am excited to read more! A great debut novel!
https://romancelibrarian88.blogspot.c...
I am so glad I read this book! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! Romance enthusiasts will appreciate "Err Apparent" for its rich, gothic atmosphere and the intricate interplay of romance and fantasy. The novel offers a unique blend of historical elements and magical realism, creating a world where societal constraints and supernatural challenges intersect. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives will find Gabriel and Miles' established relationship refreshing, as it explores themes of trust, healing, and resilience. The book's immersive world-building, combined with its nuanced portrayal of trauma and recovery, provides depth and emotional resonance. Moreover, the story's focus on overcoming societal barriers and embracing one's identity resonates with the transformative journeys often found in a Happy For Now story. I love the idea of a sentient house and I'm torn between Velma or Genna Paystone being my favorite secondary character. The author has a unique twist on the idea of what vampires are and how they become vampires. Oh, and it also really stood out to me how Gabriel chose his name as he was doing all the paperwork. I think the world building is just beginning and I am excited to read more! A great debut novel!
https://romancelibrarian88.blogspot.c...
Review of advance copy
An established couple story with no relationship conflict? Count me in! I adored this book.
The story follows Miles and Gabriel who love each other deeply (and you see it and feel it constantly), but Gabriel's former life as a slave to a vampire lord has now come back to haunt him again. Gabriel is an absolute force of nature with a lot of trauma, and Miles is a battle mage with a penchant for knowledge and plans, lots and lots of plans. Gabriel inherits the title of his abuser and has to deal with the fallout of that which includes a move, a pause on thier future plans, and dealing with a house with a mind of its own, literally.
The story is action packed and filled to the brim with intrigue. You learn more and more as the story progresses and I was Hooked! It was extremely well developed with enough backstory that you feel like you know the characters so well even after the first chapter. The way Miles and Gabriel understand each other was so wholesome. They had little squabbles and disagreements but they could read each other like the legal books Miles loves so much. It was just so sweet amid the constant chaos! And man that chaos had me sweating at times and so heartsick for these men.
There was a lot of mystery, a ton of plot, and lots of cuddles! Some spice of course too, which felt nice and relevant and not redundant just for the sake of sex. It really helped you feel how much they loved and appreciated each other. But let's be real, I was here for all the cathartic tears and cuddles.
This book is the perfect balance of plot and romance, and did I mention how much I love an established relationship? Oh and some absolutely badass female side characters. The epilogue was absolutely perfect!
*I recieved and ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
The story follows Miles and Gabriel who love each other deeply (and you see it and feel it constantly), but Gabriel's former life as a slave to a vampire lord has now come back to haunt him again. Gabriel is an absolute force of nature with a lot of trauma, and Miles is a battle mage with a penchant for knowledge and plans, lots and lots of plans. Gabriel inherits the title of his abuser and has to deal with the fallout of that which includes a move, a pause on thier future plans, and dealing with a house with a mind of its own, literally.
"I may temporarily be a lord, darling, but I'll always be a thief and a spy."
The story is action packed and filled to the brim with intrigue. You learn more and more as the story progresses and I was Hooked! It was extremely well developed with enough backstory that you feel like you know the characters so well even after the first chapter. The way Miles and Gabriel understand each other was so wholesome. They had little squabbles and disagreements but they could read each other like the legal books Miles loves so much. It was just so sweet amid the constant chaos! And man that chaos had me sweating at times and so heartsick for these men.
"You completed forms in triplicate like you were writing poetry. It was...oddly arousing."
There was a lot of mystery, a ton of plot, and lots of cuddles! Some spice of course too, which felt nice and relevant and not redundant just for the sake of sex. It really helped you feel how much they loved and appreciated each other. But let's be real, I was here for all the cathartic tears and cuddles.
"Let's go. If we walk fast enough, perhaps we can outpace te consequences of our life choices"
This book is the perfect balance of plot and romance, and did I mention how much I love an established relationship? Oh and some absolutely badass female side characters. The epilogue was absolutely perfect!
*I recieved and ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
April 1, 2026
What happens when you kill the monster but inherit its lair? This was such an interesting premise to begin with and I was very excited to read this book. The main characters, Gabriel and Miles, are likeable enough to start with. The plot is interesting but not gripping.
I had a few issues which prevented me from fully immersing myself in this book and kept me from enjoying this story. The first is that this very much feels like a second book in a series. You get thrown into the story where the MCs are living in their version of rural bliss, in a well-established relationship. I kept wanting to find out how they met and how their relationship developed, but it never became apparent throughout the book. There was also, unfortunately, not much development in their current relationship.
Another issue is that this book is full of anachronisms of speech. I truly could not wrap my head around the modern turns of phrase that kept being used in this supposedly fantasy setting. It was very jarring.
The other concern was the pacing of the book. Paragraphs spent on describing sartorial elegance while adding nothing to the plot. Some parts of the plot happened too quickly to be realistic. There were too many plot holes to ignore (starting with the very strange inheritance system that was in place in this book, and never really explained fully). Some of the challenges seem contrived and were solved very neatly with barely any sacrifice needed from the "good guys". The world building could have been better developed.
Character development (or lack thereof) was another issue. The MCs aside, every other character was hardly developed. We never really learn the true motivations of the villains. They were just caricatures of evil for the sake of being evil. Would have liked more depth and unique characterisation of the side characters as well.
In summary, this book was not for me and I struggled to finish the book. Despite having so much promise, it never achieved it's full potential in the execution. Better plot and pacing, more character- and world-building would have helped.
I received an ARC for free, in exchange for an honest review.
I had a few issues which prevented me from fully immersing myself in this book and kept me from enjoying this story. The first is that this very much feels like a second book in a series. You get thrown into the story where the MCs are living in their version of rural bliss, in a well-established relationship. I kept wanting to find out how they met and how their relationship developed, but it never became apparent throughout the book. There was also, unfortunately, not much development in their current relationship.
Another issue is that this book is full of anachronisms of speech. I truly could not wrap my head around the modern turns of phrase that kept being used in this supposedly fantasy setting. It was very jarring.
The other concern was the pacing of the book. Paragraphs spent on describing sartorial elegance while adding nothing to the plot. Some parts of the plot happened too quickly to be realistic. There were too many plot holes to ignore (starting with the very strange inheritance system that was in place in this book, and never really explained fully). Some of the challenges seem contrived and were solved very neatly with barely any sacrifice needed from the "good guys". The world building could have been better developed.
Character development (or lack thereof) was another issue. The MCs aside, every other character was hardly developed. We never really learn the true motivations of the villains. They were just caricatures of evil for the sake of being evil. Would have liked more depth and unique characterisation of the side characters as well.
In summary, this book was not for me and I struggled to finish the book. Despite having so much promise, it never achieved it's full potential in the execution. Better plot and pacing, more character- and world-building would have helped.
I received an ARC for free, in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great book, and I highly recommend it if you enjoy established relationship romantasies.
The prose (including the spice!) was really well-written and enjoyable to read.
I loved Gabriel - his wit and inner strength made him a compelling character. I also loved Gabriel and Miles together - their love for each other was palpable and their healthy communication was a breath of fresh air.
The plot was intriguing and I loved the pull between Gabriel and the manor. The worldbuilding, while interesting, could have definitely been stronger. Fantasy worlds have the opportunity to be really rich and I feel like we got crumbs in comparison to the world that exists in the author's mind.
My biggest gripe was that pacing was really slow. And because this is an established relationship story there wasn't really any romantic tension to carry through the slowness. These two things combined created a story that I felt no real urgency to read. It was enjoyable while reading, but as soon as I put it down, I felt no draw to pick the story back up. A book this length usually takes me 3-4 days to read; this one took me 2 weeks.
There were times when this felt like book 2 in a series because so much important stuff happened prior to the events in this story. We're given just enough knowledge that nothing is confusing, but there were so many times I wished a previous book existed because it would have made a really compelling dark hurt/comfort story. I'm crossing my fingers for an eventual prequel!
This book ended on a very satisfying HFN while setting up the continuing conflict for the next book, which I am looking forward to.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The prose (including the spice!) was really well-written and enjoyable to read.
I loved Gabriel - his wit and inner strength made him a compelling character. I also loved Gabriel and Miles together - their love for each other was palpable and their healthy communication was a breath of fresh air.
The plot was intriguing and I loved the pull between Gabriel and the manor. The worldbuilding, while interesting, could have definitely been stronger. Fantasy worlds have the opportunity to be really rich and I feel like we got crumbs in comparison to the world that exists in the author's mind.
My biggest gripe was that pacing was really slow. And because this is an established relationship story there wasn't really any romantic tension to carry through the slowness. These two things combined created a story that I felt no real urgency to read. It was enjoyable while reading, but as soon as I put it down, I felt no draw to pick the story back up. A book this length usually takes me 3-4 days to read; this one took me 2 weeks.
There were times when this felt like book 2 in a series because so much important stuff happened prior to the events in this story. We're given just enough knowledge that nothing is confusing, but there were so many times I wished a previous book existed because it would have made a really compelling dark hurt/comfort story. I'm crossing my fingers for an eventual prequel!
This book ended on a very satisfying HFN while setting up the continuing conflict for the next book, which I am looking forward to.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2026
I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is book was fine. I couldn’t help but feel like I was reading Baldur’s Gate 3 fan fiction and upon reading the “About the Author” page at the end, I guess maybe I was.
The characters are fine. We don’t really get a lot of backstory other than vague hints at Gabriel’s life prior to the events of the book. I know this is supposed to be part of a series and perhaps more is revealed later but for a fairly complete story I don’t feel like I have a sense of who these characters are.
The house is great. It might have been my favorite part. We are in a fantasy world but there was very little world building. Names of places are dropped with no context and no sense of how one part of the world relates to any other. This is also the case concerning the question of when are we. Because the world building is incomplete I am also unsure of what time period we are in. It seems vaguely Victorian, possibly earlier. Things just happen and there is no real consistency of time period.
The relationship of Gabriel and Miles is fine. The conflicts felt a bit contrived. The way that Miles is written he seems very altruistic but is completely hung up on notion that they cannot be married because of the situation at hand. This seems out of character for someone that is as logical and thoughtful as he is in the rest of the book and caused a big disconnect for me.
I liked the premise and plot of the novel and a few side characters really stood out as interesting and amusing. I hope that the author develops the main characters further in subsequent novels in the series.
The characters are fine. We don’t really get a lot of backstory other than vague hints at Gabriel’s life prior to the events of the book. I know this is supposed to be part of a series and perhaps more is revealed later but for a fairly complete story I don’t feel like I have a sense of who these characters are.
The house is great. It might have been my favorite part. We are in a fantasy world but there was very little world building. Names of places are dropped with no context and no sense of how one part of the world relates to any other. This is also the case concerning the question of when are we. Because the world building is incomplete I am also unsure of what time period we are in. It seems vaguely Victorian, possibly earlier. Things just happen and there is no real consistency of time period.
The relationship of Gabriel and Miles is fine. The conflicts felt a bit contrived. The way that Miles is written he seems very altruistic but is completely hung up on notion that they cannot be married because of the situation at hand. This seems out of character for someone that is as logical and thoughtful as he is in the rest of the book and caused a big disconnect for me.
I liked the premise and plot of the novel and a few side characters really stood out as interesting and amusing. I hope that the author develops the main characters further in subsequent novels in the series.
Review of advance copy
What a ride! We’re plunged in the middle of a story with so much background information, it would be easy to get lost, but it works! It sucks you in and doesn’t let you go! And information is unfolded at the right pace, without overwhelming the reader or having those annoying internal monologues that tend to drive me nuts! We know the reasons behind the characters actions by the thoughts and reactions of others, we get the backstory in a similar way, and I loved it, it really worked well. I’m impressed with this author, who started at AO3 and ended up writing a full novel, big kudos to them. There were so many sad moments, but also joyful ones, and the end… a little sad, but there are more books to come, so hopefully Gabriel and Miles get their HEA. I loved them. Their love for each other is so obvious, and expressed ins myriad of ways, big and small, it’s beautiful to see it unfolding in front of your eyes. And even though it isn’t the usual insta-love or the falling in love that the majority of romance novels show, they’re in a committed relationship already, their love grows throughout the book, and you get glimpses of their past, their beginnings, and it’s just beautiful. Very well written, fascinating, great world building, and I loved how the explanations are woven into the story, giving enough information without bogging down the story, or assuming understanding by the reader. I loved it, and I can’t wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Err Apparent, a delightful, funny gaslight mystery romance filled with magic, spice and banter between an established loving couple. Beginning in a pastoral setting, almost hobbit-like, one mate worrying about the other's sartorial appearance, busy cutting and sewing silks for a more impressive form-fitting pocketed coat for his battle-mage's potions, the other planning gifting his love with a sapphire ring to match his eyes and secure his proposal. Happiness cut short, a messenger with a summons to the city, fey Gabriel wants to burn the papers, or run, certain the inheritance and subsequent property taxes are an apparent error (hence the pun-intended title), but steady, stable Miles will not be distracted by seduction and insists on following law and going back to the evil capitol city Avedon they had rescued each other from just 6 months prior, eloping to the countryside. Gabriel has been named Lord of Rockgate Manor, must pay taxes, and be accepted into high society, even though the former Lord Goldmar (a secret and shady Vampire Master) had abused, dominated and sold him into sexual slavery to those very same peers in that society. Studying law books, tax and inheritance by-laws, Miles, battlefield mage and professor by inclination, must find a way out of the title and tax debt, as marriage between aristocracy and wizards is strictly forbidden. There is also the matter of assassins, magical assaults and a sentient manor house, Rockgate itself is a victim. Miles, almost a saint, must sooth and satiate his adored Lover, keep him safe, sane and gratified amongst all the chaos. The author has created a magical world like no other, a plot of action, intrigue and wit, and characters (and a house) with adorable quirks, needs and desires (steam), a story beginning in the middle with enough backstory to suffice and keep us entertained and enthralled. A prequel would be nice, to show the initial attraction of our lovers, the concern and care for Miles to extract and nurture Gabriel, to free him and allow him to flourish. This is called a series, so I'm looking forward to more sexy shenanigans from our Lovers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2026
Gabriel and Miles have a beautiful relationship.
They disagree, bicker, rile each other up.
They know each others tells, fears, pasts, souls.
They lift up and bring out the best in each other.
Six months after destroying an abusive monster, Gabriel and Miles thought they had escaped. But Gabriel receives an inheritance that pulls him back to the place of his torment.
I liked that it started at this point in their story. There is so much room for a prequel to explore the past events, but I think starting after trauma and in the healing felt cathartic. I feel like if that was the first book it would have been quite dark, where this is full of love and humour.
The wit, humour, and banter was great. I enjoyed the writing. Who would ever enjoy waiting for appointments, filling in paperwork and paying taxes?
I liked the supporting characters, especially Nikka. She seems very practical and was so excited to clean up gunk. I hope her story develops in the next book.
(ARC provided by BookSirens)
They disagree, bicker, rile each other up.
They know each others tells, fears, pasts, souls.
They lift up and bring out the best in each other.
Six months after destroying an abusive monster, Gabriel and Miles thought they had escaped. But Gabriel receives an inheritance that pulls him back to the place of his torment.
I liked that it started at this point in their story. There is so much room for a prequel to explore the past events, but I think starting after trauma and in the healing felt cathartic. I feel like if that was the first book it would have been quite dark, where this is full of love and humour.
The wit, humour, and banter was great. I enjoyed the writing. Who would ever enjoy waiting for appointments, filling in paperwork and paying taxes?
I liked the supporting characters, especially Nikka. She seems very practical and was so excited to clean up gunk. I hope her story develops in the next book.
(ARC provided by BookSirens)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a surprisingly fun read—definitely not what I was expecting. Since it’s the first book in the series, I found it a little jarring to jump in with an already-established romance and a post-adventure status quo. For a while, I felt a bit bereft, like I’d accidentally started on book two and missed something important. If the author ever writes a prelude, I’d absolutely be first in line.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That said, the book does a great job of filling in the gaps in a way that feels natural. Through well-placed snippets, we learn the horrors of Gabriel’s past and how he and Miles first met, which helped everything click into place. The plot progression was engaging and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That said, the book does a great job of filling in the gaps in a way that feels natural. Through well-placed snippets, we learn the horrors of Gabriel’s past and how he and Miles first met, which helped everything click into place. The plot progression was engaging and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series!
March 23, 2026
The author took great care in showing how a couple stands by each other, Gabriel and Miles, who love each other. The spice between these two is amazing to see in a book, and not just glance over it or leave it at a kiss.
Genna, a hedge-witch, a friend who helps with a problem house, I love her, she was fun to read. Nikka just makes me want to be happy. There is another character who, in its own right, changes the most, but if I say who it is, it gives away too much. The twist at the end of the book is sweet, and I love it so much.
I do recommend this book, just know it is a slow-moving book, and there are times when the book will slow down. I felt I could have skipped pages without missing any major plot points in the book. Dialog and details are great, as long as you keep moving the book forward at all times.
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Genna, a hedge-witch, a friend who helps with a problem house, I love her, she was fun to read. Nikka just makes me want to be happy. There is another character who, in its own right, changes the most, but if I say who it is, it gives away too much. The twist at the end of the book is sweet, and I love it so much.
I do recommend this book, just know it is a slow-moving book, and there are times when the book will slow down. I felt I could have skipped pages without missing any major plot points in the book. Dialog and details are great, as long as you keep moving the book forward at all times.
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March 23, 2026
The author took great care in showing how a couple stands by each other, Gabriel and Miles, who love each other. The spice between these two is amazing to see in a book, and not just glance over it or leave it at a kiss. Genna, a hedge-witch, a friend who helps with a problem house, I love her, she was fun to read. Nikka just makes me want to be happy. There is another character who, in its own right, changes the most, but if I say who it is, it gives away too much. The twist at the end of the book is sweet, and I love it so much. I do recommend this book, just know it is a slow-moving book, and there are times when the book will slow down. I felt I could have skipped pages without missing any major plot points in the book. Dialog and details are great, as long as you keep moving the book forward at all times.
Did Not Finish
March 19, 2026I didn't get far enough in to actually rate it - but GOD was it so hard to get 4 chapter in. it's labeled Historical Romance, and it's right if Historical mean no technology. this book takes place in a fictional place, where there is known to be magic and vampires and the only historical bit is that there's no phones, though they still use modern speech practices. they also decided to add a sex scene almost immediately that had absolutely no importance to the characters or the plot and felt so randomly placed. there was also the same level of character description as a fanfic (aka eye and hair color), which I shouldn't be surprised by since the dedication was written to AO3
March 31, 2026
I absolutely adored this book! I got major KJ Charles vibes- think The Magpie Lord- and she's one of my favorite authors, so I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. I'll be counting down the days- no, the MINUTES until the next book comes out, because I need to know where this twisty Madaze plot goes, but I also need all I can get of Gabriel and Miles. Their relationship was so sweet, but also, the way they would get frustrated with each other and stew and then talk it out and resolve it felt so real and satisfying. This was just such a wonderful read!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2026
Interestingly, this story begins 6 months after major events happened, but things are explained well, so you don't feel like you're lost. I actually really enjoyed reading it this way. It was nice to meet an established couple with open communication, the ability to work through isssues and the supportive nature of their relationship. I loved the dark gothic and gaslamp vibes with a dose of mystery and magic. The plot definitely kept me engaged and I look forward to reading more in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed reading this. It was simple yet complex. There were moments where I wanted to poke some sense into Gabriel, but I liked the way his reaction to his trauma was portrayed. It was relatable and realistic. The idea of how vampires were made in this book was rather unique. I am glad that they found some peace even if this is not the end. I look forward to the next book.
March 29, 2026
Intriguing gaslight romance
This was filled with amazing world building, interesting magic, a well established couple, lots of banter, humor, mystery and danger.
This was filled with amazing world building, interesting magic, a well established couple, lots of banter, humor, mystery and danger.
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