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Gray Obsession
She was forged in blood, sharpened by silence. He came to worship the ruin she became.
Evelyn does not seek redemption. She thrives on death, her axe dancing through flesh as London burns with fear. But something watches from the fire. Something ancient. Something hungry.
Gray.
A death god wrapped in shadows and myth, drawn to Evelyn’s every kill. Their obsession ignites into something holy. Something savage. And if the world must burn to bring them together?
She’ll light the match herself.
Evelyn does not seek redemption. She thrives on death, her axe dancing through flesh as London burns with fear. But something watches from the fire. Something ancient. Something hungry.
Gray.
A death god wrapped in shadows and myth, drawn to Evelyn’s every kill. Their obsession ignites into something holy. Something savage. And if the world must burn to bring them together?
She’ll light the match herself.
- GenresDark
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 3, 2026
I devoured this deliciously macabre gothic novella and licked the blade clean after🩸
She is not for the faint of heart, but nothing Laura Victoria writes ever is. And that’s exactly why we love her.
This story is brutal, lush, and reverent in its violence. Gothic, obsessive, and downright holy in the most sacrilegious way.
Also (and this matters) Laura is an absolute gem. She includes a thoughtful author’s note outlining triggers, tells you exactly which chapters to skip, and even explains what happens in them so you’re not left confused or blindsided. Dark doesn’t have to mean careless, and she proves that every time.
All the stars. All the blood. All my love. 🖤✨
If she burns the world down, I’m handing her the match 💋
She is not for the faint of heart, but nothing Laura Victoria writes ever is. And that’s exactly why we love her.
This story is brutal, lush, and reverent in its violence. Gothic, obsessive, and downright holy in the most sacrilegious way.
Also (and this matters) Laura is an absolute gem. She includes a thoughtful author’s note outlining triggers, tells you exactly which chapters to skip, and even explains what happens in them so you’re not left confused or blindsided. Dark doesn’t have to mean careless, and she proves that every time.
All the stars. All the blood. All my love. 🖤✨
If she burns the world down, I’m handing her the match 💋
March 7, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book! It was a quick read that kept my attention the entire time. I read it start to finish in one setting without putting it down once. I was INVESTED in our girl Evelyn. The authors ability to completely suck me into the story in such a short period is a skill I must compliment as others have failed to do so before! I won't post any spoilers but I will say the first scene with Mad Maude was my absolute favorite of the book, there was an element of horror that I very much appreciated. If you are a lover of spice, a strong FMC, historical feeling horror, and a fast paced story with a good plot then this is the book for you!
May 7, 2026
female executioner POV!
This book had me from the jump!!! Female executioner, chasing after death 🤯 I love the detail and story telling the author, Laura, is able to portrait. The growing obsession and unique time & setting for this story, made the shift 75% unexpected but in the best way possible! I wouldn’t be mad to see a continuation of their journey… 😘
This book had me from the jump!!! Female executioner, chasing after death 🤯 I love the detail and story telling the author, Laura, is able to portrait. The growing obsession and unique time & setting for this story, made the shift 75% unexpected but in the best way possible! I wouldn’t be mad to see a continuation of their journey… 😘
April 14, 2026
Thank to the author and their team for giving me an ARC!
Brilliant idea, honestly it’s original and it’s nice to read from a female who is actually morally grey point of view. the romance is spicy and well written just wish there was more between the female lead and male lead.
Brilliant idea, honestly it’s original and it’s nice to read from a female who is actually morally grey point of view. the romance is spicy and well written just wish there was more between the female lead and male lead.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Let me start by saying this is a novella just under 200 pages. I understand that the plot in a novella will be less intricate than the plot in a full-length novel. I understand that we won’t get to explore the characters as deeply because there is less time to tell the story. I have absolutely nothing against novellas or short stories; I love them when they’re done correctly! Unfortunately, I don’t think this one was done correctly.
WHAT I LIKED
-the concept behind the whole story. A deranged woman with a lust for blood falls for a death god? Sounds fun! Sadly, that’s it.
WHAT I DIDNT’T LIKE
-the characters. Every single one of them was so flat and two-dimensional. They had no fears. No likes or dislikes. You could cut any single character from the plot and the story would still progress just fine. Yes, that includes our MC. Her ONLY personality trait was “murder is fun.”
-the plot. I say that word generously. I don’t really think there was a fleshed out plot here. Again, yes, this is a novella. But it just…jumped all over the place. First our MC is an executioner (a female executioner, because that had to be mentioned). Then there’s witch trials so she can’t execute people (so she murders instead). Nothing gets resolved at all. There are tons of plot holes.
-the writing style. I am not blaming the author of using AI AT. ALL. Please don’t get me wrong. The writing style was amateur and confusing at best. There was 0% showing and 100% telling. Every sentence started with either “I” or “The” it seemed like. Sentences were choppy and made no sense, like the author was trying to be poetic but fell short. We never saw how the characters felt. Sure, we got to see how lustful our MC felt when she killed, but it was surface level at best. Just a lot of “I saw someone die and it made me wet.” Also, is it grey or gray? Because the author used both consistently. And…what is the setting? I know it’s London. But when? I think the 1600s? 1700s? There wasn’t a drop of historical accuracy to be found.
All in all, I’m honored the author gave me a copy of her book to read and I’m sad it was not something I enjoyed. I personally feel like this book could use a bit of work and polishing. If you enjoy dark romance novellas, I believe you might like this one. It was not for me.
Let me start by saying this is a novella just under 200 pages. I understand that the plot in a novella will be less intricate than the plot in a full-length novel. I understand that we won’t get to explore the characters as deeply because there is less time to tell the story. I have absolutely nothing against novellas or short stories; I love them when they’re done correctly! Unfortunately, I don’t think this one was done correctly.
WHAT I LIKED
-the concept behind the whole story. A deranged woman with a lust for blood falls for a death god? Sounds fun! Sadly, that’s it.
WHAT I DIDNT’T LIKE
-the characters. Every single one of them was so flat and two-dimensional. They had no fears. No likes or dislikes. You could cut any single character from the plot and the story would still progress just fine. Yes, that includes our MC. Her ONLY personality trait was “murder is fun.”
-the plot. I say that word generously. I don’t really think there was a fleshed out plot here. Again, yes, this is a novella. But it just…jumped all over the place. First our MC is an executioner (a female executioner, because that had to be mentioned). Then there’s witch trials so she can’t execute people (so she murders instead). Nothing gets resolved at all. There are tons of plot holes.
-the writing style. I am not blaming the author of using AI AT. ALL. Please don’t get me wrong. The writing style was amateur and confusing at best. There was 0% showing and 100% telling. Every sentence started with either “I” or “The” it seemed like. Sentences were choppy and made no sense, like the author was trying to be poetic but fell short. We never saw how the characters felt. Sure, we got to see how lustful our MC felt when she killed, but it was surface level at best. Just a lot of “I saw someone die and it made me wet.” Also, is it grey or gray? Because the author used both consistently. And…what is the setting? I know it’s London. But when? I think the 1600s? 1700s? There wasn’t a drop of historical accuracy to be found.
All in all, I’m honored the author gave me a copy of her book to read and I’m sad it was not something I enjoyed. I personally feel like this book could use a bit of work and polishing. If you enjoy dark romance novellas, I believe you might like this one. It was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
I think I was expecting a little more substance based on the blurb (which got me to sign up for an ARC in the first place); what I got was one-note female lead and a male lead that didn't really do too much. Having a female executioner that is a sadist (or maybe has erotophonophilia) had potential, but in the end that was all Evelyn was to me. She didn't have anything going on. Sure, she loved her horse and her cow, and she liked inflicting pain...but what else? The way it was applied didn't make a ton of sense to me within the story.
Additionally, there was no real indication Evelyn enjoyed men (their company, being intimate with them, etc) but the second Gray shows up suddenly she's all about cock when up until that point we had seen her with women (I am excluding the brief mention of consensual sex with a man before she decided women were more her vibe, and the sexual assault by her father). She then says she hates men, but a few pages later rescinds that. There was the potential to make Gray, a death god with an unexplained compassionate streak (and this is not the only thing about him that goes unexplained, we brush a lot to the side in order to skip to the hot, steamy stuff), either female or possessing the ability to change his form, but I do understand that this would make the novella even more niche. Her actions are inconsistent, her motives confusing, and her random bouts of conscious or compassion only muddied the water. It felt like there was an attempt to create a complex character with redeeming qualities, but it only led to more confusion ESPECIALLY when she went to kill Richard. The selective nature of her desires didn't help here either. Why run? Why not kill him too and leave no witnesses?
Thankfully, whatever was up with Ada was unexplained magic because that's simply not how horses work, but if I went into horse behaviors that books got wrong (not just this one, it's a whole thing), I'd be here forever.
I would recommend this as a quick read to someone who enjoyed Den of Vipers.
I think I was expecting a little more substance based on the blurb (which got me to sign up for an ARC in the first place); what I got was one-note female lead and a male lead that didn't really do too much. Having a female executioner that is a sadist (or maybe has erotophonophilia) had potential, but in the end that was all Evelyn was to me. She didn't have anything going on. Sure, she loved her horse and her cow, and she liked inflicting pain...but what else? The way it was applied didn't make a ton of sense to me within the story.
Additionally, there was no real indication Evelyn enjoyed men (their company, being intimate with them, etc) but the second Gray shows up suddenly she's all about cock when up until that point we had seen her with women (I am excluding the brief mention of consensual sex with a man before she decided women were more her vibe, and the sexual assault by her father). She then says she hates men, but a few pages later rescinds that. There was the potential to make Gray, a death god with an unexplained compassionate streak (and this is not the only thing about him that goes unexplained, we brush a lot to the side in order to skip to the hot, steamy stuff), either female or possessing the ability to change his form, but I do understand that this would make the novella even more niche. Her actions are inconsistent, her motives confusing, and her random bouts of conscious or compassion only muddied the water. It felt like there was an attempt to create a complex character with redeeming qualities, but it only led to more confusion ESPECIALLY when she went to kill Richard. The selective nature of her desires didn't help here either. Why run? Why not kill him too and leave no witnesses?
Thankfully, whatever was up with Ada was unexplained magic because that's simply not how horses work, but if I went into horse behaviors that books got wrong (not just this one, it's a whole thing), I'd be here forever.
I would recommend this as a quick read to someone who enjoyed Den of Vipers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all I want to thank the author for the arc.
I'm so very sorry but this book wasn't for me, which is a shame because I thought the premise sounded so cool, a Death God stalking a human executioner? Sold.
But there were many parts of the book that I took issue with.
In the beginning of the book I got real pick me vibes from Evelyn. Especially when critiquing other women "sat on their asses all day being perfect wives whilst their husbands visit brothels." Given that the story's supposed to be set in the 1700s women weren't exactly free to do as they pleased and didn't have the "authority" to stop their husbands. Even though Evelyn is different, it was a shame to read she was shaming women for men's actions at the beginning.
More so it was interesting to read her critiquing men for going to brothels when she does it herself. Evelyn doesn't have a problem with the brothels... She has a problem with men at the brothels.
Throughout the book Evelyn talks about hating men, that she's had past experiences sexually with a man, it was awful and much preferred women, (not including her father) but totally fell head over heels for Grey. The 180 didn't make sense to me, becoming obsessed with him didn't fit Evelyn's strong character.
Even towards the end when Grey is watching her die, he says "I have never felt anything for the deaths I witness or bring". But that's not true, the whole point was that Grey and Evelyn shared a ponchon for bringing death to certain people, they both got off on it. He even spoke about the pain he would inflict on the men who killed Evelyn.
Again thank you for the arc, I am sorry I didn't enjoy it.
I'm so very sorry but this book wasn't for me, which is a shame because I thought the premise sounded so cool, a Death God stalking a human executioner? Sold.
But there were many parts of the book that I took issue with.
In the beginning of the book I got real pick me vibes from Evelyn. Especially when critiquing other women "sat on their asses all day being perfect wives whilst their husbands visit brothels." Given that the story's supposed to be set in the 1700s women weren't exactly free to do as they pleased and didn't have the "authority" to stop their husbands. Even though Evelyn is different, it was a shame to read she was shaming women for men's actions at the beginning.
More so it was interesting to read her critiquing men for going to brothels when she does it herself. Evelyn doesn't have a problem with the brothels... She has a problem with men at the brothels.
Throughout the book Evelyn talks about hating men, that she's had past experiences sexually with a man, it was awful and much preferred women, (not including her father) but totally fell head over heels for Grey. The 180 didn't make sense to me, becoming obsessed with him didn't fit Evelyn's strong character.
Even towards the end when Grey is watching her die, he says "I have never felt anything for the deaths I witness or bring". But that's not true, the whole point was that Grey and Evelyn shared a ponchon for bringing death to certain people, they both got off on it. He even spoke about the pain he would inflict on the men who killed Evelyn.
Again thank you for the arc, I am sorry I didn't enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 star rating from me.
Gray Obsessions by Laura Victoria is a dark themed book, set in London in the 1600s, its a dark medieval fantasy romance. The triggers aren't for the light hearted.
This book contains explicit and potentially disturbing material, including:
● Animal @buse
● B!ood and graphic vio!ence
● Burning @live
● Child @buse and child D€ath
● Hang!ng
● Kn!fe play
● M@sturbation and exp!icit $exual acts
● Medieval T0rture methods
● Murd€r
● Muti!ation
● R@pe
● T0rture
● W!tchcraft themes
Reader discretion is strongly advised.
But that being said. It was an amazing read. 🤣 Anyone who knows me, knows I read pretty much everything. So.
The book is written from the pov of our FMC (Evelyn), who is a female executioner riding the world of evil men.
I instantly fell in love with Evelyn - and the naming her weapons especially the name Malenia - iconic! LOVED IT. But hot damn is she a psychotic bitch! 😆...
I absolutely devoured the book, it is less than 200 pages.
I loved how every male feared her!, it was epic. I also liked how you got her backstory! I also really liked how protective she was over all the women!
And shadow daddy grey was sooo spicy! I adored her bond with Ada! And really liked seeing a different side to Evelyn when she was with Gray! It made you realize the amount of crap she went through in life 😮💨
The ending had me crying. Just like ugh omg 👀😮💨😱😭
I NEED more Laura. Please thanks. This could TOTALLY be a trilogy
Gray Obsessions by Laura Victoria is a dark themed book, set in London in the 1600s, its a dark medieval fantasy romance. The triggers aren't for the light hearted.
This book contains explicit and potentially disturbing material, including:
● Animal @buse
● B!ood and graphic vio!ence
● Burning @live
● Child @buse and child D€ath
● Hang!ng
● Kn!fe play
● M@sturbation and exp!icit $exual acts
● Medieval T0rture methods
● Murd€r
● Muti!ation
● R@pe
● T0rture
● W!tchcraft themes
Reader discretion is strongly advised.
But that being said. It was an amazing read. 🤣 Anyone who knows me, knows I read pretty much everything. So.
The book is written from the pov of our FMC (Evelyn), who is a female executioner riding the world of evil men.
I instantly fell in love with Evelyn - and the naming her weapons especially the name Malenia - iconic! LOVED IT. But hot damn is she a psychotic bitch! 😆...
I absolutely devoured the book, it is less than 200 pages.
I loved how every male feared her!, it was epic. I also liked how you got her backstory! I also really liked how protective she was over all the women!
And shadow daddy grey was sooo spicy! I adored her bond with Ada! And really liked seeing a different side to Evelyn when she was with Gray! It made you realize the amount of crap she went through in life 😮💨
The ending had me crying. Just like ugh omg 👀😮💨😱😭
I NEED more Laura. Please thanks. This could TOTALLY be a trilogy
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gray Obsession by Laura Victoria is a medieval, dark, fantasy romance set in Londons 1600s. If you’re looking for something along the lines of, she gets the Death God all to herself, Gray Obsession is for you.
Evelyn works as a female executioner during the witch hunts, during this time, a female in the role is unheard of and looked down on and therefore she has to hide her identity.
Gray is our sexy Death God that takes notice of Evelyn, the more she kills, the more he appears. This results in Evelyn becoming absolutely obsessed with Gray and vise versa.
I absolutely fell in love with both characters in this book. Evelyn is such a power house, she hates men, she’s violent, she’s headstrong, and she will do anything to protect her girls. Gray is mysterious, hot, and is always by Evelyn’s side even if she doesn’t know it.
Gray Obsession is full of suspense, it will have you on the edge of your seat, it is full of action and violence. This book is guaranteed to have you sucked in by the first chapter.
Thank you Laura, we love you and we love the piece of arts you write 🫶🏻
Evelyn works as a female executioner during the witch hunts, during this time, a female in the role is unheard of and looked down on and therefore she has to hide her identity.
Gray is our sexy Death God that takes notice of Evelyn, the more she kills, the more he appears. This results in Evelyn becoming absolutely obsessed with Gray and vise versa.
I absolutely fell in love with both characters in this book. Evelyn is such a power house, she hates men, she’s violent, she’s headstrong, and she will do anything to protect her girls. Gray is mysterious, hot, and is always by Evelyn’s side even if she doesn’t know it.
Gray Obsession is full of suspense, it will have you on the edge of your seat, it is full of action and violence. This book is guaranteed to have you sucked in by the first chapter.
Thank you Laura, we love you and we love the piece of arts you write 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Wow. For a short read this packed a lot of action and emotion. Following our FMC Evelyn and discovering why she is the way she is and how she came to current job.
The people she that she deals with daily whether it’s those she cares about deeply for and struggles to admit that or those that she simply shrugs by as part of her job.
Some of the events that took place made feel angry alongside Evelyn and cheering whenever she took action. The disgust and hatred climbed of the page, along with the love and care she found along the way with other characters.
Gray is our MMC but honestly I’d view him as a side character compared to Evelyn. Yes he is our love interest and end game but this book is saturated in Evelyn and her feelings that he just becomes a bonus. I hotly described bonus but still 🤣
This is the second book that I have had the opportunity to read by Laura Victoria and she doesn’t disappoint. I will point out if you’re not a big fan on gore or graphic violence then maybe check your trigger warnings before diving in.
Wow. For a short read this packed a lot of action and emotion. Following our FMC Evelyn and discovering why she is the way she is and how she came to current job.
The people she that she deals with daily whether it’s those she cares about deeply for and struggles to admit that or those that she simply shrugs by as part of her job.
Some of the events that took place made feel angry alongside Evelyn and cheering whenever she took action. The disgust and hatred climbed of the page, along with the love and care she found along the way with other characters.
Gray is our MMC but honestly I’d view him as a side character compared to Evelyn. Yes he is our love interest and end game but this book is saturated in Evelyn and her feelings that he just becomes a bonus. I hotly described bonus but still 🤣
This is the second book that I have had the opportunity to read by Laura Victoria and she doesn’t disappoint. I will point out if you’re not a big fan on gore or graphic violence then maybe check your trigger warnings before diving in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you like the idea of a medieval tale involving a Death God and a female Executioner utterly obsessed with each other and you don’t have hardly any triggers - then this book my friends is for you!!!
The story is set in London in the 1600’s during the Witch hunt mania where Evelyn, our FMC is working as an executioner for the Tower of London and absolutely hates men. As it is unheard of for females to do this kind of job during these times, she always pads herself out and wears a mask to disguise herself. This has not stopped the handsome Death God, Gray, from noticing her and wanting her for himself …… the more she k!lls, the more he sees her.
This very dark romantasy will pull you in from page one and keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s action, violence, intense suspense and of course romance with an ending that is satisfying and just. You really won’t want to miss reading this!
The story is set in London in the 1600’s during the Witch hunt mania where Evelyn, our FMC is working as an executioner for the Tower of London and absolutely hates men. As it is unheard of for females to do this kind of job during these times, she always pads herself out and wears a mask to disguise herself. This has not stopped the handsome Death God, Gray, from noticing her and wanting her for himself …… the more she k!lls, the more he sees her.
This very dark romantasy will pull you in from page one and keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s action, violence, intense suspense and of course romance with an ending that is satisfying and just. You really won’t want to miss reading this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, thank you to Laura for allowing me to beta/ARC read this book. All opinions are my own.
Laura is one of my favourite authors at the moment. Her writing is INSANE. The way she builds up suspense in all of her books (ESPECIALLY THIS ONE) is incredible.
Gray… Where do I even start. Gray Obsession is a Historical, dark, fantasy romance about a female executioner and a death god. If that doesn’t sell this book to you, I don’t know what will. You are guaranteed to fall in love with both Gray and Evelyn and dually guaranteed to bisexual panic through the whole book. This book had been on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I physically could not put it down.
“I’m the one in control of their lives and I can’t wait to take it from them. Their last breath is mine.”
TROPES:
☠️Bisexual
☠️”Touch him and die” FMC
☠️Feminine Rage
☠️He Falls First
Laura is one of my favourite authors at the moment. Her writing is INSANE. The way she builds up suspense in all of her books (ESPECIALLY THIS ONE) is incredible.
Gray… Where do I even start. Gray Obsession is a Historical, dark, fantasy romance about a female executioner and a death god. If that doesn’t sell this book to you, I don’t know what will. You are guaranteed to fall in love with both Gray and Evelyn and dually guaranteed to bisexual panic through the whole book. This book had been on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I physically could not put it down.
“I’m the one in control of their lives and I can’t wait to take it from them. Their last breath is mine.”
TROPES:
☠️Bisexual
☠️”Touch him and die” FMC
☠️Feminine Rage
☠️He Falls First
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book touches the witch trials of London, sexual abuse, and sexism. It is very heavy on the darker aspects of needing to inflict pain and death on others who have harmed innocents, especially women and children.
The MMC takes a long time to be identified. He is this spectral being that makes the FMC seem like she’s either lost her mind, or going to be accused of witchcraft herself for quite a while.
The ending felt a bit predictable to me, however, I would probably still read book 2 to discover what is next for Evie and Gray. I read A LOT, so predictable is not an automatic narrative failing feature for me. If it is for you, you may not enjoy this so much.
This is my honest ARC review.
The MMC takes a long time to be identified. He is this spectral being that makes the FMC seem like she’s either lost her mind, or going to be accused of witchcraft herself for quite a while.
The ending felt a bit predictable to me, however, I would probably still read book 2 to discover what is next for Evie and Gray. I read A LOT, so predictable is not an automatic narrative failing feature for me. If it is for you, you may not enjoy this so much.
This is my honest ARC review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can't remember if it was the character art or the book description that drew me in but this ARC was a nice little treat for me.
When I say treat, I mean in the way 85% Lindt chocolate is a treat. Dark, bitter, and sharp with a touch of sweetness. Or the way a good salty licorice confuses your senses with its strong but oddly comforting flavours.
Not everyone will be a fan of 85% chocolate or salty licorice, the same way not everyone will be a fan of this book.
Think of a historical fiction version of Dexter if he were a woman, with a bit of otherworldly twists.
Thank you, Laura, for doing me the honour of letting me read this treat.
When I say treat, I mean in the way 85% Lindt chocolate is a treat. Dark, bitter, and sharp with a touch of sweetness. Or the way a good salty licorice confuses your senses with its strong but oddly comforting flavours.
Not everyone will be a fan of 85% chocolate or salty licorice, the same way not everyone will be a fan of this book.
Think of a historical fiction version of Dexter if he were a woman, with a bit of otherworldly twists.
Thank you, Laura, for doing me the honour of letting me read this treat.
May 2, 2026
I had high hopes for the premise of this story (I mean, a death god who becomes obsessed with the main character? What more could you ask for?), but a few things fell flat for me. The characters felt one-dimensional, and Evelyn and Gray’s relationship was under-developed and didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I also struggled to connect with Evelyn’s character and her sadism in general, even though I agree that bad man should absolutely have bad things happen to them. I really wanted to like this story, but I simply couldn’t connect with it, and while this story wasn’t for me, I think others will enjoy it! Thank you to the author for an advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This the second work by Laura Victoria that I have now read and I love how dark and twisted her mind island yet underneath that dark and twisted there is still a light of love she’ll leave on. I ate this book up and loved the story of Evelyn and Gray, a death god and his executioner. I have also come to enjoy when the FMC is the morally grey one and not the FMC. Evelyn is just that but you are given some explanation as to why. Ada, however in my opinion, stole the show at the end, love that horse. This is a very graphic book so be to read all of the warnings before jumping in.
March 23, 2026
thank you to Laura Victoria for the ARC opportunity!
Gray Obsession is a short novella that follows executioner Evelyn through her job at the Tower of London. A short but intriguing read, the novel introduces a mysterious figure that seems to follow Evelyn as she completes jobs.
for such a short book, i did quite enjoy the read. it was straight the point, but with such detail that i found myself very engrossed in the novel. i do, however, wish we got more time exploring the connection between Evelyn and Gray; perhaps in future iterations.
Gray Obsession is a short novella that follows executioner Evelyn through her job at the Tower of London. A short but intriguing read, the novel introduces a mysterious figure that seems to follow Evelyn as she completes jobs.
for such a short book, i did quite enjoy the read. it was straight the point, but with such detail that i found myself very engrossed in the novel. i do, however, wish we got more time exploring the connection between Evelyn and Gray; perhaps in future iterations.
May 1, 2026
I received this as an ARC, and am so happy to have had a chance to read this novella. If you like your books gothic, a little dark, a little bloody, with a whole lot of feminine rage then this is a novella you’ll enjoy! Our FMC is an absolute baddie, she’s strong, she’s loud, and she’s not afraid. Our MMC, a god, so gone for his woman I loved seeing him be all about her. This was a novella so expect to get right into a lot of action right off the bat!
May 10, 2026
This book is Dark, bloody and raw. Full of trigger warnings. If you like your books in a gothic scene you really need to read this one. He is a death God and she is a messed up FMC with beheading as a day job. Both like to kill people. The story captured me in an instant. From the beginning until the end. I loved how the FMC was described and what made her messed up. And found eventually love, even she thought she was not capable off.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an advanced reader copy from the author.
Its dark, has dark themes but oh my word!!! It was so good! Evelyn is a baddie LOVE her. Gray and his obsession was perfect. I love a good slow burn every now and then and this is great gor that. The growth and plot were great. Im so excited for Evelyn and Grays journey to continue. Ill be impatiently waiting to grab the next book!
Its dark, has dark themes but oh my word!!! It was so good! Evelyn is a baddie LOVE her. Gray and his obsession was perfect. I love a good slow burn every now and then and this is great gor that. The growth and plot were great. Im so excited for Evelyn and Grays journey to continue. Ill be impatiently waiting to grab the next book!
Review of advance copy
Got the opportunity to read this as an arc, so thank you Laura.
This is everything I wanted in a book. Dark, gothic, historical. Once I got into it, I didn’t want it to end.
Evie, the total badass she is, sassy, droll, she’s my kinda gal. Gray… dark, mysterious, drawn to Evelyn through darkness.
I loved this.
This is everything I wanted in a book. Dark, gothic, historical. Once I got into it, I didn’t want it to end.
Evie, the total badass she is, sassy, droll, she’s my kinda gal. Gray… dark, mysterious, drawn to Evelyn through darkness.
I loved this.
March 18, 2026
I’m grateful for receiving an ARC of this book! I really enjoyed it and loved the concept, I just wish it was a bit longer. The end of the book felt rushed to me. I wish there was more depth to the main characters’ relationship and we could see it develop more deeply over a longer period.
May 1, 2026
I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this captivating novella. I was hooked within the first chapter. I could not get enough. I loved the darkness and the morally gray areas. It has definitely joined my list of will read agains!
February 28, 2026
Devoured in one sitting- love it! So descriptive and really has you feeling for all the characters, even the side characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the concept of Gray! it's so fascinating how he does his job. Ada and her cute little attitude is my favorite!
Review of advance copy received from Author
review 🔜👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ah! Who would think a book about an executioner and a death god would have a girl swooning? Gray is man-goals. You know, if he was a man, and not mostly in Evelyn's head for half the book. The way this man speaks to her just makes me want my *own* Gray. I loved it!
Gray's Obsession is a pretty short read, around 150 pages, but you won't be missing out on anything. The book gets right into the beheadings, with our traumatized, bisexual, female executioner who is disgusting herself as a man to everyone but her boss for safety. Women are treated poorly in 1600s London, she's not stupid. Evelyn started off young with the murder, and Laura does have a trigger warning telling readers to skip chapter 5 if her backstory might be too much(on page SA and animal abuse).
After some of the deaths, she starts noticing eyes on her. Then she sees Him. She HAS to find out who he is. It becomes, you might say, an obsession? Witch trials begin, as they are in London, so why not brutalize more women, eh? After Mad Maude is burned at the stake, he finally appears for real.. Gray. Evelyn's Death God. But they can't touch yet. And he's only really around when death is happening.
Evelyn is desperate to understand him, desperate to protect her friends and herself. Because now, she's getting sloppy. The police are watching her, and he's just as brutal as she is. But in the end, the risks she takes to maintain everything might just be enough to unravel it all. Will she end up with Gray? Does Evelyn ruin her own life? Does her horse like her god boyfriend? Do I sound like I'm opening for a Soap Opera? (Sorry! Just read the book!)
Gray's Obsession is a pretty short read, around 150 pages, but you won't be missing out on anything. The book gets right into the beheadings, with our traumatized, bisexual, female executioner who is disgusting herself as a man to everyone but her boss for safety. Women are treated poorly in 1600s London, she's not stupid. Evelyn started off young with the murder, and Laura does have a trigger warning telling readers to skip chapter 5 if her backstory might be too much(on page SA and animal abuse).
After some of the deaths, she starts noticing eyes on her. Then she sees Him. She HAS to find out who he is. It becomes, you might say, an obsession? Witch trials begin, as they are in London, so why not brutalize more women, eh? After Mad Maude is burned at the stake, he finally appears for real.. Gray. Evelyn's Death God. But they can't touch yet. And he's only really around when death is happening.
Evelyn is desperate to understand him, desperate to protect her friends and herself. Because now, she's getting sloppy. The police are watching her, and he's just as brutal as she is. But in the end, the risks she takes to maintain everything might just be enough to unravel it all. Will she end up with Gray? Does Evelyn ruin her own life? Does her horse like her god boyfriend? Do I sound like I'm opening for a Soap Opera? (Sorry! Just read the book!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yet another Laura Victoria masterpiece. A female executioner and a death god had me in a chokehold. It takes place in 1600s London, and historical settings like that are not usually my favorite books to read. But Evelyn and Gray captivated my heart and Laura's writing sweeps me away everytime.
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