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The Supernatural Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven #3
A Waltz of Sinister Import
When the notorious Lady Riven is summoned to Vienna to solve a supernatural mystery, her debonair vampiric husband insists on accompanying her. However, neither of them is prepared for the true scope of the danger lurking within the sprawling Hofburg Palace... and by the time they uncover the truth behind every glittering illusion, their relationship may change forever.
The third and final (for now!) sparkling installment of The Supernatural Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven contains copious amounts of delicious cake, a protective vampire husband, unexpected new friendships, and a waltz that might just sweep the whole continent into war unless Margaret is stubborn enough to prevent it.
The third and final (for now!) sparkling installment of The Supernatural Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven contains copious amounts of delicious cake, a protective vampire husband, unexpected new friendships, and a waltz that might just sweep the whole continent into war unless Margaret is stubborn enough to prevent it.
Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2026
About the author
Stephanie Burgis
85 books1,459 followersI grew up in America, but now I live in Wales with my husband, fellow writer Patrick Samphire, our two sons, and our sweet (and extremely vocal) tabby cat, Pebbles. I write fantasy rom-coms for adults (most recently Claws and Contrivances and Good Neighbors) and fun MG fantasy adventure novels, too (most recently The Raven Crown duology). My next series will be the adult romantasy trilogy The Queens of Villainy, published by Tor Bramble, starting in 2025 with Wooing the Witch Queen.
To get early sneak peeks at new stories and novels, sign up for my newsletter here: stephanieburgis.com/newsletter.
To join my Dragons' Book Club and get early copies of every ebook that I put out myself (so, all of my novellas, short story ebooks, etc!), check out my Patreon page, where I also published a series of fantasy rom-coms (Good Neighbors) across 2020-2021.
I only rate and review the books that I like, which is why all of my ratings are 4 or 5 stars.
To get early sneak peeks at new stories and novels, sign up for my newsletter here: stephanieburgis.com/newsletter.
To join my Dragons' Book Club and get early copies of every ebook that I put out myself (so, all of my novellas, short story ebooks, etc!), check out my Patreon page, where I also published a series of fantasy rom-coms (Good Neighbors) across 2020-2021.
I only rate and review the books that I like, which is why all of my ratings are 4 or 5 stars.
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August 12, 2026Updating now that I've finished copyedits!
The ebook will be published on my Patreon for all of my Dragon Ruler subscribers this Friday, October 2nd, and it will be published (along with the paperback!) everywhere else on October 14th. You can subscribe to my Patreon or preorder the ebook now!
PS: The final draft came out at about 42,000 words, which - as my husband pointed out - officially makes this one a short novel. However, it is still a novella in my heart! ;)
The ebook will be published on my Patreon for all of my Dragon Ruler subscribers this Friday, October 2nd, and it will be published (along with the paperback!) everywhere else on October 14th. You can subscribe to my Patreon or preorder the ebook now!
PS: The final draft came out at about 42,000 words, which - as my husband pointed out - officially makes this one a short novel. However, it is still a novella in my heart! ;)
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August 30, 2026Another delightful, consoling novella from Stephanie Burgis for fans of Emily Wilde. In this one Margaret, Lady Riven, is obliged to follow her more sociable vampire husband into Viennese high society in order to solve a supernatural mystery with shades of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses". Underneath, though, it's the story of two people learning to make concessions for each other and work together despite their differences, which I loved.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this little gem, and I couldn't be happier anout it!
A Waltz of Sinister Import by Stephanie Burgis is the third novella in the series, and opening it feels like coming back to old friends. This time Lord and Lady Riven swap the Black Forest inn for Vienna, trading cosy chaos for glittering ballrooms, gossiping aristocrats and a mystery waiting to be untangled. The setting has changed, but the spirit of the series is just as strong.
This is the moment that melted me. A vampire who packs his wife's favourite tea for every journey, simply because he promised. That is the kind of love this series does so well. No grand speeches, no big drama, just small, steady care, day after day. Their marriage isn't effortless. They still stumble, still have to stop, listen and learn what the other needs. But they always do. Either of them will shrug off an insult aimed at themselves, yet the moment someone turns on the other, the claws come out. Loyal, tender and wonderfully healthy, they are a couple I could read about forever.
Vienna is Lord Riven's playground. He glides through the ballrooms, winning over everyone in sight. Margaret, meanwhile, is a mermaid out of water. Every dance, every round of small talk, every polite smile is time she could have spent with her books. And yet she never shrinks. She questions what she is told, stands firm on facts and speaks up for people others would rather ignore. Watching her hold her ground is so satisfying.
And then the book surprised me. Tucked into Margaret's memories of childhood travels is a sprinkle of Croatian folklore, with creatures I had never met in any fantasy before. It is only a brief aside, but it made me quietly happy. I love seeing lesser-known folklore get its moment, and regions that fantasy so rarely visits.
The new face I loved most is Madame Amalie, a lorelei full of charm. She is an opera singer, which in Viennese society is scandal enough that she warns Margaret not to be seen with her in public. Margaret simply does not care. She is already the odd one out, so why start worrying about gossip now? Madame Amalie isn't at the centre of the story, but she leaves a lasting mark.
What makes this series so cosy is how gently it treats its side characters. Even the careless and seemingly useless ones get their moment to show a little goodness. Nobody here is simply bad or simply foolish. Well, unless they are the villain, of course. It is a kind, hopeful way of seeing people, and it makes the whole book feel like a hug.
Reading it is like sitting down to a slice of the Apfelstrudel the characters enjoy. Layer after layer of banter, mystery and romance, with a sweet filling of affection, and all of it gone far too quickly. I finished with a contented sigh.
My only small grumble is a few plot conveniences. At one point an escape comes so easily that it feels less like a daring getaway and more like the story holding the door open for Margaret with a polite little bow. Even in cosy fantasy, I caught myself thinking "yeah, probably not." It is a tiny stumble in an otherwise graceful waltz, and it barely slowed me down.
And the ending? It sweeps them off toward new adventures, arm in arm.
A Waltz of Sinister Import is a witty, warm whirl through Viennese ballrooms, sprinkled with rare folklore and led by one of the healthiest couples in fantasy. Cosy, clever and a pure delight, it left me smiling and ready for the next dance.
A Waltz of Sinister Import by Stephanie Burgis is the third novella in the series, and opening it feels like coming back to old friends. This time Lord and Lady Riven swap the Black Forest inn for Vienna, trading cosy chaos for glittering ballrooms, gossiping aristocrats and a mystery waiting to be untangled. The setting has changed, but the spirit of the series is just as strong.
“And the tea was spectacular, of course. I take it you provided the leaves?”
“Naturally. I did promise to always ensure you had a good supply, no matter how far we traveled.” Margaret couldn’t see her husband’s face, but she heard the smile in his words as he murmured them into her ear.
This is the moment that melted me. A vampire who packs his wife's favourite tea for every journey, simply because he promised. That is the kind of love this series does so well. No grand speeches, no big drama, just small, steady care, day after day. Their marriage isn't effortless. They still stumble, still have to stop, listen and learn what the other needs. But they always do. Either of them will shrug off an insult aimed at themselves, yet the moment someone turns on the other, the claws come out. Loyal, tender and wonderfully healthy, they are a couple I could read about forever.
Vienna is Lord Riven's playground. He glides through the ballrooms, winning over everyone in sight. Margaret, meanwhile, is a mermaid out of water. Every dance, every round of small talk, every polite smile is time she could have spent with her books. And yet she never shrinks. She questions what she is told, stands firm on facts and speaks up for people others would rather ignore. Watching her hold her ground is so satisfying.
“Nixen are born within their species, though, while lorelei assume their own new natures after death. According to legend, in the rivers of this area and a few of the German states, every so often when a human woman takes her life due to a lover’s cruelty—or is drowned by that cruel lover—the river itself takes pity and revivifies her with new, siren qualities in order to exact her watery revenge upon every other human man for the betrayal.”
“According to legend,” Lord Riven repeated softly. “But according to my wife...?”
And then the book surprised me. Tucked into Margaret's memories of childhood travels is a sprinkle of Croatian folklore, with creatures I had never met in any fantasy before. It is only a brief aside, but it made me quietly happy. I love seeing lesser-known folklore get its moment, and regions that fantasy so rarely visits.
“When there were giant, friendly divovi happy to carry her on their shoulders and tiny tintilinici to run around with in the woods, why would she have cared what was happening in the outer world?”
The new face I loved most is Madame Amalie, a lorelei full of charm. She is an opera singer, which in Viennese society is scandal enough that she warns Margaret not to be seen with her in public. Margaret simply does not care. She is already the odd one out, so why start worrying about gossip now? Madame Amalie isn't at the centre of the story, but she leaves a lasting mark.
What makes this series so cosy is how gently it treats its side characters. Even the careless and seemingly useless ones get their moment to show a little goodness. Nobody here is simply bad or simply foolish. Well, unless they are the villain, of course. It is a kind, hopeful way of seeing people, and it makes the whole book feel like a hug.
Reading it is like sitting down to a slice of the Apfelstrudel the characters enjoy. Layer after layer of banter, mystery and romance, with a sweet filling of affection, and all of it gone far too quickly. I finished with a contented sigh.
My only small grumble is a few plot conveniences. At one point an escape comes so easily that it feels less like a daring getaway and more like the story holding the door open for Margaret with a polite little bow. Even in cosy fantasy, I caught myself thinking "yeah, probably not." It is a tiny stumble in an otherwise graceful waltz, and it barely slowed me down.
And the ending? It sweeps them off toward new adventures, arm in arm.
“My love,” he said, “your wish is my command. Onwards to scandal and adventure, side by side!”
A Waltz of Sinister Import is a witty, warm whirl through Viennese ballrooms, sprinkled with rare folklore and led by one of the healthiest couples in fantasy. Cosy, clever and a pure delight, it left me smiling and ready for the next dance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Margaret and Lord Riven have been invited to Vienna (at the request of their ineffectual king) thanks to Margaret's reputation as a solver of supernatural mysteries. Lord Riven doesn't mind the balls and gatherings and diplomacy required to navigate the glittering world of nobles and high society, but Margaret doesn't love it. After all, why spend hours making small talk when there's an entire LIBRARY calling to her.
Too bad, as a foreigner, she can't get into the library. And then there's this whole waltz thing. Well, actually the waltz part tickles Margaret's intellectual curiosity. But trying to investigate what's going on with little to no help from the person who asked her there? That's rather vexing.
NO WORRIES, HOWEVER. Margaret thinks on her feet. She also doesn't much care for the societal lines that say she maybe shouldn't be querying a supernatural opera singer in public. In fact, her open-mindedness when it comes to consorting with any and all supernaturals is the very reason she's been invited to Vienna in the first place.
Let's just say that Margaret is her usual self. She can't comprehend that something might be a danger to her until after the fact and puts herself in more than one situation that doesn't sit well with her adoring husband.
A twisted scheme, a library Margaret REALLY wants to explore, an unexpected benefactor, a vampire lord who has to deal with the fact his lady is a force of nature, and a lady who will go to any extremes to get answers. MAN, I like these two and the situations they find themselves in.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Too bad, as a foreigner, she can't get into the library. And then there's this whole waltz thing. Well, actually the waltz part tickles Margaret's intellectual curiosity. But trying to investigate what's going on with little to no help from the person who asked her there? That's rather vexing.
NO WORRIES, HOWEVER. Margaret thinks on her feet. She also doesn't much care for the societal lines that say she maybe shouldn't be querying a supernatural opera singer in public. In fact, her open-mindedness when it comes to consorting with any and all supernaturals is the very reason she's been invited to Vienna in the first place.
Let's just say that Margaret is her usual self. She can't comprehend that something might be a danger to her until after the fact and puts herself in more than one situation that doesn't sit well with her adoring husband.
A twisted scheme, a library Margaret REALLY wants to explore, an unexpected benefactor, a vampire lord who has to deal with the fact his lady is a force of nature, and a lady who will go to any extremes to get answers. MAN, I like these two and the situations they find themselves in.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 14, 2026
4 stars
Content warning: drugging and kidnapping
Thank you to the author for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.
Most of the reasons I have enjoyed this series so far continued to delight me in this third installment, and Lady Riven charmed me from start to finish. I do adore the structure of this character a great deal - she's socially inept, studious and hyper-focused to a fault, and reminds me a great deal of my beloved Emily Wilde. Coupled with the most delightful relationship with her husband, I enjoy all the time I get to spend luxuriating in their beautiful marriage and how well he supports Margaret with her research and life goals. I applaud the author for never straying away from character traits that have, in this book, openly been expressed in scornful ways towards Margaret. I enjoyed reading her bumble her way through creating a friendship with a Lorelai, and experiencing frustrations and feeling temporarily vulnerable throughout the book.
That said, I will admit the storyline of this one wasn't as enjoyable as the first two. Despite the wonderful addition of Madame Amalie, I found this one lacked some of the heart I have come to enjoy in this world. Supporting characters have done tremendous work to bolster Margaret's character and the uncovering of mysteries in the past, and whilst I admire the folklore elements and detailed research Burgis paid attention to whilst constructing A Waltz of Sinister Import, I found this third book a little more dense and lacking in those connecting moments for me. When they happened, they were superb, but the pacing to move through the story did feel a little more arduous this time. Along with a couple of plot conveniences, I did find it harder to remain settled in this otherwise charming Viennese setting.
I did love the ending, however, and the decision Margaret had made within her marriage with her vampire husband, and if there are more stories to come in this little series, I certainly cannot wait to return once more.
Content warning: drugging and kidnapping
Thank you to the author for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.
Most of the reasons I have enjoyed this series so far continued to delight me in this third installment, and Lady Riven charmed me from start to finish. I do adore the structure of this character a great deal - she's socially inept, studious and hyper-focused to a fault, and reminds me a great deal of my beloved Emily Wilde. Coupled with the most delightful relationship with her husband, I enjoy all the time I get to spend luxuriating in their beautiful marriage and how well he supports Margaret with her research and life goals. I applaud the author for never straying away from character traits that have, in this book, openly been expressed in scornful ways towards Margaret. I enjoyed reading her bumble her way through creating a friendship with a Lorelai, and experiencing frustrations and feeling temporarily vulnerable throughout the book.
That said, I will admit the storyline of this one wasn't as enjoyable as the first two. Despite the wonderful addition of Madame Amalie, I found this one lacked some of the heart I have come to enjoy in this world. Supporting characters have done tremendous work to bolster Margaret's character and the uncovering of mysteries in the past, and whilst I admire the folklore elements and detailed research Burgis paid attention to whilst constructing A Waltz of Sinister Import, I found this third book a little more dense and lacking in those connecting moments for me. When they happened, they were superb, but the pacing to move through the story did feel a little more arduous this time. Along with a couple of plot conveniences, I did find it harder to remain settled in this otherwise charming Viennese setting.
I did love the ending, however, and the decision Margaret had made within her marriage with her vampire husband, and if there are more stories to come in this little series, I certainly cannot wait to return once more.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have loved this series since the first book, and was so thrilled to be one of a limited number of readers that the author offered a pre-publication copy to, in order to have an early read - I loved this third book just as much as the first two!
Margaret is a fabulous character - smart, capable, determined and kind, I adore her! I especially like her social awkwardness, which I believe many of us can relate to and which makes her extremely relatable. I also love her total determination to make the lives of supernaturals in her world better through her scholarship. She is a wonderful character and I would LOVE to be friends with her.
Count Riven is right up there with Mr. Darcy as a sublime romantic hero and I love him too! The relationship between him and Margaret is definitely swoon-worthy and something for lovers of paranormal romance to enjoy.
The story was very clever and - as are all her books - wonderfully well-written by Stephanie Burgis. I have read many of her books at this point and have enjoyed all of them. She is terrific at writing characters a reader can connect with, root for and love.
Margaret is a fabulous character - smart, capable, determined and kind, I adore her! I especially like her social awkwardness, which I believe many of us can relate to and which makes her extremely relatable. I also love her total determination to make the lives of supernaturals in her world better through her scholarship. She is a wonderful character and I would LOVE to be friends with her.
Count Riven is right up there with Mr. Darcy as a sublime romantic hero and I love him too! The relationship between him and Margaret is definitely swoon-worthy and something for lovers of paranormal romance to enjoy.
The story was very clever and - as are all her books - wonderfully well-written by Stephanie Burgis. I have read many of her books at this point and have enjoyed all of them. She is terrific at writing characters a reader can connect with, root for and love.
October 26, 2026
🦇༉‧₊˚. Back again with Lord and Lady Riven in the (I think) final installment! 🦇༉‧₊˚.
A Waltz of Sinister Import is the third volume in the Lord and Lady Riven series and omg it was so good to be back. They're basically my family now, I've traveled the world with them, encountered supernatural creatures, learnt history, and got to go on some adventures. This third installment takes us all the way to Vienna to figure out a way to stop this magical waltz that keeps hiding in this royal events.
If you're in the mood for a cozy fantasy romance with a snarky scholar wife and a devoted vampire husband, definitely give this a go. Their adventures are so entertaining, and their romance is adorable! It's very slow burn and it started as a marriage of convenience, so it was so nice to see it develop over the time, with each new book. He always calls her "my wife" "my dear" he's so gone for her I'M NOT OKAY.
Thank you again to Stephanie Burgis for sending me a copy! She's always been so kind and never forgets me <3
A Waltz of Sinister Import is the third volume in the Lord and Lady Riven series and omg it was so good to be back. They're basically my family now, I've traveled the world with them, encountered supernatural creatures, learnt history, and got to go on some adventures. This third installment takes us all the way to Vienna to figure out a way to stop this magical waltz that keeps hiding in this royal events.
If you're in the mood for a cozy fantasy romance with a snarky scholar wife and a devoted vampire husband, definitely give this a go. Their adventures are so entertaining, and their romance is adorable! It's very slow burn and it started as a marriage of convenience, so it was so nice to see it develop over the time, with each new book. He always calls her "my wife" "my dear" he's so gone for her I'M NOT OKAY.
Thank you again to Stephanie Burgis for sending me a copy! She's always been so kind and never forgets me <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adore this series! This was a fun and satisfying conclusion to the series. I loved the new setting and particularly adored Margaret's relationship with a new side character. While I'm sad to say goodbye to this series (I've eagerly anticipated each installment), this is a lovely note to end on. I'll be eagerly anticipating the author's next book--hopeful for a new novella series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Five Word TL:DR Review: A Perfectly Fitting Final Instalment
Well, the door isn’t totally closed, there may be more books in the future, or at least one can but hope.
I was so pleased to have an advanced review copy of A Waltz of Sinister Import by Stephanie Burgis. This series has been an absolute delight to read with it’s prickly central character who just so happens to be the leading expert on anything that goes bump in the night, by which I mean supernaturals.
First things first. This is the third in series and so I feel I should mention the possibility of spoilers lurking in this review, although I do my utmost to not drop clangers. Secondly, if you haven’t read the first two books I suggest you do so first. I suppose you could crash into this series at the final hurdle but you would deprive yourself of two very good books, which clearly you wouldn’t want to do, and also your knowledge of Lady and Lord Riven would not be as well grounded – in my opinion that is. Basically, be good to yourself and read all three. They are delicious – strangely enough there is also plenty of mention of tea and cakes so come prepared.
In this final instalment Margaret and her ever so patient vampire husband, Lord Riven, have swapped the Black Forest for the ballrooms of Vienna. A very unpleasant exchange in Margaret’s opinion. She’s not a lover of high society, dislikes all the pomp and ceremony of balls and finds it hard to blend into this so called polite society who are actually more vicious than a pack of wild animals. The couple long to return to the Black Forest but needs must, war is but a hair’s breadth away and Margaret needs to solve the latest mystery before everything goes to hell in a handcart.
I’m not going to say anything more about the story. It’s really well written and a wonderful read. It manages to bring to us magical balls – of the kind that you wouldn’t want to be invited to – political intrigue and, for me at least, unknown folklore in terms of the introduction of a totally fascinating new character.
What I love about this series. It begins with a marriage of inconvenience before quickly becoming obvious that Margaret and Lord Riven were made for each other. Their relationship is the key element in these books, especially in that certain conventions are turned on their head. Margaret, a woman of good standing and wealth, doesn’t like to socialise and has no time for niceties, she’s somewhat to the point, calls a spade a spade and is genuinely surprised if people are affronted. Lord Riven, on the other hand is a well spoken man about town. He has no problem talking and socialising with anybody and he does his best to step up and put himself into the fray in order for Margaret to not have to do so. This is one of the best married couples that I’ve read. They feel so caring and thoughtful of each others needs and emotions – which isn’t to say that Margaret doesn’t put herself in danger without a care in the world and that Lord Riven is nearly driven to distraction.
I actually enjoyed the switch of setting and in fact that’s something else I enjoy about this series. Each instalment brings a different setting, mystery and usually the introduction to something new in terms of fantasy folk and critters.
The dialogue is really good, something I feel Burgis really excels at. There is simmering romance, new friendships and a really fitting ending. Yes, its always a bittersweet feeling coming to the end of a series that you’ve enjoyed but there remains a tiny glimmer of light that we might see Margaret and Lord Riven in the future. Never say never.
I received a copy courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Well, the door isn’t totally closed, there may be more books in the future, or at least one can but hope.
I was so pleased to have an advanced review copy of A Waltz of Sinister Import by Stephanie Burgis. This series has been an absolute delight to read with it’s prickly central character who just so happens to be the leading expert on anything that goes bump in the night, by which I mean supernaturals.
First things first. This is the third in series and so I feel I should mention the possibility of spoilers lurking in this review, although I do my utmost to not drop clangers. Secondly, if you haven’t read the first two books I suggest you do so first. I suppose you could crash into this series at the final hurdle but you would deprive yourself of two very good books, which clearly you wouldn’t want to do, and also your knowledge of Lady and Lord Riven would not be as well grounded – in my opinion that is. Basically, be good to yourself and read all three. They are delicious – strangely enough there is also plenty of mention of tea and cakes so come prepared.
In this final instalment Margaret and her ever so patient vampire husband, Lord Riven, have swapped the Black Forest for the ballrooms of Vienna. A very unpleasant exchange in Margaret’s opinion. She’s not a lover of high society, dislikes all the pomp and ceremony of balls and finds it hard to blend into this so called polite society who are actually more vicious than a pack of wild animals. The couple long to return to the Black Forest but needs must, war is but a hair’s breadth away and Margaret needs to solve the latest mystery before everything goes to hell in a handcart.
I’m not going to say anything more about the story. It’s really well written and a wonderful read. It manages to bring to us magical balls – of the kind that you wouldn’t want to be invited to – political intrigue and, for me at least, unknown folklore in terms of the introduction of a totally fascinating new character.
What I love about this series. It begins with a marriage of inconvenience before quickly becoming obvious that Margaret and Lord Riven were made for each other. Their relationship is the key element in these books, especially in that certain conventions are turned on their head. Margaret, a woman of good standing and wealth, doesn’t like to socialise and has no time for niceties, she’s somewhat to the point, calls a spade a spade and is genuinely surprised if people are affronted. Lord Riven, on the other hand is a well spoken man about town. He has no problem talking and socialising with anybody and he does his best to step up and put himself into the fray in order for Margaret to not have to do so. This is one of the best married couples that I’ve read. They feel so caring and thoughtful of each others needs and emotions – which isn’t to say that Margaret doesn’t put herself in danger without a care in the world and that Lord Riven is nearly driven to distraction.
I actually enjoyed the switch of setting and in fact that’s something else I enjoy about this series. Each instalment brings a different setting, mystery and usually the introduction to something new in terms of fantasy folk and critters.
The dialogue is really good, something I feel Burgis really excels at. There is simmering romance, new friendships and a really fitting ending. Yes, its always a bittersweet feeling coming to the end of a series that you’ve enjoyed but there remains a tiny glimmer of light that we might see Margaret and Lord Riven in the future. Never say never.
I received a copy courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
October 16, 2026
"Margaret had never enjoyed failing at anything. But to fail at research? Intolerable."
I love this series, I truly do, but this installment is admittedly light on romance, and while that's okay, if it's really the last book I'm going to be a little sad. Burgis does say that it's the final installment (for now) so my hopes of seeing a vampire Margaret are still alive (undead?) and the potent vampire lover's bite that's perpetually teased will perhaps, someday, be on page outside of Margaret's research paper. Instead of romantic, this novella IS full of intrigue and is super engaging.
This novella was teased at the close of the previous and Lord and Lady Riven are summoned to their very annoying king on a matter of supernatural importance. There's a big diplomatic whatnot taking place where rulers from all over Europe are hosting balls, but at each event a waltz is being played that seemingly transports the hearers to a fairy world where they dance until their shoes fall apart. They're all actually totally fine (which doesn't make sense) but it's making peace talks awkward. (The stakes are supposed to feel high but they ... don't.) Lady Riven to the rescue!! ... if anyone will let her into the dang library, that is.
Like the previous novella, this one is mostly centered around Margaret with no Lord Riven POV (do we know his first name?) though he is in the background being charming and protective and day sleeping. Margaret also makes friends with a river spirit opera singer whose name is escaping me but starts with an A. Amelie? Regardless, I didn't get A's relationship with the king who kind of insults her when she's seemingly not around and yet I don't think she dumps him in the end ... eh, I didn't love that part. He literally calls her perfume something cheap tarts would wear - dump his royal ass, you have a job you don't need this man!!
Still a good story.
I know authors are supposed to market themselves in context of other authors and I find that frustrating, but if Burgis wanted to take this series to a trad publisher the "Emily Wilde but vampires" connection is so easy to sell and these books are just as good (maybe even better in some parts). I would love to see each book expand, especially now that the Queens of Villainy series is coming to a close. A girl can dream!
I love this series, I truly do, but this installment is admittedly light on romance, and while that's okay, if it's really the last book I'm going to be a little sad. Burgis does say that it's the final installment (for now) so my hopes of seeing a vampire Margaret are still alive (undead?) and the potent vampire lover's bite that's perpetually teased will perhaps, someday, be on page outside of Margaret's research paper. Instead of romantic, this novella IS full of intrigue and is super engaging.
This novella was teased at the close of the previous and Lord and Lady Riven are summoned to their very annoying king on a matter of supernatural importance. There's a big diplomatic whatnot taking place where rulers from all over Europe are hosting balls, but at each event a waltz is being played that seemingly transports the hearers to a fairy world where they dance until their shoes fall apart. They're all actually totally fine (which doesn't make sense) but it's making peace talks awkward. (The stakes are supposed to feel high but they ... don't.) Lady Riven to the rescue!! ... if anyone will let her into the dang library, that is.
Like the previous novella, this one is mostly centered around Margaret with no Lord Riven POV (do we know his first name?) though he is in the background being charming and protective and day sleeping. Margaret also makes friends with a river spirit opera singer whose name is escaping me but starts with an A. Amelie? Regardless, I didn't get A's relationship with the king who kind of insults her when she's seemingly not around and yet I don't think she dumps him in the end ... eh, I didn't love that part. He literally calls her perfume something cheap tarts would wear - dump his royal ass, you have a job you don't need this man!!
Still a good story.
I know authors are supposed to market themselves in context of other authors and I find that frustrating, but if Burgis wanted to take this series to a trad publisher the "Emily Wilde but vampires" connection is so easy to sell and these books are just as good (maybe even better in some parts). I would love to see each book expand, especially now that the Queens of Villainy series is coming to a close. A girl can dream!
October 28, 2026
I greatly enjoyed this final installment in Lady & Lord Riven's adventures. If more are ever written, I'm sure I will enjoy those as well, but this one wraps up the series quite nicely as a trilogy.
As you may have guessed from the cover, the title, and the blurb, this book loosely uses The Twelve Dancing Princesses as a foundation for the supernatural element. That is one of my favorite fairy tales, so I enjoyed finding the nods to the original in this story. However, it's not a true retelling, instead borrowing elements from the fairy tale as part of the magical enchantment of this sinister waltz.
While the plot and setting are both wonderful, my favorite part of this book is the characters. Our main couple is as lovely as ever, but side character Amalie shines far brighter than I would have expected based on our introduction to her. I also enjoyed the references to the events and characters of book two.
As you may have guessed from the cover, the title, and the blurb, this book loosely uses The Twelve Dancing Princesses as a foundation for the supernatural element. That is one of my favorite fairy tales, so I enjoyed finding the nods to the original in this story. However, it's not a true retelling, instead borrowing elements from the fairy tale as part of the magical enchantment of this sinister waltz.
While the plot and setting are both wonderful, my favorite part of this book is the characters. Our main couple is as lovely as ever, but side character Amalie shines far brighter than I would have expected based on our introduction to her. I also enjoyed the references to the events and characters of book two.
October 17, 2026
What a wonderful end to a wonderful series!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the early review copy!
I like that with each novella in this series, the world has widened a little bit, we've learnt more about its history, met more of its characters, and visited new places. It meant that while we got to see Margaret and Lord Riven learn more about each other and their relationship, we also get to learn more about the world and their perspective on it.
The mystery in this one was very fascinating, and I think it made the story feel both whimsical and sinister at the same time. All three novellas have had fairytale elements, but this is the one that felt the most like we were being immersed in a fairytale, which I loved.
I liked that Margaret and Lord Riven continued to grow together and to understand each other better, they faced challenges that could have pulled them apart but actually helped them grow closer and helped them to be more honest with each other and less afraid to show their emotions. They are a very endearing couple, and it is very clear how much they care about each other, which is so lovely and enjoyable to read.
I think this installment wrapped up their story well, but I would definitely be happy to read more stories about Lady and Lord Riven if there ever are any more. I am sure the two of them could find enough adventures to fill up a few novels at least!
I like that with each novella in this series, the world has widened a little bit, we've learnt more about its history, met more of its characters, and visited new places. It meant that while we got to see Margaret and Lord Riven learn more about each other and their relationship, we also get to learn more about the world and their perspective on it.
The mystery in this one was very fascinating, and I think it made the story feel both whimsical and sinister at the same time. All three novellas have had fairytale elements, but this is the one that felt the most like we were being immersed in a fairytale, which I loved.
I liked that Margaret and Lord Riven continued to grow together and to understand each other better, they faced challenges that could have pulled them apart but actually helped them grow closer and helped them to be more honest with each other and less afraid to show their emotions. They are a very endearing couple, and it is very clear how much they care about each other, which is so lovely and enjoyable to read.
I think this installment wrapped up their story well, but I would definitely be happy to read more stories about Lady and Lord Riven if there ever are any more. I am sure the two of them could find enough adventures to fill up a few novels at least!
October 17, 2026
Magnificent! Lord and Lady Riven’s latest adventure had everything I hoped for and more. I know A Waltz of Sinister Import is the third of this trilogy but I do so hope we might see again Margaret and Benedict again someday. As with A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience and A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence, the writing here is witty and clever, the characters are charming and the story is enthralling.
A Waltz of Sinister Import finds Lord and Lady Riven in Vienna, summoned to a conference of European Royalty by their own British monarch, King Thomas. Dissolute but affable, King Thomas commands to couple to uncover the origins of a strange, compelling waltz that has appeared time and again at the magnificent royal balls associated with the Peace Conference. The assignment is much tougher, and much more dangerous, than it first appears but Margaret, Lady Riven is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. Benedict, Lord Riven is equally determined to keep his wife safe.
A Waltz of Sinister Import finds Lord and Lady Riven in Vienna, summoned to a conference of European Royalty by their own British monarch, King Thomas. Dissolute but affable, King Thomas commands to couple to uncover the origins of a strange, compelling waltz that has appeared time and again at the magnificent royal balls associated with the Peace Conference. The assignment is much tougher, and much more dangerous, than it first appears but Margaret, Lady Riven is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. Benedict, Lord Riven is equally determined to keep his wife safe.
October 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ not spicy
- JUST REALLY BEAUTIFUL
- beautiful prose, beautiful scenery, beautiful storytelling, beautiful characters
- CAN I PLEASE JUST BE WHEN I GROW UP??
- mystery solving and political intrigue
- good pacing
- magical creatures and their place in a hierarchal society
- lore and history told so eloquently
This is one of those books that absolutely reminds you of every single one of your favorite British authors from your youth, with a grown up storyline and a continued romance with a vampire with some feral tendencies and his proper British wife. I love this author, love being wrapped up in her stories and her mind, solving the puzzles and learning some incredible folklore along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend this series to any Susanna Clarke fan, it’s just as lovely and striking.
🌶️ not spicy
- JUST REALLY BEAUTIFUL
- beautiful prose, beautiful scenery, beautiful storytelling, beautiful characters
- CAN I PLEASE JUST BE WHEN I GROW UP??
- mystery solving and political intrigue
- good pacing
- magical creatures and their place in a hierarchal society
- lore and history told so eloquently
This is one of those books that absolutely reminds you of every single one of your favorite British authors from your youth, with a grown up storyline and a continued romance with a vampire with some feral tendencies and his proper British wife. I love this author, love being wrapped up in her stories and her mind, solving the puzzles and learning some incredible folklore along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend this series to any Susanna Clarke fan, it’s just as lovely and striking.
October 25, 2026
Read this in one sitting (thanks to the author for an eARC copy via BookFunnel!) and it’s as delightful as the first two novellas in the series. It’s a fun mystery with a highly satisfying ending, and just a great continuation of the adventures of Lord and Lady Riven. Very fun read, highly recommend this trilogy of novellas.
September 25, 2026
i was lucky enough to win an e-arc copy from Ms Burgis ! hooray!
i *loved* this.
i love Margaret's academic soul! i love... basically everything about this series - they're Tal-nip - and i hope Ms Burgis will write more.
i *loved* this.
i love Margaret's academic soul! i love... basically everything about this series - they're Tal-nip - and i hope Ms Burgis will write more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another delightful adventure with Lady and Lord Riven! This is such a fun cozy-spooky series. 🖤
October 15, 2026
I loved this third book in the series. The mystery kept me hooked and it is great to see how the two leads have developed their relationship develop.
October 23, 2026
I enjoyed this entire series! A Victorian scholar who’s a sassy, strong woman married to the vampire and SHE IS DEFINITELY THE MAIN CHARACTER?! Yes, please 🙏
October 24, 2026
This book made me so happy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lord and Lady Riven have been summoned to Vienna by the British monarch King Thomas III, to handle a mysterious situation that is disrupting the peace talks. At various balls, something is causing the attendees to dance for hours, while little time is passing in the ball room. Even though Margaret is not a fan of crowds, she enjoys solving a supernatural mystery and is determined to unravel the puzzle.
A Waltz of Sinister Import is the third title in Burgis’s delightful Supernatural Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven series. Margaret and Riven have found a comfortable love which brings tremendous trust. I love how they support each other and offer assistance, but never try to override the other. Margaret continues to develop her skills and grow into her new life, still feeling a bit awkward, but never really out of place. Both have changed so much, becoming stronger individually due to their bond.
Burgis, who once lived in Vienna, provides intricate details which create a complex setting, transporting this reader to the ballrooms and fanfare of the time. I enjoyed how the mystery is intertwined with Margaret and Riven’s romance. I also appreciate that I couldn’t solve the case before Margaret.
If you are in the mood for a cozy historical fantasy, I highly recommend the Supernatural Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven series. The mythology is interesting, the characters are darling, and the stories are fun.
My Rating: B
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the author
A Waltz of Sinister Import is the third title in Burgis’s delightful Supernatural Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven series. Margaret and Riven have found a comfortable love which brings tremendous trust. I love how they support each other and offer assistance, but never try to override the other. Margaret continues to develop her skills and grow into her new life, still feeling a bit awkward, but never really out of place. Both have changed so much, becoming stronger individually due to their bond.
Burgis, who once lived in Vienna, provides intricate details which create a complex setting, transporting this reader to the ballrooms and fanfare of the time. I enjoyed how the mystery is intertwined with Margaret and Riven’s romance. I also appreciate that I couldn’t solve the case before Margaret.
If you are in the mood for a cozy historical fantasy, I highly recommend the Supernatural Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven series. The mythology is interesting, the characters are darling, and the stories are fun.
My Rating: B
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the author
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The short version of this review is this: I love everything about this series. I love the covers, which are a piece of art, I love the titles, because how can I not? And I love the stories, the characters (awww, these characters), the humor, and the banter, and the relationship. Everything!
I am a bit sad, because this is the last installment, but I think that the author’s decision to end the story here is a good one. It’s just that I will miss Lady and Lord Riven.
And if you want to know more about this series, here are my reviews for the previous two novellas: A Marriage Of Undead Inconvenience and A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence.
And now I will try to tell you something more about this series, but really, you should just go and read it. Because it is soooo good!
Anyway, let’s see what I can say about it.
I really love Margaret. Lady Riven is just so relatable, and it is easy to find at least a piece of myself in her. And she is a no-nonsense kind of woman; she is marvelously pragmatic, and she hates being sociable. She is not a people person, and she has no patience for the waves and tides of high society, she isn’t the most tactful person, and she finds herself at a loss when a lot of people are around. And I love that Lord Riven is just the perfect counterpoint to her, but I will tell you more about this in a moment. For now, I want to spend a couple more words on Margaret.
She is also a highly competent person, and I love to read about people who love their job and are good at it. And she is passionate about her work, her studies and the people who can be helped through them. She wants to help people, and she has some really modern points of view on people and society because she doesn’t give importance to one’s station in life, but to who they really are and what they do.
But Margaret is not the only star of the book, because her husband is a sweetie too. I know I’ve already said that in another review of this series, but it is worth repeating: he is the personification of a green flag. And he is adorable. And swoon-worthy. He is also the perfect partner for Margaret, because these two really complement each other.
And they are an amazing couple.
Their relationship is another selling point of this series. I love that we get to follow a married couple, and truly, their relationship is one of the best. I love to see their companionship, I love to see how they make it work, always, and how they support and love each other. And I love that they are a real couple, they really care for each other, and I also loved that the author talks about the desire and the physical side of love. It’s not a spicy book, but sex and desire are present, and this made them feel more real.
I love Lady and Lord Riven, but I love them as a couple even more.
And the setting is beautiful too, and the mystery is fascinating. We also meet some interesting characters here, so everything is quite good. I can’t really say more because this is a short story, and you should be able to discover something by yourself too. But everything here works well, and the ending result is something even better than the single part. It was a real pleasure to immerse myself in these pages, and reading this book (or this whole series, to be honest) made me happy!
The short version of this review is this: I love everything about this series. I love the covers, which are a piece of art, I love the titles, because how can I not? And I love the stories, the characters (awww, these characters), the humor, and the banter, and the relationship. Everything!
I am a bit sad, because this is the last installment, but I think that the author’s decision to end the story here is a good one. It’s just that I will miss Lady and Lord Riven.
And if you want to know more about this series, here are my reviews for the previous two novellas: A Marriage Of Undead Inconvenience and A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence.
And now I will try to tell you something more about this series, but really, you should just go and read it. Because it is soooo good!
Anyway, let’s see what I can say about it.
I really love Margaret. Lady Riven is just so relatable, and it is easy to find at least a piece of myself in her. And she is a no-nonsense kind of woman; she is marvelously pragmatic, and she hates being sociable. She is not a people person, and she has no patience for the waves and tides of high society, she isn’t the most tactful person, and she finds herself at a loss when a lot of people are around. And I love that Lord Riven is just the perfect counterpoint to her, but I will tell you more about this in a moment. For now, I want to spend a couple more words on Margaret.
She is also a highly competent person, and I love to read about people who love their job and are good at it. And she is passionate about her work, her studies and the people who can be helped through them. She wants to help people, and she has some really modern points of view on people and society because she doesn’t give importance to one’s station in life, but to who they really are and what they do.
But Margaret is not the only star of the book, because her husband is a sweetie too. I know I’ve already said that in another review of this series, but it is worth repeating: he is the personification of a green flag. And he is adorable. And swoon-worthy. He is also the perfect partner for Margaret, because these two really complement each other.
And they are an amazing couple.
Their relationship is another selling point of this series. I love that we get to follow a married couple, and truly, their relationship is one of the best. I love to see their companionship, I love to see how they make it work, always, and how they support and love each other. And I love that they are a real couple, they really care for each other, and I also loved that the author talks about the desire and the physical side of love. It’s not a spicy book, but sex and desire are present, and this made them feel more real.
I love Lady and Lord Riven, but I love them as a couple even more.
And the setting is beautiful too, and the mystery is fascinating. We also meet some interesting characters here, so everything is quite good. I can’t really say more because this is a short story, and you should be able to discover something by yourself too. But everything here works well, and the ending result is something even better than the single part. It was a real pleasure to immerse myself in these pages, and reading this book (or this whole series, to be honest) made me happy!
October 18, 2026
Ah this was so much fun! Vienna comes to vivid life, the worldbuilding is immaculate, the mystery was intriguing, and I continue to love the delicious dynamic between Lord and Lady Riven! I love how they're so into each other, the way they're still learning stuff about each other in a relationship that's comparatively new, and the way they both feel so protective of each other! Also, I just think every autistic nerd should get a hot vampire husband who would kill for her, if she wants one.
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