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Blood & Sin #1

The Monster & The Sinner

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Two centuries ago, a mercenary vampire entered a deadly bargain to return the soul of his blood-bonded mate—at the cost of his own.

The spell promised only one thing: when his mate was reborn, Gabriel would feel the summons.

And now, the call has finally come.

Gabriel is drawn to the corrupt city of Irongard, where the summons leads him to Nicholas Armahn—a gentle and shy man whose dreams of blood and murder have stolen his peace.
Desire and a thirst that can’t be quenched have shaken his foundation, making him question his beliefs and the path he’s following.

No doctor can cure him, and his prayers have gone unanswered.

Gabriel came to Irongard ready to reclaim what was promised to him. Instead, he finds a man who is the opposite of what he expected, and everything he didn’t know he needed. But no matter whose soul he carries, this life belongs to Nicholas.

When faced with the choice between telling him the truth and keeping the man he loves whole, Gabriel must be prepared to lose him all over again.


Blood & Sin is a character-driven, paranormal MM romance series with vampires and an overarching plot. The Monster & The Sinner is book 1 in the interconnected series, can be read as a standalone, and ends in an HEA. Please visit the author’s website for a full list of tropes and warnings.

545 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

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About the author

C.P. Harris

11 books1,425 followers
C.P. Harris writes emotionally charged romance with a dark edge. Her stories dive deep into flawed characters, but always leave you with hard-won happily-ever-afters.
When she’s not writing, you can find C.P. devouring the same intense, complicated romances she loves to create.
If you crave angst, obsession, and endings that hurt before they heal, then C.P. Harris might be your next favorite author.


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Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/c/CPHarris

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IG: @authorcharris_

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5 stars
134 (38%)
4 stars
114 (32%)
3 stars
66 (18%)
2 stars
30 (8%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
519 reviews22 followers
July 21, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the summer because C.P. Harris is one of my favorite authors—I’ve loved almost all of her books. However, I’m not sure if it was the book itself, my high expectations, or my reading slump, but this one ended up being a bit of a letdown.

Don’t get me wrong—it wasn’t bad by any means, and there were plenty of things I enjoyed. Still, something about the overall reading experience just fell a little short for me.

I liked the beginning, and the whole concept was intriguing—a little different—and the story started off really interestingly, but somehow my interest just faded at some point. It also started to go in a slightly different direction than I expected based on the beginning. And I wasn’t a fan of the MMCs being apart for such a significant part of the story—it kind of ruined the whole concept of the plot for me and kind of interrupted the romance and the main story.

This book was also written in such a way that the beginning and middle were quite long and, in places, could even be a bit tedious, but the “resolution” at the end came too quickly or too easily after everything that had happened. Still, the ending was good and set the stage well for the next book.

And as is typical for this author, there were some really beautiful passages here, and the spice was hot. However, my smut overdose continues, and I admit I skipped over some of those parts a bit—but that’s a me issue 😬 It was either that, or the fact that their relationship was so heavily centered on sex and physical desire that it just kind of put me off..

There were also a few things left unclear for me. I wondered if it was just my fault for not paying enough attention or concentrating properly, but apparently others have experienced the same thing. I also struggled a bit with the third-person narrative style in this book; at the start of a couple of paragraphs I had to re-check which POV was actually being used, and often I wasn’t sure who was being referred to.

I definitely plan to keep reading the series, but I hope the next one is better 🤞🏼


🩸🩸🩸



⚠️SPOILER ALERT⚠️ (kinda?)


Personally, I would have preferred the story to focus more on the blood bond between Zayn and Gabriel, as well as Zayn’s reincarnation, since those were the elements that built such a strong foundation for the book. I was intrigued by the idea that they were destined mates/soulmates, and I expected that to remain at the heart of the story.

Instead, the plot took a different direction. I wasn’t a fan of Nicholas turning out to be almost a completely different person, and I found his resistance and attitude toward Gabriel quite frustrating 🙄 Based on how the story began, I was expecting a different development, so the shift in focus was a bit disappointing for me.
Profile Image for Renae Reads.
858 reviews871 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 14, 2026
The Monster & the Sinner is a unique paranormal take on the fate mates trope. Gabriel is a centuries-old vampire who is bewitched by human Nicholas, the spitting image of his long-lost love. His desire to reunite with his mate, taken from him centuries earlier, creates a dynamic that is complicated, forbidden, and nothing short of dramatic.

Gabriel is determined to protect Nicholas, but many aspects of this are out of his control. Nicholas and Gabriel have dynamite chemistry, but many barriers and hurdles stand in the way of their long-awaited HEA. Nicholas is a headstrong, empathetic man who is thrust into a chaotic, dangerous world beyond his depth.

Overall, this story takes risks. It is dark, brooding, and full of an impossible love that traveled centuries to reunite these two men. I love where the story goes and how both Gabriel and Nicholas grow and mature significantly throughout. The ending has quite the cliffhanger, and I look forward to the next story and where these characters go from there.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Profile Image for Alisia alis_reads_.
72 reviews770 followers
July 22, 2026
4.5 🌟 2 🌶️
Excuse me while I BEG cp Harris for book 2!!!!
Vampire and his MATE
It starts off good but then it turns into the MMC hating and resenting him and ENTER THE HATE F*cking!

The only reason this didn’t get a 5 stars was because I felt the MMC’s were apart for too long when he left. They were so good together.

Also I really liked the lore and how everything worked as a vampire.
Profile Image for Chrissy_reads2727.
110 reviews28 followers
July 26, 2026
6 stars. CP Harris is unmatched in her ability to make anguish and even brutality beautiful in a way that will leave you sobbing and your heart aching for more.

I thought I knew longing.... I thought I knew yearning... I thought I knew devotion.... I thought I knew love.... turns out I don't know shit about shit cause CP broke through the ceiling of every definition and expectation I previously had.

Gabriel a vampire, one of only 3 left of his kind, is plagued by the absence of his mate. Killed 200 years ago he made a deal with a powerful witch to have his mate reincarnated but he didn't know when it would happen nor how he would even appear..... 200 years of waiting.... of unbearable suffering.... when he finally feels a pull leading him to his reincarnated mate.

Nicholas, a once deeply religious man, finds himself turning to sex work as he is suddenly plagued with urges and needs he's never felt before. His shame is a living breathing thing. He has no idea what is happening to him, but everything changes when an incredibly beautiful stranger enters his life. He smells like danger but he can't resist his pull.

Gabriel is playing a dangerous game as he knows what the future has in store for Nicholas. Faced with telling him the truth or forming a bond, he chooses to bond. But is that bond strong enough to withstand the blast of his truth, of their truth? And if not, will there be enough pieces left to mend and make them whole again?

This book had my heart literally aching in my chest when it wasn't shattered on the floor. Still looking for some pieces tbh 😩. I fear I will never recover from this book.... how am I supposed to move on with my life when a love that deep and all-consuming exists even if just on a fictional plane? 😭

I need more CP please?! 🥺 will be sitting here staring at a wall in a perpetual existential crisis until I get book 2 🫠
Profile Image for Renée.
1,207 reviews437 followers
July 23, 2026
2.5 stars

I struggled to finish this one. I love this author, and I was so excited that a vampire book was coming out. But a good half of this book, the MC’s spend apart. Nicholas “finding himself“ didn’t need to last that long. I don’t think I’ll continue with the next one.
Profile Image for Julia.
319 reviews15 followers
July 24, 2026
3.5⭐️
I never thought I'd say this, but this book actually won me over on the reincarnation trope. Unfortunately, almost everything after one of the MCs was turned into a vampire felt like a chore to get through. The main characters spent way too much time apart, and I just couldn't make myself care about Nicholas's suffering. I get why it was necessary for their relationship and character growth, but it really tested my patience. Still, I'm curious to see where the story goes next. The worldbuilding and mythology are compelling, and I'm especially looking forward to the vampire x priest pairing in the next book.
Profile Image for Courtenay (ceelovesbooks).
412 reviews167 followers
July 4, 2026
I have absolutely ZERO idea for how to explain this book to someone who hasn’t read it.. there are SO many layers to this but all I can say is WOW. CP Harris does it again. This authors brain is a beautiful place to be. I can’t even comprehend how someone could begin to come up with a plot like this.. I’m going to sit on this for a bit and see if I can come up with ANYTHING to say that will do this justice. One of my top reads of the year hands down. Absolutely beautifully written and that last chapter had me SCREAMING for book 2! Stunning.

———————————————

I truly believe the best way to go into this book is being completely blind. Of course maybe read the blurb (although, I didn’t) and check your TWs but other than that.. allow CP to take you on one heck of a ride with Gabriel and Nicholas.

I truly believe this book could be for everyone. Are you a fantasy girlie? A MM reader? A dark romance lover who’s looking for something different? Into paranormal romance? This is the book for you! It’s got everything. I was gasping, tearing up, and screaming over this book. I couldn’t and didn’t put it down.

At this point I would trust C.P. Harris with my life. I don’t think there’s a single book she’s written that I haven’t absolutely loved and given at LEAST 5⭐️ to. This one came as a complete surprise to me, in the best way.

This series has an overarching plot that will continue through the rest of the series but this book and this couple ends in a HEA.

This would be a perfect read for fall, spooky season, and honestly just a great read for those times when you need to suspend reality and fall in love with two broken monsters. Enjoy!
48 reviews
July 18, 2026
it has potential

Ok, this is very different from anything I’ve ever read from C P but I happen to like this genre. Bring on the monsters! That being said I give it maybe 3.5 stars. One, it was way too long for where the plot went. It could’ve been summed up much sooner than over 500 pages and if it kept me enthralled I wouldn’t have minded the length because I usually love all of CP’s writing.

There was a lot to learn about the whole back story and what this clan and time was all about being the first book but to me it dragged from the 50% mark up until almost the end, maybe the to the 90% mark. I found myself a bit bored and skimming. The ending was good and the intro into the next book as well. I will always read her next book because I’m a huge fan but I hope the next one is better.
Profile Image for NitemareMoon.
282 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2026
Gabriel and Nicholas. DNF 25%. I can't believe I'm DNF'ing a CP Harris book because I've devoured just about every book of theirs. I was so excited and I do love a good paranormal book so this should have been a slam dunk. One thing that immediately caught me off guard is this book is written in 3rd person POV alternating perspecive, and none of their other books Ive read are. I prefer 1st person but it's not a huge deal, some of my favorite books have been 3rd person.

I could not connect with the story. The writing its self feels clunky. I was often rereading pages because the sequence of events and dialogue just didn't make sense on the first pass, like we were missing context, descriptions or transitions from one action to the next or I would forget who's perspective I was in. I shouldn't have to constantly second guess where people are in time and space or who's perspective im reading. It takes me out of the story. Beyond the writing style I found my self incredibly bored. The characters were not interesting or engaging. There wasn't much happening with the plot either. Actions, motivations and the dialogue all just felt a little off and I can't quite put my finger on why. The way this was written feels completely different from anything CP Harris has written, like it's not even from the same persons.
Profile Image for matryoshkat.ᐟ.
189 reviews10 followers
September 19, 2026
₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ

It took me so long to finish this book, but not because it wasn’t for me or because I wasn’t enjoying it. I’ll admit, I’m completely biased when it comes to C.P. Harris. Everything she writes is pure gold to me and my soul, and 'Monster & Sinner' was no exception.

It took me so long to get to the end because this book stirred up so many emotions in me that I felt like I needed to savor it chapter by chapter. I didn’t want to rush through it. I wanted to take my time with it, as slowly as possible. So many nights before bed, I would tell myself I was only allowed to read two chapters, just to make sure I wouldn’t finish it too quickly.

But eventually, I reached the end, and what I got was an absolutely heartbreaking love story between Gabriel and Nicholas. It came out swinging from the very first chapter, and everything that followed was one long, deliciously torturous descent into desperation. I’m not even sure if it was theirs or mine anymore, because at some point I swear I started feeling like a vampire too, experiencing every single emotion right alongside them, haha. And don’t get me started on those beautiful words and phrases! ♥

I genuinely don’t have the words to explain how much I love everything C.P. Harris writes or how deeply I connect with all the emotions she manages to pull out of me. All I can say is that I’m already counting down the days until the next book comes out and we finally get Liam and Marcus’s story.

And I’m still holding out hope that Hamza will get a story of his own someday. He’s honestly one of the most relatable characters, and I absolutely adore his sense of humor!
Profile Image for Mikaela (risqué.romance).
758 reviews34 followers
July 12, 2026
‼️SPOILERS‼️

I have not read that many books by C.p. Harris but once again; with the books I have read, I’m completely in awe with how they write and how they bring the characters to life.

I will say to get the best experience from this book is to go in blind because I did and oh man, those surprises that kept on happening was amazing.

First off, the spice was top notch and the way that these two men gravitate towards one another was amazing.

I haven’t read a good paranormal romance in a hot minute and that’s how I got into romance when I was a teen. I love me a good vampire character mix in with monsters that truly intrigues me and my goodness, these characters from the main characters to the side characters truly captured my heart.

This is definitely a slow burn but my goodness, Gabriel and Nicholas go through it. I was here for it. I love how immediately Nicholas was immediately drawn to Gabriel. Gabriel loves Nicholas so much and he would do anything for Nicholas. When I say anything, he would crawl on his knees for him.

My heart did die a bit when a certain scene because Nicholas was as trying to figure out everything.

And that ending… I need the second book like right now!

If you’re looking for a book that draws you in, has the paranormal aspect and has MC’s that would do anything for each other, this book is for you. Also, if you are a huge fan of found family, you’ll love this one.

I cannot wait for the next installment.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Ally.
448 reviews46 followers
July 12, 2026
Oh. My. Gods. This book was beyond outstanding. C.P. Harris has entered her PNR era and I hope she never leaves. The world building, the characters...everything was just so unique and so intriguing. I was hooked on the plot from the very beginning. My kindle was getting a workout because I could NOT put this down. I absolutely loved her take on vampires. Harris also did a fantastic job at describing this universe without info dumping. We've all read those fantasy/pnr books that make you feel like you need to be taking notes to remember things LOL. I didn't have an issue following along at all with the plot/world building.

Now, THE CHARACTERS. GABRIEL. BABYYY. I LOVE YOU. There will never be a time when I don't love the dangerous alpha that is only soft for his love interest. I will eat that up every time. Gabriel will do ANYTHING for Nicholas. ANYTHING. Burn the world down for his mate type vibe. He was just easily my favorite character. I was rooting for him from jump. Even when Nicholas had good reason to be upset with him, I was giving him major side eye for not just loving this man without question LMAO.

Nicholas had the most amazing character growth!! I couldn't believe how much his character grew by the time I approached the ending. I love him so much. I just want to steal his man...

DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS BOOK YOU GUYS!!!!! I am already feral for book 2.

-vampire + human
-mates
-slow burn
-age gap
-feeding while....doing things
-touch him and die
-stalking
-found family
Profile Image for Nicole.
208 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2026
3.50 ⭐️’s.

This was a fun and suspenseful story with some world building but not so much that it was overwhelming. However, the special language used and the need to reference the translations & pronunciations listed at the beginning of the book was such a turn off. It took away from the story so many times for me that I kept wanting to DNF solely for that.

The story itself was decent enough. The characters were fun, infuriating, sad, curious, etc. so that added to the emotional aspect of the story. The magic was a fun experience too. A lot of spice, but not over the top considering the storyline. There’s an animal refuge which added a fun element.

Overall, it was a good story but would have appreciated not having to reference the pages of translations/pronunciations constantly.
Profile Image for Jasmin (jas.nicole_reads).
171 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2026
Vampire books will always be my weakness lol I enjoyed the premise of this book and the story is so intriguing. That ending I’m like what is gonna happen?! I did feel like this book didn’t have to be as long as it did though. Probably could have cut it down 100 pages

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Jessica.
524 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2026
First book from this author for me and I'm gonna continue reading from her, I love her writing. I did enjoy this book, but it dragged a little bit in places. The first 150 pages were amazing and the ending was good too, so now I've to wait for the next book to come 😄
Profile Image for Vallie.
711 reviews78 followers
Did Not Finish
July 19, 2026
DNF 72%

I can’t believe I’m dropping a CP Harris book, yet here we are. The beginning was interesting and I had been foaming at the mouth to start this, so the excitement was high. But I inevitably became quite bored, especially around the halfway mark, because it felt like nothing was happening. With paranormal books, I always look forward to the moment of the big reveal, and it was anticlimactic here. I also love the fated mates trope, but instead of achieving this legendary epic love story here, it just felt like there was no real tension. I honestly did not expect this to happen because this book had everything I love going for it -vampires and fated mates and an author whose books I’ve absolutely loved -until now. I started skimming around the 68% mark because the story read like it was stalling to manufacture tension. Most of the plot is taking place indoors, with endless exposition and telling, not showing, of the world these characters live in, and I just couldn’t be bothered with it anymore. I’m sure I stopped just as the action was about to start -the bit of the plot that was sort of there in the background, but I don’t care enough about these characters to find out what happens.

There are lots of 5 star reviews for this already so I’m probably an outlier. Perhaps I was not in the mood.
Profile Image for Ian.
796 reviews20 followers
July 22, 2026
So essentially I was very excited for this book and idk if it was a me thing or a book thing but the beginning and end were good but the middle fell flat to me. Idk I just wasn’t really interested/had a hard time following the story. Maybe a re read down the line might help but this initial read did not do it for me and I’m sad because I do love C.P. Harris books usually but this one was a miss for me unfortunately 😩
Profile Image for Layy.
257 reviews27 followers
September 25, 2026
I’m struggling with this one. Okay hear me out: 2.5 ⭐️ (Rounding for GR’s)

The concept wasn’t bad at all. There was so much potential here, but I fear the execution didn’t hit the mark for me.

• The beginning was beyond confusing. There wasn’t enough world building for everything this author was trying to pack into here. It was like trying to solve a huge puzzle and you only have a few pieces. This “big” secret dragged and once it was “revealed” or really found out, it still didn’t make sense. There was just no solid lore on Gabriel, his other mate, the spell, the world he came from, etc. and before anyone says “well that’s not important.” I would beg to differ. The whole first half of this book pertains to something we have BARELY any details of. Once the “secret” was found out, I was still confused like… well who tf is he?

• We spent WAAAAAAAY too long waiting for Nicholas to accept himself. I could SEE what the author wanted to do, but it just…. Fell flat for me. I was honestly getting bored with the back and forth on Nicholas’ religion, his hatred of Gabriel bc he couldn’t just get his head out of his ass long enough to see what else was happening. I understand he had a drastic thing done to him (being turned) but we didn’t need up until 90% of the book for him to accept it and embrace it. It made the book feel like it was DRAGGING. I desperately wanted that plot point to moveeeeeeeeeee along.

• Where was the romance? A vampire with “heat like” traits is new but honestly, the sex got so…. Redundant. How many more times could they eff like rabbits for then Nicholas to hate himself and Gabriel and we go back into the same cycle? Don’t get me wrong; the first 3 scenes were 🥵👏🏽 but then I found myself skimming afterwards because….. WE GET IT. I was floored that they “loved” one another when none of that was on page. Being “mates” shouldn’t be a cop out to actually build the romance ON PAGE. I didn’t believe not one “I love you” because that evidence was missing on the pages. There was care, there was lust, there was infatuation, but love? Nah.

• The ending felt soooooo rushed. It’s like…. We got a glimpse of a new plot point in the first 40-50% and then they all disappeared in favor of the slow plot line of Nicholas’ existential crisis (🙄🙄) to then have the last 10% be a shit ton of stuff thrown at our faces….. like… huh? There was no fleshing out those other plot lines. There was no making any of that feel like a genuine part of the story…. To then get hit with a cliffhanger? I was struggling.

Overall, this book had potential. As it’s my first CP Harris book, I’m a little nervous but I’m determined to try another book before making my own mental decision. I really wish the author didn’t drag one major plot point while making others a “back burner” thing until the end, and then some 😅🥲. I think I’m good on this new series 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DeniReadsMostlyMM.
450 reviews48 followers
July 21, 2026
***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review.

Wow. I am blown away with the world building in this book, how well written it is, how well thought out and intentional Nicholas’s and Gabriel’s character arcs are. I could go on and on. This book is exceptional. The romance is nuanced and the writing is exquisite. It’s the first in a new series by C.P. Harris and you better believe I will be reading all of it. I am already chomping at the bit for book two! I need more paranormal romance from Harris! I loved the dark themes and possessive vibes in TM&TS. The pining is on point and the chemistry is amazing! The found family vibes are also lovely. The Monster & The Sinner is gritty. It’s visceral. It’s got an interesting take on some of the lore. I really enjoyed the emotional upheaval in this story as well.

Nicolas and Gabriel have some truths to contend with in this story. I love the way they are drawn to one another, despite any concern or insecurity. Whether or not he realizes or wants it at first, Nicholas is meant to be with Gabriel. The resistance is part of the allure. Nicholas taking time to find himself is equally appealing. I wanted to hug Gabriel and Nicholas at different intervals in their journey towards acceptance and unconditional love. Hamza, Marcus, and Liam are delightful secondary characters. I am so invested in more of their stories as well.

This book will absolutely suck you in from the first page and it will keep you hooked. Time had no meaning reading this story. It’s that good. The HEA is hard earned and my gah is the epilogue captivating! Read this book; it will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Tonya Druckenmiller.
73 reviews30 followers
July 13, 2026
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. Vampires, witches, and dawari (a two-headed species) all in one book?! Definitely not my typical genre, but it pulled me in from the very first page.

Nicholas and Gabriel had an undeniable attraction—volatile, all-consuming, and even obsessive at times. Then came the anger and blame after Nicholas’ change. Believing there was a bond that couldn’t be broken, he forced himself to keep his distance from Gabriel. It took self-reflection, challenging everything he believed, and a whole lot of violence for Nicholas to truly understand what Gabriel was to him. In the end, Nicholas found his home in Gabriel.

“You’re my alchemy, Gabriel. My lightning in a bottle… My mate. I see you, Gabriel, and I love you anyway.”

Oooooooof. Loved it. That’s all. ♥️

***I received a complementary copy of this book.***
Profile Image for Damjan.
65 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2026
I am a fan of C P Harris and for the first 40% of this book I was certain I would love it. The reincarnation storyline pulled on my heartstrings and I hoped for some emotional highlight. The mythology and the characters were interesting and unique until it the world building became a bit inconsistent, not very well explained nor entirely logical.

That would have been ok if sadly the second half, and most of all the 3rd act breakup, weren't so glacial in pace and tedious that it became very hard to care at all about the rushed last 10% of the story. The reunion felt like a big and too long (and imo boring and repetitive) lust fest that had little to no emotional weight at all. I am actually uncertain if I care enough to continue the series, although I actually liked the side characters. But if the second book doesn't get a better editor that is far more liberal with the redlining (as this book needed to be 20% shorter to work) continuing might not be worth it.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,928 reviews114 followers
July 22, 2026
This was ok I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ez Rah!.
165 reviews13 followers
July 24, 2026
So excited to read another CP book! 4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Ludimina.
150 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2026
Una pena porque hasta el 60% me estaba encantando. Suscribo la opinión de Jenni 100%
Profile Image for Dee.
886 reviews27 followers
July 26, 2026
Free Your Mind

Dee’s Grade: A+

This is a story of the power of unconditional love and self acceptance. I adored Gabriel despite his mistakes so I spent a portion of the book upset with Nicholas.

However, I forgave him by the end because he went on the journey he needed to go on to able to live my Gabriel the way he deserved.

The world building in this story is also magnificent.
Profile Image for Trish Skywalker.
1,192 reviews66 followers
July 8, 2026
Wow wow WOW!
I’ve lived all of CP’s books, and was super excited to see her taking on the supernatural. This is a vampire story, but it’s so much more intense than that. I’m going to try to keep this vague because going in cold is definitely the way to go.
Gabriel and Nicholas are so different, but Nicholas can’t deny how drawn he is to Gabriel. Nicholas had a lovely past, and still struggles to assert himself. He’s trying to find his way, but seems more lost than ever. Gabriel seems so sure of himself and in control, but around Nicholas he’s anything but.
These two GO THROUGH IT both together and apart. There’s a moment that could either tie them together or break them apart, and it takes them awhile to know which way things will go. It’s completely necessary because Nicholas needs to come into his own, but it’s so hard for both of them.
I will admit I’m leaving out A LOT intentionally, but if you like a dark vampire romance with ancient lore, sweet mortals, and some intense spice, this is for you!
Thank you so much to CPH for the arc!!
Profile Image for Ray Flores.
1,816 reviews261 followers
July 21, 2026
I was so excited to read this one because I used to love C. P. Harris writing and it had a bunch of tropes I love and a synopsis which made me feel this would become a new favorite book, but once again, I was let down.

The more I think about it, the less I like it because it took me over 80% to feel invested in the story (at that point, I just wanted to move on onto other books), nor the characters, nor what happened between them (in the past and present) and even how things got “solved”.

I was truly hyped for this new release but unfortunately it didn’t meet any of my expectations. I couldn’t care enough for Nicholas and Gabriel always seemed so unreal to me –his dialogues felt cartoonish and his whole persona felt ick to me. Even now, I don’t feel invested in their romance and I actually think both of them were better as friends or as people who once knew each other. Curiously enough, I liked more the secondary characters and if we ever get their story, I’m far more excited to know them than the main couple.

On the other hand, as a fantasy reader, this took sooooo long to take off. The whole explanation about their powers and limitations was nothing new and honestly I was expecting more action and higher stakes than what we got.

I truly believe the book could have been cut in half and we would have had a more dynamic story. We could have explored the world in several books instead of just info dump in one.

Don’t get me wrong, C. P. Harris is a master of her craft and she builds up complicated relationships and dynamics, but I don’t think the fantasy genre is her forte, which is a bummer.

I’m on the minority here, but I didn’t like this book. And the intimate scenes were not my cup of tea because I didn’t felt like they belonged together at all. I don’t think they were a perfect fit. This is why it took me so long to even write a review.

I received an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review from C.P. Harris Street Team.
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,627 reviews104 followers
July 21, 2026
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝙸 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚖."

When C.P. Harris told us that she was planning on a paranormal romance, I may have been a little excited. OK a lot excited. I'm a huge PNR fan and having an author whose contemporary stories have always blown me away dipping their toes into the paranormal genre with vampires was like a surprise treat! Love me some vamps.

The book starts with Gabriel having finally found the man whose body houses the soul of his lost mate. The problem is, the mate in question Nicholas, has no idea. He doesn't even know that the paranormal exists or that his reborn soul used to belong to a man whom Gabriel sacrificed everything to be able to find again. Gabriel needed to tread lightly here and unfortunately he's also on a timer that is counting down fast.

"𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚎'𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎?"

There was a lot of growth on both MCs parts, but none more so than Nicholas. He had to face many challenges in their story, some of which had no victor. He may have started off oblivious to what was truly happening to him and Gabriel, but his instincts tended to lead him in the right direction. Almost like his soul still recognized Gabriel's even after all their time apart. Nicholas had to come to terms with who had been and who he was now which is a difficult prospect when you've felt lost as long as Nicholas has.

I'm used to angst in this author's work, but I have to say this one was less angsty than I'm used to. Don't get me wrong, there is still angst, but I didn't find myself sobbing like I sometimes do in books like The Boy Who Loved Wicked. I was also invested in the plot and I'm excited that this series is going to continue. With how things ended in book 1, I bet readers are just as impatient as me to get their hands on the second!
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