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Heart So Dark
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26Sooner or later, all vampires go mad . . .
A killer stalks the rain-shrouded streets of Victorian London, leaving a trail of brutalized, bloodless corpses in his wake. While most suspect Jack the Ripper has returned, a select few know that a far darker force is at play.
Charlotte Murray, a socialite with a secret, is plagued by nightmares of a beautiful young man with a strange hunger. Gabriel Harding, her childhood love, now a charming and charismatic man-about-town, can no longer outrun the demons from his past. Leo Eriksson, an unwilling, centuries-old vampire, is losing his grip on reality.
The three soon find themselves embroiled in a web of death, obsession, madness, and revenge as they investigate the horrific killings, drawing ever closer to the enigmatic figure at the heart of it all.
A killer stalks the rain-shrouded streets of Victorian London, leaving a trail of brutalized, bloodless corpses in his wake. While most suspect Jack the Ripper has returned, a select few know that a far darker force is at play.
Charlotte Murray, a socialite with a secret, is plagued by nightmares of a beautiful young man with a strange hunger. Gabriel Harding, her childhood love, now a charming and charismatic man-about-town, can no longer outrun the demons from his past. Leo Eriksson, an unwilling, centuries-old vampire, is losing his grip on reality.
The three soon find themselves embroiled in a web of death, obsession, madness, and revenge as they investigate the horrific killings, drawing ever closer to the enigmatic figure at the heart of it all.
542 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
M. Catherine Buschmann
2 books8 followersM Catherine Buschmann is an NYC native, compulsive reader, and procrastinative writer. When not toiling away at her day job, she can be found chugging iced coffee, hugging her cat, rearranging her bookshelves, or all three at once!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 25, 2026
If you watched Dracula a love story and were looking for something to scratch that dark goth twisted love story this is it. This grabbed me right away and has the absolute perfect atmosphere, it’s dark, twisted and hot. Couldn’t put this down and now sadly am stuck waiting impatiently for book two (it does end on a cliff hanger 😭🥺) thanks so much to Nerd Fam and the author for my copy!
May 26, 2026
Struggled with keeping my interest. The idea of the story was great, I just don’t think it’s for me
May 29, 2026
First of all thank you to The Nerd Fam for gifting me this ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Heart So Dark by M. Catherine Buschmann delivers a haunting blend of gothic horror, mystery, romance, and supernatural suspense wrapped in the fog-drenched streets of Victorian England. With strong Jack the Ripper-esque undertones and a darkly atmospheric setting, this novel pulls you into a world where nightmares feel prophetic, secrets fester beneath polite society, and monsters walk openly in the shadows.
The story follows three deeply damaged yet compelling characters whose lives become entangled through a string of horrific murders. Charlotte, a wealthy socialite burdened by disturbing nightmares and dangerous secrets, was probably my favorite perspective. She’s far more layered than she initially appears, and I loved watching her struggle between maintaining appearances and confronting the darkness closing in around her.
Gabriel, her childhood love, brings emotional weight to the story. He’s haunted by his own past demons and carries a sense of guilt and exhaustion throughout the novel that made him feel very human despite the increasingly supernatural events surrounding him. His connection with Charlotte added a softer emotional thread to an otherwise grim and bloody narrative.
Then there’s Leo — the century-old vampire slowly losing his grip on reality. Leo easily steals every scene he’s in. Buschmann writes him with this tragic instability that makes him both terrifying and strangely sympathetic. He feels ancient, exhausted, dangerous, and broken all at once. His unraveling mind added an unsettling unpredictability to the story that kept me hooked.
What really worked for me was the atmosphere. The author captures Victorian London beautifully — grim alleyways, candlelit parlors, blood-soaked streets, thick fog, and the constant sense that something evil is lurking just out of sight. The murders themselves are brutal without becoming gratuitous, and the mystery surrounding the enigmatic killer kept me engaged throughout.
I also appreciated that this wasn’t a typical vampire romance. While there are romantic elements, the story leans much more heavily into psychological horror, mystery, and gothic tragedy. The vampire lore feels fresh enough to stand apart from more conventional paranormal stories, and the darker tone gave the entire book a more mature feel.
That said, there were moments where the pacing slowed, particularly in the middle sections where the narrative focused heavily on internal struggles and backstory. Some plot threads could have been compressed to keep the tension consistently high. Still, the payoff toward the end was worth it, especially as all three characters’ lives collided in increasingly dangerous ways. The ending makes us want to go straight to book two.
Overall, Heart So Dark is an immersive and atmospheric gothic vampire story with compellingly flawed characters, eerie Victorian horror vibes, and an intriguing murder mystery at its core. If you enjoy dark paranormal fiction with emotional depth, morally gray characters, and strong gothic horror influences, this is definitely worth picking up.
A great twist on a Vampire story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Heart So Dark by M. Catherine Buschmann delivers a haunting blend of gothic horror, mystery, romance, and supernatural suspense wrapped in the fog-drenched streets of Victorian England. With strong Jack the Ripper-esque undertones and a darkly atmospheric setting, this novel pulls you into a world where nightmares feel prophetic, secrets fester beneath polite society, and monsters walk openly in the shadows.
The story follows three deeply damaged yet compelling characters whose lives become entangled through a string of horrific murders. Charlotte, a wealthy socialite burdened by disturbing nightmares and dangerous secrets, was probably my favorite perspective. She’s far more layered than she initially appears, and I loved watching her struggle between maintaining appearances and confronting the darkness closing in around her.
Gabriel, her childhood love, brings emotional weight to the story. He’s haunted by his own past demons and carries a sense of guilt and exhaustion throughout the novel that made him feel very human despite the increasingly supernatural events surrounding him. His connection with Charlotte added a softer emotional thread to an otherwise grim and bloody narrative.
Then there’s Leo — the century-old vampire slowly losing his grip on reality. Leo easily steals every scene he’s in. Buschmann writes him with this tragic instability that makes him both terrifying and strangely sympathetic. He feels ancient, exhausted, dangerous, and broken all at once. His unraveling mind added an unsettling unpredictability to the story that kept me hooked.
What really worked for me was the atmosphere. The author captures Victorian London beautifully — grim alleyways, candlelit parlors, blood-soaked streets, thick fog, and the constant sense that something evil is lurking just out of sight. The murders themselves are brutal without becoming gratuitous, and the mystery surrounding the enigmatic killer kept me engaged throughout.
I also appreciated that this wasn’t a typical vampire romance. While there are romantic elements, the story leans much more heavily into psychological horror, mystery, and gothic tragedy. The vampire lore feels fresh enough to stand apart from more conventional paranormal stories, and the darker tone gave the entire book a more mature feel.
That said, there were moments where the pacing slowed, particularly in the middle sections where the narrative focused heavily on internal struggles and backstory. Some plot threads could have been compressed to keep the tension consistently high. Still, the payoff toward the end was worth it, especially as all three characters’ lives collided in increasingly dangerous ways. The ending makes us want to go straight to book two.
Overall, Heart So Dark is an immersive and atmospheric gothic vampire story with compellingly flawed characters, eerie Victorian horror vibes, and an intriguing murder mystery at its core. If you enjoy dark paranormal fiction with emotional depth, morally gray characters, and strong gothic horror influences, this is definitely worth picking up.
A great twist on a Vampire story.
May 31, 2026
ARC review.
I had a really hard time maintaining my concentration and want to continue with this book. I kept thinking once we get past the preliminaries it’ll be better. It did not.
There are so many characters and so many—words—- can a book have too many words? This one sure felt like it did
The premise is brilliant. An educated vampire who is losing his mind, seeing visions of his lost lives in his every day life, meeting with London’s best and trying to find peace and joy in what is left of his time. Surrounded by mysterious murders of bloodless women it is assumed perhaps Jack the Ripper has resurfaced. Sounds intriguing right? When you get those bits the story does draw you in. The problem is that those bits are few, and within the over worded encounters of multiple characters it all gets lost. Even a fun courtship goes to the wayside.
Overall just a rough one to read.
I had a really hard time maintaining my concentration and want to continue with this book. I kept thinking once we get past the preliminaries it’ll be better. It did not.
There are so many characters and so many—words—- can a book have too many words? This one sure felt like it did
The premise is brilliant. An educated vampire who is losing his mind, seeing visions of his lost lives in his every day life, meeting with London’s best and trying to find peace and joy in what is left of his time. Surrounded by mysterious murders of bloodless women it is assumed perhaps Jack the Ripper has resurfaced. Sounds intriguing right? When you get those bits the story does draw you in. The problem is that those bits are few, and within the over worded encounters of multiple characters it all gets lost. Even a fun courtship goes to the wayside.
Overall just a rough one to read.
May 19, 2026
Thank you Nerd Farm for the advance copy
First, can we talk about this cover? Absolutely gorgeous. It instantly pulled me in, and thankfully the story inside was just as unique. This book felt like nothing else I’ve read before. It blends dark gothic vibes with paranormal elements perfectly, all set in Victorian-era London — which made the atmosphere even better. Between the mysterious murders, vampires, and ghosts, it gave me all the creepy gothic vibes I love.
Charlotte is living in London with her aunt and is engaged to Gabriel, while fear spreads across the city as young women start turning up dead. Naturally, everyone believes Jack the Ripper may have returned… but Gabriel’s uncle Hess and his best friend Leo know better. These murders are far more brutal, with victims’ throats ripped apart — and Leo would recognize the signs better than anyone since he is a vampire himself.
While trying to uncover who is behind the killings, Leo is also haunted by the ghosts of his three former wives/fiancée.
I really loved the storyline and the gothic atmosphere. There were a few moments where the pacing started to drag a little for me, but I was still completely invested because I HAD to know how everything was going to end. And then… that ending. I was left hanging and immediately realized this is only book one in the series. Now I’m impatiently waiting for book two because I need answers.
First, can we talk about this cover? Absolutely gorgeous. It instantly pulled me in, and thankfully the story inside was just as unique. This book felt like nothing else I’ve read before. It blends dark gothic vibes with paranormal elements perfectly, all set in Victorian-era London — which made the atmosphere even better. Between the mysterious murders, vampires, and ghosts, it gave me all the creepy gothic vibes I love.
Charlotte is living in London with her aunt and is engaged to Gabriel, while fear spreads across the city as young women start turning up dead. Naturally, everyone believes Jack the Ripper may have returned… but Gabriel’s uncle Hess and his best friend Leo know better. These murders are far more brutal, with victims’ throats ripped apart — and Leo would recognize the signs better than anyone since he is a vampire himself.
While trying to uncover who is behind the killings, Leo is also haunted by the ghosts of his three former wives/fiancée.
I really loved the storyline and the gothic atmosphere. There were a few moments where the pacing started to drag a little for me, but I was still completely invested because I HAD to know how everything was going to end. And then… that ending. I was left hanging and immediately realized this is only book one in the series. Now I’m impatiently waiting for book two because I need answers.
June 24, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and to the author for this ARC. While I did receive an ARC copy, my opinions are my own.
This story hooked me in from chapter one and kept me invested until the end. The story strikes a great balance between romance, emotion, and suspense, creating a journey that is both captivating and heartfelt.
One of my favorite aspects was the character development. The characters felt authentic, with strengths, flaws, and emotional depth that made it easy to connect with them. Their chemistry was undeniable, and watching their relationship evolve through the challenges they faced kept me eagerly turning pages.
The atmosphere of the story was beautifully written, with just the right amount of tension and mystery woven throughout. There were several moments that surprised me, and I appreciated how the emotional stakes remained high without overshadowing the romance.
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
This story hooked me in from chapter one and kept me invested until the end. The story strikes a great balance between romance, emotion, and suspense, creating a journey that is both captivating and heartfelt.
One of my favorite aspects was the character development. The characters felt authentic, with strengths, flaws, and emotional depth that made it easy to connect with them. Their chemistry was undeniable, and watching their relationship evolve through the challenges they faced kept me eagerly turning pages.
The atmosphere of the story was beautifully written, with just the right amount of tension and mystery woven throughout. There were several moments that surprised me, and I appreciated how the emotional stakes remained high without overshadowing the romance.
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
May 30, 2026
I’m absolutely the kind of person who sees a gorgeous book and immediately decides it’s coming home with me, and this one was no exception. The cover is stunning, and the promise of Gothic vibes, vampires, and a moody atmosphere had me sold before I even opened it. The little nods to Dracula, the asylum setting, and the historical touches were fun to pick up on, and the overall mood stayed interesting all the way through. Hess and Leo’s friendship was easily my favorite part — the kind of steady, loyal bond everyone wishes they had.The one relationship that didn’t click for me was Leo and Charlotte. You can see where it’s heading, but it jumps from “something might be happening” to “oh, okay, we’re doing this now” without the build‑up I expected. On the flip side, following Hess and Leo’s research was genuinely engaging. In the end, I liked the book, even if it didn’t completely sweep me away. I’m not sure I’d chase down the sequel, but if it crossed my path, I’d pick it up. I’m curious enough to want to see how everything wraps up. Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
May 25, 2026
Heart So Dark van M. Catherine Buschmann heeft me vanaf de allereerste pagina compleet in zijn greep gehouden. De sfeer in het boek is heerlijk mysterieus en de personages zijn zo ontzettend goed uitgewerkt dat je er helemaal in wordt gezogen.
Het plot zit vol onverwachte wendingen en de spanning blijft constant voelbaar. Voor iedereen die houdt van een verhaal met diepgang, emotie en een scherp, duister randje is dit echt een absolute aanrader.
Het plot zit vol onverwachte wendingen en de spanning blijft constant voelbaar. Voor iedereen die houdt van een verhaal met diepgang, emotie en een scherp, duister randje is dit echt een absolute aanrader.
May 25, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted books, I had a good time reading this book. It follows the MFC Charlotte, a beautiful socialite navigate her life between trying to stay in the spotlight and her deliberating nightmares. She finds herself entwined with her childhood love and an estranged vampire. So many dark plot twists and secrets. It’s such a fun read and will leave to aching for more!
May 26, 2026
Thank you to "thenerdfam" for this advance copy
I truly enjoyed this read. I loved the Gothic style vampire turned detective of this story. It was full of love, lust, regret, sadness, suspense and grief. It was a mix for a great story. It was a turn pager for sure. I devoured it in a day
I truly enjoyed this read. I loved the Gothic style vampire turned detective of this story. It was full of love, lust, regret, sadness, suspense and grief. It was a mix for a great story. It was a turn pager for sure. I devoured it in a day
May 20, 2026
Thank you Nerd Fam for the ARC!
I had fun reading this. I loved the mix of horror and mystery. I was hooked from beginning to end. Was definitely a memorable read for me!
I had fun reading this. I loved the mix of horror and mystery. I was hooked from beginning to end. Was definitely a memorable read for me!
May 27, 2026
Thank you Nerd Fam for the advance copy of Heart So Dark!!
This book is a Vampire Mystery set in 1800’s London. The “scene” is set as dreary and goth but the story was not dreary at all. I love a good Victorian Vampire(s)😉 I will say, at times the context jumped around from character to character and had me re-reading a few paragraphs, but that did not distract from the intensity of the storyline. Over all paced well and an easy read.
I appreciated the true historical data the author added in as it made the story more authentic to the time period.
The ending is full of suspense and I am looking forward to the second book!
This book is a Vampire Mystery set in 1800’s London. The “scene” is set as dreary and goth but the story was not dreary at all. I love a good Victorian Vampire(s)😉 I will say, at times the context jumped around from character to character and had me re-reading a few paragraphs, but that did not distract from the intensity of the storyline. Over all paced well and an easy read.
I appreciated the true historical data the author added in as it made the story more authentic to the time period.
The ending is full of suspense and I am looking forward to the second book!
Review of advance copy
Thank you The Nerd Fam for the advance copy of this book.
After reading the blurb of Heart So Dark, I was instantly hooked. Vampires + victorian London? absolutely sign me up.
Luckily, I was not disappointed.
The story begins in 1891 London, where there has been a series of brutal and bloody murders of women across the city, with fears that Jack the Ripper may have returned. The murderer is on the loose and the people of London are afraid.
Our man characters are Charlotte, a young socialite, her future fiancé Harding, and the mysterious Leo, a friend of Harding’s uncle. Together, they become embroiled in a dark and terrifying world of vampires, as they try to figure out who the killer is.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I found the setting to be oppressive and suffocating, even claustrophobic at times, perfect for a dark gothic romance, although I do think, for me, the romance could have taken a back seat as the actual storyline of the murders and Leo’s vampirism was much more interesting. I didn’t really care much about Charlotte and Harding’s relationship, but I think I was just far too invested in the supernatural and gothic elements.
I also really enjoyed how well researched this was. As an English teacher, I teach a gothic/victorian writing scheme, and found Buschmann to have thoroughly researched the period. I loved the references to Bedlam asylum, and the inclusion of societal expectations for both Charlotte and Harding. I’d have loved to have seen that explored further actually. I also loved the subtle references to Dracula (whitby, charlotte’s surname of Murray etc).
My only main criticism would be pace. I felt like it was a bit all over the place in terms of pacing. It seemed to be jumping locations, times, characters etc, and I did find myself having to re-read a page as I was confused. However, upon reflection, I actually think it works really well for creating a disorientating and confusing environment for the reader, as it matches exactly how most of the characters felt. The last 15% or so really picked up too, and I couldn’t read it fast enough. It ended on a decent cliffhanger, and I immediately wanted to read book 2. please release it asap!!!! i need to know what’s happening!!!!
all in all, this was thoroughly enjoyable, and I genuinely can’t wait to read Book 2. I also may slightly be in love with Leo. I love a brooding, troubled anti-hero!
After reading the blurb of Heart So Dark, I was instantly hooked. Vampires + victorian London? absolutely sign me up.
Luckily, I was not disappointed.
The story begins in 1891 London, where there has been a series of brutal and bloody murders of women across the city, with fears that Jack the Ripper may have returned. The murderer is on the loose and the people of London are afraid.
Our man characters are Charlotte, a young socialite, her future fiancé Harding, and the mysterious Leo, a friend of Harding’s uncle. Together, they become embroiled in a dark and terrifying world of vampires, as they try to figure out who the killer is.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I found the setting to be oppressive and suffocating, even claustrophobic at times, perfect for a dark gothic romance, although I do think, for me, the romance could have taken a back seat as the actual storyline of the murders and Leo’s vampirism was much more interesting. I didn’t really care much about Charlotte and Harding’s relationship, but I think I was just far too invested in the supernatural and gothic elements.
I also really enjoyed how well researched this was. As an English teacher, I teach a gothic/victorian writing scheme, and found Buschmann to have thoroughly researched the period. I loved the references to Bedlam asylum, and the inclusion of societal expectations for both Charlotte and Harding. I’d have loved to have seen that explored further actually. I also loved the subtle references to Dracula (whitby, charlotte’s surname of Murray etc).
My only main criticism would be pace. I felt like it was a bit all over the place in terms of pacing. It seemed to be jumping locations, times, characters etc, and I did find myself having to re-read a page as I was confused. However, upon reflection, I actually think it works really well for creating a disorientating and confusing environment for the reader, as it matches exactly how most of the characters felt. The last 15% or so really picked up too, and I couldn’t read it fast enough. It ended on a decent cliffhanger, and I immediately wanted to read book 2. please release it asap!!!! i need to know what’s happening!!!!
all in all, this was thoroughly enjoyable, and I genuinely can’t wait to read Book 2. I also may slightly be in love with Leo. I love a brooding, troubled anti-hero!
Review of advance copy
Thank you Nerd Fam and author for the ARC.
I am going to be completely honest here, and I am genuinely not trying to be mean spirited with this review, there were so many issues with this book that I had a hard time getting through it.
Let’s start with the writing. I lost count of how many times I would read a sentence and either the exact same or an extremely similar sentence would be used on the same page. There was even an entire page that was word for word the same on the following page. I understand it’s an ARC, but this looked like it had zero editing done whatsoever. On top of that, there was also the fact that the POVs switched from character to character within the same chapters, which was confusing.
Next, the plot. This was described as some dark vampire romance horror. Now, while yes, there was romance, and yes, there were vampires, the vampires were not a part of the romance. The one main character who is a vampire randomly develops feelings (that aren’t even acknowledged until almost the end of the book) for the engaged FMC, whose fiancé is one of the other MCs. The two betrothed characters already had a developed relationship, so there was basically nothing in the romance department. As for the vampires, Leo does nothing "vampire-y" this entire book. He lives as a human, behaves like a human, has a human job, looks like a (pale) human, and seemingly has no special abilities. I forgot this was even a vampire book at times.
I am not over-exaggerating when I say that literally nothing even remotely interesting or exciting happened until 98% in. The story dragged on. It was talking, talking, someone died, talking, more talking, until something happened, and then it was over.
I’m sure there will be some folks who enjoy this but it’s just not for me.
I am going to be completely honest here, and I am genuinely not trying to be mean spirited with this review, there were so many issues with this book that I had a hard time getting through it.
Let’s start with the writing. I lost count of how many times I would read a sentence and either the exact same or an extremely similar sentence would be used on the same page. There was even an entire page that was word for word the same on the following page. I understand it’s an ARC, but this looked like it had zero editing done whatsoever. On top of that, there was also the fact that the POVs switched from character to character within the same chapters, which was confusing.
Next, the plot. This was described as some dark vampire romance horror. Now, while yes, there was romance, and yes, there were vampires, the vampires were not a part of the romance. The one main character who is a vampire randomly develops feelings (that aren’t even acknowledged until almost the end of the book) for the engaged FMC, whose fiancé is one of the other MCs. The two betrothed characters already had a developed relationship, so there was basically nothing in the romance department. As for the vampires, Leo does nothing "vampire-y" this entire book. He lives as a human, behaves like a human, has a human job, looks like a (pale) human, and seemingly has no special abilities. I forgot this was even a vampire book at times.
I am not over-exaggerating when I say that literally nothing even remotely interesting or exciting happened until 98% in. The story dragged on. It was talking, talking, someone died, talking, more talking, until something happened, and then it was over.
I’m sure there will be some folks who enjoy this but it’s just not for me.
Review of advance copy
Wow this was such a haunting read! If you love gothic horror, serial killer mystery, and romance with vampires mixed in, then this is a good one for you!
Charlotte is having disturbing nightmares and has always had issues with anxiety attacks but my girl still loves her penny dreadfuls. Same girl. Her anxiety starts to go into overdrive along with her nightmares when more and more girls start to turn up dead and mutilated. Everyone starts to think that Jack the Ripper is back. Things start to hit really close to home for Charlotte and she has to decide who and what she can trust.
Gabriel is Charlotte's childhood friend turned lover. He definitely brings an emotional punch to the story. He has his own demons from his past but he loves Charlotte with his whole heart and soul and will do anything for her. I absolutely loved their relationship.
Leo is our sweet vampire that has been around for five centuries and he may be losing his mind. He sees his past loves wherever he looks and he prefers to just be alone. When he sees Charlotte, he can't help but be immediately enthralled by her because she looks just like his past loves. Even though he wanted nothing more than to be left alone with his demons, he is drawn into Hess' family and he is so sympathetic to everyone around him.
At first when reading, it was hard to keep up with the POVs, it seemed a little chaotic but I think it was meant to be that way! The psychological games, horror, and mystery, it all just fed into it and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The ending just left me dumbfounded and I cannot wait for book two!!
I highly recommend if you love gothic vampire stories with a psychological murder mystery.
Charlotte is having disturbing nightmares and has always had issues with anxiety attacks but my girl still loves her penny dreadfuls. Same girl. Her anxiety starts to go into overdrive along with her nightmares when more and more girls start to turn up dead and mutilated. Everyone starts to think that Jack the Ripper is back. Things start to hit really close to home for Charlotte and she has to decide who and what she can trust.
Gabriel is Charlotte's childhood friend turned lover. He definitely brings an emotional punch to the story. He has his own demons from his past but he loves Charlotte with his whole heart and soul and will do anything for her. I absolutely loved their relationship.
Leo is our sweet vampire that has been around for five centuries and he may be losing his mind. He sees his past loves wherever he looks and he prefers to just be alone. When he sees Charlotte, he can't help but be immediately enthralled by her because she looks just like his past loves. Even though he wanted nothing more than to be left alone with his demons, he is drawn into Hess' family and he is so sympathetic to everyone around him.
At first when reading, it was hard to keep up with the POVs, it seemed a little chaotic but I think it was meant to be that way! The psychological games, horror, and mystery, it all just fed into it and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The ending just left me dumbfounded and I cannot wait for book two!!
I highly recommend if you love gothic vampire stories with a psychological murder mystery.
Review of advance copy
Heart So Dark by M. Catherine Buschmann
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you loved Dracula: A Love Story and have been searching for something to fill that dark, gothic, twisted romance void... this is it.
From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. Set against the fog-covered streets of Victorian England, Heart So Dark delivers everything I want from a gothic fantasy—haunting atmosphere, supernatural mystery, morally gray characters, and just the right amount of romance.
🖤 What to Expect
🧛 Gothic Vampire Romance
🌹 Victorian England
🩸 Jack the Ripper-esque Mystery
🖤 Morally Gray Characters
✨ Love Triangle
🔮 Supernatural Horror
❤️ Emotional Romance
😱 Cliffhanger Ending
Charlotte, Gabriel, and Leo each brought something unique to the story, but Leo absolutely stole every scene he was in. He's ancient, dangerous, broken, and impossible to look away from. I loved how the story blurred the lines between monster and man, making it difficult to decide who to trust.
The atmosphere was easily one of my favorite parts. Every page felt drenched in fog, blood, mystery, and gothic beauty. It perfectly captured that eerie Victorian feeling while weaving together romance, horror, and suspense.
The pacing slowed slightly through the middle as more backstory unfolded, but once everything began coming together, I couldn't put it down. And that ending...
I was not prepared for that cliffhanger. Now I'm impatiently waiting for book two because I need answers immediately.
If you're looking for a darker, moodier vampire story with emotional depth, gothic vibes, and plenty of mystery, I definitely recommend adding Heart So Dark to your TBR.
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam for providing me with an ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you loved Dracula: A Love Story and have been searching for something to fill that dark, gothic, twisted romance void... this is it.
From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. Set against the fog-covered streets of Victorian England, Heart So Dark delivers everything I want from a gothic fantasy—haunting atmosphere, supernatural mystery, morally gray characters, and just the right amount of romance.
🖤 What to Expect
🧛 Gothic Vampire Romance
🌹 Victorian England
🩸 Jack the Ripper-esque Mystery
🖤 Morally Gray Characters
✨ Love Triangle
🔮 Supernatural Horror
❤️ Emotional Romance
😱 Cliffhanger Ending
Charlotte, Gabriel, and Leo each brought something unique to the story, but Leo absolutely stole every scene he was in. He's ancient, dangerous, broken, and impossible to look away from. I loved how the story blurred the lines between monster and man, making it difficult to decide who to trust.
The atmosphere was easily one of my favorite parts. Every page felt drenched in fog, blood, mystery, and gothic beauty. It perfectly captured that eerie Victorian feeling while weaving together romance, horror, and suspense.
The pacing slowed slightly through the middle as more backstory unfolded, but once everything began coming together, I couldn't put it down. And that ending...
I was not prepared for that cliffhanger. Now I'm impatiently waiting for book two because I need answers immediately.
If you're looking for a darker, moodier vampire story with emotional depth, gothic vibes, and plenty of mystery, I definitely recommend adding Heart So Dark to your TBR.
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam for providing me with an ARC
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.25/5)
This was one of those books where the premise completely sold me. Victorian London, vampires, séances, eerie dreams, and a Jack the Ripper-inspired mystery? Sign me up.
What kept me reading was the mystery. I really wanted to know who was behind everything, how the dreams connected to the murders, and what was actually going on with the vampire mythology. Those were easily the strongest parts of the book for me.
Where it lost me was the execution. Even though this is set in the 19th century, the dialogue, character interactions, and social behavior all felt very modern. I never really felt like I was in Victorian London, which made it hard for me to get immersed in the gothic atmosphere the premise promised.
I also never fully connected with the characters. Leo was probably the most interesting, but overall they felt a little flat. The romance and spice just weren’t for me, and I felt like that ended up taking page time that could have been better spent on character development, building the atmosphere, and strengthening the writing.
My biggest disappointment was the ending. This definitely feels like the first book in a series, and I wasn’t expecting that. A lot of the central questions are still left hanging by the time you reach the final page, so instead of feeling satisfied, I mostly felt like I was still waiting for the story to really begin.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery enough to keep turning the pages, but I wanted more from the atmosphere, the characters, and the payoff. If you enjoy vampire stories with romance, spice, dreamlike horror, and an ongoing mystery, I think there’s definitely an audience for this one. It just didn’t quite deliver everything I was hoping for.
This was one of those books where the premise completely sold me. Victorian London, vampires, séances, eerie dreams, and a Jack the Ripper-inspired mystery? Sign me up.
What kept me reading was the mystery. I really wanted to know who was behind everything, how the dreams connected to the murders, and what was actually going on with the vampire mythology. Those were easily the strongest parts of the book for me.
Where it lost me was the execution. Even though this is set in the 19th century, the dialogue, character interactions, and social behavior all felt very modern. I never really felt like I was in Victorian London, which made it hard for me to get immersed in the gothic atmosphere the premise promised.
I also never fully connected with the characters. Leo was probably the most interesting, but overall they felt a little flat. The romance and spice just weren’t for me, and I felt like that ended up taking page time that could have been better spent on character development, building the atmosphere, and strengthening the writing.
My biggest disappointment was the ending. This definitely feels like the first book in a series, and I wasn’t expecting that. A lot of the central questions are still left hanging by the time you reach the final page, so instead of feeling satisfied, I mostly felt like I was still waiting for the story to really begin.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery enough to keep turning the pages, but I wanted more from the atmosphere, the characters, and the payoff. If you enjoy vampire stories with romance, spice, dreamlike horror, and an ongoing mystery, I think there’s definitely an audience for this one. It just didn’t quite deliver everything I was hoping for.
May 26, 2026
Thank you NerdFam for the advanced copy!
Heart So Dark takes place in late 1800’s London and follows Charlotte and her fiancé, Harding. Things start to shift when Harding’s uncle and his long-time friend, Leo, come into the picture.
The only problem?
Leo is a vampire. And the only person who knows is Harding’s uncle, Hess.
As Leo attempts to integrate into society, his past continues to haunt not only him but those around him. No one seems to know why nightmares plague them every night or why mysterious young women keep turning up murdered.
Leo and Hess try to uncover the truth behind the killings, all while Leo grows closer and closer to Charlotte.
I really enjoyed the darker atmosphere throughout this book. The author did a great job weaving together seductive undertones with macabre elements, and I especially appreciated the vampire folklore. You could tell research was done regarding things like strigoi, nosferatu, and the superstitions surrounding them.
That being said, I did struggle some with the writing style. The POVs shifted back and forth within the same chapters, and at times I found it a little confusing. Personally, I think separate POV chapters may have flowed better for me.
I also thought the premise itself was really interesting and kept me reading because I wanted answers.
While the ending did leave off on a cliffhanger, I can’t say it had me desperately needing book two because I started piecing together where things may be headed. However, I’m intrigued enough to see how the story continues.
Heart So Dark takes place in late 1800’s London and follows Charlotte and her fiancé, Harding. Things start to shift when Harding’s uncle and his long-time friend, Leo, come into the picture.
The only problem?
Leo is a vampire. And the only person who knows is Harding’s uncle, Hess.
As Leo attempts to integrate into society, his past continues to haunt not only him but those around him. No one seems to know why nightmares plague them every night or why mysterious young women keep turning up murdered.
Leo and Hess try to uncover the truth behind the killings, all while Leo grows closer and closer to Charlotte.
I really enjoyed the darker atmosphere throughout this book. The author did a great job weaving together seductive undertones with macabre elements, and I especially appreciated the vampire folklore. You could tell research was done regarding things like strigoi, nosferatu, and the superstitions surrounding them.
That being said, I did struggle some with the writing style. The POVs shifted back and forth within the same chapters, and at times I found it a little confusing. Personally, I think separate POV chapters may have flowed better for me.
I also thought the premise itself was really interesting and kept me reading because I wanted answers.
While the ending did leave off on a cliffhanger, I can’t say it had me desperately needing book two because I started piecing together where things may be headed. However, I’m intrigued enough to see how the story continues.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
** 4.0 WEIGHTED REVIEW **
This was a really entertaining read. Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the eARC copy and chance to review before final publishing!
CHARACTERS
Main characters were engaging and mysterious. The romanctic plot between the FMC and her childhood love interest was sweet, as a childhood best friend turned lovers story line. The main antagonist is bloody terrifying without even meeting him.
STRUCTURE & PACING
The story developed pretty slow for me at times. Overall I was on the edge of my seat on every page feeling like I was waiting for the drama to happen and for the villian to come in and wreck our main characters lives.
WRITING STYLE
The authors writing style is lovely and I really enjoyed the tone. I was able to visualize all of the characters and their tone of voice quite well. I also enjoyed how the book incorporated letters to home, journal entries and live action. That was pretty neat!
MONSTERS & WORLD BUILDING
The descriptions of the mosters and types of vampires in the book were really great. The context and life story of Leo was quite heartbreaking and well woven into the book. I really felt for him in a lot of places of the novel. He pulls at my heartstrings quite a bit
Lastly, that cliffhanger is absolutely DIABOLICAL WHAT!!!!!!
I can't wait to read book two to see what happens with the gang.
Piece of constructive feedback: I had thought that this was a standalone, but I think this was my mistake / misunderstanding. Would reco adding "book one of xxxx" in the front pages :)
This was a really entertaining read. Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the eARC copy and chance to review before final publishing!
CHARACTERS
Main characters were engaging and mysterious. The romanctic plot between the FMC and her childhood love interest was sweet, as a childhood best friend turned lovers story line. The main antagonist is bloody terrifying without even meeting him.
STRUCTURE & PACING
The story developed pretty slow for me at times. Overall I was on the edge of my seat on every page feeling like I was waiting for the drama to happen and for the villian to come in and wreck our main characters lives.
WRITING STYLE
The authors writing style is lovely and I really enjoyed the tone. I was able to visualize all of the characters and their tone of voice quite well. I also enjoyed how the book incorporated letters to home, journal entries and live action. That was pretty neat!
MONSTERS & WORLD BUILDING
The descriptions of the mosters and types of vampires in the book were really great. The context and life story of Leo was quite heartbreaking and well woven into the book. I really felt for him in a lot of places of the novel. He pulls at my heartstrings quite a bit
Lastly, that cliffhanger is absolutely DIABOLICAL WHAT!!!!!!
I can't wait to read book two to see what happens with the gang.
Piece of constructive feedback: I had thought that this was a standalone, but I think this was my mistake / misunderstanding. Would reco adding "book one of xxxx" in the front pages :)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Heart So Dark is set in 1871 London; a string of murders have the public believing Jack the Ripper is back. Others suspect the killer is far more supernatural in nature.
The players to set the stage; Charlotte Murray, plagued by nightmares of a striking man with white hair and strange cravings; Gabriel Harding, Charlotte's childhood love and soon to be fiance with a troubled past; Leo Erikson, a 500+ year old vampire haunted by the corpses of his ex loves. Honorable mention; Hess, Gabriel's uncle and Leo's friend from university. Interest in cataloguing different vampires.
With Charlotte's dreams becoming more vivid, Leo begins to suspect who, or what, is actually committing the murders in London. Can Leo help his new friends before the killer strikes again?
The writing in this made it a very immersive read; I really enjoyed that it felt like I was reading a book from the time period. Nothing irks me more than modern language that doesn't fit the setting.
I feel like there was something missing and that the story lagged or moved too slowly at times. The writing was third person POV, however it sometimes shifted perspectives in the middle of a paragraph. This became distracting at times when it was slightly unclear who was thinking what.
I was very much invested in Leo's backstory and found the ending very strong. This left me keen enough to sink my teeth into book 2.
Heart So Dark is set in 1871 London; a string of murders have the public believing Jack the Ripper is back. Others suspect the killer is far more supernatural in nature.
The players to set the stage; Charlotte Murray, plagued by nightmares of a striking man with white hair and strange cravings; Gabriel Harding, Charlotte's childhood love and soon to be fiance with a troubled past; Leo Erikson, a 500+ year old vampire haunted by the corpses of his ex loves. Honorable mention; Hess, Gabriel's uncle and Leo's friend from university. Interest in cataloguing different vampires.
With Charlotte's dreams becoming more vivid, Leo begins to suspect who, or what, is actually committing the murders in London. Can Leo help his new friends before the killer strikes again?
The writing in this made it a very immersive read; I really enjoyed that it felt like I was reading a book from the time period. Nothing irks me more than modern language that doesn't fit the setting.
I feel like there was something missing and that the story lagged or moved too slowly at times. The writing was third person POV, however it sometimes shifted perspectives in the middle of a paragraph. This became distracting at times when it was slightly unclear who was thinking what.
I was very much invested in Leo's backstory and found the ending very strong. This left me keen enough to sink my teeth into book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, thank you to The Nerd Fam and M. Catherine Buschmann for the opportunity to read this book.
Heart So Dark is a beautifully atmospheric gothic vampire story that completely captures the dark, haunting feel of Victorian London. The fog-drenched streets, unsettling murders, and creeping sense of madness created the perfect backdrop for a story filled with mystery, obsession, and danger.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. This book feels dark, moody, and immersive from the very first page. The multiple POVs worked well, giving a deeper look into the lives of Charlotte, Gabriel, and Leo as their stories slowly intertwine. Leo, in particular, was a fascinating character, and watching his struggle with his fading grip on reality added an emotional layer to the story.
This isn't a fast-paced vampire romance. It's more of a gothic horror mystery with paranormal elements, and I appreciated that darker, more mature approach. The mystery surrounding the murders kept me engaged, and I loved how the tension steadily built throughout the book.
The pacing occasionally slowed for me, which is why this lands at 4 stars instead of 5, but the strong atmosphere, compelling characters, and unique take on vampire lore more than made up for it.
If you enjoy gothic horror, morally gray characters, Victorian settings, and vampires with a darker edge, this is definitely worth picking up. And that ending has me very curious to see where the story goes next. 🖤🦇📖
Heart So Dark is a beautifully atmospheric gothic vampire story that completely captures the dark, haunting feel of Victorian London. The fog-drenched streets, unsettling murders, and creeping sense of madness created the perfect backdrop for a story filled with mystery, obsession, and danger.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. This book feels dark, moody, and immersive from the very first page. The multiple POVs worked well, giving a deeper look into the lives of Charlotte, Gabriel, and Leo as their stories slowly intertwine. Leo, in particular, was a fascinating character, and watching his struggle with his fading grip on reality added an emotional layer to the story.
This isn't a fast-paced vampire romance. It's more of a gothic horror mystery with paranormal elements, and I appreciated that darker, more mature approach. The mystery surrounding the murders kept me engaged, and I loved how the tension steadily built throughout the book.
The pacing occasionally slowed for me, which is why this lands at 4 stars instead of 5, but the strong atmosphere, compelling characters, and unique take on vampire lore more than made up for it.
If you enjoy gothic horror, morally gray characters, Victorian settings, and vampires with a darker edge, this is definitely worth picking up. And that ending has me very curious to see where the story goes next. 🖤🦇📖
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book—it’s a dark, atmospheric vampire story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The pacing is definitely on the slower side, but in the best way possible. Instead of rushing through the plot, it drops small pieces of the mystery bit by bit, which makes the overall tension and intensity feel so much stronger as you read. The story unfurls at a really steady, deliberate pace. I thought I had the entire plot figured out pretty early on, but the author threw in some great twists and turns. The setting was another huge highlight for me. I loved being immersed in 1891 London, and the use of excerpts from letters and journals throughout the book.
Plot: Charlotte Murray is a young woman who is dealing with intense panic attacks and haunted by vivid, prophetic dreams of a mysterious man named Skarde. She ends up rekindling a romance with her childhood friend, Gabriel, but their courtship gets tangled up in a series of gruesome, throat-tearing murders around London. On top of that, there's Gabriel's uncle's friend, Dr. Leopold Eriksson—who is actually a 500-year-old vampire fighting his own madness—and a dark supernatural force pulling the strings behind the scenes. The ending wrapped up in a really satisfying way, but it definitely left me wanting more. I'm so curious to see how everything turns out in Book 2!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for this gifted copy.
Plot: Charlotte Murray is a young woman who is dealing with intense panic attacks and haunted by vivid, prophetic dreams of a mysterious man named Skarde. She ends up rekindling a romance with her childhood friend, Gabriel, but their courtship gets tangled up in a series of gruesome, throat-tearing murders around London. On top of that, there's Gabriel's uncle's friend, Dr. Leopold Eriksson—who is actually a 500-year-old vampire fighting his own madness—and a dark supernatural force pulling the strings behind the scenes. The ending wrapped up in a really satisfying way, but it definitely left me wanting more. I'm so curious to see how everything turns out in Book 2!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for this gifted copy.
Review of advance copy
EXCUSE ME. YOU CANNOT END IT LIKE THAT. I NEED TO KNOW MORE. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Okay for real though!!!!
This book was actually so so good 😭 Despite my 4 star rating, I really really liked it.
Leo definitely captured my heart instantly. I swear he's supposed to. He's the only character that I actually felt a "connection" to and wanted to know more about. He's definitely being haunted by multiple things, and I feel bad for the life he has lived. The poor man deserves to be happy my goodness 😭 he's such a good *man*, he's tender, has good intentions, and actually wants to help.
Charlotte & Harding - I'm sorry but I didn't see the love. Which is probably why their smut scenes threw me off. Which is why I rated this book 4 stars. Individually, they're okay people. Charlotte is sweet, but didn't stand out to me a ton, and Harding is just a poor junkie that needs to get a hobby 🙃
Hess was also an interesting character. He definitely served his purpose where needs be, but also didn't stand out much.
This book is perfect for people who love mysteries, thrillers, vampires, haunted people, and wild endings. And possibly smut. I didn't think it was necessary for what was happening in the book, but oh well.
thank you nerd fam for an arc!!
Okay for real though!!!!
This book was actually so so good 😭 Despite my 4 star rating, I really really liked it.
Leo definitely captured my heart instantly. I swear he's supposed to. He's the only character that I actually felt a "connection" to and wanted to know more about. He's definitely being haunted by multiple things, and I feel bad for the life he has lived. The poor man deserves to be happy my goodness 😭 he's such a good *man*, he's tender, has good intentions, and actually wants to help.
Charlotte & Harding - I'm sorry but I didn't see the love. Which is probably why their smut scenes threw me off. Which is why I rated this book 4 stars. Individually, they're okay people. Charlotte is sweet, but didn't stand out to me a ton, and Harding is just a poor junkie that needs to get a hobby 🙃
Hess was also an interesting character. He definitely served his purpose where needs be, but also didn't stand out much.
This book is perfect for people who love mysteries, thrillers, vampires, haunted people, and wild endings. And possibly smut. I didn't think it was necessary for what was happening in the book, but oh well.
thank you nerd fam for an arc!!
May 26, 2026
Heart So Dark by M. Catherine Buschmann was an exciting and addictive read. Set in London during the Victorian era, the story follows a centuries-old vampire, a bisexual socialite, and her childhood love as they become entangled in a mysterious series of murders spreading through the city.
I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down until I had answers. The mystery keeps the story moving at a fast pace, while the gothic atmosphere makes every scene feel dark and immersive. Buschmann’s writing is rich and emotional, blending suspense, romance, and danger in a way that keeps readers constantly invested.
The novel is dark, sensual, and deliciously forbidden, making it perfect for readers who enjoy gothic romance with morally complex characters and high emotional stakes.
Overall, Heart So Dark is a thrilling mix of mystery, romance, and supernatural horror that left a lasting impression on me and kept me thinking about the characters long after I finished the final page.
I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down until I had answers. The mystery keeps the story moving at a fast pace, while the gothic atmosphere makes every scene feel dark and immersive. Buschmann’s writing is rich and emotional, blending suspense, romance, and danger in a way that keeps readers constantly invested.
The novel is dark, sensual, and deliciously forbidden, making it perfect for readers who enjoy gothic romance with morally complex characters and high emotional stakes.
Overall, Heart So Dark is a thrilling mix of mystery, romance, and supernatural horror that left a lasting impression on me and kept me thinking about the characters long after I finished the final page.
Did Not Finish
May 29, 2026DNF at 54% 😞
No star rating due to not finishing. Thank you The Nerd Fam for providing this copy for me to review!
The premise of this book is excellent. I love the idea of a murderous vampire roaming the streets of 19th century London - it was giving historical gothic horror more than gothic romance. The murders are way more of the focus than the romance.
There was just so much unnecessary filler that I occasionally skimmed through chapters, and I could not get past the amount of typos - plus a whole page repeated itself. I thought I was going crazy, but when I reread the page I was reading the same couple of paragraphs twice.
I also just felt like the same situations were repeating over and over. The first couple of times it was horrifying…but after the fifth and sixth I was desensitized and begged inwardly for something different.
I wanted to give it a solid chance and when I got halfway through the book, it wasn’t holding my interest the way I hoped :( It definitely needs to go through another solid round of editing and polishing.
No star rating due to not finishing. Thank you The Nerd Fam for providing this copy for me to review!
The premise of this book is excellent. I love the idea of a murderous vampire roaming the streets of 19th century London - it was giving historical gothic horror more than gothic romance. The murders are way more of the focus than the romance.
There was just so much unnecessary filler that I occasionally skimmed through chapters, and I could not get past the amount of typos - plus a whole page repeated itself. I thought I was going crazy, but when I reread the page I was reading the same couple of paragraphs twice.
I also just felt like the same situations were repeating over and over. The first couple of times it was horrifying…but after the fifth and sixth I was desensitized and begged inwardly for something different.
I wanted to give it a solid chance and when I got halfway through the book, it wasn’t holding my interest the way I hoped :( It definitely needs to go through another solid round of editing and polishing.
June 8, 2026
The premise of this book is so great and I did enjoy it, but I wanted to love it. There’s something holding it back? I’m not sure if it’s the timing or the writing but it fell a little short for me.
The situation with Leo and Charlotte felt a bit forced. It went from “hey she looks like my old partners” to “hey I’m madly in love with her” a bit suddenly. I wouldn’t mind that extra layer of conflict woven into the story if it was done a bit more gracefully.
The twist at the end was quite enjoyable. I knew there was something weird about her, but would have never guessed it was that. Well done there!!
All in all, it was an extremely quick and enjoyable read. If you’re into vampires or gothic horror, I would check it out. It hits the boxes of macabre, spooky, and haunting. I am curious enough to want to see where the story goes to check out the second one. Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam and the author for sharing this ARC with me and allowing me to share my honest opinions. 🩵
The situation with Leo and Charlotte felt a bit forced. It went from “hey she looks like my old partners” to “hey I’m madly in love with her” a bit suddenly. I wouldn’t mind that extra layer of conflict woven into the story if it was done a bit more gracefully.
The twist at the end was quite enjoyable. I knew there was something weird about her, but would have never guessed it was that. Well done there!!
All in all, it was an extremely quick and enjoyable read. If you’re into vampires or gothic horror, I would check it out. It hits the boxes of macabre, spooky, and haunting. I am curious enough to want to see where the story goes to check out the second one. Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam and the author for sharing this ARC with me and allowing me to share my honest opinions. 🩵
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such a dark, atmospheric read, and I loved the gothic Victorian London setting. If you love vampires, murder mysteries, and stories that lean more into horror than romance, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I will say the beginning was a little slow while all the characters and storylines were being introduced, but once everything started connecting, I was hooked. I loved trying to piece together the mystery, and every reveal kept me turning the pages.
Leo was easily my favorite character. His internal struggles and morally gray nature made him such a compelling protagonist, and I loved that this wasn’t your typical vampire story. It felt fresh, eerie, and full of suspense.
That ending definitely left me wanting more. Overall, this was a unique gothic fantasy with great atmosphere, an intriguing mystery, and plenty of twists. I’m already looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
I will say the beginning was a little slow while all the characters and storylines were being introduced, but once everything started connecting, I was hooked. I loved trying to piece together the mystery, and every reveal kept me turning the pages.
Leo was easily my favorite character. His internal struggles and morally gray nature made him such a compelling protagonist, and I loved that this wasn’t your typical vampire story. It felt fresh, eerie, and full of suspense.
That ending definitely left me wanting more. Overall, this was a unique gothic fantasy with great atmosphere, an intriguing mystery, and plenty of twists. I’m already looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Heart So Dark" by M. Catherine Buschmann takes us back to 1891 London, where a series of chilling murders has everyone on edge, raising fears that Jack the Ripper might have returned., and the city is gripped by fear as a killer roams free.
The story centers on Charlotte, her fiancé Harding, and the enigmatic Leo, a friend of Harding’s uncle. Together, they dive into a dark and haunting world filled with vampires as they seek to uncover the identity of the murderer. I found the plot engaging and loved the gothic vibes throughout.
There were a few moments where the pacing slowed down a bit, but my curiosity kept me hooked until the end, and that ending definitely left me wanting more! I can't wait for book two because I need to find out what happens next!
Thank you to The NerdFam for this eARC.
The story centers on Charlotte, her fiancé Harding, and the enigmatic Leo, a friend of Harding’s uncle. Together, they dive into a dark and haunting world filled with vampires as they seek to uncover the identity of the murderer. I found the plot engaging and loved the gothic vibes throughout.
There were a few moments where the pacing slowed down a bit, but my curiosity kept me hooked until the end, and that ending definitely left me wanting more! I can't wait for book two because I need to find out what happens next!
Thank you to The NerdFam for this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was dark, haunting, and completely intriguing
If you love gothic horror, vampires, murder mysteries, and a touch of romance, definitely add this one to your TBR. Charlotte's nightmares, the chilling Jack the Ripper style murders, and the constant feeling that something sinister was lurking around every corner had me hooked and on the edge of my seat.
Leo, our tragic 500 year old vampire, completely stole my heart, and Gabriel's devotion to Charlotte added so much emotion to the story.
The multiple POVs felt alot to follow at first, but it fit the chaotic haunting atmosphere perfectly. The psychological twists kept me guessing, and that ending left me staring at the wall wondering what just happened.
I need book two immediately. Thank you to the author and the Nerd Fam for this gifted copy
If you love gothic horror, vampires, murder mysteries, and a touch of romance, definitely add this one to your TBR. Charlotte's nightmares, the chilling Jack the Ripper style murders, and the constant feeling that something sinister was lurking around every corner had me hooked and on the edge of my seat.
Leo, our tragic 500 year old vampire, completely stole my heart, and Gabriel's devotion to Charlotte added so much emotion to the story.
The multiple POVs felt alot to follow at first, but it fit the chaotic haunting atmosphere perfectly. The psychological twists kept me guessing, and that ending left me staring at the wall wondering what just happened.
I need book two immediately. Thank you to the author and the Nerd Fam for this gifted copy
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for giving me access to this book.
This is a gothic romance that satisfied all horror; love vibes. Murder, turmoil and a vampife, whats not to love.
The eerie London vibes were briliantly written. I could pictures the streets, the dark alley, the buildings so vividly.
This was a good story line however there were moments that I felt like the story stalled. The characters storylines were well written. I loved the ending. It kind of tied everything together perfectly.
If you loved the vibes of Sleepy Hollow, Interview with a Vampire amd Crimson Peak .... then this is the book for you. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars.
This is a gothic romance that satisfied all horror; love vibes. Murder, turmoil and a vampife, whats not to love.
The eerie London vibes were briliantly written. I could pictures the streets, the dark alley, the buildings so vividly.
This was a good story line however there were moments that I felt like the story stalled. The characters storylines were well written. I loved the ending. It kind of tied everything together perfectly.
If you loved the vibes of Sleepy Hollow, Interview with a Vampire amd Crimson Peak .... then this is the book for you. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars.
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