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Eternal Devotion
My name is Mordecai Ashenvale, and I am a vampire.My species exists on the outskirts of society. Segregated by choice. Forgettable by design.We are myth and legend.We were never meant to befriend humans, for it is dangerous.We were never supposed to invite them into our world… But that all changed one fateful night when power-hungry kin raised an army of human hunters, usurped the throne, and kidnapped the great elder, my uncle.As his direct descendant, I’m the only one with the power to save him, but it’s the last thing I want to do.Here is my I despise the curse I carry, and it was he who cursed me. Since I don’t want to rule our people, rescuing him is my only option.The journey requires integration with humans.The last thing I expected was to form a bond with one of them.For my long-dead heart to reawaken.To find a love so glorious in its simplicity and so crushing in its impermanence.Ensley Elowen is a blissful reprieve from misery that I don’t deserve.I can’t be part of his life, but I refuse to curse him with mine.Besides, I have a mission.A dangerous mission that he can know nothing about.**Eternal Devotion is a gothic MM vampire romance with rainy fall nights, a creepy mansion, a cranky vampire who hates being a vampire, a far-too-observant fantasy- and gaming-obsessed human, and an impossible rescue mission that gets progressively more dangerous with every turn of the page. High stakes, powerful love, and a vampire’s best friend who won’t stop poking his nose in everyone’s business. Guaranteed HEA**
Audible Audio
First published October 15, 2026
About the author
Nicky James
77 books2,441 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this slow-burn vampire tale between a centuries-old vampire, Mordecai, and his human paramour, Ensley. Their relationship definitely takes its time. Mordecai is a broody, angsty vampire who believes his eternal life is a curse, and as he embarks on his quest, he meets the friendliest of humans in Ensley. Their chemistry is immediate, and their dynamic is silly and heartwarming, but every interaction carries a looming threat because you understand that their relationship has its limits, which gives everything a foreboding element.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It had all the great vibes of a classic vampire tale, but with a fun modern spin that kept me engaged and wondering how these two would get their HEA given the impossible circumstances surrounding their entire relationship. I was not disappointed, and I look forward to exploring more in this world in the future.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It had all the great vibes of a classic vampire tale, but with a fun modern spin that kept me engaged and wondering how these two would get their HEA given the impossible circumstances surrounding their entire relationship. I was not disappointed, and I look forward to exploring more in this world in the future.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
October 17, 2026
Nicky James & vampires: what could possibly go wrong? Quite a bit, actually.
Mordecai was born in 1570 and died in 1597. He name-drops a few historical events and figures, but other than that, nothing grounds this story in history. Initially, Mordecai talks like a refined gentleman from the late 19th century. Toward the end, he's flinging around words like "bugger off" and "shag."
Other MM romance novels featuring vampires tend to eschew old-school vampire myths. Not this one. Mordecai doesn't have a reflection or cast shadows. He has to be invited in before he can enter and sleeps in a coffin filled with home soil.
Things that can hurt/kill him include garlic/garlic blossoms, crosses and other religious medallions, holy water, churches (it's not clear if they have to be Christian or if a synagogue or mosque would be equally potent - I'm betting not, since Catholic tropes are front and center here), consecrated ground, and a stake through the heart.
Mordecai is tormented. He hates being a vamp and refuses to drink blood, even when he's "depleted" and needs every ounce of energy to carry out his mission and save his uncle, the current leader of the vampires.
He yearns for Ensley but knows they have no future. At one point, he tries to erase Ensley's memories of him but, considering Ensley's friends have already met him, it (surprise!) doesn't work. He can also shift, but into what is unclear. Maybe a bat, crow, or wolf, but it's all weirdly hush-hush and ambiguous.
Ensley is a real estate agent who's into gaming and DnD. He has a quirky group of friends and blames himself for his dad dying in an auto accident that he himself survived. How many times have I read the "it's my fault he/she/they died" trope before? It's so clichéd and tired.
The setup is promising. Ensley delivers the keys to the derelict, abandoned mansion where Mordecai will be staying while he looks for his uncle, who was abducted by a rogue vamp and is being held captive by human vampire hunters.
I kept waiting for action, suspense, literally anything to happen beyond meandering side plots, repetitive conversations, and rote sex scenes.
The whole kidnapped-uncle situation should have been the driving force of the story, but it felt more like an afterthought. Mordecai is supposedly on this high-stakes mission to save all vampires, yet there's little sense of urgency or danger. The plot just moseys along until, finally, something happens.
Unfortunately, we have to wait until 92 percent for any actual action, and by 97 percent, it's over. That's not a dramatic build-up with a payoff; that's making the reader sit through a whole lot of nothing before hurriedly wrapping up the one storyline that was supposed to make this book interesting.
I'm so damn disappointed. The premise had potential, but the execution was a mess. The characters are flat, the romance lacks depth, the vampire lore is a hodgepodge of conventional tropes, and the "dangerous mission" promised in the blurb barely registers for most of the story.
I don't mind a romance taking center stage, but if you're going to promise me vampires, kidnappings, and a rescue mission, I expect more than a rushed resolution tacked on at the end. This could have been so much better.
Mordecai was born in 1570 and died in 1597. He name-drops a few historical events and figures, but other than that, nothing grounds this story in history. Initially, Mordecai talks like a refined gentleman from the late 19th century. Toward the end, he's flinging around words like "bugger off" and "shag."
Other MM romance novels featuring vampires tend to eschew old-school vampire myths. Not this one. Mordecai doesn't have a reflection or cast shadows. He has to be invited in before he can enter and sleeps in a coffin filled with home soil.
Things that can hurt/kill him include garlic/garlic blossoms, crosses and other religious medallions, holy water, churches (it's not clear if they have to be Christian or if a synagogue or mosque would be equally potent - I'm betting not, since Catholic tropes are front and center here), consecrated ground, and a stake through the heart.
Mordecai is tormented. He hates being a vamp and refuses to drink blood, even when he's "depleted" and needs every ounce of energy to carry out his mission and save his uncle, the current leader of the vampires.
He yearns for Ensley but knows they have no future. At one point, he tries to erase Ensley's memories of him but, considering Ensley's friends have already met him, it (surprise!) doesn't work. He can also shift, but into what is unclear. Maybe a bat, crow, or wolf, but it's all weirdly hush-hush and ambiguous.
Ensley is a real estate agent who's into gaming and DnD. He has a quirky group of friends and blames himself for his dad dying in an auto accident that he himself survived. How many times have I read the "it's my fault he/she/they died" trope before? It's so clichéd and tired.
The setup is promising. Ensley delivers the keys to the derelict, abandoned mansion where Mordecai will be staying while he looks for his uncle, who was abducted by a rogue vamp and is being held captive by human vampire hunters.
I kept waiting for action, suspense, literally anything to happen beyond meandering side plots, repetitive conversations, and rote sex scenes.
The whole kidnapped-uncle situation should have been the driving force of the story, but it felt more like an afterthought. Mordecai is supposedly on this high-stakes mission to save all vampires, yet there's little sense of urgency or danger. The plot just moseys along until, finally, something happens.
Unfortunately, we have to wait until 92 percent for any actual action, and by 97 percent, it's over. That's not a dramatic build-up with a payoff; that's making the reader sit through a whole lot of nothing before hurriedly wrapping up the one storyline that was supposed to make this book interesting.
I'm so damn disappointed. The premise had potential, but the execution was a mess. The characters are flat, the romance lacks depth, the vampire lore is a hodgepodge of conventional tropes, and the "dangerous mission" promised in the blurb barely registers for most of the story.
I don't mind a romance taking center stage, but if you're going to promise me vampires, kidnappings, and a rescue mission, I expect more than a rushed resolution tacked on at the end. This could have been so much better.
Did Not Finish
October 17, 2026I’m not sure if I’m in a reading slump or if I’m just picking the wrong books, but I can’t bring myself to keep reading yet another book that doesn’t interest me at all. So unfortunately, this one’s going to be a DNF at 50%. 🥲
This was one of the books I was really looking forward to, but the story just doesn’t draw me in at all 😩 Mordecai is an incredibly bland and uninteresting character for a vampire. I also wasn’t a fan of how his vampirism was portrayed. The plot, as well as the way the story unfolds and progresses, just doesn’t resonate with me or grab my attention in any way.
I might give this another chance later as an audiobook, since I usually love Nick J. Russo’s narration.
This was one of the books I was really looking forward to, but the story just doesn’t draw me in at all 😩 Mordecai is an incredibly bland and uninteresting character for a vampire. I also wasn’t a fan of how his vampirism was portrayed. The plot, as well as the way the story unfolds and progresses, just doesn’t resonate with me or grab my attention in any way.
I might give this another chance later as an audiobook, since I usually love Nick J. Russo’s narration.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nicky James does it again! Eternal Devotion had me compelled right from the start and Nick J Russo's performance was spectacular! He truly brought Mordecai & Ensley to life. I loved this so much! It was full of fun, mystery, romance, action, and more...all the things I want in a story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend if you're into Vampires!
Review of advance copy received from Author
B / 4 stars
Vampire stories/romances aren’t normally my thing, but when I learned that Nicky James had written one – her first – I decided to give it a go. I enjoyed Eternal Devotion for the most part – the characters are appealing, the romance has plenty of chemistry and connection, and the simple plot is well-executed, but on the downside, the ending feels rushed and while the HEA is predictable – and probably the only way you’re going to get one in this type of book – I found it strangely disappointing.
In a nice little wink to Bram Stoker, Ensley Elowen is the real-estate agent assigned to meet with Mordecai Ashenvale, the new owner of the Branvilla Estate a derelict and once almost-condemned historic mansion on the outskirts of Owen Sound. He’s not wild about having to schlepp out to the remote property on the one night a week he’d had plans, but the commission is good and his boss is insistent, so off he goes – almost believing in the stories about the house being haunted when he catches his first glimpse of the purchaser, blond and starkly pale in the moonlight. Ashenvale is nothing like the wealthy, older man Ensley had expected; he’s around his own age, maybe even younger, and utterly, impossibly beautiful, exuding a magnetism that holds him momentarily spellbound. Shaking off his fascination, Ensley completes the paperwork and shows Ashenvale the house, taking in the generally poor state of the furniture and interiors – none of which seems to bother his client. Ensley absolutely doesn’t believe in the numerous ghost stories that circulate about the place, but can’t deny that something about it makes him feel uneasy.
Mordecai** – who is, in fact, over four-hundred-and-fifty years old and has lived most of his life in London – has travelled to Canada at the behest of his family and in order to locate and rescue his uncle, the rightful king, who was kidnapped and spirited away by the traitor Valerius many years ago. Mordecai is undertaking this task most reluctantly; he lives on the very fringes of vampire society and wants as little to do with them as possible, he hates the way he has to live, and forces himself to feed as rarely as he can get away with. But as King Iulian’s nephew and one of the few vampires left of bloodline of the first king (guess who?) Mordecai is the only one who will be able to free Iulian. Besides, being both those things makes him next-in-line to lead, and he absolutely does not want that, so he has no real alternative but to agree to go. He arrives at the Branvilla Estate alone, his intent to discover his uncle’s exact location before coming up with a plan to free him. He did not expect to be confronted by an attractive, engaging young man who exudes the kind of warmth, generosity and freedom of spirit Mordecai has never experienced.
**I’m not especially bothered by Nicky James’ tendency to give her characters rather odd names, but I did have to side-eye the use of Mordecai for a man born in London in 1570. (It’s historical England – of course I’m going to be picky!) His family was not wealthy – he says they farmed a small piece of land south of the Thames – which makes it even more likely he’d most likely have been named John, William, Thomas, Henry or Robert!
The rescue plot is fairly straightfoward but is expertly done and deftly interwoven with the developing romance. Mordecai is unsettled by his attraction to Ensley – it’s not as though he’s never had lovers but feeling so drawn to someone, caring so strongly about their happiness and safety, well that’s all new - and he fights desperately to stop himself becoming attached. And while Ensley can’t exactly put his finger on what it is about Mordecai that doesn’t quite fit, he’s so strongly attracted to him – more than he’s been to anyone in, well, ever – that he pushes the questions aside in favour of getting to know and spend time with the man he’s falling for.
Mordecai and Ensley are well-drawn, strongly realised characters with quirks and flaws that make them easy to like and understand. Ensley is thirty-three and carries a lot of guilt over the death of his father when he (Ensley) was eighteen; he works in a pretty dead-end job but the bright spot in his life is the group of friends with whom he games regularly – a bunch of engaging misfits who, I admit, screamed ‘sequel fodder’ at me almost immediately (although I went into the book believing it to be a standalone, the author indicates she is, indeed, writing a sequel featuring one of those friends.)
Mordecai has very complex feelings about his vampirism and I liked that they were explored; being immortal sounds great until you actually have to live it and he sees it as a curse rather than a blessing. There’s an aura of melancholy surrounding him that is subtly woven in to his personality, a real sense of his loneliness and, even centuries later, anger about what was forced upon him. He’s never allowed himself to form a deep attachment to a human, and he refuses, absolutely, to turn someone else, no matter how hard they beg or insist they want it. He fights his attraction to Ensley every step of the way, but in the end, he realises he can’t just walk away this time – he’s fallen in love and will accept the consequences.
Ensley and Mordecai have strong chemistry and I liked them together, but the relationship development is maybe just a little bit truncated to allow for the plot to unfold. I recognise the author had a lot to pack into a regular-length book, but I’d have liked to have spent a bit more time with their getting-to-know-you phase. She does, however, do a great job with the setting, skilfully depicting the brooding, unsettling atmosphere radiating off the house and the remote vampire lair, and I appreciated that the accepted vampire lore – garlic, holy water, religious symbols, daylight – is incorporated and integral to the plot rather than included just because.
The tension in the plot builds steadily and reaches an exciting and devastating climax, but here’s where things turned a bit ‘meh’ for me. Let's face it - in a romance featuring an immortal vampire and a human, there’s only one way an author can go in order for them to end up together for eternity; and my ambivalence towards this kind of HEA is probably why I don’t read a lot of vampire romance! However, I very much appreciated that in this one, Nicky James makes it clear, early on, that Mordecai is unequivocally opposed to doing what he ends up having to do, and that he does it and hates himself for doing it, because it does, at least, make the ending a bit more interesting (even though it’s still very predictable!)
I enjoyed Eternal Devotion – the characters are likeable, the plot is solid and it’s easy to get caught up in the story. I wasn’t wild about the ending, but that’s very much a ME thing, and if you’re in the mood for a well-written, sexy and spooky romance this October, this one should definitely be on your radar.
Vampire stories/romances aren’t normally my thing, but when I learned that Nicky James had written one – her first – I decided to give it a go. I enjoyed Eternal Devotion for the most part – the characters are appealing, the romance has plenty of chemistry and connection, and the simple plot is well-executed, but on the downside, the ending feels rushed and while the HEA is predictable – and probably the only way you’re going to get one in this type of book – I found it strangely disappointing.
In a nice little wink to Bram Stoker, Ensley Elowen is the real-estate agent assigned to meet with Mordecai Ashenvale, the new owner of the Branvilla Estate a derelict and once almost-condemned historic mansion on the outskirts of Owen Sound. He’s not wild about having to schlepp out to the remote property on the one night a week he’d had plans, but the commission is good and his boss is insistent, so off he goes – almost believing in the stories about the house being haunted when he catches his first glimpse of the purchaser, blond and starkly pale in the moonlight. Ashenvale is nothing like the wealthy, older man Ensley had expected; he’s around his own age, maybe even younger, and utterly, impossibly beautiful, exuding a magnetism that holds him momentarily spellbound. Shaking off his fascination, Ensley completes the paperwork and shows Ashenvale the house, taking in the generally poor state of the furniture and interiors – none of which seems to bother his client. Ensley absolutely doesn’t believe in the numerous ghost stories that circulate about the place, but can’t deny that something about it makes him feel uneasy.
Mordecai** – who is, in fact, over four-hundred-and-fifty years old and has lived most of his life in London – has travelled to Canada at the behest of his family and in order to locate and rescue his uncle, the rightful king, who was kidnapped and spirited away by the traitor Valerius many years ago. Mordecai is undertaking this task most reluctantly; he lives on the very fringes of vampire society and wants as little to do with them as possible, he hates the way he has to live, and forces himself to feed as rarely as he can get away with. But as King Iulian’s nephew and one of the few vampires left of bloodline of the first king (guess who?) Mordecai is the only one who will be able to free Iulian. Besides, being both those things makes him next-in-line to lead, and he absolutely does not want that, so he has no real alternative but to agree to go. He arrives at the Branvilla Estate alone, his intent to discover his uncle’s exact location before coming up with a plan to free him. He did not expect to be confronted by an attractive, engaging young man who exudes the kind of warmth, generosity and freedom of spirit Mordecai has never experienced.
**I’m not especially bothered by Nicky James’ tendency to give her characters rather odd names, but I did have to side-eye the use of Mordecai for a man born in London in 1570. (It’s historical England – of course I’m going to be picky!) His family was not wealthy – he says they farmed a small piece of land south of the Thames – which makes it even more likely he’d most likely have been named John, William, Thomas, Henry or Robert!
The rescue plot is fairly straightfoward but is expertly done and deftly interwoven with the developing romance. Mordecai is unsettled by his attraction to Ensley – it’s not as though he’s never had lovers but feeling so drawn to someone, caring so strongly about their happiness and safety, well that’s all new - and he fights desperately to stop himself becoming attached. And while Ensley can’t exactly put his finger on what it is about Mordecai that doesn’t quite fit, he’s so strongly attracted to him – more than he’s been to anyone in, well, ever – that he pushes the questions aside in favour of getting to know and spend time with the man he’s falling for.
Mordecai and Ensley are well-drawn, strongly realised characters with quirks and flaws that make them easy to like and understand. Ensley is thirty-three and carries a lot of guilt over the death of his father when he (Ensley) was eighteen; he works in a pretty dead-end job but the bright spot in his life is the group of friends with whom he games regularly – a bunch of engaging misfits who, I admit, screamed ‘sequel fodder’ at me almost immediately (although I went into the book believing it to be a standalone, the author indicates she is, indeed, writing a sequel featuring one of those friends.)
Mordecai has very complex feelings about his vampirism and I liked that they were explored; being immortal sounds great until you actually have to live it and he sees it as a curse rather than a blessing. There’s an aura of melancholy surrounding him that is subtly woven in to his personality, a real sense of his loneliness and, even centuries later, anger about what was forced upon him. He’s never allowed himself to form a deep attachment to a human, and he refuses, absolutely, to turn someone else, no matter how hard they beg or insist they want it. He fights his attraction to Ensley every step of the way, but in the end, he realises he can’t just walk away this time – he’s fallen in love and will accept the consequences.
Ensley and Mordecai have strong chemistry and I liked them together, but the relationship development is maybe just a little bit truncated to allow for the plot to unfold. I recognise the author had a lot to pack into a regular-length book, but I’d have liked to have spent a bit more time with their getting-to-know-you phase. She does, however, do a great job with the setting, skilfully depicting the brooding, unsettling atmosphere radiating off the house and the remote vampire lair, and I appreciated that the accepted vampire lore – garlic, holy water, religious symbols, daylight – is incorporated and integral to the plot rather than included just because.
The tension in the plot builds steadily and reaches an exciting and devastating climax, but here’s where things turned a bit ‘meh’ for me. Let's face it - in a romance featuring an immortal vampire and a human, there’s only one way an author can go in order for them to end up together for eternity; and my ambivalence towards this kind of HEA is probably why I don’t read a lot of vampire romance! However, I very much appreciated that in this one, Nicky James makes it clear, early on, that Mordecai is unequivocally opposed to doing what he ends up having to do, and that he does it and hates himself for doing it, because it does, at least, make the ending a bit more interesting (even though it’s still very predictable!)
I enjoyed Eternal Devotion – the characters are likeable, the plot is solid and it’s easy to get caught up in the story. I wasn’t wild about the ending, but that’s very much a ME thing, and if you’re in the mood for a well-written, sexy and spooky romance this October, this one should definitely be on your radar.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3⭐️ There’s something about Nicky James’s writing that just doesn’t connect for me. Her books are fine, not bad, but—with the exception of Love Me Whole—I find her writing very dull. I was quite bored with this story. The plot wasn’t very original and felt very low-stakes. The romance wasn’t angsty or exciting enough to hold my attention.
October 14, 2026
Oh I had SO MUCH FUN with this one! If you are looking for a classic vampire romance with some twists, @nickyjames5902’ new book Eternal Devotion is PERFECT. A vampire who desperately wishes he were still human and avoids blood has to go on a quest in a small Canadian town to find the uncle he hates. He enlists the help of his DnD-playing realtor….. until he realizes he finds him IRRESISTIBLE 😏. You get ALL the vampire tropes, some incredible spice, and a mystery/adventure story that kept me on the edge of my seat. And omgggg I’m so excited there will be a Cristofer book in the future because I LOVE him! Grab this one on the 15th when it’s officially out or from Nicky’s website NOW.
Read
October 17, 2026DNF at 25%. I’m bored out of my mind.
October 16, 2026
I've never known Nicky to miss, but this was a close call. Mental health rep and disability is her true wheelhouse, that's where she shines like a fucking supernova.
I was really hoping that Nicky read some Anne Rice novels and got her inspiration from that direction, but I don't get the sense that she did; which is fine really, because if she tried to write a Vampire Chronicles novel, Anne Rice might have arisen from the grave and attempted to sue her. And, it wouldn't be Nicky James' style--I don't particularly want to read eight paragraphs about ornate furniture, anyway, that's not why I'm here.
I wanted to see what Nicky James would do with a paranormal setting (good on her for keeping it in Canada--write what you know and all) but I was mildly disappointed by some things she COULD have taken from the Greats, but obviously discarded.
Overall, the pacing was engaging, but the MCs lacked a certain chemistry. She might have leaned into the grumpy/sunshine dynamic a little harder.. We have a centuries old vampire that's simultaneously bored with being alive, but doesn't want to die yet.
One thing I loved about Anne Rice's vampires is how they detested/loved their nature, but all were obsessed with humans. How they smelled, the glossiness of their hair, the ridges in their fingernails, the quick, frantic breaths they expelled when aroused or excited.. I got the feeling that our vampire MC just watched humans for something to do.. bored with life, just occasionally stalking men because, what else is there to do but suffer?
It made their romance much less believable. He's practically disassociating with reality until a vaguely nerdy real estate agent captures his interest utterly..has he seen the rest of humanity!?! Surely in 400 years, SOMEONE would have garnered his interest. It just doesn't make sense.
I was really hoping that Nicky read some Anne Rice novels and got her inspiration from that direction, but I don't get the sense that she did; which is fine really, because if she tried to write a Vampire Chronicles novel, Anne Rice might have arisen from the grave and attempted to sue her. And, it wouldn't be Nicky James' style--I don't particularly want to read eight paragraphs about ornate furniture, anyway, that's not why I'm here.
I wanted to see what Nicky James would do with a paranormal setting (good on her for keeping it in Canada--write what you know and all) but I was mildly disappointed by some things she COULD have taken from the Greats, but obviously discarded.
Overall, the pacing was engaging, but the MCs lacked a certain chemistry. She might have leaned into the grumpy/sunshine dynamic a little harder.. We have a centuries old vampire that's simultaneously bored with being alive, but doesn't want to die yet.
One thing I loved about Anne Rice's vampires is how they detested/loved their nature, but all were obsessed with humans. How they smelled, the glossiness of their hair, the ridges in their fingernails, the quick, frantic breaths they expelled when aroused or excited.. I got the feeling that our vampire MC just watched humans for something to do.. bored with life, just occasionally stalking men because, what else is there to do but suffer?
It made their romance much less believable. He's practically disassociating with reality until a vaguely nerdy real estate agent captures his interest utterly..has he seen the rest of humanity!?! Surely in 400 years, SOMEONE would have garnered his interest. It just doesn't make sense.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew that Nicky James's foray into paranormal romance would be exciting, but I was blown away by the moody atmosphere she set from the first few pages. I felt effortlessly transported into Mordecai's immortal world and the quest he was on to recover his uncle. His complicated feelings about his vampirism made for a fascinating tangle of emotions to unpick, and I genuinely enjoyed seeing him fall head over heels for Ensley. The narrative in this book was heavily driven by its characters -- for Mordecai, that involved his struggle around forming an attachment to a human, while for Ensley it was a combination of discovery and healing from his past. I found it easy to put myself in their shoes and understand the decisions they made, even when I didn't necessarily agree with them, and though it was slow to grow I did wholeheartedly believe in their romance. The curious side of me wishes that there'd been more opportunities to learn the vampire lore of this world, but from a practical perspective I had all the information I needed to follow along and stay invested in the journey. I found the events leading up to the ending a heart-pumping mix of exciting and nerve-wracking, and I was satisfied with the outcome of the overall story and for Ensley and Mordecai's relationship.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Standalone (but possibly more on the horizon). Paranormal. Dual POV.
Mordecai is a vampire unhappy with his existence and tasked with rescuing his uncle so that Mordecai doesn’t have to become leader of the vampires. Ensley is a gaming realtor that has no knowledge of the supernatural world but is drawn to the enigmatic Mordecai.
I enjoyed the fish out of water aspect for Mordecai trying to fit in with the human world, and Ensley’s complete interest in Mordecai even though there are things about him that make no sense to him. I would have appreciated more world building and more with Ensley and Mordecai getting to know each other, but there was a time crunch for the storyline. Both Ensley and Mordecai are likable characters, and Mordecai is interesting with unique powers and some familiar vulnerabilities. Slightly predictable, but still entertaining as both characters yearned for a HEA. There is a hint of another book for a fun secondary character, so I will be here for it.
Mordecai is a vampire unhappy with his existence and tasked with rescuing his uncle so that Mordecai doesn’t have to become leader of the vampires. Ensley is a gaming realtor that has no knowledge of the supernatural world but is drawn to the enigmatic Mordecai.
I enjoyed the fish out of water aspect for Mordecai trying to fit in with the human world, and Ensley’s complete interest in Mordecai even though there are things about him that make no sense to him. I would have appreciated more world building and more with Ensley and Mordecai getting to know each other, but there was a time crunch for the storyline. Both Ensley and Mordecai are likable characters, and Mordecai is interesting with unique powers and some familiar vulnerabilities. Slightly predictable, but still entertaining as both characters yearned for a HEA. There is a hint of another book for a fun secondary character, so I will be here for it.
October 16, 2026
Owen Sound would be so lucky to have such drama!! LOL
Great foray into the vampire realm. Reluctant vampire Mordecai has been forced to come to Canada to rescue a great elder, lest Mordecai become the leader.
Upon arrival at a desolate, remote mansion, he meets a very curious and friendly Ensley.
Between feeling a draw to Ensley, who warms his undead heart, vampire hunters who are determined to succeed at ending vampires, and mounting a rescue mission, there’s lots going on for these two.
Of course, there’s also Ensley discovering that vampires exist!
A wonderful addition to Nicky’s catalogue.
Great foray into the vampire realm. Reluctant vampire Mordecai has been forced to come to Canada to rescue a great elder, lest Mordecai become the leader.
Upon arrival at a desolate, remote mansion, he meets a very curious and friendly Ensley.
Between feeling a draw to Ensley, who warms his undead heart, vampire hunters who are determined to succeed at ending vampires, and mounting a rescue mission, there’s lots going on for these two.
Of course, there’s also Ensley discovering that vampires exist!
A wonderful addition to Nicky’s catalogue.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nicky James has written a vampire book that had me sucked in from the very beginning. Mordecai is a very reluctant vampire who makes his way to Canada on a mission to save his Uncle and therefore himself from a life he doesn’t want. Circumstances have him and Ensley crossing paths and it’s not long before they are planning not only how to rescue Mordecai’s Uncle but also how, as a vampire and a human, they can have the relationship they both desire.
I really enjoyed how the vampire lore of garlic, daylight etc is integral to the plot, the side characters who keep things interesting (looking at you DnD crew and Cristofer) and the HEA that seemed nearly impossible to achieve. Can’t wait for more!
I really enjoyed how the vampire lore of garlic, daylight etc is integral to the plot, the side characters who keep things interesting (looking at you DnD crew and Cristofer) and the HEA that seemed nearly impossible to achieve. Can’t wait for more!
October 15, 2026
First half was dragging a bit, but the second half had more relationship development and plot. Slow to medium burn, some wholesome moments and some spice. I facepalmed at the end when Ensley didn't do as they planned/discussed so many times.
Lots of old vampire lore, like being afraid of the sun, afraid of garlic, afraid of holy water and the cross or other christian-blessed objects, needing to be invited into a place before they can enter...etc... Excited for Cristofer's book!
Lots of old vampire lore, like being afraid of the sun, afraid of garlic, afraid of holy water and the cross or other christian-blessed objects, needing to be invited into a place before they can enter...etc... Excited for Cristofer's book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really enjoyed this!
I love paranormal/vampire/supernatural stories and I love all of Nicky James books and her writing. So you can imagine how excited I was for her to take the plunge into this world!
And I wasn’t disappointed!
She perfectly managed to blend century old beings and their thinking & habits into our modern world.
The only issue I had was the MCs name. I don’t know why. Maybe because it made me think of that Johnny Depp movie, which I didn’t really like. Or maybe Mordecai Ashenvale just seemed like trying too hard to find the perfect name for an undead being. Felt a bit forced or too staged. But that’s just my personal opinion and didn’t have an impact on my reading experience.
I loved Mordecai as a person! He was broody, always existing at the outer edge of society and hating what he was made into. Being a vampire and what that entails is a curse for him. He regularly nearly starves to avoid drinking blood. That was a new twist for me. In most other books the newly turned vampires might have an opinion but usually they come to terms with it after a few years. Or a few centuries.
And when his world collides with Ensley? Who is one of the most friendly people there are and so full of life? Bit by bit our broody vampire begrudgingly gets sucked into Ensleys world, although he tries his best to avoid it.
But who could better help him with the task of finding his vampire elder than a human who role played fantastical creatures on their quests for years?
I loved how ambivalent my feelings were through this story. Yes, I was rooting for Ensley and Mordecai from the get go but I also was dreading it because how could it end satisfyingly? Either they couldn’t be together because of the human/vampire issue OR they could hook up and be together for only a short time OR they could be together until Ensley gets old and grey and dies as an old man, because Mordecai made sure from the start that he would never turn another soul into a vampire. Which would result in Mordecais heart breaking.
And although it was a bit obvious how this particular issue would be solved I still enjoyed every single part of this story and can’t wait to hopefully get more of this universe! I’m really hoping we get Christofers story because he was a blast!
I love paranormal/vampire/supernatural stories and I love all of Nicky James books and her writing. So you can imagine how excited I was for her to take the plunge into this world!
And I wasn’t disappointed!
She perfectly managed to blend century old beings and their thinking & habits into our modern world.
The only issue I had was the MCs name. I don’t know why. Maybe because it made me think of that Johnny Depp movie, which I didn’t really like. Or maybe Mordecai Ashenvale just seemed like trying too hard to find the perfect name for an undead being. Felt a bit forced or too staged. But that’s just my personal opinion and didn’t have an impact on my reading experience.
I loved Mordecai as a person! He was broody, always existing at the outer edge of society and hating what he was made into. Being a vampire and what that entails is a curse for him. He regularly nearly starves to avoid drinking blood. That was a new twist for me. In most other books the newly turned vampires might have an opinion but usually they come to terms with it after a few years. Or a few centuries.
And when his world collides with Ensley? Who is one of the most friendly people there are and so full of life? Bit by bit our broody vampire begrudgingly gets sucked into Ensleys world, although he tries his best to avoid it.
But who could better help him with the task of finding his vampire elder than a human who role played fantastical creatures on their quests for years?
I loved how ambivalent my feelings were through this story. Yes, I was rooting for Ensley and Mordecai from the get go but I also was dreading it because how could it end satisfyingly? Either they couldn’t be together because of the human/vampire issue OR they could hook up and be together for only a short time OR they could be together until Ensley gets old and grey and dies as an old man, because Mordecai made sure from the start that he would never turn another soul into a vampire. Which would result in Mordecais heart breaking.
And although it was a bit obvious how this particular issue would be solved I still enjoyed every single part of this story and can’t wait to hopefully get more of this universe! I’m really hoping we get Christofers story because he was a blast!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read many books by Nicky James, in many genres and I have always been left in awe...
Eternal Devotion is her first ever venture into Vampires and immortals, so I'm very, very intrigued, so let's see.
My first thought was that instantly I felt a chill, how was that possible? The description of old London town was eerily haunting.
Mordecai was a miserable vampire, he hated being turned. At 430 years old he had seen the world change drastically, he observed the industrial revolution, wars, famine and the rise of technology. Through it all he held on to his loneliness and anger, only feeding from humans enough to survive, but the time had come for him to step up to his responsibilities and stop this melancholy. Reluctantly, he finds himself in a small coastal town in Canada.
Ensley had a boring life, by day he worked as a real estate agent and by night he met his friends to play DnD for hours. The only joy in his life was escaping into gaming, it helped him forget his unhappy past.
His life unexpectedly changed the day he had to take the keys to the old haunted mansion to the new owner.
This is where the story started to get an even chillier and scarier atmosphere.
Mordecai met Ensley and he felt things he hadn't in a long, long time.
Ensley met the charming, old fashion, enigmatic man and couldn't keep away.
The longer Mordecai spent in Ensley's world the more he had to hide and deceive the beautiful man, but it turns out Ensley could help him. He was brave and had an analytical mind, he wanted to help Mordecai solve his problem, because he wanted this man to stay with him forever, but only if they were both around.
I've got to say the last hour in this book had my heart rate raised something crazy, that ending was so dramatic events turned so quickly.
Also, Christofer, you have to meet this juvenile man, he's the best friend and adds so much humour to what is a relatively dark read. I really hope he gets his own story too. I loved it all.
Eternal Devotion is her first ever venture into Vampires and immortals, so I'm very, very intrigued, so let's see.
My first thought was that instantly I felt a chill, how was that possible? The description of old London town was eerily haunting.
Mordecai was a miserable vampire, he hated being turned. At 430 years old he had seen the world change drastically, he observed the industrial revolution, wars, famine and the rise of technology. Through it all he held on to his loneliness and anger, only feeding from humans enough to survive, but the time had come for him to step up to his responsibilities and stop this melancholy. Reluctantly, he finds himself in a small coastal town in Canada.
Ensley had a boring life, by day he worked as a real estate agent and by night he met his friends to play DnD for hours. The only joy in his life was escaping into gaming, it helped him forget his unhappy past.
His life unexpectedly changed the day he had to take the keys to the old haunted mansion to the new owner.
This is where the story started to get an even chillier and scarier atmosphere.
Mordecai met Ensley and he felt things he hadn't in a long, long time.
Ensley met the charming, old fashion, enigmatic man and couldn't keep away.
The longer Mordecai spent in Ensley's world the more he had to hide and deceive the beautiful man, but it turns out Ensley could help him. He was brave and had an analytical mind, he wanted to help Mordecai solve his problem, because he wanted this man to stay with him forever, but only if they were both around.
I've got to say the last hour in this book had my heart rate raised something crazy, that ending was so dramatic events turned so quickly.
Also, Christofer, you have to meet this juvenile man, he's the best friend and adds so much humour to what is a relatively dark read. I really hope he gets his own story too. I loved it all.
October 14, 2026
3/5
This was my first book by Nicky James, and while I didn't dislike it outright, it ended up feeling rather mid to me.
The beginning hooked me with its mysterious, gothic atmosphere, and I initially expected a novel with much higher stakes. Unfortunately, what followed felt more like a low-stakes, meandering story. The characters had moments of insight and intelligence, only to follow them up with some truly questionable decisions. Eventually, I found myself less invested in the story and more interested in watching the consequences of their actions catch up with them.
It also felt as though the book kept going on side quests when I wanted the rescue mission to remain front and center. These detours might have worked better if they had felt more organic instead of adding length without enough payoff.
As for the main characters, Mordecai's constant woe-is-me attitude and Ensley's repeated poor decisions both got on my nerves. By that point, I was struggling to enjoy the story as much as I had hoped.
That said, I'm not ruling out reading more from Nicky James. I've heard great things about the Valor and Doyle Mysteries series, and I'm still curious enough to give the author another chance.
This was my first book by Nicky James, and while I didn't dislike it outright, it ended up feeling rather mid to me.
The beginning hooked me with its mysterious, gothic atmosphere, and I initially expected a novel with much higher stakes. Unfortunately, what followed felt more like a low-stakes, meandering story. The characters had moments of insight and intelligence, only to follow them up with some truly questionable decisions. Eventually, I found myself less invested in the story and more interested in watching the consequences of their actions catch up with them.
It also felt as though the book kept going on side quests when I wanted the rescue mission to remain front and center. These detours might have worked better if they had felt more organic instead of adding length without enough payoff.
As for the main characters, Mordecai's constant woe-is-me attitude and Ensley's repeated poor decisions both got on my nerves. By that point, I was struggling to enjoy the story as much as I had hoped.
That said, I'm not ruling out reading more from Nicky James. I've heard great things about the Valor and Doyle Mysteries series, and I'm still curious enough to give the author another chance.
October 16, 2026
Mordecai is new in town and not like other supernatural creatures. He is a reluctant vampire who denies nature and cravings.
I enjoyed the way Mordecai spoke and his mannerisms and interactions with the very human Ensley and his friends.
I also thought it was genius of Ensley to use of DnD to help Mordecai with his mission.
"I'd told no lies but omitted many truths. "
I sympathised with Ensley in his confusion of events he can't quite peice together.
I also felt a growing frustration at Mordecai's refusal to look after himself.
I enjoyed this vampire/human story containing a growing relationship that seems doomed from the beginning. I enjoyed the friendships they both have with others and the search for Mordecai's uncle. It was an interesting read that has me excited for more of this world.
I enjoyed the way Mordecai spoke and his mannerisms and interactions with the very human Ensley and his friends.
I also thought it was genius of Ensley to use of DnD to help Mordecai with his mission.
"I'd told no lies but omitted many truths. "
I sympathised with Ensley in his confusion of events he can't quite peice together.
I also felt a growing frustration at Mordecai's refusal to look after himself.
I enjoyed this vampire/human story containing a growing relationship that seems doomed from the beginning. I enjoyed the friendships they both have with others and the search for Mordecai's uncle. It was an interesting read that has me excited for more of this world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once Nicky James mentioned that she was writing a vampire novel, I was excited. As soon as my pre-order arrived in my inbox, I started reading! Mordecai is the tortured (of course he is) vampire and Ensley is his eager lover. I love that Nicky used the traditional myths and stories about vampires as their actual history and reality rather than giving them all sorts of other skills and immunities. In the course of the story, the couple need to plan for the worst, although they never intend for it to happen. But I’m happy with how they came together and look forward to Cristofer’s story.
October 16, 2026
Vampire + Nicky James signed me up!! I enjoy this vampire story so much, a centuries years old vampire Mordecai and his human Ensley. Their relationship is a slow burn romance. Mordecai is a broody vampire who believes is eternal life is a curse, during his quest he meets Ensley, I love their chemistry since the start and the dynamics between them was heartwarming.
I love the book, this story was fun and entertaining, I really like vampire stories and Nicky’s makes their love story works and gives them a HEA! Can’t wait for more of this universe!
I love the book, this story was fun and entertaining, I really like vampire stories and Nicky’s makes their love story works and gives them a HEA! Can’t wait for more of this universe!
October 16, 2026
I love Nicky's writing and I was excited that she had another book coming out, and it was a vampire book. I love Ensley. I play WoW and love gaming, so I connected with him. I do feel the end of the book was rushed. It seemed like the rescue happened very quickly, and the HEA was, like others have said, predictable. It was expected. I would have liked it fleshed out a bit. Cristofer....oh man. I love that guy. We have to have a Cristofer book,
October 15, 2026
This was a spectacular gothic MM vampire romance! Mordecai is such an angsty, broody vampire who wishes he wasn’t one, and the build up with his human, Ensley, is slow, full of denial, and so delicious. Their chemistry is apparent from the get-go, and their interactions are equally hilarious and heartwarming. I was entertained and fully engaged for their entire adventure. Nicky James has conquered the paranormal romance world!
October 10, 2026
ARC for Honest Review from Author
One of my favourite authors was writing her first vampire book, sign me up please! It was so good and very suspenseful , sweet , human and vampire falling for each other and funny at times with a certain character friend. I really enjoyed it. A Must Recommended Read! Can’t Wait for book 2 next year.
One of my favourite authors was writing her first vampire book, sign me up please! It was so good and very suspenseful , sweet , human and vampire falling for each other and funny at times with a certain character friend. I really enjoyed it. A Must Recommended Read! Can’t Wait for book 2 next year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Story: I was very curious to see what Nicky James' foray into paranormal will look like but I did not see this coming! I loved the approach to the story and characters the author chose and I was hooked from the get go!
Narration (in audio): As always, a great fit for the characters and the overall mood of the story. Awesome job!
Narration (in audio): As always, a great fit for the characters and the overall mood of the story. Awesome job!
October 15, 2026
OH... WOW...... Eternal Devotion by Nicky James is Absolutely Brilliant I was simply blown away by her first ever venture into a paranormal story with vampires which I do love and I could not put it down I love..... love.... Mordecai a broody vampire on a mission to save his uncle were he meets Ensley a human who's so full of life these two are simply amazing together I recommend so much.
October 17, 2026
great
Considering that this is the first time this author has written a paranormal book she did an excellent job. Nicky James has an ability to write such captivating stories and it apparently doesn’t stop at more contemporary romances but also falls into the paranormal realm as well. I can’t wait until I can read Cristopher and what I hope is Poet’s story.
Considering that this is the first time this author has written a paranormal book she did an excellent job. Nicky James has an ability to write such captivating stories and it apparently doesn’t stop at more contemporary romances but also falls into the paranormal realm as well. I can’t wait until I can read Cristopher and what I hope is Poet’s story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG!! who know NJ could write a vamp book?
This was so well written.
Both MC are so very likeable, but Mordecai has be heart. My heart felt for him.
Full review to come.
This was so well written.
Both MC are so very likeable, but Mordecai has be heart. My heart felt for him.
Full review to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! The story was engaging and kept me turning the pages! The narrator did an amazing job as well! I’m hoping we get a story for Christopher, he seems like a lot of fun!
October 17, 2026
I wanted to love this. I didn't. Definitely won't be re-reading it. Luckily I am already a huge fan of NJ so won't stop me looking forward to reading more of her work. This one just didn't land.
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