An eternity bound to the man you love may seem like a dream come true but what if you were forced to do something he could never forgive you for?
That man is Corvus, ancient vampire and Master of the Albinus family and his patience is wearing thin. He has waited for Jéhenne Corbeaux's return for many centuries and now, her time is up.
Still in possession of the key to the underworld, in debt to an angel, pursued by both the Prince of Alfheim and a man so terrifying she cannot imagine what he is, Jéhenne is up to her neck...as usual.
As she finally comes to terms with her own incredible powers, a vision begins to haunt the young witch that threatens to destroy everything she loves.
Sacrifice's will have to be made but just who is going to pay the price?
Bestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing) Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas A standalone Regency Christmas romance A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas A standalone Regency Christmas romance Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare Regency romance – 12-book series Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons Victorian romance – 12-book series Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine Regency romance – my current series A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend Paranormal romance – 4-book series A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend Fantasy romance – 4-book series An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover A standalone paranormal romance novella A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
Review: First of all, the thing I loved most about this second book in the series was all the emotion. Both Jehenne and Corvus have passionate, explosive personalities with strong emotions, and unlike in the first book when it made them seem overdramatic, this time it worked in the book’s favor. I like some good angst and drama and high emotion in romance, and this book gave me that, especially since I could understand why both characters were so upset. Jehenne was really stuck between a rock and a hard place and that scene when she walked into Corvus’s office was rough, and poor Corvus, well, I too would’ve been hurt if I had been in his position.
Jehenne herself was less frustrating this time. She seemed more mature and didn’t make as many bad decisions. I completely understood her hesitancy to complete the bond with Corvus. I thought it was mature of her to realize that, even though she loved Corvus, she was still young and shouldn’t rush into a decision about spending eternity (literally, since they’re immortal) with someone she really hadn’t known for very long. It annoyed me that no one else in the book seemed to understand that and kept pressuring her to sleep with him already. It annoyed me even more that everyone kept insinuating sex and love are the same thing and that the only way to “prove” she loved him was to have sex with him. I could also understand her wanting to have a child someday and being upset by the fact that that wouldn’t happen with Corvus since, as a vampire, he can’t have children. So even though she was still fairly emotional, it was for good reason.
As for Corvus, he was a little less perfect, which was a good thing as I don’t like when characters are too perfect. He definitely had a temper and knew how to be cruel when he wanted to be, but he was still a good person.
There was also Cain, *SPOILER (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER* who turned out to be a pretty interesting, mysterious character, and the relationship that grew between him and Jehenne was sometimes rough and full of arguing but also sweet.
The one character I didn’t like was Corin, not because he was poorly written but because he didn’t seem to understand the meaning of the word no. He was constantly touching, kissing, and trying to manipulate Jehenne into having sex with him even when she told him to stop, tried to push him away, and even tried to use magic to hurt him. So that “nice” thing he did wasn’t nice, it was just the truth. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* And I wasn’t ok with how Corin’s actions were made out to be ok by the characters.
I think I also liked the plot a little better in this one than in the first book. Between all the relationship drama, the sweet moments of happiness and friendships and family, and the trip to the Underworld, it was more gripping.
So overall, aside from the problematic sexual assault part, this was another enjoyable book in the series that fixed most of the issues I had with the first one and kept me gripped with it’s plot, characters, and emotion!
*I've read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 2nd read.*
Recommended For: Fans of Book 1 in Emma V. Leech's The French Vampire Legend Series. Anyone who likes vampires, witches, emotional characters, romance, unusual but sweet family relationships, and tension-filled plots.
one of the best books I've read in years! I simply could not put it down, start to finish. I laughed, I cried, I got mad! Emma weaves a truly magical tale of eternal love, heartwrenching loss, suspense and adventure, and artfully pulls the reader the reader so completely into Her world, you look up feeling like you've just returned from darkest Dordogne itself! I challenge ANY reader not to shed a tear for our heroine, or not rejoice in her victories...because I promise...YOU WILL! A must read for any fan of fantasy, adventure, and the paranormal! This it's a book for the generations!
Absolutely amazing! I loved this book just as much as all of the others that Emma has written. Full of emotion that it seems as if the characters are right there beside you. I love the way that Emma has created this entire world that spans across all of her work,so that no matter what you're reading of hersyou feel at home. Well done,you broke my heart in many ways and I loved it!
The 2nd in the series, The Heart of Arima is an amazing sequel to The Key to Erebus. Fantasy and the fae are reinvented by Emma in this world. You'd want to rearrange your schedule for a bit to make time to finish the book.
What a rollercoaster of a read, Emma Leech has done it again, I have laughed, cried and basically just melted on the spot at Corvus. When Jehenne recovers some of her early happy memories at the end of the book of her and her love Corvus, I was just a total wreck again. I am not going to forget this story for a long time to come. Now onto the next instalment if you please.
After the first book, I had to continue Jehenne and Corvus's story. In this book, they continue fighting for each other. Jehenne and Corvus's love is tested beyond repaired maybe love will conquer after all. I went through different emotions reading this book, from happy to heartbroken to awed. I will continue Jehenne and Corvus's journey.
This is why I don't like vampires stories, cause they're bloodily romantic!! I feel the pain in this book and I cried.. Now I have to admit that I loved the characters and the story, then have to move on on the next chapter and figuring out, what will be the ending..
Excellent read. Heart wrenching and intense. I'm really hoping everything ends well for those two star crossed lovers. Reading book 3 as soon as I can.
I gave this book 5 stars because it hit all the marks for me. Fast pace action, hot steamy romance, characters I can relate to, believable plot, good ending. I highly recommend this book especially if you like stories about witches and vampires.
A great book! Tons of plot twists great plot throughout the entire series. Some parts made my heart race and some parts made me want to cry..the details on this book made me feel like I was experiencing it right beside the characters. Simply amazing. Read it twice now
This is the second Leech book and I think I'm going to have to confess it's probably not my cup of tea. It has alot of catnippy things in it: a strong female protagonist, secret pasts, luuuuurve that transcends the ages, vampires, non-romantic relationships that are interesting, but in the end, I was a bit put off by two things.
One, the complicated tangle of favors owed and items stolen and returned by Jehenne. Let's see, in this book she owes Hecate, Ines, Sariel, Corin, and also somehow another mystery person I can't talk about without major spoilage. It's a complicated mythos, and so I wouldn't know what to do when comparing different powers (i.e. "christian" sariel the angel with "pagan" hecate) and figuring out who has power over who-- so it ends up feeling slightly arbitrary at times just to drive the plot forward in the direction the author wants it to go.
Second, Jehenne is a special snowflake. Waaaaaay too much of special snowflake. With all kinds of powers (wolves, birds, fire, and frost) and much of the book is taken up with her fending off the sexy times of two very powerful non-humans all the while protesting she really loves Corvus. At the end of the book, we finally get a look at the start of their relationship through memories, and I almost wish that the book was flipped. It wasn't until the memories that I even cared about Corvus at all because most of the time he was off-stage being a jerk while Jehenne fought off advances and was unfairly blamed.
So while I can see that the hunky men, pleasingly cute ghoul British punk side-kick, strong and scary female relatives, and theme of eternal love is good, this one just isn't my cup of sugar-spiked tea.
The Heart of Arima is the second installment in this exceptionally beautiful series, full of mind blowing plot twists and intricate developments. As Jehenne begins to accept her powers she becomes more empowered and confident. This story will forever own your heart, I though The Key to Erebus was amazing on its own, but this sequel was superb. There were instances that I couldn’t hold back my tears I felt the pain and devastation in my soul for everything that Jehenne and Corvus had to overcome. This series has surpassed my expectations I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, but I couldn’t help but fall irrevocably in love with Corvus. Fate will only tell what their future will hold for these two beautiful characters, their love is everlasting I have hope that they will prevail in the end. Such an invigorating and magnificent plot, fantastic character developments and overall stunning writing. My heart will be forever grateful if the third installment where to come out sooner rather than later but it still won’t be soon enough I need more Corvus. My heart aches for his presence in my life( I know a little overdramatic, but oh well! Lol) I can’t help but love my fictional characters! Emma Leech you are an exceptional writer I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to read your breathtaking, hair-raising, heart-stopping, devastantingly brilliant stories. I can’t wait to read more of your work!!!
The Heart of Arima (Les Corbeaux: The French Vampire Legend Book 2) by Emma V. Leech is a superb sequel, full of exciting plot twists, character development, and realistic dialog. I like Jéhenne Corbeaux more in this book than in the first. She is not a whinny (not as much "why are the gods doing this to me") and more spirited. As her magic powers grow, she becomes more empowered and self-assured.
Ms. Leech spins a great tale, weaving magic, witches, vampires, angels, and other mythical characters in a fast-past love story that leaves us wondering if love will surpass fate. The book is not a cliff-hanger, yet it left me craving the third installment in the series. I can't wait for it to come out.
I really enjoyed The Heart of Arima. In spite of the grammatical and spacing errors, this is a five-star read.
This was totally amazing, i read it over a 24 hour period with very little sleep due to the fact I couldnt put it down. It was after reading book 1 The Key to Erebus that i fell in love with this story, it tore at your heart strings, made you hold your breath, made you cry, truly amazing well written books, which surpassed my expectation. I have not really been a fan of supernatural books before but these books have truly converted me. I cannot wait to read the further books by Emma Leech as I can only imagine they are as fantastic as these were.
I will be adding Emma to my fav authors now without any doubt.
To the Author Emma Leech if you read this review, thank you for giving us such a wonderful book to read, it was truly amazing, you sure have a special gift xx
First of all i would just like to thank you Emma for allowing us to be able to read the first book The key to Erbus for free! I was able to read it on wattpad, and let me tell you it was such a fantastic read, it was that good i quickly hoped on my kindle and brought The heart of Arima no regrets! I was flooded with a bunch of emotions, devouring the book so quickly that i was afraid i was going to burn my eyes out! I mean this when i honestly say this series is the best series I've read this year! I look ever so forward to installment three! :)
I have to admit I wasn't a big Paranormal Romance reader and read The Key to Erebus at the prodding of a family member. Now I am hooked! Emma tells such a beautiful story you are transported into her world and reality isn't the same! She has created such vivid characters that are so realistic you will both love and hate them! I laughed, cried and felt sorry the journey was over when I finished. If you've never read paranormal this is a great series to try. If you have this will be one you love! I HIGHLY recommend!!!!!
I am not great at writing reviews... But I can try to explain myself nonetheless. I have read AMAZING books and series this year. None made me want to scream and fight in the way this book has (a good thing). I hate that I found this series before it was complete, I cannot wait to watch this heroine take control!
It was Amazing, heart wrecking, and I didn't wanted to end! There is a lot that happens in this book. More conflicts, more challenges, more decisions, and more wrecking revelations. At some point I even cry, because it was so unfair what was happening. Now just be aware, there will be another book, and I just can't wait to read it!!
I would recommend this series to everybody. The books are very well written by a very talented author. I am an avid reader and look forward to reading more of her work.