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A Summer of Smoke and Sin
To stop a serial killer a detective will need to explore his own vices…
Nathanial Bayard wants nothing more than to find the nobleman creating snuff pornography. If he fails, his career in the recently formed Nobility Task Force will be over and as the youngest son he’ll be forced to obey his father and join the church. But a life of celibacy doesn’t appeal. Nathanial has never even kissed another man, fearing for his soul and his reputation.
Jericho Fulbright has never lived a wholesome life. After behavior unbecoming he was discharged from the army and sent home in disgrace. His inventor and nouveau riche father refused to have anything to do with him, so Jericho turned to what he knew best: opium, gambling and sex.
As the owner of the Jericho Rose, a club for gentlemen who like men, he enjoys a certain notoriety. Some would say he has a golden tongue, but the truth is a succubus lives within him feeding on souls. Once he needed her help, now she is a burden that keeps him from getting close to anyone.
After the unfortunate death of a young noble man in Jericho’s bed, Nathanial is sent to investigate. He is scandalized and intrigued by Jericho, but soon realizes that Jericho could be exactly who he needs to help break the snuff case. Together they are drawn into a web of lies that will result in Jericho facing prison unless Nathanial can unmask the real creator of the snuff, a man with rank and privileges that reaches almost to the King.
https://books2read.com/smokeandsin
Nathanial Bayard wants nothing more than to find the nobleman creating snuff pornography. If he fails, his career in the recently formed Nobility Task Force will be over and as the youngest son he’ll be forced to obey his father and join the church. But a life of celibacy doesn’t appeal. Nathanial has never even kissed another man, fearing for his soul and his reputation.
Jericho Fulbright has never lived a wholesome life. After behavior unbecoming he was discharged from the army and sent home in disgrace. His inventor and nouveau riche father refused to have anything to do with him, so Jericho turned to what he knew best: opium, gambling and sex.
As the owner of the Jericho Rose, a club for gentlemen who like men, he enjoys a certain notoriety. Some would say he has a golden tongue, but the truth is a succubus lives within him feeding on souls. Once he needed her help, now she is a burden that keeps him from getting close to anyone.
After the unfortunate death of a young noble man in Jericho’s bed, Nathanial is sent to investigate. He is scandalized and intrigued by Jericho, but soon realizes that Jericho could be exactly who he needs to help break the snuff case. Together they are drawn into a web of lies that will result in Jericho facing prison unless Nathanial can unmask the real creator of the snuff, a man with rank and privileges that reaches almost to the King.
https://books2read.com/smokeandsin
ebook
Published February 28, 2020
26 people are currently reading
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About the author
T.J. Nichols
89 books343 followersTJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 28, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
T.J. Nichols has created a really engaging historical with a whole host of interesting twists. I find that Nichols’ books give such a nice, immersive feeling when I read them, with rich characters and interesting worlds. A Summer of Smoke and Sin is an unusual mix of genres that I think mostly works well. The story is a historical, set in early 1907 London, with a paranormal twist as Jericho is possessed by a demon, Eulalia. Eulalia gives him confidence and the ability to navigate tricky situations, and Jericho credits her for much of his success. He knows Eulalia is ready to move on to another body, but Jericho worries all he built will fall apart without her. On one hand he needs Eulalia, but on the other, he hates what he has become with her. To fuel her hunger for souls, Jericho must find victims to sacrifice, and while he tries to find the most unsavory people, guilt still hangs over him. This mixed blessing/curse adds an interesting element to the historical, giving it a bit of a non-traditional twist.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
T.J. Nichols has created a really engaging historical with a whole host of interesting twists. I find that Nichols’ books give such a nice, immersive feeling when I read them, with rich characters and interesting worlds. A Summer of Smoke and Sin is an unusual mix of genres that I think mostly works well. The story is a historical, set in early 1907 London, with a paranormal twist as Jericho is possessed by a demon, Eulalia. Eulalia gives him confidence and the ability to navigate tricky situations, and Jericho credits her for much of his success. He knows Eulalia is ready to move on to another body, but Jericho worries all he built will fall apart without her. On one hand he needs Eulalia, but on the other, he hates what he has become with her. To fuel her hunger for souls, Jericho must find victims to sacrifice, and while he tries to find the most unsavory people, guilt still hangs over him. This mixed blessing/curse adds an interesting element to the historical, giving it a bit of a non-traditional twist.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 19, 2021
I've previously appreciated this author's work (especially her Mythos novels) but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this tale set in an alt-universe, steampunk-ish, paranormal Edwardian era setting. Jericho and Nathanael were delightfully complex characters from dysfunctional family backgrounds. As a nicely surprising twist - the MCs sexual orientation is not an issue ... in this alt-universe, M-M marriage has been approved by British legislation and the only way to fall foul of this would be to have illicit (unmarried) M-M sexual relations! Ironically - female suffragette rights is still fomenting / building momentum.
The uncovering of the murderous perpetrator of snuff porn took almost half the book but then our MCs had to lay traps for the evil but powerful nobleman. The pacing ramps up significantly for the last third of the book and the author provides a delicious twist at the HEA ending, nicely resolving the impasse our MCs had regarding their relationship. My only issue would be the author asking me to suddenly revise my understanding of ; this was a step too far for my imagination. Otherwise - 4.5 stars and I wish there would be more to come of MCs Jericho and Nathanael as well as secondaries Robert, Margaret, Bertie, Nathanael's boss and possibly even Eulalia!
The uncovering of the murderous perpetrator of snuff porn took almost half the book but then our MCs had to lay traps for the evil but powerful nobleman. The pacing ramps up significantly for the last third of the book and the author provides a delicious twist at the HEA ending, nicely resolving the impasse our MCs had regarding their relationship. My only issue would be the author asking me to suddenly revise my understanding of ; this was a step too far for my imagination. Otherwise - 4.5 stars and I wish there would be more to come of MCs Jericho and Nathanael as well as secondaries Robert, Margaret, Bertie, Nathanael's boss and possibly even Eulalia!
February 29, 2020
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
A Summer of Smoke and Sin, by T.J. Nichols
★★★★★
282 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV (one page of 1st person)
Content Warning: mild on page drug use, off-page violence
Themes: steampunk, historical, succubus, club owner, alt history, uniform, politics, nobility, possession, opium/recreational drug use
A Summer of Smoke and Sin is a unique steampunk story about love, justice and self-discovery. It is clever, hot and takes you through a world full of secrets, lies, and deception while navigating a beautiful love story worthy of the perfect ending it was given.
The story dealt with some hard topics, but in a smart and sensitive manner. It had political intrigue, family drama, and a world prejudice against same-sex relationships, while also revolving around the murder who created snuff photography. While there was a lot going on, it all came together beautifully and I felt that the story was both well paced and well rounded. It didn't fail to address any of the questions or curiosities I had along the way.
When it comes to character, Nathanial was adorably naive and innocent, stupidly loyal and faithful. I rooted for him to grow up, free himself, and find his independence every step of the way. Watching him find that strength and curiosity to explore was beautiful. It was a true journey amongst the chaos of his investigation. On the flip side, Jericho came across as a smart, independent and well put together individual, until you discovered that it was all a mask to protect himself. Watching him unfold, trust in Nathanial, fall in love and admit his vulnerability was equally as beautiful. While she wasn't a central character, I was very intrigued by Eulalia and her place in it all. The final revelations about her were a nice twist that I didn't see coming.
In a book that is both steampunk and paranormal, it can be hard to find a balance between the two. But I felt the world building was handled with the usual skill I expect of the author. Clever, good pacing, and smart twists kept this story running on track. It also managed to keep the steampunk at an acceptable and almost-familiar level, for the historical time period, while letting the paranormal aspect sit comfortably within that world. Neither side drowned out the other.
When it came to the big revelation, for Jericho to tell Nathanial the truth about his curse, I loved that he'd already begun to put the pieces together. You saw him trying to figure it out long before it became something to talk about. Then he turned his logical Detective brain to the matter.
Honestly, it's like one of my favourite authors has read two of my favourite books – the series, Gentleman Demons by Jasper Black and the solo novel, Innocent and Carnality by J. Alan Veerkamp – because, while completely unique and different, A Summer of Smoke and Sin is what would happen if those two books had a book-baby. This would be it. The perfect blend of historical horror and steampunk romance against all the odds.
Was it perfect? No. I'd say my rating is more a 4.5 than an outright 5*, only because there were a lot of editing issues throughout, in my final version from Amazon and I felt that the continual interruptions – newspaper articles, letters/notes from friends/family – could have been more seamlessly introduced to the story. For me, they broke the story up at important intervals, right in the midst of the drama, and took me out of that tension and suspense. Add on the editing issues – wrong words, spelling and punctuation issues – and it wasn't flawless. But, in the end, the story was beautiful, clever and brilliant, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. For that reason, I've rounded up instead of down. This is definitely a story I'll be reading again, and I'll be buying it in paperback, too.
I've been a fan of T.J. Nichols for a very long time, and I've loved everything of theirs that I've read. This book is no exception. Despite the minor flaws, I still fell madly in love with Nathanial and Jericho.
For fans of: paranormal twists, steampunk adventures, and sweeping romances with some drama.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Was anyone ever truly free or were they all birds with programmed orders they had to follow?”
“With the soft click, the heart he'd pieced together after Liang's murder fragmented. It would take more than a demon to put it back together.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
A Summer of Smoke and Sin, by T.J. Nichols
★★★★★
282 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV (one page of 1st person)
Content Warning: mild on page drug use, off-page violence
Themes: steampunk, historical, succubus, club owner, alt history, uniform, politics, nobility, possession, opium/recreational drug use
A Summer of Smoke and Sin is a unique steampunk story about love, justice and self-discovery. It is clever, hot and takes you through a world full of secrets, lies, and deception while navigating a beautiful love story worthy of the perfect ending it was given.
The story dealt with some hard topics, but in a smart and sensitive manner. It had political intrigue, family drama, and a world prejudice against same-sex relationships, while also revolving around the murder who created snuff photography. While there was a lot going on, it all came together beautifully and I felt that the story was both well paced and well rounded. It didn't fail to address any of the questions or curiosities I had along the way.
When it comes to character, Nathanial was adorably naive and innocent, stupidly loyal and faithful. I rooted for him to grow up, free himself, and find his independence every step of the way. Watching him find that strength and curiosity to explore was beautiful. It was a true journey amongst the chaos of his investigation. On the flip side, Jericho came across as a smart, independent and well put together individual, until you discovered that it was all a mask to protect himself. Watching him unfold, trust in Nathanial, fall in love and admit his vulnerability was equally as beautiful. While she wasn't a central character, I was very intrigued by Eulalia and her place in it all. The final revelations about her were a nice twist that I didn't see coming.
In a book that is both steampunk and paranormal, it can be hard to find a balance between the two. But I felt the world building was handled with the usual skill I expect of the author. Clever, good pacing, and smart twists kept this story running on track. It also managed to keep the steampunk at an acceptable and almost-familiar level, for the historical time period, while letting the paranormal aspect sit comfortably within that world. Neither side drowned out the other.
When it came to the big revelation, for Jericho to tell Nathanial the truth about his curse, I loved that he'd already begun to put the pieces together. You saw him trying to figure it out long before it became something to talk about. Then he turned his logical Detective brain to the matter.
Honestly, it's like one of my favourite authors has read two of my favourite books – the series, Gentleman Demons by Jasper Black and the solo novel, Innocent and Carnality by J. Alan Veerkamp – because, while completely unique and different, A Summer of Smoke and Sin is what would happen if those two books had a book-baby. This would be it. The perfect blend of historical horror and steampunk romance against all the odds.
Was it perfect? No. I'd say my rating is more a 4.5 than an outright 5*, only because there were a lot of editing issues throughout, in my final version from Amazon and I felt that the continual interruptions – newspaper articles, letters/notes from friends/family – could have been more seamlessly introduced to the story. For me, they broke the story up at important intervals, right in the midst of the drama, and took me out of that tension and suspense. Add on the editing issues – wrong words, spelling and punctuation issues – and it wasn't flawless. But, in the end, the story was beautiful, clever and brilliant, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. For that reason, I've rounded up instead of down. This is definitely a story I'll be reading again, and I'll be buying it in paperback, too.
I've been a fan of T.J. Nichols for a very long time, and I've loved everything of theirs that I've read. This book is no exception. Despite the minor flaws, I still fell madly in love with Nathanial and Jericho.
For fans of: paranormal twists, steampunk adventures, and sweeping romances with some drama.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Was anyone ever truly free or were they all birds with programmed orders they had to follow?”
“With the soft click, the heart he'd pieced together after Liang's murder fragmented. It would take more than a demon to put it back together.”
April 11, 2022
** 4.5 Stars **
February 24, 2020
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
When Detective Nathanial Bayard is sent to investigate a death at the Jericho Rose, he finds himself drawn to the charismatic club owner Jericho Fullbright in a way that he never imagined. Desperately needing a break in a case, Nathaniel enlists Jericho’s help in tracking down the man creating snuff pornography. However, Nathaniel is unaware that Jericho’s ability of drawing the truth from others comes from the demon sharing his body. And the demon has set its sights on Nathaniel as its next host.
I was really drawn to the premise of this novel. It takes place in a regency-era setting which I love, but one that has a different attitude towards same sex relationships. The paranormal aspect was a real draw for me too and I couldn’t wait to start reading. However A Summer of Smoke and Sin was somewhat of a mixed bag for me. I really enjoyed how Nathaniel and Jericho’s relationship played out throughout the novel. The chemistry between them was undeniable and their contrasting personalities complemented the other perfectly. The demon part of the story I felt a little underwhelmed about. For me it felt like an addition rather than a main plot point and could have been expanded on more than it was. Also I felt that the ending was somewhat rushed to the point I was left feeling a bit taken aback by it. This was a shame as time had been taken to build the romance throughout the novel.
Overall A Summer of Smoke and Sin is an enjoyable and well-written read with a paranormal twist, but I would say it’s more a romance than paranormal or mystery.
When Detective Nathanial Bayard is sent to investigate a death at the Jericho Rose, he finds himself drawn to the charismatic club owner Jericho Fullbright in a way that he never imagined. Desperately needing a break in a case, Nathaniel enlists Jericho’s help in tracking down the man creating snuff pornography. However, Nathaniel is unaware that Jericho’s ability of drawing the truth from others comes from the demon sharing his body. And the demon has set its sights on Nathaniel as its next host.
I was really drawn to the premise of this novel. It takes place in a regency-era setting which I love, but one that has a different attitude towards same sex relationships. The paranormal aspect was a real draw for me too and I couldn’t wait to start reading. However A Summer of Smoke and Sin was somewhat of a mixed bag for me. I really enjoyed how Nathaniel and Jericho’s relationship played out throughout the novel. The chemistry between them was undeniable and their contrasting personalities complemented the other perfectly. The demon part of the story I felt a little underwhelmed about. For me it felt like an addition rather than a main plot point and could have been expanded on more than it was. Also I felt that the ending was somewhat rushed to the point I was left feeling a bit taken aback by it. This was a shame as time had been taken to build the romance throughout the novel.
Overall A Summer of Smoke and Sin is an enjoyable and well-written read with a paranormal twist, but I would say it’s more a romance than paranormal or mystery.
April 10, 2021
First I'm going to say I do hope this book gets a sequel. There's a lot more I'd like to know about these guys and where their life goes next. Nathaniel and Jericho were an interesting couple. They're opposites in a lot of ways, in the way they've chosen/been forced to live their lives. I liked the slight twist on history that MM marriages were accepted in this historical setting. It tweaked things just enough to make the typical British society bits interesting. The paranormal elements in this are on the subtle side, they could have really been taken out of this story and it still would have worked just as well.
I think the biggest thing I took away from this was wanting to know more. I feel like Nathaniel and Jericho are just starting out and still have a ways to go to figure out how their lives are going to be in the world moving forward. Nathaniel really is a good detective and Jericho's proprietorship of the Rose has a purpose and it's not just the "demon" that gives him the position he has. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing this become a typical historical detective series, but it still does work as a stand alone too.
I think the biggest thing I took away from this was wanting to know more. I feel like Nathaniel and Jericho are just starting out and still have a ways to go to figure out how their lives are going to be in the world moving forward. Nathaniel really is a good detective and Jericho's proprietorship of the Rose has a purpose and it's not just the "demon" that gives him the position he has. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing this become a typical historical detective series, but it still does work as a stand alone too.
February 10, 2020
Nathanial is a policeman in an elite unit. He deals with the upper crust of society’s law breakers. He hasn’t been real successful. His cases always seem to fall apart. Dealing with a father who hates him and a sister who he avoids messes up his life. Then he meets Jericho.
Jericho owns Jericho Rose, a gentleman’s club that offers various entertainment to gay men. Jericho shares his body with a demon. One who helps Jericho ferret out the truth of people’s true souls. But the demon also requires these souls to live, which means Jericho must find people to feed to her. Not quite how he saw his life playing out. Nathanial becomes his everything very quickly.
As they work Nathanial’s latest case together they become entwined with each other and a truly evil man.
The story which I would consider set in Regency England, had some interesting modern inventions, a very untypical handling of homosexuality, and a bit of the paranormal. Very imaginative and entertaining. Tight writing that didn’t wander to far from the heart of the story. I liked this book a lot.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Jericho owns Jericho Rose, a gentleman’s club that offers various entertainment to gay men. Jericho shares his body with a demon. One who helps Jericho ferret out the truth of people’s true souls. But the demon also requires these souls to live, which means Jericho must find people to feed to her. Not quite how he saw his life playing out. Nathanial becomes his everything very quickly.
As they work Nathanial’s latest case together they become entwined with each other and a truly evil man.
The story which I would consider set in Regency England, had some interesting modern inventions, a very untypical handling of homosexuality, and a bit of the paranormal. Very imaginative and entertaining. Tight writing that didn’t wander to far from the heart of the story. I liked this book a lot.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
March 2, 2020
What I Think: The addictive thing about being a book reviewer is that it lets you meet an array of writers that you might never meet because you’re too busy buying up your favorite writers. So even though this has a touch of steampunk and I can’t yet make-up my mind if its a genre I like, it’s a historical first and you know that’s my other irresistible genre. Add paranormal to that and I was already enslaved.
Almost immediately, I felt sorry for Jericho for he is the true victim here. I understand how Eulalia makes his life easier but the price he’s paying, the price of barely living is just too high.
I loved the reality of the situation of women. Even with the men’s marriage act legalized, women apparently still didn’t have the same rights. Come on. This caused some mild head thumping as I wonder if this is a prophecy of the marginalization women will always allow because the only thing stronger than a woman on a mission is thousands of women on the same mission.
And Nathanial is too sweet, too innocent for a soul as corrupted as Jericho but don’t opposites attract the strongest because deep down, they have the same base core?
This is a dicey situation. Eulalia wants to go to Nathanial but Jericho won’t let go which says more about his honor than he’d like to believe. Even when he gets to the point where he’s ready to risk everything by letting her go, he still protects the innocence and purity he sees in Nathanial. Yet, considering the life he’s lived, he’s neither innocent nor pure but, in my eyes, his honor and discipline (because refusing to eat a feast that’s spread out before you is the highest form of discipline), place him on the same righteous pedestal that he believes Nathanial reclines on. When they should be pulled apart and stay apart, they’re forced to continue working together to catch a killer. One that Jericho can recognize with a glance even though Nathanial doesn’t know how. And for them to find this killer, my sweet Nathanial has to shred his reputation. The upcoming balls involving this search will not be pretty and I can’t decide which of them I hurt for the most. The man spurned by family, who lost a lover and is living a half life, or the man that cannot be himself for fear of risking everything.
I love Nat’s sister and her husband. Love them so damn much for loving Nathanial for everything that he is and more. His sister is definitely Amazon worthy and her husband’s admiration is well placed. I want to marry her myself and let her create her necessary havoc around me. There’s a particular scene that I wish I had more details on because that was where I fell hopelessly in love with her. Meanwhile, someone please hand me a birch for Jericho ‘s father. Pretty please. He needs a good birching to rearrange his head.
But right now, I’m waiting for Nat’s come to Jesus moment because I’m tempted to find ways to get into the tale and drag him to it. But finally, it came and it was glorious as Nat and a veritable army working with him sets about making things straight. Nat showed just how much strength he had as the tale rises to its crescendo. In Nat’s possession, I believe that Eulalia is truly what she says – a fragment of the divine, an angel that seeks justice for those who cannot have it. Jericho and Nat just wasted time for nothing and that makes me want to smack then kiss them both. Finally, as my heart settled down, relief spread through me as this amazing couple finally got what they deserved and managed to still dispense justice left, right and centre.
Verdict? A historical fantasy of a tale that is proof that even love at a glance can last the distance.
Please go to the blog post for more information on where to buy this and how to be an Unashamed Fan.
Almost immediately, I felt sorry for Jericho for he is the true victim here. I understand how Eulalia makes his life easier but the price he’s paying, the price of barely living is just too high.
I loved the reality of the situation of women. Even with the men’s marriage act legalized, women apparently still didn’t have the same rights. Come on. This caused some mild head thumping as I wonder if this is a prophecy of the marginalization women will always allow because the only thing stronger than a woman on a mission is thousands of women on the same mission.
And Nathanial is too sweet, too innocent for a soul as corrupted as Jericho but don’t opposites attract the strongest because deep down, they have the same base core?
This is a dicey situation. Eulalia wants to go to Nathanial but Jericho won’t let go which says more about his honor than he’d like to believe. Even when he gets to the point where he’s ready to risk everything by letting her go, he still protects the innocence and purity he sees in Nathanial. Yet, considering the life he’s lived, he’s neither innocent nor pure but, in my eyes, his honor and discipline (because refusing to eat a feast that’s spread out before you is the highest form of discipline), place him on the same righteous pedestal that he believes Nathanial reclines on. When they should be pulled apart and stay apart, they’re forced to continue working together to catch a killer. One that Jericho can recognize with a glance even though Nathanial doesn’t know how. And for them to find this killer, my sweet Nathanial has to shred his reputation. The upcoming balls involving this search will not be pretty and I can’t decide which of them I hurt for the most. The man spurned by family, who lost a lover and is living a half life, or the man that cannot be himself for fear of risking everything.
I love Nat’s sister and her husband. Love them so damn much for loving Nathanial for everything that he is and more. His sister is definitely Amazon worthy and her husband’s admiration is well placed. I want to marry her myself and let her create her necessary havoc around me. There’s a particular scene that I wish I had more details on because that was where I fell hopelessly in love with her. Meanwhile, someone please hand me a birch for Jericho ‘s father. Pretty please. He needs a good birching to rearrange his head.
But right now, I’m waiting for Nat’s come to Jesus moment because I’m tempted to find ways to get into the tale and drag him to it. But finally, it came and it was glorious as Nat and a veritable army working with him sets about making things straight. Nat showed just how much strength he had as the tale rises to its crescendo. In Nat’s possession, I believe that Eulalia is truly what she says – a fragment of the divine, an angel that seeks justice for those who cannot have it. Jericho and Nat just wasted time for nothing and that makes me want to smack then kiss them both. Finally, as my heart settled down, relief spread through me as this amazing couple finally got what they deserved and managed to still dispense justice left, right and centre.
Verdict? A historical fantasy of a tale that is proof that even love at a glance can last the distance.
Please go to the blog post for more information on where to buy this and how to be an Unashamed Fan.
February 23, 2020
I wasn't sure what this book was about when I got the ARC. Honestly, I was originally drawn to it by the cover. I like really colorful covers with great graphic design. For certain, this time I could absolutely judge a book by its cover! I really enjoyed A Summer of Smoke and Sin by T.J. Nichols.
Nathanial Bayard is a detective tasked with chasing down a serial killer. For some reason, all of his cases seem to fall apart before he's able to obtain a conviction and he's beyond frustrated. When it comes to a serial killer who is not only violent and demeaning...but brazen - Nathanial is more motivated than ever to get the job done.
In the society that Nichols has created, male marriage has just been made legal. The issue is that it still has some negative connotations attached to it for some families. I really liked the world the author built up. I enjoyed the way the societal changes were still new and it was obviously unsettling for some of the characters.
Nathaniel is caught in a terrible bind. If the serial killer slips through his fingers he will lose his job. If he loses his position in law enforcement he'll have no choice but to join the church as his father wishes.
Nathanial is a beautifully complex character. He's troubled by so many things. His own sexuality has him fearing for the safety of his soul. He's never even kissed another man, but he knows that is what he wants. There's also an underlying tension between Nathanial and his father... circumstances being what they are... Nathanial needs to protect his beloved sister by not garnering his father's anger.
And then there's Jericho. Jericho runs a club for gentleman who enjoy the company of other gentlemen. Jericho was once a military man but was he was discharged for behavior unbecoming. His father disowned him and he completely lost touch with his family before settling back on something he knew... a club for men like himself.
He's a flamboyant character in his society. He dresses inappropriately, accepts his sexuality... and he is the host to a demon that allows him special powers. The demon has helped to propel Jericho through life, assisting with avoidance of difficult situations and keeping him right where he wants to be in Society.
Jericho pays a high price for the skills of the demon within him. One morning, he wakes up with a beautiful, young lover in his bed... deceased. This is what brings about the meeting of Nathanial and Jericho.
There are several things about this book that I really enjoyed. As I wrote before, the societal structure was particularly interesting to me. The author did a great job of describing this world so that I could be fully immersed in it while I was reading.
The characters were all great. My favorite character was Nathanial. He was sweet and caring, fully committed to finding the killer. I loved the relationship that he had with his sister, Margaret. Margaret had fought her way free from the confines imposed upon her because she was born a woman... and she is Nathanial's fiercest supporter. She's the only one who cares about her brother's well-being to the point that she will speak frankly to him and fight for him.
The verdict is that I really enjoyed this novel. I know that I haven't gone into a lot of detail in this review but I don't want to spoil the intricacies of the plot for anyone who might read it. The mystery is solid and engaging, the characters are endearing and interesting.
If I have any criticism at all, it's that the ending of the book felt a little abrupt. The pacing in the novel was great but then the last 30 or so pages of the book felt a little rushed.
All in all, a great read!
Nathanial Bayard is a detective tasked with chasing down a serial killer. For some reason, all of his cases seem to fall apart before he's able to obtain a conviction and he's beyond frustrated. When it comes to a serial killer who is not only violent and demeaning...but brazen - Nathanial is more motivated than ever to get the job done.
In the society that Nichols has created, male marriage has just been made legal. The issue is that it still has some negative connotations attached to it for some families. I really liked the world the author built up. I enjoyed the way the societal changes were still new and it was obviously unsettling for some of the characters.
Nathaniel is caught in a terrible bind. If the serial killer slips through his fingers he will lose his job. If he loses his position in law enforcement he'll have no choice but to join the church as his father wishes.
Nathanial is a beautifully complex character. He's troubled by so many things. His own sexuality has him fearing for the safety of his soul. He's never even kissed another man, but he knows that is what he wants. There's also an underlying tension between Nathanial and his father... circumstances being what they are... Nathanial needs to protect his beloved sister by not garnering his father's anger.
And then there's Jericho. Jericho runs a club for gentleman who enjoy the company of other gentlemen. Jericho was once a military man but was he was discharged for behavior unbecoming. His father disowned him and he completely lost touch with his family before settling back on something he knew... a club for men like himself.
He's a flamboyant character in his society. He dresses inappropriately, accepts his sexuality... and he is the host to a demon that allows him special powers. The demon has helped to propel Jericho through life, assisting with avoidance of difficult situations and keeping him right where he wants to be in Society.
Jericho pays a high price for the skills of the demon within him. One morning, he wakes up with a beautiful, young lover in his bed... deceased. This is what brings about the meeting of Nathanial and Jericho.
There are several things about this book that I really enjoyed. As I wrote before, the societal structure was particularly interesting to me. The author did a great job of describing this world so that I could be fully immersed in it while I was reading.
The characters were all great. My favorite character was Nathanial. He was sweet and caring, fully committed to finding the killer. I loved the relationship that he had with his sister, Margaret. Margaret had fought her way free from the confines imposed upon her because she was born a woman... and she is Nathanial's fiercest supporter. She's the only one who cares about her brother's well-being to the point that she will speak frankly to him and fight for him.
The verdict is that I really enjoyed this novel. I know that I haven't gone into a lot of detail in this review but I don't want to spoil the intricacies of the plot for anyone who might read it. The mystery is solid and engaging, the characters are endearing and interesting.
If I have any criticism at all, it's that the ending of the book felt a little abrupt. The pacing in the novel was great but then the last 30 or so pages of the book felt a little rushed.
All in all, a great read!
February 28, 2020
I love TJ Nichols books. The paranormal in them is always so fun for me and I love the twists and turns in each of TJ’s books. But this one was harder for me to get into. And while the paranormal was there and there was mystery and intrigue, it was just a slow start for me and it just seemed to drag on to a point. Now don’t misunderstand me, the book is still good. It just wasn’t as big of a thrill as others for me. But don’t let me dissuade you from trying it for yourself and seeing what it’s about.
Jericho woke again to not knowing about what happened the night before and to a man dead in his bed. And knew his demon had been up to no good again. And he had left it too long in not feeding her. Now he had to cover up a murder before anyone caught on. But as he was setting up things, he was almost caught. The police had to be called and it came with a man named Nathaniel that Jericho could see right off the bat, wanted more than he could share. Nathaniel and Jericho begin to get to know each other under the guise of working for another case, but more and more, their feelings for each other were changing. The problem was, Nathaniel couldn’t let himself get out from under his father’s thumb and for Jericho, he was used to be just a commoner that no one seemed to really want. As they navigate secrets, lies and a serial killer, they find out what they both are really made of and what will change or not.
That’s one thing I’ve always hated about society. Old or new. The fact that some people are supposed to be better because they are of a ‘higher class’ than others. It’s such crap. We all are human and put our pants on the same. Well, you know what I mean. But it irritates me to no end about social status and class. No one is better than someone else. I understood Jericho’s point of view. As much as he hated housing a demon, he felt like he was somebody with it. And because of his family being buttheads, he was left with basically nothing and had to do everything himself. And that to me shows more strength and class than anything. Yeah, so he ran a gentleman’s club. Who cares. He built up his business himself and did everything himself. For the most part. He made something of himself. And then you have Nathaniel, who is a product of something he never asked for and is treated like a piece of dirt by his father. When all he wants, is to help free the world of criminals and help others. And finally be free to love who he wants. I felt for these two. A product of bad fathers and a crappy society. Men who just want to love and be loved. And live in a world free of judgement. And to solve the murders of those people who didn’t deserve what they got.
It’s a good little mystery. Like I said, it’s got a few twists in it that make it intriguing. It was just slow for me. But please give it a try and see what you think.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Jericho woke again to not knowing about what happened the night before and to a man dead in his bed. And knew his demon had been up to no good again. And he had left it too long in not feeding her. Now he had to cover up a murder before anyone caught on. But as he was setting up things, he was almost caught. The police had to be called and it came with a man named Nathaniel that Jericho could see right off the bat, wanted more than he could share. Nathaniel and Jericho begin to get to know each other under the guise of working for another case, but more and more, their feelings for each other were changing. The problem was, Nathaniel couldn’t let himself get out from under his father’s thumb and for Jericho, he was used to be just a commoner that no one seemed to really want. As they navigate secrets, lies and a serial killer, they find out what they both are really made of and what will change or not.
That’s one thing I’ve always hated about society. Old or new. The fact that some people are supposed to be better because they are of a ‘higher class’ than others. It’s such crap. We all are human and put our pants on the same. Well, you know what I mean. But it irritates me to no end about social status and class. No one is better than someone else. I understood Jericho’s point of view. As much as he hated housing a demon, he felt like he was somebody with it. And because of his family being buttheads, he was left with basically nothing and had to do everything himself. And that to me shows more strength and class than anything. Yeah, so he ran a gentleman’s club. Who cares. He built up his business himself and did everything himself. For the most part. He made something of himself. And then you have Nathaniel, who is a product of something he never asked for and is treated like a piece of dirt by his father. When all he wants, is to help free the world of criminals and help others. And finally be free to love who he wants. I felt for these two. A product of bad fathers and a crappy society. Men who just want to love and be loved. And live in a world free of judgement. And to solve the murders of those people who didn’t deserve what they got.
It’s a good little mystery. Like I said, it’s got a few twists in it that make it intriguing. It was just slow for me. But please give it a try and see what you think.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
February 29, 2020
“A Summer of Smoke and Sin” turned out to be a downright riveting mystery! Seeing words such as: “gentlemen’s club”, “snuff” and “succubus” may have a reader being cautious but this novel took a whole different direction.
TJ Nichols takes us to historic London 1907 and introduces an interesting subject, the “Male Marriage Act” as opposed to the “Female Marriage Act” that failed. It’s a time where cases involving nobleman are only handled by the “Nobility Task Force”. The novel is packed with: corruption, the protection of the noble and wealthy, estranged family members, secrets, drama, a unique invention and photography.
Although the reveal of the serial murderer is known early in the story, the plot revolves around Nathanial Bayard and how he can develop a plan to catch the evil-doer who invaded his privacy. Nathanial has a dark cloud hanging over his head as he’s had his troubles with closing his cases. He’s a hard working law officer but becomes suspicious with the force even his boss. When Nathanial and Jericho Fulbright join forces in the investigation there is a secret between them that could destroy them both.
Jericho, being the owner of the gentleman’s club, “Jericho Rose”, has gained a very scandalous reputation but all is not what it seems. He has a very good reason for doing what he does and it all involves the demon, Eulalia.
I was pleasantly surprised at how this novel turned out, it is well-written and became a page-turner for me. This story has a touch of darkness, suspense, steampunk and paranormal. I could really connect with the characters of: Nathanial Bayard, Jericho Fulbright and Eulalia. There’s a little twist with Jericho and Eulalia, they aren’t what they seem to be, which gives a different perspective to their characters. I liked the gradual connection and understanding that grows between Nathanial and Jericho.
There’s two secondary characters that deserve to be mentioned: Nathanial’s sister, Margaret, who is his biggest supporter and is not afraid to speak her mind. Bertie, Margaret’s husband, he goes along with Margaret but he shows his protective side when it comes to her.
I don’t if TJ Nichols has plans for Nathanial and Jericho in the future but this would be an interesting mystery series. The cover art is a definite eye-catcher!
TJ Nichols takes us to historic London 1907 and introduces an interesting subject, the “Male Marriage Act” as opposed to the “Female Marriage Act” that failed. It’s a time where cases involving nobleman are only handled by the “Nobility Task Force”. The novel is packed with: corruption, the protection of the noble and wealthy, estranged family members, secrets, drama, a unique invention and photography.
Although the reveal of the serial murderer is known early in the story, the plot revolves around Nathanial Bayard and how he can develop a plan to catch the evil-doer who invaded his privacy. Nathanial has a dark cloud hanging over his head as he’s had his troubles with closing his cases. He’s a hard working law officer but becomes suspicious with the force even his boss. When Nathanial and Jericho Fulbright join forces in the investigation there is a secret between them that could destroy them both.
Jericho, being the owner of the gentleman’s club, “Jericho Rose”, has gained a very scandalous reputation but all is not what it seems. He has a very good reason for doing what he does and it all involves the demon, Eulalia.
I was pleasantly surprised at how this novel turned out, it is well-written and became a page-turner for me. This story has a touch of darkness, suspense, steampunk and paranormal. I could really connect with the characters of: Nathanial Bayard, Jericho Fulbright and Eulalia. There’s a little twist with Jericho and Eulalia, they aren’t what they seem to be, which gives a different perspective to their characters. I liked the gradual connection and understanding that grows between Nathanial and Jericho.
There’s two secondary characters that deserve to be mentioned: Nathanial’s sister, Margaret, who is his biggest supporter and is not afraid to speak her mind. Bertie, Margaret’s husband, he goes along with Margaret but he shows his protective side when it comes to her.
I don’t if TJ Nichols has plans for Nathanial and Jericho in the future but this would be an interesting mystery series. The cover art is a definite eye-catcher!
March 5, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. I found this a compelling read and thought the world building was fabulous. I enjoyed the mix of historical with a dash of steampunk/alternate reality and paranormal. I thought the author did a great job in capturing the class hierarchy of the time period, and the social climbing within it.
The set up with Jericho and the succubus was interesting, and almost a symbiotic relationship with each side gaining something although with a very high cost for Jericho. I felt for him not being able to get close to anyone for fear that they become her next victim.
I also felt for Nathanial and his resignation that his father’s net was closing around him. His father is a nasty piece of work, while on the flip side I loved his sister and brother-in-law. I loved Robert too. He’s a good friend, and I’d love to learn more about him and read his story.
All the characters felt very real, with rich back stories, and personality quirks. The world is an interesting one, with its marriage laws and gentleman’s waltz. I liked the inclusion of the scandal sheets as it brought out the social commentary within the story.
The story kept me turning pages, as I got invested in Nathanial and Jericho very quickly and wanted them to get the HEA they deserved, after what life had thrown them so far. The bad guy came across as a real threat, and I loved the ending, and how he is taken down. Very fitting. The twist in regard to Eulalia was nicely done too.
The set up with Jericho and the succubus was interesting, and almost a symbiotic relationship with each side gaining something although with a very high cost for Jericho. I felt for him not being able to get close to anyone for fear that they become her next victim.
I also felt for Nathanial and his resignation that his father’s net was closing around him. His father is a nasty piece of work, while on the flip side I loved his sister and brother-in-law. I loved Robert too. He’s a good friend, and I’d love to learn more about him and read his story.
All the characters felt very real, with rich back stories, and personality quirks. The world is an interesting one, with its marriage laws and gentleman’s waltz. I liked the inclusion of the scandal sheets as it brought out the social commentary within the story.
The story kept me turning pages, as I got invested in Nathanial and Jericho very quickly and wanted them to get the HEA they deserved, after what life had thrown them so far. The bad guy came across as a real threat, and I loved the ending, and how he is taken down. Very fitting. The twist in regard to Eulalia was nicely done too.
May 26, 2022
I read this quite fast in about a day. I remember I liked it, it's essentially a mystery novel, but it left me confused so I just moved on.
There's a main plot about Detective Bayard tracking a murderer who takes pictures of his victims to sell as pornography, then there's Jericho who has a soul eating demon inside of him .
Nathanial knows he's gay but never acted on it, (even if relationships between men are mostly ok in the world of this novel) for unclear reasons.
Jericho is comfortable in his sexuality, but can't act on it because sex and kissing would raise his demon.
I liked the mystery, and Nathanial was believably frustrated about it. Jericho, and his club, were interesting enough and their relaionship proceded slowly (Even if that was only because of the demon).
I read other novels by this author, they seem to have interesting ideas and unique world building but struggle with endings.
There's a main plot about Detective Bayard tracking a murderer who takes pictures of his victims to sell as pornography, then there's Jericho who has a soul eating demon inside of him .
Nathanial knows he's gay but never acted on it, (even if relationships between men are mostly ok in the world of this novel) for unclear reasons.
Jericho is comfortable in his sexuality, but can't act on it because sex and kissing would raise his demon.
I liked the mystery, and Nathanial was believably frustrated about it. Jericho, and his club, were interesting enough and their relaionship proceded slowly (Even if that was only because of the demon).
I read other novels by this author, they seem to have interesting ideas and unique world building but struggle with endings.
March 7, 2020
3.5 stars- Incredibly unique
Though this author writes tropes I normally wouldn’t read, time and time again I’ve found myself drawn to her shorts. I so enjoy the characters and worlds she builds and keep meaning to pick up one of her full length novels. I finally did so with A Summer of Smoke and Sin. A historical fantasy that blends current social conventions with the past, the characters and world the author created immediately captured my attention.
Both Jericho and Nathaniel were well flushed out over the course of the story, and I really liked how the closeted main character matched with the proudly out character played a part of this historical fantasy. Obviously this is a slower burn due to the historical element, but it didn’t feel too buttoned up in the least. Additionally, I thought the paranormal element was very interesting. I wasn’t expecting it, and surprise revelations around this plot point continued to surprise me throughout the book. The suspense and mystery elements were also done well and, while I might not have been perched on the edge of my seat, I was completely invested and engaged cover to cover.
I’m always in awe of the way this author builds detailed, creative worlds I can easily picture in a way that maintains a smooth flow within the storyline. When reading her shorts in the past, I wondered if given more time and space to really develop the characters and plot, the story and world would be that much better, and A Summer of Smoke and Sin proved that to be the case. If you enjoy fantasies, I’d definitely recommend this author and book.
*eARC received via Gay Book Promotions. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
Though this author writes tropes I normally wouldn’t read, time and time again I’ve found myself drawn to her shorts. I so enjoy the characters and worlds she builds and keep meaning to pick up one of her full length novels. I finally did so with A Summer of Smoke and Sin. A historical fantasy that blends current social conventions with the past, the characters and world the author created immediately captured my attention.
Both Jericho and Nathaniel were well flushed out over the course of the story, and I really liked how the closeted main character matched with the proudly out character played a part of this historical fantasy. Obviously this is a slower burn due to the historical element, but it didn’t feel too buttoned up in the least. Additionally, I thought the paranormal element was very interesting. I wasn’t expecting it, and surprise revelations around this plot point continued to surprise me throughout the book. The suspense and mystery elements were also done well and, while I might not have been perched on the edge of my seat, I was completely invested and engaged cover to cover.
I’m always in awe of the way this author builds detailed, creative worlds I can easily picture in a way that maintains a smooth flow within the storyline. When reading her shorts in the past, I wondered if given more time and space to really develop the characters and plot, the story and world would be that much better, and A Summer of Smoke and Sin proved that to be the case. If you enjoy fantasies, I’d definitely recommend this author and book.
*eARC received via Gay Book Promotions. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
February 23, 2020
Reading the blurb for this book really got me curious and excited to read it. The amazing thing was that I've kept the excitement from the beginning to the end. The author wrote it so brilliantly that with every page I turned, I would only get even more intrigued, doubting and guessing.
Jericho has done bad, awful things in his life, but is he a bad person? Nathaniel had dreams and high morals, but can he be corrupted by sin? Will they bring to justice the murder of those innocent girls? More importantly, would Jericho and Nathaniel have any semblance of live at the end of the investigation, a future together? And who is really Eulalia?
So, so many questions. Finding the answers had me on the edge of my sit, thrill itching under my skin. The plotline is complex and full of surprises, with amazingly written characters. The suspense was high, both because of the the mystery and the development of Jericho and Nathaniel's relationship. I had envisioned many different conclusions to the story and I loved how the author chose to finish it.
Recommended.
Jericho has done bad, awful things in his life, but is he a bad person? Nathaniel had dreams and high morals, but can he be corrupted by sin? Will they bring to justice the murder of those innocent girls? More importantly, would Jericho and Nathaniel have any semblance of live at the end of the investigation, a future together? And who is really Eulalia?
So, so many questions. Finding the answers had me on the edge of my sit, thrill itching under my skin. The plotline is complex and full of surprises, with amazingly written characters. The suspense was high, both because of the the mystery and the development of Jericho and Nathaniel's relationship. I had envisioned many different conclusions to the story and I loved how the author chose to finish it.
Recommended.
November 24, 2023
M/M historical paranormal first-time ofy-gfy romance.
I generally liked most of what I read from this author but this was a big miss for me.
A crime plot set in a Victorian like era but where men can marry but not fornicate before marriage.
It was super boring with all the Victorian attitudes and pearl clutching. Nathanial was a complete bore as the prim detective and Jericho a scoundrel and a experiences an attraction to him that is mostly due to Eulalia so the whole thing was built on flimsy grounds.
The Eulalia plot line started as intriguing then became incoherent. From , really?!!! The latter are not known to feast on innocents!!
And all swept under the rug by Nathaniel!
The crime wasn’t exactly a mystery due to the paranormal elements, so with the plot dragging it was a chore to finish.
The pace marginally improved at the near end with that first time scene and its consequences but it was all so ridiculously Victorian that I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes.
I generally liked most of what I read from this author but this was a big miss for me.
A crime plot set in a Victorian like era but where men can marry but not fornicate before marriage.
It was super boring with all the Victorian attitudes and pearl clutching. Nathanial was a complete bore as the prim detective and Jericho a scoundrel and a experiences an attraction to him that is mostly due to Eulalia so the whole thing was built on flimsy grounds.
The Eulalia plot line started as intriguing then became incoherent. From , really?!!! The latter are not known to feast on innocents!!
And all swept under the rug by Nathaniel!
The crime wasn’t exactly a mystery due to the paranormal elements, so with the plot dragging it was a chore to finish.
The pace marginally improved at the near end with that first time scene and its consequences but it was all so ridiculously Victorian that I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes.
February 22, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. A Summer of Smoke and Sin was unique. A kind of cross between historical, paranormal, with a light touch of steampunk. I don’t read a lot of steampunk, but I believed the mechanical cameras, mechanical bikes and the mechanical birds gave it a hint of steampunk. I did love the birds.
This is an amazing mystery though we find out the killer it still holds your interest. (I sat up and read it all in one night, it was that god and I had to find out what was going on) There are some twists and its an allover good book.
If you are looking for something different, like steampunk, suspense, historical, low sexual content but high sexual tension, and a unique story this is for you!
This is an amazing mystery though we find out the killer it still holds your interest. (I sat up and read it all in one night, it was that god and I had to find out what was going on) There are some twists and its an allover good book.
If you are looking for something different, like steampunk, suspense, historical, low sexual content but high sexual tension, and a unique story this is for you!
March 5, 2020
Intrigue, mystery, fantasy...prepare for that and so much more when you read A Summer of Smoke and Sin by TJ Nichols. If you like an intricate plot with a great cast of characters with urban fantasy thrown in, this is the book for you. The story is imaginative and original, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. There were a few times I was left scratching my head or had to go back to read something to make it clear as mud. LOL. A good mystery will leave you guessing until the end and might confound you a bit. I did want to slap a character a time or two though. I'm not going to go into the story or the plot because you need to read this book yourself. Are you ready to be pulled into a whole new world? One click this 4 star read today!
February 28, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Jericho fights a battle on a daily basis, even if you can't see it. A succubus had taken possession of his life fighting to control more than he is willing to allow. Waking up to dead bodies from her night of sinful desires. Upside was having a demon had its perks only Having to deal with an investigation because of the dead was another matter.
Nathaniel was called in to help with a nobleman's death at Jericho Rose's gentleman club. Murder or natural was yet to be determined.
Nathaniel was called in to help with a nobleman's death at Jericho Rose's gentleman club. Murder or natural was yet to be determined.
March 9, 2020
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I read this book, I think maybe I had it confused with another one, but I’m so so glad I read it. Everything about this book grabbed and held my interest. Set in a delightful alternate history, A Summer of Smoke and Sin features expertly crafted characters and backdrops that appear vivid in the mind. I fell in love with Jericho within moments and he never once disappointed. Once of the most interesting books I’ve ever read, if you like men, mysterious creatures or murder, this book is for you too.
July 12, 2021
3.5 due to the world building and uniqueness of the story. I've only read two TJ Nichols' stories (this one and the Witch's Familiar) and I've found the quality to be completely disparate. This is the much better offering with difference. While there are issues here (mainly, there is a blatant lack of good editing, the pacing can be all over the place and the writing is unnecessarily wordy at times) overall it's a good paranormal book with a morally grey character who falls in love with a scared, repressed guy. Imperfect people who love imperfectly.
May 20, 2020
I'm not normally a fan of historical but there was enough steampunk thrown into this story to give it a good feel. The social commentary was refreshing as it was not just about love without barriers. Both main characters and Margaret were immensely likable and interesting to read. The two fathers, if you can call them that, got their just desserts. I am going to believe that Eulalia remained where she was last seen, bravo. Highly recommended.
February 7, 2023
I guess this was a little steampunkish. Interesting choice of main mystery. i never thought snuff pictures were a thin that happened over a century ago, thought it was a modern thing.
Loved Nathaniel and Jericho together. If I am honest I am not sure the purpose of the demon really and I guess at the end she was far from either of them.
Loved the mechanical birds, surprised somebody hasn't tried to develop them in the 21st century.
Loved Nathaniel and Jericho together. If I am honest I am not sure the purpose of the demon really and I guess at the end she was far from either of them.
Loved the mechanical birds, surprised somebody hasn't tried to develop them in the 21st century.
December 22, 2023
It really pains me to admit this but I have my troubles with books by this author.
I loved the story and the characters in this pne as well, but the flow of the book just didn't work for me.
The first part was very detailed and well done ... and the last quarter should have been at least a half of the book ...and then it just ended.
For me the ending was too abrupt ... it could work if there were another book, but as it is a standalone, it is a bit unsatisfying.
I loved the story and the characters in this pne as well, but the flow of the book just didn't work for me.
The first part was very detailed and well done ... and the last quarter should have been at least a half of the book ...and then it just ended.
For me the ending was too abrupt ... it could work if there were another book, but as it is a standalone, it is a bit unsatisfying.
February 24, 2020
I enjoyed everything about this book. Jericho and Nathanial were great characters, they were both complex and engaging and I was immediately drawn into their story. I loved the paranormal, steampunkish, alternate historical aspects of the storyline. All in all an enjoyable paranormal mystery that had me reading it all in one go.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
May 7, 2020
Some of the world building in this just did not make a lot of sense to me, but more unforgivably, I thought the MC was ethically-challenged and it was never fixed: , and the book never thinks there's a real problem with that?
April 3, 2020
Alternate Victorian era murder mysteries with gay investigators and a bit of the mystical thrown in are an addiction I will never relinquish. Such fun, though the author could do with a better editor (I volunteer) this was well paced and good fun to read.
did-not-finish
May 20, 2020Nemohla jsem se začíst. Postavy ploché a nesympatické. Hlavní postava, která má v sobě inkuba má vysloveně sobecké důvody pro to, aby ho v sobě držela. Možná se to časem změní. Možná. jenže čtu a čtu a čtu... a je to pořád o ničem.
June 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that I thought it was the first in a new series, but apparently it's not and that makes me a bit sad as I'd love to read more of Nathaniel & Jericho's adventures.
July 20, 2021
Beautiful story
I loved how this story concluded, the plot is filled with twists and turns, and everything seems to be going wrong, right up till the end, but there was a great outcome for the MCs, warm fuzzies.
I loved how this story concluded, the plot is filled with twists and turns, and everything seems to be going wrong, right up till the end, but there was a great outcome for the MCs, warm fuzzies.
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