Shadow & Silk

Demon Heart #1

by Richard Amos

Assassin. Spy. Witch.

I serve the Witch Queen of the United Kingdom, fulfilling her will within the shadows. Exterminating enemies quietly, gathering intelligence while blending in with the scenery.
And I serve Her Majesty well.

There are rules to my service, clear lines that must never be crossed:

Never break my cover.

Don’t get tangled up in messy love affairs.

Keep my life clean.

Stay away from demons in these strange new days.

But one night, while working another mission, a demon crosses my path. Instantly, he takes my breath away. Beautiful, strange, dripping with seductive energy. He needs help, shelter, desperate to escape a group of mysterious hunters.
Against my better judgement, I take him home.

I’m a fool. I could lose my head for breaking the rules like this.
I’m playing with fire.
And he could kill me at any moment. He’s stronger, deadlier, built for violence as well as seduction. But the longer he stays with me, the more he intrigues me. I want to know everything about him.

Him. The demon who makes my heart race.
Him. The one fracturing my sense of duty.
Him. The creature igniting my every desire.

What have I gotten myself into?

Shadow & Silk is the first book in an M/M Urban Fantasy Paranormal Romance series featuring a witch assassin/spy, and a monstrously seductive demon with some seriously silky talents. Step into a world of royalty, magic, steamy times, plenty of danger, and a talking rat.

This book is not a standalone. 

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Paranormal, Demons, Magic, LGBT, Urban Fantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2023

About the author

Richard Amos is an author from England who is constantly lost in the worlds he writes about, and the ones in the queue yet to be written. He also has more books in his house than anything else, and is never without a book (and chocolate) in his hands when he's not writing. He’s a proud nerd who loves to dance. Hard.

Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor

Reviews

[Drusilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so stupid. I'm starting a new series even though it's not finished. I usually read the blurb better, then I might have realized that there could be a cliffhanger. And you know what? Of course there's one .... I'm so mad at myself!!!
Because even though the book wasn't outstanding, the last third of the book was sooooo good. 😤🤦‍♀️😭

Well …
This was a mixed book. Unfortunately, the start was a bit rocky and I often wondered if I really wanted to read it. It's not bad, but the world-building is a bit like an info-dump and less well integrated into the plot. I can't remember important details, would probably have to reread the first 50 pages to really understand the historical events, but I'm not in the mood for that.
However, the book gradually develops in a positive direction. The plot is exciting and the characters gain more depth bit by bit and I finally found my way into it until it became really good and interesting.

So now that the plot has gripped me and the writing style has improved, I can say that I'm super curious to see how everything develops.
A witch assassin, a demon that seems super powerful and exerts an insane attraction on the poor witch. A witch who has quite a few problems, whose magic isn't quite what it was and who serves a queen who doesn't seem quite right either. And not forgetting Darcy, the talking rat, of course. A really good ensemble and a plot that only seems to make sense bit by bit and offers room for a great deal.

Never break my cover.
Don’t get tangled up in messy love affairs.
Keep my life clean.
Stay away from demons. 🤭Yes, of course all kinds of rules are broken, fortunately ...

The banter between Roman and Xavier ... lovingly ridiculous.
“Why don’t you let me out of these chains before I turn you into a fly?”
“I’ll enter you and chew your insides with my fly teeth, piece by tiny piece.”
Why did that sound kind of hot? 😂

It's also beautiful how the physical attraction that they both somehow fight suddenly becomes something more.
“He is intriguing, confusing, beautiful, deadly. I want to know him, to explore everything that makes him Roman.” 🥰

Sex ... I'll just say one thing, very late in the book and only one scene, but hello, what a scene. My lips are sealed.

“I want to feel you. To connect with you. I can’t stand it anymore.” I almost came in my jeans. The moment I gave in fully to my desire was the moment everything would change. Forever.
“Yes…” I breathed, in full agreement. “I want it all.” A wry, sexy smile drew across his features.
“And you relinquish control to me?” I swallowed, excitement wreaking havoc on my nerves.
“Yes.” 🔥🥵🤤

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, but my review is genuine.

This is my first time reading an M/M Urban Fantasy book as well as the first book by this author. My understanding is that though this book is the first of its series, there are background information on characters that can be gleaned from his other works. However, I didn’t find it difficult to understand the storyline at all.

“Hello, My Shadow,” she said, her voice a little raspy. “You summoned me, Your Majesty?”

Roman is a private assassin for the Witch Queen of the UK. He aptly got the nickname Shadow as no one knows that he works for the Queen doing her dirty work. He does a great job of it until he meets Xavier. Now Roman must deal with keeping his secrets while emotions starts messing with his neatly structured life. Xavier also has his own issues he’s dealing with.

There is some spice to the story but I would say that it’s a fairly slow burn.

I found the book entertaining and would definitely read the next book in the series. Plus, I need to know what happened! The book ended in a major spoiler!

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this author for a long time, and I was excited for this new series. The main character in this one is a little different than the author’s usual MCs which is a good thing. This book takes place in the same universe as the author’s Midnight Magic series, so I was ready to roll. Roman is a strong character who was really a kick-butt assassin and meets Xavier, a demon. I don’t like that Damon seems to be a little less kick-butt or strong when Xavier is around, but we’ll see how this plays out. I was so surprised when this ended, and I am looking forward to seeing how Damon is going to get out of the predicament he’s left in. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Rae (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh we’ve got an English assassin witch boi and a sexy demon pairing….I like.

I really enjoyed reading the British humor and dialect. You can definitely feel it come through the text and it’s like you’re there in this fantasy version of England with the characters.

I was a smidge confused about some witch/magic/Synth parts, but I’m pretty sure that’s because this ends on a cliffy and it’ll be answered in the next book 🤞🏻.

I liked the inner turmoil in Roman between his duty and the romance/attraction with his demon. Doing something for himself for the first time is daunting as he’s devoted his life to his Majesty, the Queen. Xavier had some depth to him, but I hope to see more in the coming book. I really enjoyed him as he was such a great pairing for Roman, he really complemented him.

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Omg this book was good. That twist at the end totally had me. I almost DNF this book but it was able to pull me back in. I’m not an enemy to lover reader but this was worth it totally. The plot was really good and kept me coming back. I’m excited for the next book but I hope the o attention to the relationship more.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow and Silk is the first in a new series, Demon Heart. Roman an assassin and Xavier, a demon. I adored this story. Twist and turns, seriously great world building and cliffy (Don’t let that detract you) make this a fantastic read. Well written with addicting pacing.

[Richard Amos]

[Dreamcatcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

Hmm, don't really care about Roman and Xavier. But Darcy is very cute.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frist book in a brand new series 😊 Roman is an assassin/ spy and Xavier is a demon, I really liked them together and looking at what comes next with them.

*Him. The demon who makes my heart race.
Him. The one fracturing my sense of duty.
Him. The creature igniting my every desire.*

[David Wickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Richard Amos was my introduction to what I call male/male dark urban fantasy. I’ve been reading urban fantasy like Jim Butcher and Kim Harrison for years, but any romance has always been heterosexual. I’ve read over 30 of his books so far so you can I say I’m somewhat of a fan. When I had the chance to read an advance review copy for Richard’s latest, I jumped at the chance! So, thanks to the ARC Gods for the chance to review this!

This new series is a based in the same world as the Midnight Magic series. You don’t need to have read that series to understand this one. In that series, we had witches as the ruling class on Earth. Queen Margarite is the ruler of the United Kingdom. She lost her husband and her son in the previous series. Her son was killed by demons attempting to take over the human realm. Her husband had taken ill after her son’s death.

Our main character Roman Gold is her “Shadow”. He is her number one assassin. As such, he is privy to many of her secrets. One of which, is her desire to remove all demons from her realm while pretending to negotiate terms with some of the demons who want to stay in the UK. Another is her desire to kill the Witch King of France whom she suspects is allying himself with the very demons she wishes to destroy.

We meet the other main character, Xavier, in the third chapter. Roman is leaving Buckingham Palace after meeting with the Queen and her daughter Princess Piper, and inadvertently runs over Xavier as he is running away from a mob who is trying to kill him. Long story short, Roman ends killing everyone trying to kill Xavier, and takes him back to his apartment. Just a messy situation all around. This is the true start of the book.

We do get to meet Darcy when Roman take Xavier home. Darcy is a witch who accidentally turned himself into a rat and was unable to reverse the spell. Roman found him at a bus stop and took him home. He’s not comic relief, but he’s actually the voice of reason. He gives Roman advice on various things. He better not get hurt or have anything happen to him!

This is my favorite of the thirty plus books I’ve read so far. In his other books, the villains were bad and nasty and evil, but none of them were human, or at least none that I can remember right off hand. Queen Margarite is the first that I can remember. I have the feeling that she’s going to be right up there with the worst unless something happens. She lost her son to the demons and then her husband. The author wrote that “She’d never been warm, but now she was pure ice. A new woman, one lost to sorrow.” Human monsters like her scare me the most.

I’m cannot wait until the next book. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Richard is brutal with his characters. In the meantime, I’ll catch up with his other books that I haven’t read yet! Oh yeah-buy this when it comes out in a few weeks. You won’t be disappointed. Even though I have the ARC copy, I’m buying the eBook because that’s how much I love this author

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of a new series by this author is always fun! In Shadow And Silk we return to the Midnight Magic universe, but it's at a different point in the timeline so you don't necessarily need to have read Clay and Tae’s stories. This time, we're starting an adventure with Queen Margarite’s elite ‘Shadow’, Roman, and Xavier, the silky demon he’s drawn to save on a chance encounter whilst on another mission.

It's no secret I love this author's urban fantasy series for the world-building and his ability to paint a vivid picture of it with his words. Shadow And Silk is no different. There are rich descriptions of the extreme incidents and magical action that happen along the rollercoaster ride that Roman and Xavier have embarked on. I really enjoyed their quasi Romeo and Juliet start - witches (humans) and demons should not fraternise - but the two MCs just can't help but be in each other’s orbit and, even though you know they'll get together…come on it's PNR…there's a real sense of inevitability in the atmosphere that it'll both be worth the wait and it won't go smoothly for the men. Indeed, I don't think it'll be a spoiler to say things take a dark turn. There is also humour, however, that balances the other elements nicely.

Long story short, I think this is an exciting start to a hugely promising series. I can't wait to see what happens next. 4.5*

An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow and Silk by Richard Amos is an exciting paranormal MM romance.  Roman works for the Witch Queen as her assassin

and fixer.  However, when he comes across a demon in need of help he goes against his Queen to save the demon.  The two men have their secrets but something seems to be calling to them.  Despite both their better judgments neither can walk away.  Will Roman be able to defy his Queen and explore his feelings for the mysterious demon or will he give up possibly his one chance at love to further the queen's insane agenda?

      This is a phenomenal book.  The world-building was amazing. There is plenty of court intrigue, mystery, and suspense.  The two men have plenty of secrets that are slowly revealed.  There's plenty of heat and attraction from the start but it's a slow burn as the men both have their reasons for not getting involved. However, once the spice hits the heat sizzles right off the pages.  Well worth the wait for them and readers!

      I rated Shadow and Silk 4 out of 5 stars.  The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is I really would have liked more history on how Roman came to work for the queen and how he came to be so far under her influence that he ignored her insanity. I am sure there is a story there, maybe a novella.  This story has it all mystery, secrets, betrayal, intrigue, assassination plots, romance, and twists plenty.  If you enjoy suspenseful, paranormal, MM romances between a demon and Witch then this is a must-read for you.  Warning we are left with a crazy cliffhanger with an HFN that will leave you desperate for the next book but I'm sure if it is as good as this one it will be well worth the wait!

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman serves the queen. He is her assassin, her ghost in the shadows. He's good at what he does. He collects information, he serves her every whim. But the loss of her husband and son has left her broken...changed. She sees things in the shadows that may or may not be there. She believes that another monarch is plotting against her. Can her word be trusted? Is she about to bring about a time of chaos and destruction? Can Roman stand in the way of this? Or will he simply follow orders? But what is this pull on him? On the way to finishing a job he crosses paths with a gorgeous demon. The demon needs his help. But what will the consequences be if he gets involved?
Shadow and Silk is the return to a familiar landscape! Clay Christmas's old stomping grounds. I loved it! This book captivated me from the beginning and kept me page-turning to the end. Roman is such an interesting character, and I love his little rat friend Darcy. The queen seems sane enough, but as the story goes along the author begins to point out the cracks in her veneer. You will feel empathy towards the woman until things go left...hard. It's crazy.
This is a bit of a slow-burn, seeing as you don't get a lot of steamy, but when the sparks ignite...whew! Yummy!! But beware the ending! It's a wild one and will leave you eager for book two. I can't wait to find out what happens next, because things end on a really interesting note.
5 out of 5 stars

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow & Silk - Roman & Xavier

‘My feet curled, my skin a riot of pleasure. Xavier placed his hands on either side of my head, pressing his lips to mine. He moved up and down, up and down, riding me on the wall, taking his pound of my flesh. I wanted to touch him, to hold him as he enjoyed being on the end of me. But this demon knew what he was doing, how to give me all the pleasure. The inability to move only heightened the experience.’

It is always a wonderful day when Richard Amos has a new book released. But even better? A new series to delve into!!!

In Shadow & Silk, we meet the Queen’s assassin, Roman. This complex character can kill without thought, yet is deeply grieving his lost grandmother. These feelings begin to cause changes in his thoughts about Demons and those he has exterminated by the Queen’s demand.

Xavier is a demon with a hidden background, just looking for a quiet place away from the dangers around him. Unfortunately for him, he is part of a plot to make damaging changes to the world as it is know.

Together these two have found some internal beacon that keeps drawing them towards the other, dangerous for each!

Wonderful Urban MM romance with a fantastic plot that will lead us through this series!

[Yunga2013 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series by Richard Amos? Yes, please. I love this author, and every new book is a treat. This series is set in the same universe as Midnight Magic, which I love as I think this universe has so much potential that it would be a pity to abandon it. Richard is a master of world creation, and this world is as meticulously crafted as always. Set in distopian London, which had gone through magical metamorphosis and came out a bit scarred, it introduces Roman, the spy/assassin of the Witch Queen and Xavier, the demon. The MM romance is not fast-paced but very hot in my view. The two MC find themselves in the middle of global controversy that is potentially very dangerous for human and demon realms. The author usually makes his MCs flawed, gives them the past that haunts them, and influences their state of mind and actions. I love it as it makes them much more real and relatable.
You'll see quite some action: lots of magic, lots of silk (loved this detail), oh, and the talking rat. The rat is absolutely adorable. I love his name (not spoiling). Fair warning: the book ends on a cliffhanger. I'm so intrigued, can't wait for the second book's release.
Highly recommend to all urban fantasy fans. You'll enjoy it immensely.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman is a loyal servant of queen Margarite, her secret weapon and spy. Living a solitary life, there is no prospect for improvement in the nearby future, so he tries to make peace with living in servitude, being the Shadow, having only his talking rat Darcy as a companion. Everything changes when a job goes wrong and he ends up saving a beautiful demon - while demons are public enemy number one to the witch community that rules the country..
Dramatic opening to this new paranormal series introduces a magical world on the brink of war, interesting characters, and a history of grief and bloodshed. Magic is becoming scarce and also the artificial supplies the witches still use are dwindling. There are political movements going in every direction, and in the middle of that storm a blooming forbidden romance. both Roman and Xavier are interesting characters with potential to grow, and with the bomb the queen dropped at the end of the book, I am very curious what would they do in the next book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both my jaw and my brain feel a little bit unhinged after this. The story picks up from the events in the Midnight Magic series. And, while the demons were unable to take over the Earth, there’re now different problems plaguing the survivors. Roman is a witch, a spy, and an assassin, one in service to the Witch Queen of the UK. After a mission that didn’t go exactly to plan, he’s caught up in a political cat’s cradle pitting witches against witches, witches against demons, and even demons against demons. Now Roman and the demon he accidentally saved, Xavier, are desperately trying to stay alive while also figuring out what’s really going on. Their loneliness calls out to one another, and I loved watching these two learning what made each other tick. The book ends at the edge of a pretty significant cliff, but I’m going to be clinging to that rockface until I can get my hands on whatever’s coming next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m already a fan of this author, and enjoyed his earlier series set in this world. I loved Roman and Xavier’s story, with its twists and turns, although of course, this first book ends in a cliffhanger as I’d expect.

The world building is wonderfully detailed, and builds on the aftermath of the Midnight Magic series from a different perspective. I liked how using magic has consequences, and how not everything is how it seems.

I love how the author always gives his characters quirks. Roman’s love of crosswords and tea fits his character. I’m enjoying reading from Xavier’s perspective. These two are literally from different worlds.

I like Darcy and his friendship with Roman. I like Pippa, but the Queen needs someone to take her down. Loved seeing Phillipe again.

The drama and action scenes are fast paced. I’m enjoying how everything is coming together, and the mystery of what happens to Roman towards the end of the story.

More please.

[Azdude · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic beginning to a new Amos series!
If one has read the Midnight Magic series from Richard Amos then this new series is a must. It picks up at the beginning recovery of a shattered world in the aftermatch after an epic battle between the denizens of earth and the demon realm. The author brilliantly provides the continuation from the previous series, but at the same time gives this work a truly fresh flavor all on its own.

If one has not read the Midnight Magic series then this new series is also a must. The two main characters - Xavier and Roman are from two completely different worlds and backgrounds. Amos weaves an intricate and wonderful story of their initial collision and eventual levels of self-discovery.

A demon, a witch and a seemingly bonkers witch queen. What could go wrong?

I loved this book. Read it!

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The “Shadow” he is the queen's shadow to do her bidding, no questions asked. Why is Roman having these doubts? Roman had simple rules to guide him: never break his cover, don't get tangled up in messy love affairs, keep his life clean, and stay away from demons. So why is he falling for Xavier, a demon, it was forbidden by the Queen to have anything to do with the Demons. Why does the Queen want King Basile dead? Tanith the snake demon if she gets Xavier to undo the frozen lake, what will the results be if the dead demon king Ismael returns? And Darcy the poor rat that talks, what does the queen intend to do with him? This story catches your attention immediately with the magic, and the “Shadows” assignments. The cliff hanger left me wanting to quickly get the next book to find out what is going to happen to Roman.

[caroline wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always have such high expectations from this author as they just effortlessly weave story and world building together to create their world to us. I think this may be my favourite so far and that's saying a lot as all of the others have been just so good. The story is set inside the world of a previous series but can be read I think easily enough without reading the other series though that's good also. I loved the assassin and demon pairing and what is really not a safe option for Roman to be venturing into. The intrigue is definitely there and the sinister evil that is going to be a great foe I think. The pet rat/friend who was a person added a nice touch and was a good sounding board for Roman. Definitely did not want to put this book down and definitely went to work with tired eyes but oh so worth it, bring on the next!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow & Silk by Richard Amos is book one in the Demon Heart Series. I’m a fan of Richard Amos’ writing and storytelling. So when I saw there was a new series being released I knew I would have to read it! That being said this book is NOT a standalone. I was addicted from the first chapter all the way until the end… I read the whole book cover to cover in one sitting. The worldbuilding was phenomenal and I could picture everything that was being described. The plot and pace was so well done, I wanted more even after I finished reading. Loved the characters of Roman who was an assassin and Xavier a demon. The pull that these two had towards one another was so well done. Then the ending hit and I’m so curious as to how everything is going to go in the next book. I need book two like now.

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Del Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy and Creative

Richard Amos has some absolutely top notch world building in this series! It is robust and very well thought out, with an incredible amount of detail in the history and mythos within the world. The characters are vibrant and compelling, and the chemistry between Xavier and Roman was a huge reason I was drawn into the book in the first place.

It was a little hard for me to get drawn into the story at first, as there was so much information coming in all at once—but the characters kept me reading, and it was definitely worth it. The steam was definitely explicit, satisfying for those who like it spicy. It was honestly so spicy it almost made me uncomfortable, but it was very well written.

There is a lot to look forward to in this world, the characters and intrigue are more than enough to keep you coming back for more!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m actually shocked I liked this book because the first 60-70 pages were painful. I really thought I was going to dnf. I’m so glad I didn’t! I’m thinking it is suppose to be campy? At least that is how I ended up reading and enjoying it.

Anyone else feel kind of bad for Keith?

What I liked:
-Darcy! Best part of the book, though I’m a sucker for ratties
-the romance ended up being really cute
-actually made me laugh, mostly from how ridiculous certain parts or dialogue were, but I think that was on purpose

Not for me:
-the smut…the sex scene wasn’t great in my opinion
-not the best writing in the world and there were multiple typos that need to be edited out
-took me a while to get into the book
-very info dumpy

Anyways, I’m going to happily go read the next book now! Darcy better be ok!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman is a shadow assassin for the queen and he’s been doing this for a while. Though now he’s starting to question things. His assignments aren’t what they used to be and the queen has changed. He has to figure out what’s going on and what he thinks is right to do. Then he stumbles across a demon getting beaten up and rescues him. Xavier grows on him and he takes the demon home to try to fix up. And of course there’s the talking rat Darcy who used to be a witch. There’s a good amount of action and suspense to keep you on your toes. I’m excited to see where this author will take this world and these characters! And it’s in a world a previous series is set in so I’m hoping to get to see some past characters.

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author, and to say I was hooked is an understatement. I read the entire book in one sitting (I was on a plane so I had the time, but I definitely would have stayed up too late reading this). I loved Roman and Xavier and even though this is set in a world that other books are published in, I didn't feel like I was missing anything starting here.

Roman, an assassin for the Queen, is a strong character on his own. Xavier, a demon, brings his own special toolset to the duo.

The ending had me on the edge of my seat and I'm so excited to read more in this world!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow & Silk is the first book in the Demon Heart series set in the same world as the Midnight Magic series. This book is about Roman the witch queens assassin and Xaviera demon. I love the heat between these two so much. Richard Amos does such an amazing job with his characters and knows how to pull you into the book. I am looking forward to seeing where this series will go from here. I loved Darcy the talking rat. I feel there is something for everyone in this book, heat, mystery, amazing characters, and a great plot. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with Richard Amos the world building here in this alternate UK is fantastic and I'm very invested in the characters. Roman is an operative for the queen who is beginning to question whether those he's given his loyalty to and used his special skills for are worth it. His doubts and questions become even more urgent when he gives aid and comfort to an injured demon Xavier. Xavier is a mysterious character who attracts Roman like no one else and it's clear there are all sorts of things these two are going to discover about their world that will surprise them and us as readers. Can't wait for the next book.

[Miss E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman lurks in the shadows. Never seen - never heard.
He is the Witch Queen's Shadow - her trusted unaliver.
On a weird night, he rescues Xavier. A demon. The Queen HATES demons. But the two get tangled up something wicked and all he11 breaks loose. Someone is trying to wreak havoc. Will they find out who, before it's too late?
The attraction between Roman and Xavier is undeniable. But where will it lead? It ends on a cliffhanger, fueling the questions until the next book is released. RA once again has a lead character with multiple layers and at least one quirky hobby.
Highly recommendable for all lovers of MM twisted fantasy.

[Tiago Kietzmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a bad experience with the author in the past but wanted to give it another try. Well, my first impression was correct. This book is not for me; it has potential but fails in every aspect.

The plot could be interesting—a witch assassin serving a spiraling queen getting involved with a demon. However, the characters are shallow and unappealing, the storyline is boring, and the book ends so abruptly it feels more like an incomplete story than a hook for book 2.

Anyway, I won't be following the series. I wouldn't recommend this book; there are surely better-written MM urban fantasy books out there.