I found that the novel wasn't a complete disaster, but I struggled to finish this.
The story attempted to blend elements of the Regency-era romance seen in Bridgerton with the supernatural allure of vampires, which initially seemed promising. Unfortunately, it failed to fully live up to these popular themes.
The plot was passable but lacked the depth and complexity required to make it truly engaging.
What disappointed me the most was the characters. Despite being immortal vampires, they came across as surprisingly one-dimensional and, at times, even childish.
While the book did have its moments, they were few and far between. The romantic elements were decently crafted but fell short of reaching the passionate heights I expected from a vampire-themed novel. There was an absence of genuine chemistry between the characters.

Thank you, Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I devoured this book in less than a day. It’s a great light read that sucked me in immediately. It is book one in a series. Old grumpy billionaire vampire (Julian) meets young musician (Thea) and is immediately drawn to her. They have an intense electric relationship despite her being a human trying to fit into the vampire world. This book has complicated romantic relationships, family drama, and vampire politics. I found it to be somewhat predictable and cheesy but in the best way. I really enjoyed it. I liked that it wasn’t super complicated and didn’t require a lot of world building. If you like a steamy vampire romance immediately add this book to your TBR. Some tropes in the book are touch her and die, soulmates, unequal social status, fake relationship, and parental rejection/disapproval to name a few. Be prepared it does end on a cliff-hanger.

I went into this book not knowing how it would be. This author is new to me, and I have been in a reading slump lately. Boy did this one get me out of the slump! I didn’t see it coming.

Without giving away any spoilers, this book gave me all the feels. The burn was so slow I wanted to reach through the book and throw Julien and Thea at each other. However, there were enough cute moment to keep me hooked.

WHAT I LOVED:
1. The plot was so unique - I haven’t read anything like this before. The idea of witches and vampires mating but a vampire falls for a human instead and all that entails… well, I was enthralled.

2. Julie and Thea were very complex but they just worked. I was a little iffy about the chemistry in the beginning (it just felt like a bunch of instant love), but by the halfway point I saw how they truly completed each other.

3. There were many characters to bring this plot alive. I never felt like the characters lived in a vacuum. However, I wish we got to know Olivia and Tanner more. Maybe in the next book?

4. That ending! Oh my gosh, my heart hurts! I need to know what happens next. Poor Thea and Julien.

THINGS I QUESTIONED:
1. At the end, Julien is told of a new law that is passed that he cannot disobey. I want to know the consequences of disobeying. He had an injured hand when Thea saw him, so was this his first punishment? I was a bit confused here.

2. I don’t know why everyone is freaking out to have their witch sons and daughters mate with vampires. I get it, the vampires numbers are running low, but wouldn’t it just be faster to make vampires, like how Sebastian was made? Just curious why Sabine wouldn’t be like “yeah, we need more vampires. Turn Thea into a vampire and then go make some more vampires. Chop chop.”

I honestly cannot wait for the next book in this installment. I need to know what happens next!

**An ARC was provided by the publishing company in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, vampires romance appealed to me. It was filled with danger and seduction, it kept me gripped!

Julian is a wealthy vampire who's expected to find a wife before the season ends. Cellist Thea is the perfect fake gf to discourage matchmaking. He'll offer her his protection and money in exchange.

Thea and Julian have amazing chemistry together. So much sizzle and heat. Love a fake dating trope. Terrific pacing too. Fun fantasy read.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I devoured this book, it was amazing! I stayed up late to finish reading it as I just couldn't put it down.

Julian and Thea sucked me into their story and I didn't want to leave. I am fully invested in them and can't wait to read more.

The writing is really well done and had great diction. This is my first time reading this authors work and I absolutely loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read this ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

Y'all… YOU WANT THIS BOOK! I picked this up at 5pm on a Sunday and literally could not put it down. I was sitting in bed, head bobbing, holding my eyelids open, saying "just one more chapter…" until midnight. Thought about it all day at work, wishing I could be sitting at home so I could finish it… And then promptly came home and finished it. Such a great read! 

Sexy vampires meets Bridgerton, with a hint of Christian Grey. Not the red room part…. Just the overprotective, rich part. Thea is a fabulous character and Julian is such an enigma! I couldn't read this book fast enough! That ending though… GAH! I'll definitely be checking out her other books!