Did you ever wish Hercule Poirot was a vampire? And HOT?
(I know Jacques isn't Belgian, but let me have this giggle.)

Because apparently what I needed in my life was a morally questionable vampire detective, aristocratic family drama, dark secrets and a casual heart-chomping moment. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.

⭐5/5

🌶️4/5 – Annie’s back with her shears

Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst is the second instalment in the My Darling Malady series, and it is every bit as beautifully Gothic, macabre, mysterious and atmospheric as I'd hoped. Briar Somerset has written a love letter to Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Victor Hugo with a delicious paranormal twist. And I’m so here for it.

First things first: Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted is required reading. Book two begins immediately after the novella, following Jacques, Annie and Amah as they flee Victorian London for France after the shocking events at Beecham's Infirmary. I absolutely adored the novella (I rated it 5 ⭐’s), so consider this your excuse to go and read it before September. What are you waiting for?


Jacques is now a reluctant vampire, struggling with his new reality and the fear that he will become the monster he believes himself to be. His transformation is a genuine internal conflict rather than simply a way to create a mysterious and attractive MMC (although it definitely succeeds there too). We explore Jacques’ childhood home, his heritage and why he and his father rejected the expectations of aristocracy.

Set during France's Second Republic, the novel doesn't simply use history as decoration. Colonialism, class inequality and the realities faced by migrants become meaningful parts of the story, making the world feel richer and more authentic. Annie and Jacques come from very different backgrounds, and watching those perspectives collide and evolve made the setting feel incredibly immersive. I genuinely feel like I learned so much while reading this book.

Unlike most dual-POV romances, the story spends much more time in Jacques' perspective than Annie's. Whilst initially jarring, I quickly grew to love the choice. It allows us to experience Jacques' struggle with his new vampiric nature, his grief and his obsession with Annie in a way that feels incredibly intimate.

Speaking of Jacques... what a character. A private investigator, estranged French aristocrat and newly made vampire who is so hopelessly, spectacularly down bad for Annie. I have an embarrassing number of highlighted passages waiting for publication day, when I can finally share my favourite quotes knowing the text is final.

Annie Castro-Tan is a fantastic FMC. She is strong, independent and absolutely takes no shit. Watching Annie realise she can love someone while still remaining completely and unapologetically herself was a beautiful part of her character arc. I would have loved a little more time inside Annie’s head, especially as the story is primarily told from Jacques’ perspective, but his POV is so compelling that it never became a major issue. Annie sees Jacques as different rather than something to fear, while still acknowledging the danger of what he has become.

Their relationship begins from such a complicated place. Jacques maybe-sort-of-definitely kidnapped Annie in the first book, and I appreciated that the impact of this was acknowledged rather than brushed aside. Annie’s trust had to be rebuilt, Jacques took accountability, and their relationship developed naturally from there.

I appreciated that the slower pace of this book gave their romance room to develop. The novella had to prioritise its mystery, so while the initial chemistry was always there, this sequel allows the emotional connection and romantic tension to flourish alongside the Gothic horror. Their romance feels wonderfully balanced; despite Jacques’ ties to nobility and his social position, Annie is his equal. She makes her own choices, challenges him and even rescues him when he needs it.

The spicy scenes were a fantastic addition and felt like a natural continuation of their relationship. Annie still has her dressmaking shears, I have nothing else to say on the matter.

And then there's Amah.
THE ICON.

She provides emotional support, wisdom, challenges Jacques when he needs it and has some of the funniest moments in the book. Between stealing fancy teacups, attending questionable establishments and casually handling a firearm, I wish she was real so I could adopt her as my grandmother.

The reveals were shocking and satisfying without feeling impossible, although there are still plenty of questions that I desperately need answers to. I’d do just about anything to get my grubby little paws on the next book right now.

Tropes
Gothic paranormal romance
Historical fiction
Supernatural mystery
Private investigator MMC
Reluctant vampire
Independent FMC
Forced proximity
Diverse romance
30+ year-old protagonists
Slow-burn romance
Found family
Knotting?!?

Content Warnings
Graphic violence
Blood and gore
Body horror
Murder
Medical experimentation
Emetophobia
Death and grief
Emotional abuse
Consensual and non-consensual bloodletting between romantic partners
Discussions of infertility and pregnancy
Discrimination

I will absolutely be recommending this book to my friends and family. If you can stomach the content warnings, save the date and pick up Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst on 15 September 2026.

Thank you to Vellichor & Vein Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved every single second of this book! The relationship progression, and the side characters absolutely steal the show. Amah and Charlie have my whole heart, and Mui Mui the attack hen 🖤 her.

That being said, Annabelle and Jacques remain my favourites. Annabelle and her stabbing tendencies keeping Jacques on his toes, and Jacques—with his Milo Thatch-coded look and yearning—completely melted me. It's a perfect read. Seriously, no notes!

This story hooked me from the prequel novella (Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted) and I remained hooked throughout this one.

He's a vampire detective who kidnaps the FMC. She can't help falling for him despite everything.

The world, the vampires, the strong female characters. Loved it all.

POV: Dual POV
Standalone: No- book 2
Tropes/Vibes:
- historical romance
- vampires
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- found family

I would like to start this review by thanking the author and NetGalley for the arc copy of this book.
I actually jumped into this series straight with book two, and Château Valmont completely blew me away. The author did a great job cat atching me up, so I never felt lost. The dark, eerie French setting is incredibly atmospheric, and the tension between the main characters was absolutely delicious. I'm completely hooked now and need to go back and read the prequel!

Gothic, macabre, atmospheric and absolutely unputdownable. Briar Somerset has done it again and I am not okay.
This is book two in the My Darling Malady series and it picks up immediately after the events of Beecham's Infirmary, whisking Jacques, Annie, and the incomparable Amah out of Victorian London and straight into France. If you have not read the novella yet, stop everything and go read it first. You have no excuse.
Jacques is now a reluctant vampire, and his internal struggle with what he is becoming feels genuinely compelling rather than just a convenient excuse to make the MMC brooding and attractive. Though it absolutely succeeds there too. Watching him wrestle with his heritage, his grief, and his completely spectacular obsession with Annie is a privilege. This man is so hopelessly down bad it should be studied.
Annie is sharp, independent, and takes absolutely no nonsense from anyone, including a lovesick vampire aristocrat. Their relationship starts from a complicated place because yes, he maybe sort of definitely kidnapped her in book one, and the story does not brush past that. Trust is rebuilt slowly and earned completely, making their romance feel wonderfully real.
And Amah. Stealing teacups, frequenting questionable establishments, casually handling firearms. An absolute icon who I would adopt as my grandmother without a single hesitation.
The spice was a fantastic addition. Annie still has her dressmaking shears. That is all I will say.
Read the novella. Then read this. Then suffer alongside the rest of us waiting for book three.

Book Review

Title: Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst
Author: Briar Somerset
Series: My Darling Malady, Book 2
Genre: Gothic Paranormal Romance
Publication Date: 15 September 2026
Publisher: Vellichor & Vein Press
Rating: 4/5

Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst is the second book in the My Darling Malady series, and I would definitely recommend reading Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted first, as this continues directly from the events of the first book.

After their stormy voyage and journey into Paris, Jacques brings Annie and her grandmother to safety, but becoming a vampire has left him fighting a hunger that is becoming increasingly difficult to control. While he tries desperately to hold on to his honour and protect Annie, it soon becomes clear that the darkness they thought they had left behind in London has followed them.

I really enjoyed the Gothic atmosphere of this book. The grand château, watching portraits, dark corridors, secrets, ghosts of the past and the mysterious theatre all create a wonderfully eerie setting. There is a constant feeling that something is lurking beneath the surface, which worked perfectly alongside the paranormal elements.

Jacques and Annie's relationship was one of my favourite parts. There is plenty of tension between them, particularly as Jacques battles both his new vampiric nature and his growing feelings for Annie. Annie is also faced with some difficult decisions about trust and what she truly wants for her future. Their relationship develops nicely without taking away from the mystery surrounding them.

I also loved how the story combines Gothic romance, vampires, family secrets, inheritance and danger. There are quite a few different threads running through the story, and at times there is a lot to take in, but the atmospheric writing kept me invested.

This was a dark, intriguing and beautifully Gothic continuation of the series. If you enjoy paranormal romance with vampires, mysterious estates, secrets, supernatural elements and a slow-building romance, this series is certainly worth checking out.

A very enjoyable read, and I'm interested to see where the My Darling Malady series goes next.

#BriarSomerset #VellichorAndVeinPress #ChateauValmontAndAnInheritanceOfThirst #MyDarlingMalady #GothicParanormalRomance

Briar Somerset delivers a deliciously dark gothic tale with the perfect macabre setting. I was honestly waiting for fog to roll out of my kindle.

Picking up directly following the events of the opening novella (a must read), Annie and Jacques (and Amah too) find themselves on the move toward France, but let's just say Annie is less than happy with the whole string of events.

The story really kids off once they arrive at Jacques' home. It is there that we watch Jacques struggle with his new life as a vampire. He is driven by a need to feed, but also by his attraction to Annie (not that see is giving him the time of day). Much of the story is told from his perspective (with chapters from Annie's as well). He is really trying to figure out where he fits back home -- especially with Amah and Annie now living with him, the unresolved issues from his father's death, and the dangers of the new world he lives in it. Briar did a wonderful job with his character development to show his struggle, his back and forth between man and monster, and I really enjoyed his chapter.

As for Annie -- she is a badass and always has been. She independent, stabby, and knows her own mind. While she is extremely upset with Jacques making choices for her, she does come around to living in France. She also circles around figuring out Jacques' secret life as a vampire.

I really appreciated their relationship. They know how to push and pull each other as they navigate their relationship. Annie does force Jacques to admit to alot, but also helps him to shoulder the burden. By the end these two are very much on the same page. And that is a good thing because we have a new big bad that is really gonna throw them threw the ringer! Whew, Briar did not hold back there!

I am really excited to get to the next book and see where the adventure takes them next because I have alot of questions based on the end! If you are looking for a gothic tale with penny dreadful vibes and remnants of classical literature tales, then do not sleep on this series!

4.5/5

🩸Victorian Gothic Vamprie Era anyone???🧛‍♂️

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (available on netgalley)
I love you @authorbriarsomerset !!!

Château Valmont and an Inheritance of Thirst was EVERYTHING I wanted and more. I’m honestly struggling to put into words how much I loved this one. The atmosphere, the characters, the tension, the secrets… I was completely obsessed.

It had me hooked from the start and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. There’s just something about a dark, decadent gothic setting mixed with romance and vampires that gets me every single time. 🖤🥀

I know we’re only supposed to give 5 stars, but this one absolutely earned its 6th star from me. I’m already missing Château Valmont and I need more immediately. 😭

If you love gothic romance, vampires, dark secrets and a story that completely pulls you in, please add this to your TBR! 🧛🏻‍♀️🩸✨
#gothicromance #gothic #vampire #briarsomerset #indieauthor

A Gothic Sequel That Completely Delivered

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
🔥🔥🔥 (3/5)

Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst was more than a satisfying continuation. While Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted took a little time to pull me in, this one captivated me from the beginning.

Jacques is such a lovable MMC because his good and bad sides mesh together so well. He has darkness to him, but it never takes away from the parts of him that make you care about him. Annie was just as strong for me. She is a badass FMC who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

Their chemistry deepened beautifully in this book. The connection between them felt natural and realistic, and I loved watching it continue to grow. The spice fits their relationship and the tone of the story without ever becoming the main focus.

The dark, atmospheric feeling from the first book is absolutely maintained here. The setting fits the story perfectly, and the descriptions give you enough to really picture everything without ever feeling like the author is rambling or slowing the story down.

The book is medium-paced, with the darker mystery elements remaining central to the premise. There are also parts of the vampire storyline I absolutely loved, but saying much more would venture into spoiler territory.

The ending left me completely satisfied while still making me want more of Jacques and Annie. And Amah? I love that woman.

Read if you enjoy:
* Gaslamp fantasy
* Vampires
* Mystery
* Touch her and die
* Possessive MMCs
* Deep, realistic chemistry

Château Valmont and an Inheritance of Thirst by Briar Somerset is a beautifully atmospheric read with a gothic feel that immediately pulled me in. The setting has an eerie, decadent quality that adds so much to the story, and I really enjoyed the sense of mystery surrounding the inheritance and Château Valmont itself.

The characters and relationships kept me invested, while the darker elements and underlying tension gave the story an intriguing edge. I especially appreciated the way the atmosphere and secrets unfolded gradually, creating a sense of anticipation as I read.

Overall, this was an engaging and memorable gothic read with an evocative setting, intriguing mysteries, and plenty of atmosphere. A solid four-star read that I’d recommend to readers who enjoy dark, mysterious stories with a touch of gothic decadence.

Thank you so much to Briar Somerset, Vellichor & Vein Press for the opportunity to receive this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Great gothic romance ..

Love the writing style and characters

Great storyline with drama and vibes

Love and would recommend

Book 2 of My Darling Malady, Chateau Valmont and an Inheritance of Thirst, continues the journey of Jacques and Annie. Trading London for Paris, the backdrop shifts and the foreboding Valmont family history is revealed. The quick pace and heady romance continue to drive the plot as both MCs begin to navigate their new world.

ar Somerset has done it again! As the second book in the My Darling Malady series (following the novella Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted), Château Valmont and an Inheritance of Thirst expands the story in the most atmospheric way possible. Somerset’s prose is beautifully descriptive, I felt completely immersed in 1849 France, walking the foggy, rain-swept cobblestones of Paris right alongside the characters.

​After a chaotic escape from Victorian London to evade corrupt medical authorities, newly transformed vampiric investigator Jacques Valmont flees across the English Channel aboard a merchant brigantine alongside seamstress Annabelle (Annie) Castro-Tan and her apothecary grandmother, Amah Joy. Taking refuge at Jacques’s dusty ancestral manor in Paris (Number 29 Rue des Saints-Pères), the trio must navigate Second Republic political turmoil, dark bio-medical conspiracies, and ancient Eastern apothecary lore. All the while, Jacques battles his new predatory instincts while trying to protect, and worship, the woman who holds his heart.

The vampire lore in this book is top-tier. I loved Jacques’s transformation journey and watching him struggle with his newly forced Day-Walker physiology while balancing his chivalrous instincts with his dark hunger.

​Annie definitely tested my patience at times with her stubbornness, but I realized that’s just who she is: a fiercely resilient, independent heroine who refuses to back down or rely on a man.
​And let me just say… the spice was SPICING! The romantic tension, yearning, fanged mechanics, and explicit chemistry between Jacques and Annie were intense and amazingly written.

​The supporting cast completely stole my heart, too! Amah Joy, Mui-Mui the pet hen, and the contraband smuggler crew brought so much warmth, humor, and charm to a dark Gothic mystery.

​A fantastic 4-star read for anyone who loves dark paranormal historical romance!

I really wanted to love this book and I can’t say what didn’t do it for me.

I was really excited to read “Château Valmont and An Inheritance of Thirst”, especially after getting such a nice first taste with the first book of the series, “Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted” which I did listen to as an audiobook.
Maybe it was the fact that I read this book in a different media but something just didn’t quite catch me this time.
The plot of this book was interesting but something just… didn’t really pull me in?
Looking back to my reading experience with the first part, I enjoyed the investigation part a lot, so the lack of any direct research and investigation, despite this being Jacques’ job, also came as a bit of disappointment.

Maybe it also has to do with my little historical knowledge about that time in France. While the book stated that you don’t need to know too much about it and it will provide all the info you’ll need, I still felt a bit left out from time to time and couldn’t always follow.
Some of the reveals taking place in the book felt like they should be a really big plot point but I just caught myself reading and thinking “oh yeah…. Cool. I guess?”

However, the part of the book that I enjoyed the most was definitely the banter between the characters. Especially Jacques and Annie, of course, but I also enjoyed every scene that had Amah in it.
Annie is definitely my favorite character of the set. I love what a passionate woman she is!

I’ve already heard that the audiobook is in production so I will definitely get it and listen to it once it’s available, hoping that I might be caught easier that way.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.

Chateau Valmont and an inheritance of thirst is an extremely fun read! Somerset created a wonderful world of lore around Jacques’ vampirism, which got me instantly hooked and wanting more! The smut in this book is AMAZING! No notes on that. Somerset did the scenes extremely well; it didn't feel too lewd.
I love how she wrote Annie as this strong-willed woman who is not afraid to show her feelings to herself and to her loved ones. I also love how bada*ss she is!! Not letting anyone dictate how she should handle herself.
I cannot wait for the other books to come!!!

* Thank you NetGalley and Briar Somerset | Vellichor & Vein Press for the ARC and my honest review *

YYYYAAAAASSSSSS!!!

Unexpectedly, I found the audiobook for "Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted" and fell in love with Jacques, Annie, and Amah. When the second book popped up, I needed to review it immediately.

This book picks up right where "Affluent Afflicted" left off so it's best to read/listen to that one prior to diving into this one. We're taken out of London into Paris as we try to find a safe distance from the infamous infirmary. Shadows creep inwards and a theater holds secrets that keep the reader and the main cast on their toes. Briar maintains the characters' wittiness and charm that you fell in love with. The intimate scenes are chef's kiss. The storyline is steady. We never really get to feel comfort, and it's so well described in this book.

I pre-ordered this book as well purchasing the first one signed. I will impatiently wait for the others to follow.