Oh where do I even start with this book? This is gothic sensual decadence in all it’s glory. This is delicious and delicate and bloody and raw in all the best ways possible. It is filled with devotion and strength. Leon and Claire are incredible characters. The way they play off each other and how they interact is amazing. I loved how the author played with gender here. Claire is strong and blunt, she is a take no prisoners person, but also knows the safety of having her husband at her back. Leon is quiet and shy at times, he’s a chaotic bisexual flirt and he loves wearing gorgeous silky robes and dresses. It was so refreshing seeing characters be completely accepting of each other and their needs and desires.

This book is all about desire and revenge and freedom. It’s about accepting your darkest fantasies and being empowered to act on them. It’s about being given the opportunity to take revenge on the people who hurt you and making the choice to become the person you need to, to make them pay. It’s also about the people that support you and are nonjudgmental about your desire for revenge and blood.

I loved this take on vampires. It was so gothic and dark, but also sensual and delicate. I loved that vampirism wasn’t something scary and detestable, but was something that would provide safety and security and freedom. I loved the look at exploring yourself and your desires, and that what you want in life and love may look different than you expected, but that it’s valid and lovely and happy in it’s own way.

If you like vampires, romance, spice, emotions, and revenge this is the book for you.