This is a vampire book where vampires are more background - at least until about the last 1/3 of the book. The story revolves around Tea/Blood room (Spindrift) owners Arthie and Jin. Both orphans trying to survive in a society that looks down on them - for their profession, for their heritage, for their skin color. Always running on secrets, they have created a home and a family. But, all that is threatened by The Ram, the mysterious and masked ruler. The Ram rose to power making the vampires the enemy and wants Spindrift shut down at any cost. But when a high level guard of The Ram presents a way to take the ruler down, Arthie believes it is her only choice to save what she loves. This book is apparently part of a duology so it ends on a cliffhanger. It had enough twists and turns to make me want to see what happens in next book. I like Arthie and especially Jin. The secondary characters are quirky and lovable as well. I just had a few problems with the writing style. There were times I feel like the author knew exactly what was going on and therefore inferred we did. It got a little rambling at times. But overall it was good and I will get the next one. I just am not waiting on edge of my seat for it.