“It was as if my life had been marked by her absence…” Sensual, dangerous, provocative — step into a daring new world of dark magic, primal attraction, and breathtaking romance.
Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest, eligible Rousseaux he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends—whether he likes it or not.
When cellist Thea literally stumbles into his life at a gala, he knows she's the last person he could ever fall in love with. She's too innocent, too kind, and way too human. But now that she knows about his world, she's also a walking target. She needs protection. He needs a fake girlfriend to discourage overzealous vampire matchmaking.
So, Julian makes Thea an irresistible offer: pretend to be his lover and he’ll change her life. For one year, they’ll attend the season’s social events together in exchange for his protection and a way out of her mother’s crippling medical debt.
She can’t say no. But the vampire world is impossibly decadent and darker than Thea ever imagined, and Julian’s filthy rich vampire family wants her out of the way. But with each moment they share, new dangers emerge: a desire as forbidden as their stolen touches, an awakening of a long-dead heart, and secrets that could tear them both apart.
Review
Julian has been forced to wake up from his long sleep to take part in the marriage market. It's been a long time since the rites were enforced and the season has gone into full swing. When a chance encounter brings Thea into his life the perfect solution to his problem is staring him in the face. Thea knows nothing about he vampire world until she's forced to face the truth, and thankfully Julian shows up at just the right time to save her.
Neither of them can deny the attraction to each other, and when Julian gives her an offer she can't refuse she's whisked into the vampire world. However, not everyone is happy to see the eligible bachelor has been taken off the market least of all his own mother. As Thea struggles to take on the rites darkness is looming in the shadows intent on causing bloodshed. Are they strong enough to survive the season or will it be too much for them?
I have had my eye on this one for a while it's a Crazy Rich Asians meets Bridgerton with vampires. I finally decided now was the time as the 2nd one is out, and it fit for my bingo game. I was hooked by the first chapter it's a captivating story with characters you can't help loving. Julian is just as I hoped he would be and Thea is as sweet and adorable as could be. I devoured this book in just a few reading sessions as it was hard to put down.
I love the story I was hooked before the end of the first chapter Thea and Julian quickly becoming my favorite couple. I was so nervous as it reminded me of two of my favorite books but the author did it beautifully with her own twist. From start to finish it was a fantastic read it left me wanting more and wanting to toss my kindle across the room. I can't wait to start the next installment which is already on my kindle ready to go....This one could be top 3 for 2023 best books I've read this year.