4/5 ⭐
A Chinese princess meets demon duke in regency England? A Beauty and the Beast retelling?? Dark gothic romance??? Count me in!
Katherine is absolutely stellar. She’s sharp, fierce, and refuses to play the helpless damsel even when faced with literal demons. I loved watching her navigate both British high society and supernatural horrors with equal sass.
And Dorian? Chef’s kiss This man is everything I want in a morally gray love interest. He’s tortured without being whiny, dangerous without being abusive, and that internal struggle between his human and demonic sides had me completely hooked. The way he tries to protect Katherine while battling his own nature? Absolutely delicious. I found myself rooting for him even when he made questionable choices.
The gothic atmosphere is where this book really shines. Ashwood Manor feels genuinely menacing, and the horror elements creep up on you perfectly. When things get gory in the second half, it’s genuinely unsettling in the best possible way.
My one complaint? The story rushes through some key emotional beats. The romance needed more breathing room to feel authentic.
Also, heads up: while this did not affect my review in any way, this is marketed as erotica but it’s more medium spice level. Perfectly steamy for the story and well done, just don’t expect anything too scandalous.
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